TEL: 503-227-7220
MEXICO CITY & OAXACA
The Magic of Mexico
THIS TRIP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
DESCRIPTION
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RECIPE FOR MEXICAN MAGIC
2 pinches archeology
2 dashes cooking class
2 slices impassioned artist
Add a quart of indigenous craftspeople
Bake under the Mexican sun and top with a large scoop of hospitality.
Mexico City provides an intoxicating introduction to Mexico. The capital city is a clean and safe place to get your feet on the ground, while brushing up on your Español. We include visits to the Museum of Anthropology, Frieda Kahlo’s home, the Shrine of Guadalupe, the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and some Diego Rivera murals.
Oaxaca serves tasty treasures with its mysterious archeology, creative artisans, and all that food. It is the birthplace of Mexican mole. We take a deep dive into all that makes Oaxaca special. The BONUS is that we will be in a small village for their Carnival celebration. Costumed devils and spirits parade the streets. Drums and bells create a cacophony. You are transported to another reality, where traditions rule.
This recipe is perfect. Please feel safe and secure in visiting this part of Mexico. It presents endless gifts to savor. This slow-paced exploration of Mexico allows for appreciation of a leisurely lifestyle.
INCLUDED
3 nights Mexico City
7 nights Oaxaca
6 lunches
4 dinners
2 cooking classes
All sightseeing on itinerary
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NOT INCLUDED
International airfare
Airfare from MEX to Oaxaca (approx. $50)
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature
Beverages at meals
FINE PRINT
A deposit of $500 per person reserves your place. Please purchase travel insurance to protect your investment. All payments are nonrefundable. Itinerary subject to change without notice. No refunds for missed activities. All participants must be able to independently walk intermediate distances on uneven surfaces and navigate embarking and disembarking buses. Dietary restrictions may not be able to be accommodated.
Be aware that the elevation of Mexico City is 7,349’.
Final payment due December 1, 2024.
$2349
11
days
$2349 per person based on double
FEB 7-17, 2024
ITINERARY
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February 7
Arrival in Mexico City and the Zocalo Central hotel. Our hotel’s fine restaurant overlooks the city’s main square and includes a large daily breakfast. You are likely to arrive late in the day. No activities are planned for tonight.
February 8
After the hotel’s sumptuous breakfast, we are off for an easy day at the home of Frida Kahlo and the National Museum of Anthropology. The background of the museum enhances your understanding of Oaxaca. We will stop by some of Diego Rivera’s murals near the hotel. We enjoy a relaxing dinner in the hotel tonight, looking over the zocalo and cathedral. B,D
February 9
The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and well worth the short drive out of town. Along the way, a visit to the Shrine of Guadalupe shines as a highlight. B,L
February 10
It is just an hour and a quarter to Oaxaca, by plane. All those craftspeople are waiting for us. We will grab a nice lunch at a 16th century Dominican convent converted into a hotel. You can still see the old laundry washing facilities on the grounds. From there we set out for city walk to get our bearings. B,L
Sunday, February 11
This morning we visit the market with our chef to procure items for our hands-on cooking class. The art on the kitchen walls is enough to inspire delicious dishes. Our creations are served for lunch outside on a covered patio. B,L
Monday, February 12
The Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca is a showplace for native plants and creative design. It is about 6 blocks from our hotel. An English-speaking guide will lead us through the gardens. We have a nice dinner together tonight. B,D
Tuesday, February 13
Lent begins tomorrow so that means celebrations are on tap today. A village outside of town provides a glimpse of some traditional costumes on parade. Other stops include the wood carving village, the blind potter, black pottery makers, and more. B,L
Wednesday, February 14
A completely different food experience greets us today. A van will take us to the rancho where we will spend the day. This venue was specifically constructed to fit the needs of an educator. A market visit, light lunch, cooking class, and dinner are guaranteed to send you home stuffed.
B,L,D
Thursday, February 15
Monte Alban shows us what was happening in Mexico in 500 BC. It is a must-see in Oaxaca. After clamoring over its stones, we stop for lunch and visits to some artisan villages.
B,L
Friday, February 16
Free to shop. Did I mention the shopping? So many of the unique things you see being sold in Mexico, come from Oaxaca - the painted wooden animals, black pottery, wonderful weavings, paper art, and much of the Day of the Dead paraphernalia. A lovely farewell dinner at Catedral usually offers magical music to dine by.
B,D
Saturday, February 17
Hasta la vista Oaxaca – until we see you again.