Like unwrapping a beautiful gift, we'll be peeling off the layers of this stunning town, to not only experience the beautiful streets and gardens that remind us of Europe, but to discover the art and culture, savor the markets, visit a pre-Columbian archeological site just six miles from town, and explore some of the incredible places in nature that exist nearby. Join us as we delight in the No. 1 place for foodies in Mexico ~ Oaxaca, the Food Capitol of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
We will meet the afternoon of September 18 at our home-away-from-home, a traditional inn right in the middle of the historic area of Oaxaca, and a few blocks from the Zocalo. In our free time, we can walk to quaint restaurants, visit art galleries, shop for gifts and clothes, or try some of the best chocolate in town at Mayordomo.
On that afternoon, our local guide will give us a walking tour of our "home" area, so that we'll be comfortable wandering around for further exploration on our own time.
On that afternoon, our local guide will give us a walking tour of our "home" area, so that we'll be comfortable wandering around for further exploration on our own time.
The next morning, we're off to Monte Alban, meaning ‘White Mountain, it is located on a vast mountaintop expanse with spectacular 360-degree views of Oaxaca Valley. This pre-Columbian archaeological site is considered the most magnificent of the region’s ancient ruins. Founded in 500 B.C., and with a population of about 17,200 inhabitants, it was one of the largest Mesoamerican cities at the time. Our private tour of the area will give us a glimpse into Zapotec and Mixtec cultures.
If you have a passion for folk art, you will be thrilled by one of our afternoons during the week; we have been invited to the private home of Linda Hanna, considered the "best folk art guide in Oaxaca", for lunch. Linda knows most of the region’s artisans personally. In fact, she is the one who chooses the artists who will represent Oaxaca at the national Feria Maestros del Arte (Masters of Art Fair) held at the yacht club in Chapala, Jalisco each year. Her home is like a local folk art museum, and we will be joined by two of the best textile artisans in the area.
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Our adventures always include time in Nature, and one day we will spend at the spectacular Hierve el Agua (the water that boils). These natural travertine rock formations are located in an isolated region of rough terrain and oak forest, but are just 40 miles from town - see photo at the top of this page. They are created by fresh water springs, whose water is over-saturated with calcium carbonate and other minerals. As the water trickles over the cliffs, the excess minerals are deposited, much in the same manner that stalactites are formed in caves. One of the cliffs, called the "cascada chica" (small waterfall) or the Amphitheatre, contains two large artificial pools for swimming as well as a number of small natural pools. One of the artificial pools is very near the edge of the cliff. Bring your swimsuit!
There are several great markets in Oaxaca offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, spices, textiles, handicrafts, and traditional Oaxacan snacks. During the week, we'll be shopping at one and taking our selections to a cooking class to learn some great Oaxacan dishes! We'll also be tasting mezcal, and, of course, something you cannot visit Oaxaca without indulging in: chocolate!!! And, learning about the handwoven rugs, and the artists who make them - obtaining their dyes from natural sources.
Details:
As far as physical ability is concerned, this is a relatively easy excursion. Getting in and out of the van, unattended, is necessary. At Hierve el Agua, there is a gentle downhill trail for about 3/4 mile to the pools where we will swim, and for the vista of the petrified waterfall. Monte Alban is a vast site and includes lots of mostly level walking. We stay in the center of the historic area, which is level, but includes lots of walking, sometimes on uneven pavement, which is the norm in Mexico.
Price: $1995 USD, per person, double occupancy. Includes all ground transportation around Oaxaca, all lodging (double occupancy), breakfasts, professional guides, all excursions mentioned above, all entrance fees, tolls. Not included: airfare, tips, most meals. Single supplement for those who would like a private room: $450 usd.
To reserve your space with a $750 USD non-refundable deposit, click on the purple button below, which will take you to a secure site. Space is limited.
As far as physical ability is concerned, this is a relatively easy excursion. Getting in and out of the van, unattended, is necessary. At Hierve el Agua, there is a gentle downhill trail for about 3/4 mile to the pools where we will swim, and for the vista of the petrified waterfall. Monte Alban is a vast site and includes lots of mostly level walking. We stay in the center of the historic area, which is level, but includes lots of walking, sometimes on uneven pavement, which is the norm in Mexico.
Price: $1995 USD, per person, double occupancy. Includes all ground transportation around Oaxaca, all lodging (double occupancy), breakfasts, professional guides, all excursions mentioned above, all entrance fees, tolls. Not included: airfare, tips, most meals. Single supplement for those who would like a private room: $450 usd.
To reserve your space with a $750 USD non-refundable deposit, click on the purple button below, which will take you to a secure site. Space is limited.