- Tour code
MEXADV02
- Start
Oaxaca
- End
Oaxaca
- Min. age
16 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Explorer
- Trip pace
Relaxed
- Language
English
Oaxaca is one of Mexico's great food and craft regions, a colonial city of painted streets and busy markets set in a valley ringed by mountains. On this five-day trip you're based in Oaxaca city for all four nights and head out on day trips from there, so there's no repacking.
The first evening is a walk through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a local drink in hand and dinner with music to follow. Day two climbs into the highlands near San Lorenzo Albarradas for a hike and a swim in natural mineral pools with long mountain views.
Day three is hands-on: cook regional dishes using traditional techniques, then tour an archaeological site with an expert guide. The last full day slows down, with time on Oaxaca's painted streets, a visit to a local producer to see how mezcal is made and taste it, and a final browse of the markets before the farewell dinner.
Your Soca Islands Host is with you throughout, and groups are kept small, from 6 to 16 travelers.
Why This Journey
Oaxaca is best understood through what people make here: moles and tlayudas, mezcal distilled from agave, and textiles and crafts sold in the markets. This trip puts you in the kitchen, at a mezcal producer and among the stalls, with an expert guide to explain the ancient civilization whose city still stands in the hills.
Short, sociable and centered on one walkable base, it's an easy long-weekend escape or a first trip to Mexico beyond the beach resorts, and it suits solo travelers who'd like good company at the table.
Where You'll Stay
Oaxaca (4 nights): Quinta Real Oaxaca, a former 16th-century convent in the historic center. Proposed accommodation (or similar), subject to confirmation. Rooms are based on two people sharing a double room with two beds.
Getting There
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Fly into and out of Oaxaca International Airport (OAX); arrival and departure airport transfers are included. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
What you will see and do
Wander Oaxaca's colorful streets, craft markets and ancient ruins with your group
Hike to natural mineral pools in the highlands and swim with mountains all around you
Cook Oaxacan dishes in a hands-on class, then taste mezcal where it's made
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group activity when possible
Max 16 travellers per group
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Group transportation
What's excluded
- International flights (travelers arrange their own)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement (single rooms on request, subject to availability)
- Extra hotel nights before or after the trip
Group itinerary
Land in Oaxaca, where your arrival transfer takes you to your hotel in the center of the city. Once you've had time to settle, meet your Soca Islands Host and the group for a drink and introductions.
Then set out on foot through the historic center, past carefully preserved colonial buildings, churches and busy plazas, stopping for a classic local drink as you go. Dinner tonight is together at a lively restaurant with good food and music.
It's an early start for the drive up into the highlands near San Lorenzo Albarradas, home to one of Oaxaca's most remarkable natural formations.
A scenic hike leads to the viewpoints and the natural mineral pools, where you can swim with wide views over the mountains. Pick up something to eat from the local vendors before heading back to the city.
The rest of the day is free. A rooftop at sunset, with a few local snacks, is a good call.
After breakfast, roll up your sleeves for a cooking session built around regional recipes, traditional methods and local ingredients.
Later in the day an expert guide takes you around an ancient archaeological site and explains the civilization that built it. The evening back in the city is relaxed and yours to share with the group.
Take the morning slowly, strolling streets full of murals, galleries and everyday Oaxacan life.
Next, a local producer shows you how mezcal is made, from the raw agave plant to the glass, followed by a tasting. Back in town, browse the markets for textiles, handmade crafts and local snacks, then gather for the farewell dinner.
Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before you go your separate ways, and your departure transfer takes you to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX).
You leave with a clearer picture of Oaxaca, a few new favorite dishes and a group chat that will keep going.
Accommodations
Here's a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Quinta Real Oaxaca
A hotel in a restored 16th-century convent in Oaxaca's historic center, a few blocks from the Templo de Santo Domingo and the pedestrian Macedonio Alcalá street, and within walking distance of the Zócalo and the city's markets.
Its arcaded courtyards, gardens, chapel and outdoor pool keep much of the convent's original character, and it has a restaurant serving Oaxacan cuisine.
Rooms
You'll stay at Trip Hotel.
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- +$726 per person
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
Room prices are per person for the Nov 17, 2027 departure and can differ on other dates. You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
Fly into and out of Oaxaca International Airport (OAX).
Proposed accommodation for all four nights is Quinta Real Oaxaca, in Oaxaca's historic center (or a similar hotel), subject to confirmation.
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
Yes. Arrival and departure airport transfers between Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) and the hotel are included. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
The trip includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners (the welcome dinner on Day 1 and the farewell dinner on Day 4), as described in the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost.
Extra nights can be requested, subject to hotel availability; contact our Customer Experience team for a quote.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our The Oaxaca Trip trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
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