A Week In... Mexico City and Oaxaca

Tour begins: Mexico City, Mexico. Transportation is included from the Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez to your hotel, The St. Regis Mexico City. Located along Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma (Promenade of the Empress) in the heart of the city, The St. Regis Mexico City is the perfect starting point for your adventures in Mexico. Tonight, join us at the hotel and meet your fellow adventurers during a welcome reception followed by dinner.

Your introduction to Mexico begins with a visit to the Diego Rivera Mural Museum. One of Mexico's most influential painters, Rivera was instrumental in establishing the mural movement that began in the wake of the Mexican Revolution in the early 1920's. A private, pre-opening visit to the museum offers you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Rivera's famous, "Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central" (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central) without the crowds. Next, your morning continues with a visit to Zócalo - Mexico City's central square - including the Metropolitan Cathedral (the oldest and largest church in Latin America) and a stop to see Templo Mayor, the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Lunch today is at a local restaurant. Tonight, what better way to cap off an incredible first day of adventure than with an after-hours visit to the Museum of Anthropology. Containing many significant archeological and anthropological artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage, enjoy uninterrupted views of the Aztec Sun Stone, Montezuma's head pieces and other ancient Aztec artifacts, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Discover Teotihuacan, the "Place where the Gods were created," a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in mystery. Visit its famed Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Avenue of the Dead, highlighted by a stop at the Palace of the Jaguars. Known locally as Quetzpapalotl, this ancient dwelling is believed to have once been the home of a high-ranking dignitary or priest. This afternoon, if you wish, you'll have some free time to explore Mexico City's Polanco neighborhood. Commonly called the "Beverly Hills of Mexico," here you can shop, dine, stop at one of the area's many art galleries, or visit Lincoln Park where statues of former President Abraham Lincoln and social rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. can be found. After lunch on your own, return to your hotel for a choice of included experiences: a Mezcal tasting or a hands-on Mexican dessert cooking class. 

Your morning begins with a private visit to Casa Azul, the home and studio of Mexican artist – Frida Kahlo. Enter her home before the museum opens to the public and enjoy unimpeded views of her possessions, works of art, and eclectic collection of clothes, complimented by commentary surrounding her life, friendships and stormy relationship with husband and fellow artist – Diego Rivera. Walk through the city's historic Coyoacán Neighborhood followed by a visit to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known locally as chinampas, these "floating gardens" are actually highly cultivated landmasses across the area's lakes and wetlands. Traverse the area by colorful canal boats and learn more about its rich 1,000-year history. Then, enjoy a local lunch of Mexican specialties followed by an afternoon at leisure.

A late morning private charter flight brings you to your next destination – Oaxaca, one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse states in Mexico with more speakers of indigenous languages than anywhere else in the country. Your time here begins with a visit to a local art studio for a lesson in the folk art of alebrije. Translated to "fantasy" or "imaginary," alebrija are wooden figures designed to look like animals or mythical creatures traditionally painted in colorful designs and styles. According to legend, a Mexican artist originated this form of art from dreams he had. You'll have an exciting opportunity to create your own alebrije while at the studio, followed by a lunch. Later, check in to your hotel, the Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca in Oaxaca's historic district and just steps away from various shops, restaurants and places to explore. If you wish, join your Tauck Director for a walk around the city's center, becoming acquainted with its various shops and restaurants or relax at the hotel.

Embark on a sightseeing tour across Oaxaca today culminating with a visit to the Santo Domingo Museum and Church. View the amazing pieces of pottery, gold, silver, turquoise and coral housed here, many of which are from the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Albán. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by stops at a local market and a chocolate shop. Tonight, you'll have the exciting opportunity to visit the local cooking school of Chef Alejandro Ruiz Olmedo, recognized globally for his Oaxacan cuisine. A live cooking demonstration introduces you to this regional style of cooking, and a family-style dinner offers you with a delectable sampling of authentic Oaxaca gastronomy.

It may be your last day in Mexico, but it's not time to say goodbye yet! What better way to cap off a week of adventures than with a choice of activities. You may spend time with a local family, learning the traditional craft of rug making, including natural dyeing techniques and weaving on a loom, passed down for generations. Alternatively, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Albán, one of the most famous archeological sites in Mexico (as well as one of its hidden gems, literally!). The site was untouched by European explorers until its discovery by a local farmer in the 1930s. Known for its unique carvings or danzantes, many of the sites you'll see here such as its pyramids, terraces, canals and ball courts were all carved out of the nearby mountain. After one last afternoon to explore Oaxaca as you wish, join us tonight for a farewell reception at your hotel followed by dinner at a local restaurant, Casa Oaxaca, run by a familiar face – Chef Alejandro Ruiz Olmedo. Say adios to your fellow travelers as your Mexico aventura comes to a close.

Tour Ends: Oaxaca. A transfer is included from your hotel to Oaxaca International Airport. Please allow three hours for check-in.