TEL: 503-227-7220
MEXICO CITY & OAXACA
The Magic of Mexico
DESCRIPTION
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The real magic of Mexico is found beyond the resorts and cruise ship ports. It is where people like Carlos, Oscar, Susanna, Nic, and Roberto hold the transforming wands for you. Mexico City and the city of Oaxaca are the perfect portals to what lies beyond the entrances.
Fascinating anthropological stories, delicious cooking experiences, impassioned artists, indigenous craftspeople, and gracious guides come together under the warm sun to conjure a magical dream unlike any other.
Mexico City deals 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.
Oaxaca tempts with treasures of mysterious archeology, creative artisans, and all that food. It is the birthplace of Mexican mole. We explore all that makes Oaxaca special. The BONUS is our visit to a small village for the Carnival celebration. Costumed devils and spirits parade the streets. Drums and bells create a cacophony as you are transported to another world, where tradition reigns.
Please feel safe and secure in visiting this part of Mexico. It presents eyepopping performances to dazzle you. Our slow-paced exploration allows for appreciation of this leisurely lifestyle.
INCLUDED
3 nights Mexico City 4 star hotel
7 nights Oaxaca
6 lunches
4 dinners
2 cooking classes
All sightseeing on itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare
Airfare from MEX to Oaxaca (approx. $150)
Items of a personal nature
Beverages at meals
Minimum 6 guests
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DETAILS
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 very uneven surfaces, 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’ and Oaxaca 5.102’.
Final payment due December 1, 2024.
$2349
11
days
$2349 per person based on double
+$350 single supplement
FEB 27-MAR 9, 2025
ITINERARY
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February 27
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 28
After the hotel’s sumptuous breakfast, we set 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 enjoy a relaxing dinner in the hotel tonight, looking over the zocalo and cathedral. B,D
March 1
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
March 2
It is just an hour and a quarter to Oaxaca, by plane. We arrive in time for 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
March 3
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
March 4
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
March 5
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
March 6
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
March 7
Monte Alban shows us what was happening in Mexico in 500 BC. It is the must-see of Oaxaca. After clamoring over its stones, we stop for lunch and visits to some artisan villages.
B,L
March 8
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 light lunch, cooking class, and dinner are guaranteed to send you home stuffed.
B,L,D
March 9
Hasta la vista Oaxaca – until we see you again.