Central Mexico: Puerto Escondido, Mexico City & Epic Mountain Views
8 days, Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
Itinerary
Day 1Mexico City
Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Grab a drink on the hostel rooftop terrace or check out the nearby main plaza, which is always buzzing at night.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Mexico City
Mexico City is so huge that it's hard to know where or how to start exploring, but stick with us, we've got your back! Set off in a private ride with a local expert and head to the Monument to the Revolution to get great views from the top and learn a thing or two about Mexico's history. Continue to the iconic "El Angel" statue for the obligatory photos and then head to the trendy area of Colonia Roma Norte to visit a local market and find some mouth-watering tacos al pastor to devour for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring the city or maybe take a trip out to visit the ruins of Teotihuacán. Lucha libre in the evening, anyone?
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Museum of Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)
320MXN per personVisit the famed "Blue House" where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died. Her lifelong home is open to those looking to learn more about or see what life was like for the celebrated artist. The museum consists of ten rooms throughout the home, each filled with original furniture from when she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, and personal items of Frida's from letters, art materials, original works of art, to handcrafted kitchenwares. Tickets can be limited so we recommend booking in advance online: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en
Teotihuacán Guided Tour
Visit the ruins of Teotihuacán (meaning ‘the place where gods were born’), northeast of Mexico City. This ruin site dates back to 100AD and has the impressive Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Excavations are still underway at these ruins in the present day. These structures are so massive that the inside of the Pyramid of the Sun for example – has never been entirely explored. Bring water, wear a hat and solid walking shoes, and climb the pyramids to learn all about this pre-Columbian Mesoamerican city. Don't forget to stop by the museum too!
Lucha Libre Match
350-500MXN per personCombatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture.
Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.
National Museum of Anthropology
95MXN per personThe National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Mexico City/Puebla
You’re not done with Mexico City quite yet! Head out to the colourful neighborhood of Xochimilco where you'll float along in a typical "trajinera" boat along the canals of this ancient water system built by the Aztecs. Browse the floating markets for souvenirs and snacks and maybe hear some mariachis along the way before hopping back on the bus. Arrive in the colonial city of Puebla in the early afternoon and brush up on your Spanish with the CEO before having some time to explore a bit or to relax at the hostel.
Xochimilco Boat Tour
Take on the famous canals of Xochimilco in a vibrant coloured gondola boat past vendors, mariachi bands and local artisans. Feel the vibes of the music around you as locals shop in the floating markets and hopefully you'll find something to bring back home too.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Puebla Orientation Walk
Puebla is known for many things, such as pottery, colonial architecture and great food. Let your CEO guide you on a short walk through the city to point out the essentials like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Accommodation
Hotel Gilfer (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Puebla/Oaxaca
Head south today on a bus to Oaxaca, (pronounced "Wah-ha-cah" in case you were wondering), a city packed full of culture and incredible food. You'll dive straight into the regional cuisine in the evening with a big spread of delicious local dishes like tamales, tlayudas or some of the ridiculously delicious mole. Throw in some local tequila and you’ve got yourself a party in your mouth.
Local Bus
Keep the snacks handy and stretch out on this comfy public bus.
Oaxaca Orientation Walk
Go on a CEO led walk through the colonial city of Oaxaca. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Oaxaca Food and Drink Extravaganza
Prepare your taste buds as we dive into a culinary experience of Oaxaca's incredible food and drink specialties. Learn about the regional delicacies as we eat our way through a spread of dishes like mole, tamales and tlayudas with the ever-present fresh handmade tortillas. Wash it down with some local tequila and mezcal to round things off, which just seem to be natural fit with all of the flavours on the table.
Accommodation
Hostal Don Nino (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Oaxaca
Freedom! Enjoy a full day in Oaxaca where you can choose from a heap of fun things to do. Want to see some ancient ruins? Visit the nearby site of Monte Albán. Want to stay local? Take a city tour or channel your inner chef with a cooking class. Ultimately the day is yours so if that means having a few more sips of mezcal at a local tavern or chilling at the hostel then that is a-ok by us too.
You can pre-book the Hierve el Agua Day Trip during check-out and pay a visit to a petrified waterfall outside of Oaxaca.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Oaxaca, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the ruins of Monte Albán, the valley of Mitla ruins, and a petrified waterfall. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Hierve el Agua Day Trip
Begin this activity in the morning with included transport to Hierve el Agua. This stunning natural formation consists of a series of mineral pools near the edge of a cliff. Over thousands of years, the heavily calcified water has flowed over the cliff, leaving mineral deposits as it goes. The result is known as a "petrified waterfall" – nearly white rock formations that resemble a cascading fall. Upon arrival, enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the area and perhaps go for a swim in one of the mineral pools. Then, travel to a Mezcalería for a tour of the distillery which includes an explanation of the production process of mezcal and a tasting. The group will return to Oaxaca in the late afternoon.
Please note these approximate travel times below:
Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua - Between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours
Hierve el Agua to Mezcalería- 1 hour
Mezcalería to Oaxaca - 45 minutes.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Mole Cooking Class
1200MXN per personTake a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Mezcal Factory Tour
The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Accommodation
Hostal Don Nino (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Oaxaca/Puerto Escondido
Road trip to the beach! Head out on a windy road up through the mountains, bound for the Pacific coast and the relaxed beach town of Puerto Escondido. Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival. The remainder of the afternoon is all yours; find somewhere for lunch on your own and settle in for some serious R&R or beach time, you deserve it.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Puerto Escondido CEO-led Orientation Walk
Get the lay of the land on a CEO-led orientation walk in the port town on Mexico's Pacific coast. Known especially for its impressive nightlife and surfing beaches, there's much to do in Puerto Escondido. Think golden sands, crashing waves, and palm trees swaying over the thatched-roof bars lining the main street. Choose between one of the beaches and watch the sun dip towards the horizon.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Puerto Escondido
Take a day to do as much or as little as you want, there's no judgement here. Maybe it's the beach or a surf class that's calling your name or possibly it's a 'hang-around'-the-hostel' kind of day with the crew. Your CEO is always on hand to make recommendations or to pull up a seat at the bar with, the choice is yours. Did someone say fish tacos?
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Laguna de Manialtepec Visit
Visit the nearby Laguna de Manialtepec in the evening to witness a natural phenomenon. Bioluminescent plankton appear for a few nights each year and are activated when touched. Go for an evening boat ride and jump in the lagoon to watch the water illuminate around you. This phenomenon only happens a few times each year, so don't miss out if you're lucky enough to be there in season.
Surfing
Spend some time riding the waves on one of the many beaches in Puerto Escondido, famous for its surfing opportunities. Depending on your skill level some beaches will be better than others, Carizalillo is great for beginners while Zicatela is only safe for experts. Talk to your CEO to figure out where to go for rentals or lessons.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Grab a board and a paddle and start exploring!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Puerto Escondido
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading to the Yucatán Peninsula on the next leg of this epic adventure.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.