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Mexico

Oaxaca & Puebla: A Modern Look Into an Ancient Land

Program No. 23949RJ
Ancient cities, handmade textiles and chocolate-making are just the beginning of an incredible learning adventure deep in the heart of Oaxaca and Puebla.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 20 - Jan 28, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Feb 24 - Mar 4, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Mar 24 - Apr 1, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Apr 7 - Apr 15, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Oct 20 - Oct 28, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Nov 10 - Nov 18, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2025
Starting at
2,949
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 20 - Jan 28, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Feb 24 - Mar 4, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Mar 24 - Apr 1, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Apr 7 - Apr 15, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Oct 20 - Oct 28, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Nov 10 - Nov 18, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2025
Starting at
3,599
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Walk in the footsteps of the Zapotec, Maya and more during a modern-day exploration of Oaxaca and Puebla in southern Mexico. Beginning in Oaxaca City, get a taste for the region as you explore local markets and enjoy a field trip to the Mayordomo Chocolate Factory, where you’ll learn about a drink once made for Mayan royalty. Immerse yourself in Zapotec culture as you explore the archaeological sites of Monte Albán and Mitla, and marvel in the 2,000 year-old cypress tree that calls El Arbol del Tule its home. In Puebla, explore the city’s historic district that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey to Cholula to thrill in the history of the Great Pyramid before returning to Puebla to take in the award-winning architecture of the International Museum of the Baroque, and enjoy a field trip to the ancient site of Cacaxtla.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-2 miles daily over varied terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Learn about ancient cities and holy places as you join an expert on field trips to archaeological sites, including the Zapotec city of Mitla and the ceremonial centers of Monte Albán and Cacaxtla.
  • Examine the artistry of handmade textiles during a field trip to the village of Teotitlán del Valle, and enjoy a weaving demonstration by a local expert.
  • Marvel in the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world by volume and a feat of engineering.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
María Teresa Peniche
Maria Teresa Peniche, who prefers to be known simply as “Teri,” is a highly regarded addition to Geronimo’s Road Scholar staff. Teri pursued a career in higher education, preparing school curriculums designed as well as teaching English in secondary education. After retiring, Teri’s vast knowledge of Mexico’s history and culture paved the way towards her becoming a Group Leader. Blessed with a caring disposition and a great desire to share her love of her country, Teri’s capacity for sharing her considerable knowledge is unrivaled.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of María Peniche
María Teresa Peniche View biography
Maria Teresa Peniche, who prefers to be known simply as “Teri,” is a highly regarded addition to Geronimo’s Road Scholar staff. Teri pursued a career in higher education, preparing school curriculums designed as well as teaching English in secondary education. After retiring, Teri’s vast knowledge of Mexico’s history and culture paved the way towards her becoming a Group Leader. Blessed with a caring disposition and a great desire to share her love of her country, Teri’s capacity for sharing her considerable knowledge is unrivaled.
Profile Image of Suzanne Barbezat
Suzanne Barbezat View biography
Suzanne Barbezat grew up in Montréal, Canada, but holds a deep love and appreciation for Oaxaca. After graduating with a degree in anthropology, she lost her heart to Oaxaca on a solo trip through Latin America. Moving to Mexico in 1998, she has worked as a teacher, group leader and writer Suzanne spends her free time discovering off-the-beaten-path locales around Oaxaca with her Mexican husband and children. There's nothing she enjoys more than getting to know Oaxaca better and sharing her love for it.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
Program Concludes
Mexico City
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
21 | 8B | 6L | 7D |
Activity Level
Walk in the footsteps of the Zapotec, Maya and more during a modern-day exploration of Oaxaca and Puebla in southern Mexico. Beginning in Oaxaca City, get a taste for the region as you explore local markets and enjoy a field trip to the Mayordomo Chocolate Factory, where you’ll learn about a drink once made for Mayan royalty. Immerse yourself in Zapotec culture as you explore the archaeological sites of Monte Albán and Mitla, and marvel in the 2,000 year-old cypress tree that calls El Arbol del Tule its home. In Puebla, explore the city’s historic district that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey to Cholula to thrill in the history of the Great Pyramid before returning to Puebla to take in the award-winning architecture of the International Museum of the Baroque, and enjoy a field trip to the ancient site of Cacaxtla.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about ancient cities and holy places as you join an expert on field trips to archaeological sites, including the Zapotec city of Mitla and the ceremonial centers of Monte Albán and Cacaxtla.
  • Examine the artistry of handmade textiles during a field trip to the village of Teotitlán del Valle, and enjoy a weaving demonstration by a local expert.
  • Marvel in the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world by volume and a feat of engineering.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
María Teresa Peniche
Maria Teresa Peniche, who prefers to be known simply as “Teri,” is a highly regarded addition to Geronimo’s Road Scholar staff. Teri pursued a career in higher education, preparing school curriculums designed as well as teaching English in secondary education. After retiring, Teri’s vast knowledge of Mexico’s history and culture paved the way towards her becoming a Group Leader. Blessed with a caring disposition and a great desire to share her love of her country, Teri’s capacity for sharing her considerable knowledge is unrivaled.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Suzanne Barbezat
Suzanne Barbezat
Suzanne Barbezat grew up in Montréal, Canada, but holds a deep love and appreciation for Oaxaca. After graduating with a degree in anthropology, she lost her heart to Oaxaca on a solo trip through Latin America. Moving to Mexico in 1998, she has worked as a teacher, group leader and writer Suzanne spends her free time discovering off-the-beaten-path locales around Oaxaca with her Mexican husband and children. There's nothing she enjoys more than getting to know Oaxaca better and sharing her love for it.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-2 miles daily over varied terrain.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (19 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
21 meals | 8B | 6L | 7D |
1 expert-led lecture
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel Check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, checking in and getting your room, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course meal, plus soft drinks, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Dinner will be saved for those arriving late to the hotel
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Walk approx. 3 miles total throughout the day; flat terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast of Mexican and international cuisine featuring a variety of hot dishes, bread, pastries, fruit, and yogurt, plus coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. An instructor conduct classroom sessions, a certified expert will lead field trips, and transportation will be via bus unless specified otherwise. We will provide suggestions for restaurants and on-site visits for personal independent exploration and several meals on your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Our first lecture will begin with a presentation at the hotel given by our Study Leader will build on our knowledge of Oaxaca and and its history stretching back 3,000 years back. We will then walk with our local expert to the Historical Center where we will visit some of the most important buildings. Though the current city was founded in 1532, the Zapotec and Mixtec pre-Columbian civilizations had already been settled in the area for thousands of years. The city is known for these archaeological sites and the large number of colonial-era structures. We will learn about the Templo of Santo Domingo. Founded by the Dominican order, the rooms that once constituted the monastery, today house the Cultural Center of Oaxaca. The construction started in 1570 and continue over a period of 200 years, and has since undergone a complete restoration that was finished in 1999.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, enjoy a two-course lunch with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase
Afternoon:
The field trip for today will continue with a visit to the famous Mercado Benito Juárez where we’ll feast our eyes on the rich colors of the fruits and vegetables, the smells of the aromatic herbs and exotic spices and Mayordomo Chocolate Factory where we will learn from a local expert about the history of chocolate making and receive a step-by-step demonstration of how it is done. After these visits, we will return to the hotel for a social hour and a great opportunity to get to know your fellow Road Scholars.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 2-course meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Walk approx. 2.5 miles total throughout the day; compact trails. Driving approx. 60 miles total for the day; about 2.5 hours, with stops.
Breakfast:
Hotel bufffet
Morning:
Aboard our bus with a local expert, we will set out for Santa María del Tule. This used to be marshland filled with bulrushes, which the Aztecs called “tulle,” and cypress trees. We’ll stop in the town center where El Árbol del Tule is located, a 2,000 year old Montezuma cypress tree that is the widest tree in the world with a diameter of almost 40 feet. Continuing, we’ll go to Mitla, an archaeological site that is an important representation of Zapotec culture as it features unique and intricate geometric and mosaic work. Well-preserved thanks to the dry climate, Mitla was the residence of the high priest, whom the Spanish likened to the Pope, and served as the main religious center for the Zapotec.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant just outside Mitla, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet specializing in different kinds of moles, a variety of salads, main dishes, and desserts, plus coffee, soft drinks, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Our exploration will continue with a visit to Teotitlán del Valle, a small village known for its handmade textiles from local materials. The village was originally founded by the Zapotec under the name Xaguixe, meaning “at the foot of the mountains,” and still retains much of its original culture. The Spanish then renamed the site Teotitlán del Valle; Teotitlán meaning “land of the gods” in Nahuatl. While here, we will be treated to a unique demonstration given by our local experts, as well as local professional weavers from Teotitlán del Valle. The demo will include the treating of the wool, the organic coloring, and weaving by a team of professionals weavers.
Dinner:
On your own. This meal cost has been deducted from the program cost, for you to enjoy what you like the most in Oaxaca
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walk approx. 2.5 miles total throughout the day; flat surfaces; lots of sun; bring hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. Driving approx. 12 miles one way to Monte Albán Archaeological Site & Museum; about 1 hour roundtrip.
Breakfast:
Hotel breakfast
Morning:
Aboard our bus, we will begin our field trip to Monte Albán, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in México with the most spectacular views. One of the greatest Mesoamerican cities, it served as a political and economic center for the Zapotec from roughly 500 BCE to around 500 CE. One of the defining features of the city are the carved monuments, or Danzantes, lining the Main Plaza. After the site visit, we will walk to the Monte Albán Site Museum and observe many of the artifacts excavated from the area, including the impressive collection of Danzantes.
Lunch:
We will return to the hotel. Lunch will be on your own.
Afternoon:
On your own.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 2-course meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out in the morning
Activity Note
Driving approx. 212 miles to Puebla City; about 4.5 hours total, with stops. Walking approx. 2 miles in Puebla; periods of standing.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board the motorcoach and transfer to Puebla, arriving in time to check in and have lunch.
Lunch:
At the hotel restaurant featuring Mexican cuisine, we’ll enjoy a 3-course meal, plus soft drinks, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll set out from the hotel with a local expert on a walking field trip into the Historic Center of Puebla, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. The area was unsettled during the Aztec empire, having served as the location for “flowery wars” between the Aztec alliance and their rivals. Until the establishment of Puebla in 1531, the area was known as Cuetlaxcoapan, or “where serpents shed their skin.” Today the city is known for its diverse architecture and Talavera pottery in addition to being one of the largest cities in México. We will make stops at the Templo de Santo Domingo; the Capilla del Rosario, also called the House of Gold, considered one of the modern wonders of the world; Casa de los Muñecos, the Doll House, a baroque house from the 18th century with beautiful talavera tile; and the artisan Market “El Parian.”
Dinner:
We will walk with the Group Leader to a local restaurant to enjoy a two- course dinner with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off of a bus; driving approximately 10 miles, 45 minutes. Walking and standing at museums
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet
Morning:
Aboard our bus, we will then depart Puebla for a field trip to Cholula and the Great Pyramid, one of the largest pyramids in the world. With the widest base of any pyramid in the world at a length of a quarter mile, the pyramid stands 180 feet tall. Built in four stages over a period of 800 years, it was the primary temple to Quetzalcoatl. Following a period of population growth, the pyramid became abandoned until the Toltec-Chichimecas overtook the city and built a new temple atop the pyramid. The temple remained overgrown after the arrival of the Spanish and remained undisturbed until the 19th century, except for the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios church on top. Upon arrival, our local expert will lead us on a walking field trip around the area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a 2-course lunch, including. Coffee, soft drinks, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will then be transferred to Puebla for a visit to the Amparo Museum, one of the most important historical museums in the country. Founded by Mexican businessman, Manuel Espinosa Yglesias, as the Amparo Foundation, it was created to promote social learning and culture in Mexico. Gathering more than 3,500 pieces of art from Pre-Columbian to contemporary times, it boasts one of the most significant collections of Pre-Columbian art in any private museum in Mexico. The museum itself is housed in what was originally the San Juan de Letrán hospital, built in 1538 as the city’s first health institution.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a 2-course meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off of a bus. Walk up to 2 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We’ll take a field trip to the archeological site of Cacaxtla. A prosperous city for more than 300 years, Cacaxtla declined around 900 CE before ultimately being abandoned by the year 1000. Cacaxtla was built around the Gran Basamento, a large elevated platform where the most important buildings were located, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding area. It is known for its colorful murals with their unmistakable Maya influence that are in excellent condition having not been excavated until the 1980s. After we will return to Puebla for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a three-course meal plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Free time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant with a three-course meal with beverage choices of soft drinks, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for for check-out and departures in the morning
Activity Note
Driving approx. 90 miles one way; about 2.5 hours. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day under direct sunlight. Bring hats, sunscreen, bottle of water
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will then board the motorcoach and transfer to Teotihuacan Archaeological Site. Upon arrival, our field trip will begin with a visit to the Teotihuacan Pyramids and its archaeological site where our local expert will introduce us to Teotihuacan and explain how it became the 6th largest city in the world between 150 BCE and 450 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pyramids are the centerpiece of the holy city that once hosted a population of at least 125,000 people. Some of the most famous temples include the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, and the Temple of the Plumed Serpent.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we get to chose from a variety of main dishes, soups, and salads, plus coffee, tea, soft drinks, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue exploring the archaeological site before departing in time to check in to our hotel and to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a farewell dinner
Evening:
We’ll then gather with our Group Leader for a review of the program and to discuss transfers for the conclusion of the program. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 1:00 p.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, the buffet features Mexican and international cuisine including a variety of hot dishes, fruit, and pastries, plus coffee, tea, juice, water. This concludes our program.
Morning:
Independent transfers to the airport If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
21 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
  • Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
  • Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025
  • Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
  • Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
  • Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
  • Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
  • Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
  • Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
  • Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
  • Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca, Oax.
Centrally located with easy access to museums, churches, public transportation and a number of tourist attractions.
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
4 nights
Location: Oaxaca
Historical building
3 nights
Location: Puebla
Located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Puebla.
1 night
Location: Mexico City
This hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center, footsteps from the city museum, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the main square with its Gothic cathedral. An ideal location to explore Mexico City's historic center.
Participant Reviews
4.88
Based on 14 Reviews
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This participant did not give a star rating.
Judy – Class of 2014 | Vancouver, Canada
I really enjoyed this trip. I just want to make a point that it would be nice if the Road Scholar guides acknowledged that we Canadians like to be recognized when the guide is addressing us or talking about the US. It is a small thing, but as a Canadian, we are proud of our country and would appreciate being seen as travellers from a different country, even though we have a lot in common with the US.
— Review left May 3, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Marcia | Pensacola, FL
Awesome trip! I highly recommend this trip for anyone who's up for a fascinating archeology & cultural tour with easy access near the US! Our tour leader, Haydee, chose wonderful guides who loved to share their deep knowledge and passion about the culture and archeological aspects of the Mesoamerican sites we visited. No curious questions or discussions were off limits! For those who are concerned about safety in a country Americans are told to avoid, Oaxaca & Puebla have a strong police presence and I felt 100% comfortable walking around on my own in both cities. I was happy with the group size. I liked the amount of group tour vs. individual time. I'm still impressed with Umberto's(?) bus driving abilities in very tiny villages and narrow mountain highways! I felt very nurtured and taken care of by Haydee and Georgina-thank you! PS: when Haydee asked for recommendations, I should have mentioned I would've liked a cooking class on classic Oaxacan dishes. Loved the chicken leg stuffed with dark meat chicken and fruit (apricots?) and smothered in an almond sauce dotted with pomegranate seeds; the sweet potato sorbet; the first buffet lunch (Mitla?) w the dedicated grilled meats & the different mole sauces, the amazing tuna sorbet, the amaranth sweet treat I bought from a vendor, edible insects, food stalls, chile rellenos, delicious butter (I only ate the bread because of the butter!!) I would sign up for more tours with Haydee...Thank you!
— Review left December 26, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Linda – Class of 2018 | San Marcos, TX
This trip far exceeded my expectations!! Tere & Georgina were wonderful as the staff at the hotels . The guides were knowledgeable and demonstrated a love of country . I greatly enjoyed conversing with local citizens and learning about their culture. The most interesting experience for me was the visit to the home of the family of weavers! Wonderful!! We could not have had a better group of people! I have made live long friendships and possible future traveling buddies. Thank you for this enriching experience! I love Mexico! "Viva Mexico"! with love and gratitude' Linda
— Review left November 16, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Mary – Class of 2023 | Louisville, KY
Arturo Vertiz and Roberto Lopez were excellent tour leaders and very personable. They were informative and always helpful. They kept tabs on us and made sure no one got lost or left behind, yet were always gracious and never impatient. I enjoyed Oaxaca and Puebla, though I believe I was exposed to Covid at the Benito Juarez Market and believe it is too crowded and closed-in to be a healthy place to visit. All the archaeological sites we visited were interesting, but the schedule was a little too "packed". Day 3 was especially long and I think would have benefited from deleting one of the archaeological site visits and/or the mezcal factory visit. The visit to the Teotitlan del Valle weaving demonstration was excellent. Teotihuacan on the way to Mexico City was also a great site visit. It seemed to be the most complete, or exposed, of the sites we visited. As the trip was a cultural as well as an historical trip, I think an art museum visit would have been a good substitute for one of the archaeological site visits. Susanna and Alejandra were excellent expert guides, knowledgeable and patient. Hugo was very knowledgeable and I frequently knew he was speaking of things I was interestsed in, but I could not understand his English well enough and so was frustrated. Thank you!
— Review left October 20, 2023
Janet – Class of 2015 | New York, NY
This was a great introduction to two charming, historic, and quite different cities. The trip leaders were excellent - informed and knowledgeable - as were our local guides.
— Review left April 29, 2023
Mary – Class of 2006 | Shepherdstown, WV
Great educational trip, wonderful group of travelers, felt completely safe. Encourage Americans to learn more about Meso-American History.
— Review left April 27, 2023
Jennifer – Class of 2005 | Irving, TX
This was a great program, great leaders, lecturers and guides, nice sized group, quaint, inviting hotels, diverse and interesting food and tons to see, do and learn. So much history in a beautiful country. I must make one caveat: because of the altitude, the archeological sites in particular can be challenging, many steep and narrow steps, much of it walking uphill. Further, the streets are cobblestoned and uneven, so be sure to correctly gauge your physical abilities and prepare yourself for physical exertion to get full benefit of seeing everything. That said, it is definitely a trip worth making.
— Review left April 19, 2023
Kerry – Class of 2017 | College Park, MD
I loved the trip. The tour leaders were wonderful, the food was great, we saw a wide variety of interesting sites, and the food was spectacular. I look at my photos of the trip regularly, and they bring back very fond memories. Highly recommended!
— Review left March 8, 2023
Robin – Class of 2022 | Mendota Heights, MN
This is a great program for people who like to be on the go and experience the colors and energy Mexico has to offer (but also comfortable getting out of their comfort zone now and then). The leaders and guides couldn't have been better. It was a terrific experience!
— Review left February 9, 2023
Frank | Maryville, MO
This was a great trip and the support from the Road Scholar staff was fabulous.
— Review left December 22, 2022
Janet – Class of 2018 | Winnetka, IL
Our trip to Oaxaca and Puebla captured the essence of the cultural, historical, and social elements of this incredibly beautiful part of Mexico. The leaders are wonderful, knowledgeable, and charming. We've been on several Road Scholar trips. This was one of the best. We highly recommend it.
— Review left December 13, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Loong – Class of 2019 | Los Angeles, CA
Another wonderful RS experience. Organization and pre-trip communication are excellent. Our tour leaders Teri and Marina are the best -- organized, caring and interesting. Teri, in particular, went out of her way to help me when I left my phone in Oaxaca. She was able to find a driver in Puebla who drove to Oaxaca and brought the phone to Puebla, thus saving a lot of headaches. It is such times when trouble occurs on a trip that you realize what a hard-working leader she is. Both local experts - Suzanne and Jose Luis are very knowledgeable. I particularly liked Suzanne for her easy manners and infectious enthusiasm. Of course, the travel experience is shaped in large part by fellow travelers. This group does not disappoint - everyone is friendly and inquisitive, and our diverse backgrounds and experiences made for many intense and rewarding conversations. It is no wonder that Oaxaca is rated the number one travel destination by T&L. It is simply charming. (Tip -- the Barrio Xochimilco which is about 5 min north of old town has some great street art) . Monte Alban is a most impressive archaeological site. The Amparo Museum in Puebla housed some amazing pre-Columbian art objects. Food was superb!! Surprisingly, the best mole we had was in Puebla for our farewell dinner. Nevertheless, all meals are very good to excellent! I have two suggestions for this tour - one, it would be good to have a free day each in Oaxaca and Puebla to explore on our own. Second -- if possible, add Hierve el Agua -- a calcified waterfall that is well worth a visit to the tour. (It is about 45 min from Mitla) I understand that it would make for a really long day trip but it is quite spectacular.
— Review left November 12, 2022
Belita – Class of 2012 | Blue Rock, OH
A wonderful group of travelers, excellent leaders Maria Theresa & Marina, & very knowledgeable historians Susan & José made for a greater understanding of Mexico’s rich history in Oaxaca & Puebla. While sadly poverty is quite evident, Mexico also has many beautiful sites, parks, cathedrals, museums, & wonderful food adventures for those interested in expanding their horizons. Belita
— Review left October 24, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ella – Class of 2020 | Bremerton, WA
Another wonderful Road Scholar adventure! Our guides and the local experts were amazing. The food, the weather, the beauty of Mexico make us want to go again soon. Our group meshed nicely together from day one which made the entire time extra special. It was hard to say good-bye.
— Review left October 19, 2022





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