Oaxaca, the cultural epicenter of Mexico
Get immersed in the historical and gastronomical heavenExperience the Mexican ancient cultures like a local
Mexico is known as one of the most diverse country of Latin America. All the civilizations that have lived generation after generation since ancient times, resulted in a country where the culture, tradition and gastronomy reach an incredible variety of different angles. The different kind of landscapes around its territory, where you can find from white sand beaches in the Caribbean, incredible cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula or spectacular waterfalls in the tropical jungle of Chiapas, to host the Paricutin volcano, which is the youngest existing volcano in the whole planet. All that mixture results in such a spectacular and a wonderfully exotic country.
Oaxaca is a state in the southern area of Mexico with coast facing the beautiful and wild Pacific Ocean which is inhabited since 11.000 BC and throughout the history, it has become one of the most culturally diverse areas of the whole country. Interestingly enough, it is the birthplace for corn and squash and home for the Mezcal, the famous Mexican spirit, not to talk about hosting Monte Alban, the most well preserved pre-hispanic archaeological site, whose temples where not destroyed by the Spaniards back in the days. And it is widely known in the whole country for handicrafts like the Alebrijes, burnished black clay pottery or handwoven wool rugs which are just a few examples of the unique artisanal culture and heritage.
On top of that, this UnTours happen in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital of the state of Oaxaca and the absolute cultural, historical, arty and gastronomical epicenter in the country. In this UnTours, you will be able to experience like the locals do their daily lively atmosphere, some of the most well known local dishes from the Oaxacan cuisine and share the local’s passion for the most colorful festivities and celebrations throughout the year. And so you don’t forget that you are in Mexico, you will have the chance to see some exceptional places in the nature of absolute beauty, like Hierve el Agua, one of the only two petrified waterfalls in the world, or Monte Alban, a pre-hispanic archaeological site known for being the best preserved one in the whole Meso American territory.
Stay a week or multiple weeks in an apartment in Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital city of the state built in colonial style and UNESCO World Heritage with all the UnTours inclusions!
Day trips: Monte Alban, Hierve el Agua, Teotitlan del Valle, San Bartolo Coyotepec, Lake area of Huayapam, Mitla and more.
What's included
- One week (or more) in a personally selected, centrally located apartment in the city of Oaxaca de Juarez.
- Suggestions for booking your international flight from the U.S. to Oaxaca, or we can purchase tickets on your behalf (See UnTours' air policies)
- Transportation from and to the airport.
- An orientation with our local on-site staff to start your visit on the right foot and answer all of your questions about day trips and sightseeing.
- Exclusive local information on our UnTours travel app for your mobile phone to have all of our recommendations at your fingertips before and throughout your trip - researched and written by UnTours staff on the ground in Italy and full of the best restaurants, sightseeing options, and other suggestions.
- Included: Guided visit to Monte Alban archaeological site, where you will be able to know about all the mysteries of the Maya civilization!
- Included: Alebrijes handicraft workshop where you will get hands-on and you will be able to let your creativity fly-away as a local Oaxacan artist!
- A stash of groceries upon your arrival, so you don’t need to shop right away.
Arrival at the airport in Oaxaca and private drive to your apartment
¡Bienvenido/a a Oaxaca, Mexico! Welcome to the authentic cultural and foodie epicenter of the whole country of Mexico. You made to one of those special places in the world, where the ancient civilizations have left an undoubtable mark and nowadays, it is probably one of the most culturally diverse areas of the whole world. Are you ready?
Upon your arrival, a private driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will give you a drive to your apartment. Not a bad moment to start sharing your first impressions with a local! It is a very short drive, as in less than half an hour you will be reaching your new home for the following week/s. This is starting!
Visit a local market as local do
Well, do you think you have seen enough local markets in your life? That is because you haven’t experienced local markets like 20 de Noviembre or Benito Juarez! All your senses will be indulged in a never ending amount of exotic colors and the nicest aromas and where you will find the Oaxacans doing their daily shopping. You will be able to discover fruits that never saw before, vegetables of all kinds, the most local spices,… you name it! But not only that! You will be able to try some of the most delicious and local dishes from the Oaxacan cuisine in their food courts.
The corridor known as the smoke street in the 20 de Noviembre Market is the kind of place where you will have so many delicious looking choices that it might be difficult to make your choice! Your UnGuide will help you out letting you know about some of the must try-s like the famous Tlayuda, commonly known as the Oaxacan pizza. Walking around the local markets is already a highlight by itself!
Monte Alban pre-hispanic archaeological site
Maya people where some of the ancient civilizations that left a bigger sign in the whole Meso America and it is not different in Oaxaca! You will be able to visit one of the mot preserved archaeological sites of the whole Maya cities, as in this case the Spaniards back in the days didn’t reach it out, which means that it remained intact.
Monte Alban is in conjunction to the historical centre of Oaxaca de Juarez, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your UnGuide will help you out so you can get to visit this absolute historical wonder so you can make the best usage of your time! The secrets of the Maya civilization are only a 30 minute drive away from the city center. You will be astonished with what such an ancient civilization was able to achieve so many centuries ago!
Alebrijes, the fantastic creatures art workshop
Actually, what are Alebrijes about? If you get to watch Coco, the Walt Disney movie, you will definitely know about them, and if not, you arrived to the appropriate place. These colorful handicrafts were created by Pedro Linares, a Oaxacan artist, and they represent several fantastic creatures that once appeared in one of his dreams. The one and only Frida Kalho and Diego de Rivera got to know about them and they felt in love with them which made that slowly slowly, they gained popularity to a point that Pedro, the artist, was awarded with the National Price for Arts and Science for them, which is the highest decoration to artisans in the whole country of Mexico.
Your UnGuide, will take you to a Alebrije workshop, where you will be able to learn everything about them and get hands on as a local Oaxacan artisan. Maybe you get to discover a new passion here!
Optional Activity: Hierve el Agua. The petrified waterfalls
The nature in the whole country of Mexico is definitely one of the highlights. As an optional activity, around an hour and a half from the historical center and passing by the precious San Pedro de Mitla, there is one of the only two petrified waterfalls in the entire world! It will be hard to believe what you’ll have in front of your eyes.
Get your swimming suit along with you and don’t doubt to have a gentle swim in the turquoise colored waters while you get to see the mountain ranges around and all the green tropical forest until the horizon. Not a bad place ah! Ask your program director for more information.
Gather for a memorable farewell dinner
Every journey has its end, and today marks the final chapter of your Oaxacan UnTour. While the day is yours to explore at your own pace, your UnGuide will provide a curated list of recommendations to help you make the most of your last moments in this captivating region.
As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a special location. Savor one final taste of Oaxaca’s exquisite cuisine while reminiscing about the memorable experiences of the past seven days. It’s the perfect way to conclude your culinary adventure.
Departure day
It will be the departure day, and your UnGuide will assist with anything that you need for the check out and the return of the rental car for you to have a smooth return to your next destination!
Hasta pronto amigos y amigas! See you soon, and safe travels!
Available Accommodations
The comfortable, well-appointed accommodations for this culinary adventure are a great place to unpack, relax and get to know your destination and the people who call it home.
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Sunlight
Charming 1-bedroom apartment near the Oaxaca Historical Center
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Sunset
Charming 1-bedroom apartment near the Oaxaca Historical Center
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Sunrise
Charming 1-bedroom apartment near the Oaxaca Historical Center
Location
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Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca - Mexico
Oaxaca de Juarez is the capital city of the Oaxaca state whose historical center is fully UNESCO World Heritage since 1987 in conjunction with Monte Alban archaeological site. It has an international airport less than 30 minutes drive away from the historical center and it is considered and absolute epicenter of culture, history and gastronomy! Its lively atmosphere, the colorful buildings and the innumerable amount of festivities and celebrations throughout the year make it a great get away to get immersed in the Mexican local culture. In addition to that, it is perfectly located for doing daily excursions to several natural wonders like Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls or small charming towns like Teotitlan del Valle, San Bartolo Coyotepec. The options are endless! Get to know more about it and ask us for more information about this wonderful UnTours!
Reviews
Here's what our guests have to say
Our trip was spectacular!
We had an amazing time in Oaxaca. It was our first time in Mexico and we felt as at home at every time. Ivan, our UnGuide made sure that we were comfortable at all times and gave us such great recommendations. Now we want to be back for experiencing the Day of the Death one day!
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The money we pay for your accommodation will benefit the local economy where you will be staying.
Director of Operations
I want to share all the adventures and experiences I’ve had in life with people that have the same passion.
