Undiscovered Mexico
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The historic city of Oaxaca and the beautiful highlands of the Sierra Norte Mountains provide the backdrop to this fascinating journey of discovery amongst the indigenous cultures of southern Mexico. Home to vibrant artists, timeless traditions and some of the country’s most pristine natural beauty, you’ll journey into a landscape filled with colour and charm.
Beginning amongst the famous barrios of Mexico’s lively capital, you’ll explore ...
The historic city of Oaxaca and the beautiful highlands of the Sierra Norte Mountains provide the backdrop to this fascinating journey of discovery amongst the indigenous cultures of southern Mexico. Home to vibrant artists, timeless traditions and some of the country’s most pristine natural beauty, you’ll journey into a landscape filled with colour and charm.
Beginning amongst the famous barrios of Mexico’s lively capital, you’ll explore the homes of Mexican icons such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, before flying south towards the Zapotec ruins and forested mountains of Oaxaca State. Here, surrounded by centuries of history and culture, you’ll visit sacred ancient ruins and UNESCO cities, enjoy traditional food and trek through some of the most picturesque and untouched vistas in Mexico.
A wonderful mix of colonial grandeur, pre-Columbian majesty and local culture, this journey into the heartlands of Oaxaca offers up a chance to experience firsthand a way of life that can trace its origins back to the glorious epoch of Mesoamerican civilisation. Combine that with a chance to walk and live amongst the local communities of the stunning Sierra Norte Mountains and it all adds up to a journey of unforgettable highlights.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the colourful Bohemian suburbs of Mexico City’s southern neighbourhoods
- Discover the UNESCO treasure of Monte Albán
- Tour the colonial city and gastronomic centre of Oaxaca
- Hike amongst the stunning landscapes of the Sierra Norte Mountains
- Enjoy the hospitality of the indigenous Oaxacan communities
- Visit traditional artisan workshops and local markets
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE MEXICO CITY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MEXICO CITY
Your journey begins in the Mexican capital, the most populous city in North America. After being met at the airport you will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
DAY 2: MEXICO CITY - OAXACA
DAY 2: MEXICO CITY - OAXACA
After breakfast you’ll depart the hotel for a guided tour of Mexico City’s southern neighbourhoods. Tree-lined enclaves that seem a far cry from the brash big city to the north, these charming barrios were once home to some of Mexico’s most revered writers and artists, including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Octavio Paz. Returning to the hotel to pick up your luggage you will then take an evening flight on to the historic city of Oaxaca, located in the foothills of southern Mexico’s Sierra Norte Mountains.
DAY 3: OAXACA
DAY 3: OAXACA
Oaxaca’s historic centre, along with the nearby ruins of Monte Albán, are both inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list, and today you have an opportunity to explore both in the company of a local guide. The ancient capital of the Zapotecs, Albán is the site of one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica and can date its origins back to around 500 BC. Returning to Oaxaca for lunch, this afternoon has then been set aside to discover the historic heart of the city, including its enormous Templo de Santo Domingo.
DAY 4: OAXACA - SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS
DAY 4: OAXACA - SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS
Delving into the rich culture of Oaxaca, you’ll leave the city this morning and head out to the village of Tlacochahuaya, home to the colourful 16th century Church of San Jerónimo. From here you continue on to the important Zapotec ruins at Mitla (House of Tombs). The Teotitlán del Valle then provides an opportunity to discover traditional weaving techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries, before spending this evening enjoying the hospitality of comfortable cabins in the heart of the little-known Sierra Norte Mountains.
DAY 5: SIERRE NORTE MOUNTAINS
DAY 5: SIERRE NORTE MOUNTAINS
Delving into the rich culture of Oaxaca, you’ll leave the city this morning and head out to the village of Tlacochahuaya, home to the colourful 16th century Church of San Jerónimo. From here you continue on to the important Zapotec ruins at Mitla (House of Tombs). The Teotitlán del Valle then provides an opportunity to discover traditional weaving techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries, before spending this evening enjoying the hospitality of comfortable cabins in the heart of the little-known Sierra Norte Mountains.
DAY 6: SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS - OAXACA
DAY 6: SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS - OAXACA
This morning you will set off on a trek into the cloud forests of the Sierra Norte, following trails that meander past fields of potatoes and wheat and through thick forests of pine and oak. In spring and summer these forest pathways come alive with wild orchids and bromeliads. After lunch a private transfer will take you back to Oaxaca, stopping along the way to visit the Tule Tree, believed to be the largest in the Americas. Enjoy some free time later to soak up Oaxaca’s colonial charms before dinner.
DAY 7: OAXACA
DAY 7: OAXACA
A day filled with creativity and colour, you’ll leave the hotel this morning in the company of your guide to visit an array of local artisan workshops. The towns around Oaxaca are renowned for their specialist crafts, with bags, belts, rugs and ceramics produced following traditions that date back to pre-Columbian times. Following lunch with one of the local craftsmen, this afternoon is then free to enjoy at your leisure. If time permits there may also be an opportunity to visit the market at Octolan.
DAY 8: DEPART OAXACA
DAY 8: DEPART OAXACA
After breakfast you will be driven back to the airport this morning in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Stara Hamburgo, Mexico City
The four-star Stara Hamburgo provides designer comfort within the perfect location from which to explore the city. Placed behind an upmarket shopping centre near the financial heart of the city, the surrounding area is comfortable and full of dining options. It is also just a short drive to most major attractions and museums, including Soumaya, Chapultepec Castle, and the historic centre. Housed in a Porfirio-era building, the hotel boasts two of its own restaurants, a café, spa, gym and a rooftop terrace. Elegant, contemporary furniture can be seen throughout the hotel with rooms offering stylish, modern comfort and plenty of light. A truly wonderful boutique hotel option.
Hostal De La Noria, Oaxaca
Just two blocks from the Zócalo or central plaza, is the charismatic four-star Hostal de la Noria. A distinct colonial, Hispano-Mexican style décor can be found throughout the property taking guests back in time. There is the small on-site Asunción restaurant and Los Chapulín bar offering a great introduction to Oaxacan cuisine, in addition to the city’s best restaurants, mezcal bars and the popular Benito Juárez market all being within walking distance. The hotel is built around a central courtyard with quaint communal areas to rest in such as the rooftop terrace offering great views of the area and the charming lobby laid out with hand carved furniture and exquisite Spanish and Mexican touches. Each of the 52 rooms have ornate wooden furniture, tiled flooring and local art, reflecting the charm and warmth of the city's colourful character.
Yu’u Community Sierra Norte Llano Grande, Sierra Norte Mountains
Accommodation in the Yu’u communities is humble and welcoming. The cabins are family-run and warm, both figuratively and literally. As temperatures are much cooler in the mountains, cabins come equipped with communal wood-burning fireplaces and wood, private bathrooms with hot water and plenty of thick blankets. These charming, traditional homes are rustic with exposed brick, simple, locally-made wooden furniture and variations of double and bunk beds. All meals are included during your stay, but it is advisable to take cash for drinks and anything else you may wish to purchase in the area.
Yu’u Community Sierra Norte Latuvi, Sierra Norte Mountains
Accommodation in the Yu’u communities is humble and welcoming. The cabins are family-run and warm, both figuratively and literally. As temperatures are much cooler in the mountains, cabins come equipped with communal wood-burning fireplaces and wood, private bathrooms with hot water and plenty of thick blankets. These charming, traditional homes are rustic with exposed brick, simple, locally-made wooden furniture and variations of double and bunk beds. All meals are included during your stay, but it is advisable to take cash for drinks and anything else you may wish to purchase in the area.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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