DAY 1: Welcome to Mexico City – Historic Centre Exploration & Cultural Evening

Arrive in the vibrant heart of Mexico City, where ancient Aztec heritage blends seamlessly with colonial elegance.

Your cultural adventure begins with a guided tour of the Zócalo, Mexico City's grand historic plaza. Admire the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral and explore the fascinating Templo Mayor ruins, offering a glimpse into the city’s pre-Hispanic roots.

As dusk settles, experience the soul of Mexico through a traditional dinner accompanied by live Mariachi music at the lively Plaza Garibaldi, a beloved gathering place for music and folklore.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Mexico City.

DAY 2: Teotihuacan Pyramids & Basilica of Guadalupe – Mexico’s Sacred Past

After breakfast, journey northeast to the awe-inspiring Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead, and climb the legendary Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, where ancient civilizations once gathered to observe the cosmos and honour their gods.

In the afternoon, return to the city for a spiritual visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Americas. Learn about the Virgin’s enduring significance in Mexican culture and admire the blend of colonial and modern religious architecture.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Mexico City.

DAY 3: From Mexico City to Oaxaca – Colonial Charm & Local Flavours

After breakfast, check out and enjoy a scenic journey to Oaxaca, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, and rich indigenous traditions. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the city’s laid-back yet colourful ambiance.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely orientation walk through Oaxaca’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll past elegant colonial buildings, artisan boutiques, and the lively Zócalo, framed by arcades and street musicians. You'll also visit the beautifully restored Santo Domingo Church, a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

In the evening, savour Oaxacan regional cuisine, famous for its complex moles, fresh corn tortillas, and smoky mezcal.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Oaxaca

DAY 4: Monte Albán Ruins & Oaxaca’s Artisan Villages – Ancient Civilizations & Living Traditions

After breakfast, set out for a half-day excursion to the magnificent Monte Albán, one of the oldest and most important Zapotec archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Perched on a mountaintop with panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley, this UNESCO-listed site reveals temples, pyramids, and ceremonial platforms that date back over 2,000 years.

In the afternoon, dive into Oaxaca’s vibrant folk art culture with visits to nearby artisan villages. Explore San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for its black pottery; San Martín Tilcajete, known for colourful alebrijes (wooden fantasy creatures); and Teotitlán del Valle, where Zapotec weavers craft intricate rugs using natural dyes.

Return to Oaxaca in the evening and enjoy another taste of its world-famous gastronomy, perhaps paired with a glass of local mezcal.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Oaxaca

DAY 5: Zapotec Heritage – Weaving Traditions, Mole & Mezcal | Fly to Guatemala

This morning, journey into the Zapotec heartland with a visit to Teotitlán del Valle, a village famed for its rich weaving traditions. Witness a live demonstration of the backstrap loom, an ancient technique still used by indigenous artisans to craft vibrant woollen textiles with natural dyes derived from cochineal, indigo, and marigold.

Delight your senses with a tasting of Oaxaca’s culinary treasures, including smoky mezcal and rich, hand-ground mole sauces, prepared using time-honoured family recipes.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Guatemala City, gateway to the Maya world and colonial highlands.

Dinner on your own (depending on flight time) and Overnight at hotel in Guatemala City.