Day 1 - Vermont (USA) to Oaxaca de Juarez (MEX)

 

TBD       Arrive in Oaxaca International Airport on Aeromexico flight #

Upon arrival you will be met by a representative from our team holding a sign with your name and you will be driven to your hotel in Oaxaca city center.

Estimated time/distance: 30 minutes / 9 km

 

TBD       Estimated time of arrival in your hotel

Your host will meet you upon arrival. After checking-in, you will walk together to Santo Domingo plaza, in the heart of the historic center, for a brief orientation session that will provide an overview of local customs, basic Spanish phrases, and cultural norms.

Templo de Santo Domingo Church

Address: Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro

It is the main church in Oaxaca City, you will admire from the outside its Novo Hispanic baroque architecture, and if the temple is open, you will have the opportunity to admire its beauty from the inside.

 

TBD       Dinner at a local house

You will enjoy dinner with a local host family, which will offer a unique opportunity to experience family life in Oaxaca, encouraging cultural exchange and an understanding of traditional Oaxacan cuisine.

 

Proposed hotel: (TBD)

Hotel Las Mariposas

www.lasmariposas.com.mx  

Address: Pino Suárez 517, Centro, C.P. 68000 Oaxaca, México.

7 double rooms with 2 beds (participants)

2 single rooms with 1 bed (teachers)

 

Services:

• Included daily coffee service is offered from 8-9am, with milk, cereal, bread, butter and jam. 

• WIFI

• Unlimited purified water available

• Communal kitchen use

• Library

• Board games

•       Iron and hair dryer upon request

Day 2 - Oaxaca de Juarez
 
08:00     Breakfast at a place near the hotel  
09:00    Your host will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you on a walking tour around town
 
A full-day walking tour reveals the historical, social, and artistic layers of Oaxaca. The tour through Jalatlaco and Xochimilco neighborhoods offers a glimpse into everyday life and the preservation of colonial-era architecture. Students will learn about the city's vibrant street art scene and the stories behind the murals. Visiting local markets will provide an engaging sensory experience, allowing you to taste local snacks and learn about traditional ingredients. The afternoon visit to art workshops will foster creativity, offering hands-on interaction with local artists who specialize in painting, sculpture, or crafts. If time allows, you will walk the stairs to “Cerro del Fortín” for panoramic city views at sunset.
 
13:00     Lunch at a local market

15:00    Afternoon visit to art workshops (Once in Oaxaca, rrres studio, Subterráneos)

Once in Oaxaca 

Address: Curtidurías 121C, Barrio de Jalatlaco

A must-see if you go through the picturesque neighborhood of Jalatlaco, it is a workshop and creative brand by Jaime Levin, an architect who seeks to inspire curiosity and discovery through artistic and fun projects demonstrating his love for Oaxaca. Gallery and cafe.

 

RRRES Javier Reyes designer studio 

Address: 5 de Mayo 217, Barrio de Jalatlaco

Pieces made in collaboration with local craftspeople who live in nearby communities in Oaxaca, designed by Javier Reyes. He’s been working on the studio since 2017, when he first visited Oaxaca from his home in Barcelona. Since then, his work  which is organized under his four principal materials of clay, wool, cotton and palm – has been featured in T Magazine, FT and MoMA Design Store.

Subterráneos

Address: Constitución 502, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro

It is a collective that encourages young people, through a school/workshop/gallery, seeking to make social issues visible with public interventions through the engraving technique.  

18:00    After your tour you will be back to the hotel and have time to get ready for dinner

19:00    Dinner at a local restaurant in the city center  

Walk back to the hotel.

Day 3 - Oaxaca de Juarez -  Monte Albán - Atzompa - Etla  

08:00    Breakfast at a place near the hotel

 

09:00    Your host will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you on a guided tour to Monte Albán archaeological site - Estimated Time/Distance: 25 minutes / 10.7 km

Monte Albán offers an incredible opportunity to understand the history and achievements of the Zapotec civilization. As one of the oldest and most important Mesoamerican sites, you will explore ancient temples, ball courts, and observatories, learning about the architectural prowess and spiritual beliefs of the Zapotecs. 

 

12:00    You will be driven to Santa Maria Atzompa

Estimated Time/Distance: 15 minutes / 7.5 km

 

After touring Monte Alban, you will visit a clay workshop in Atzompa, a nearby small town dedicated to work on ancient ceramic techniques. This experience will be highlighting the role of pottery in both ancient and modern Zapotec culture. 

 

You will enjoy lunch en route to San Agustin Etla

Estimated Time/Distance: 35 minutes / 16.8 km

 

15:00    Visit to Centro de las Artes de San Agustín Etla (CASA)

  CASA opened its doors to the public on March 21, 2006, and was founded by Francisco Toledo, Oaxacan artist and activist. It is the first ecological arts center in Latin America, committed to artistic training, creation and experimentation; Likewise, in its role as a public space, it is defined as a plural forum that strengthens reflection and analysis. You will engage with contemporary art practices, understanding how modern artists draw inspiration from indigenous traditions and environmental themes. 

 

17:00    You will be driven back to your hotel in Oaxaca City center

Estimated Time/Distance: 40 minutes / 21 km

 

You will have time to freshen up and continue exploring the city center by foot.

 

We suggest a visit to the Textile Museum, to further expand your knowledge of traditional Oaxacan textiles and the complex weaving techniques that have been preserved for generations.

 

Museo Textil de Oaxaca

Dirección: Miguel Hidalgo 917, Centro Histórico

Free Entry. Opening hours: 10:00 - 20:00 hrs (Mon-Sat)

In the heart of the historic center of the city of Oaxaca, in an 18th century mansion restored in 2007, is the Textile Museum of Oaxaca. This innovative space was born with the purpose of providing a meeting point between people, traditions, design and contemporary art.

 

19:00    Dinner at a local restaurant in the city center

 

Walk back to the hotel.

 

Day 4 - Oaxaca de Juarez -  Tule - Yagul - Teotitlán    

08:30    Your host will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to visit the Tlacolula valley area in the outskirts of Oaxaca City, stopping for breakfast at Santa Maria del Tule.

Estimated Time/Distance: 25 minutes / 10.7 km

 

09:00    Breakfast on route at Santa Maria del Tule market 

After breakfast you will have the chance to see the impressive “Árbol del Tule”, one of the widest known trees in the world, this fantastic specimen is more than 42 meters high and 2,000 years old.

 

You will be driven to visit Yagul, a less-explored archaeological site, that offers a quieter but equally compelling window into ancient Zapotec society.

Estimated Time/Distance: 28 minutes / 23.6 km

 

You will learn about its defensive structures, ceremonial spaces, and stunning views of the Tlacolula Valley.

 

Later, you will be driven to Teotitlán del Valle.

Estimated Time/Distance: 24 minutes / 14.8 km

You will visit one of the first indigenous zapotec villages in Oaxaca. After walking around Teotitlan’s main square and visiting the local textile museum; you will learn about the ancient technique of wool weaving in the pedal loom at a local family workshop. 

 

Dive into the living Zapotec culture, understanding the importance of traditions like weaving and cooking. The option of a cooking class or textile workshop provides hands-on learning, allowing you to appreciate the time and skill involved in these crafts.

 

Enjoy an authentic Oaxacan lunch at the family’s house

 

The afternoon concludes with a 30-minute hike up El Picacho mountain, where you can reflect on the landscape’s role in local myths and daily life.

 

You will be driven back to your hotel in Oaxaca City center

Estimated Time/Distance: 43 minutes / 27.8 km

 

19:00    Dinner at a local restaurant in the city center

 

Walk back to the hotel.

 

Day 5 - Oaxaca de Juarez -  Tilcajete - Ocotlán    

08:00    Breakfast at a place near the hotel

 

09:00    Your host will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to San Martín Tilcajete

Estimated Time/Distance: 48 minutes / 27.5 km

 

San Martín Tilcajete is renowned for its alebrijes—brightly painted wooden animal figurines that have become iconic symbols of Oaxacan folk art. 

You will visit the Jacobo and María Angeles workshop, which is dedicated to the production of figures carved in copal wood called: Tonas and Nahuales, popularly known as “alebrijes”. They will have a guided tour to learn more about the process of making these beautiful pieces. Where you will learn about the symbolism, carving techniques, and painting styles that make alebrijes unique, even trying your hand at creating one yourself. 

In Ocotlán de Morelos, a visit to the local market will highlight the importance of regional produce and crafts, while a cutlery demonstration will showcase traditional metalworking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

 

13:00    Lunch at Almú

Outdoor restaurant with traditional Oaxacan dishes and ingredients in a beautiful country and artistic atmosphere.

 

After lunch, you will be driven back to your hotel in Oaxaca City 

Estimated Time/Distance: 48 minutes / 27.5 km

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and get ready for the next day's exploration.

 

19:00    Dinner at a local restaurant in the city center

Walk back to the hotel.

 

Day 6 - Oaxaca de Juarez -  Santiago de Apoala      

Box Breakfast to go

 

07:00    Today your host will meet you early and you will depart from Oaxaca City towards Apoala, located in the heart of the Mixtec region and have a special overnight there.

Estimated Time/Distance: 2 hours and 20 minutes / 125 km

Santiago Apoala is a nature lover’s paradise, offering breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion. You will explore caves, swim in natural pools, and hike to waterfalls, learning about the local flora and fauna from community guides. You will also hear legends about Apoala's significance in Mixtec mythology, providing an understanding of indigenous beliefs. The overnight stay will deepen the connection to rural life and emphasize the importance of ecotourism for preserving natural and cultural resources.

 

Enjoy lunch and dinner freshly prepared by a local family.

 

Overnight in cabins managed by the locals (triple and quadruple occupancy in bunk beds).

 

 

Day 7 -  Santiago de Apoala -  Oaxaca de Juarez      

Enjoy breakfast freshly prepared by a local family

 

The second day in Apoala offers more time for nature-based activities, such as river swimming or exploring the lush forests. These activities emphasize the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism while providing a peaceful setting for you to absorb the lessons learned during the trip.

Enjoy lunch prepared by a local family.

 

After lunch, you will return to Oaxaca City.

Estimated Time/Distance: 2 hours and 20 minutes / 125 km

 

18:00    You will be back to the hotel and have time to get ready for dinner

 

19:00    Dinner at a local restaurant in the city center

 

Walk back to the hotel.

 

 

Day 8 -   Oaxaca de Juarez - Hierve Agua - Mitla - Tlapazola        

Box Breakfast to go

 

07:00    Today your host will meet you early and you will depart from Oaxaca City towards Hierve el Agua, to enjoy this site without too many visitors.

Estimated Time/Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes / 67 km

Hierve el Agua is famous for its petrified waterfalls formed by calcium carbonate. The waterfalls are of natural origin and were formed thousands of years ago by the runoff of water with a high mineral content. A visit here offers a chance to study geological formations while enjoying a refreshing swim in its natural pools.

 

You will make a small hike accompanied by a local guide from the site and will have time to bath in the refreshing pools.

 

After your visit, you will be driven to the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Estimated Time/Distance: 47 minutes / 17.3  km

 

13:00    Enjoy lunch at Doña Chica restaurant in Mitla

 

After lunch, you will visit Mitla Archaeological zone with a local guide.

 

Mitla, a sacred Zapotec site, provides insight into the intricate architecture and symbolism of ancient cultures. 

The archaeological zone of Mitla is located in the northern portion of the Tlacolula Valley. The monuments that can be visited here are distributed in five groups, four of which are very similar to each other. The main characteristic of this area is that the facades of the halls and their interior walls are richly decorated with limestone mosaics forming fretwork.

 

Later, you will be driven to the town of San Marcos Tlapazola, to visit a workshop of women who work with red clay pottery, having the opportunity to learn about traditional firing techniques and its cultural significance.

 

After your visit, you will be driven back to the hotel and have time to get ready for dinner 

Estimated Time/Distance: 54 minutes / 35 km

 

19:00    Dinner at a local restaurant in the city center

 

Walk back to the hotel.

 

Day 9 -   Oaxaca de Juarez - Cuajimoloyas (Sierra Norte)          

Box Breakfast to go

 

07:00    Today your host will meet you early and you will depart from Oaxaca City towards Cuajimoloyas, located in the Sierra Norte mountains surrounding the central valley regions.

Estimated Time/Distance: 1 hours and 20 minutes / 58 km

 

Sierra Norte’s Cuajimoloyas presents a different aspect of Oaxaca's natural beauty, with its high-altitude cloud forests and eco-friendly initiatives. You will learn about local efforts in sustainable tourism, participate in nature hikes, and engage with community members who practice traditional Zapotec agriculture and crafts.

 

Enjoy lunch prepared at a local dining with fresh ingredients 

 

After lunch, you will be driven back to the hotel in Oaxaca city center

Estimated Time/Distance: 1 hours and 20 minutes / 58 km

 

19:00    Dinner at a local restaurant in the city center

 

Walk back to the hotel.

 

Day 10 -   Oaxaca de Juarez (MEX) - Vermont (USA)

BONUS EXPERIENCE (In case we have time)

Oaxaca de Juárez 

 

08:00    Breakfast at a place near the hotel

 

09:00    Your host will meet you at the hotel lobby and join you in making the most of this last day

 

Enjoying the last day at leisure will allow each of the group to choose activities that interest them most, such as visiting museums, shopping for souvenirs, or exploring local cafes. It offers a chance for personal reflection and deeper engagement with the parts of Oaxaca that resonate with each individually. 

 

Lunch at a local restaurant

 

Afternoon to prepare your luggage for tomorrow’s departure.

 

The day culminates with a special final dinner at a scenic venue, where you can celebrate the experiences lived and share highlights from the trip.

 

---------------------------

 

Early check-out.

 

Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and you will be driven to Oaxaca International Airport in time to board your departure flight.

Estimated time/distance: 25 minutes / 9 km

 

08:00    Depart Oaxaca International Airport on Aeromexico flight #