Some Highlights:

* Dynamic craft villages around Oaxaca's central valley
* Mexico City's hidden charms, quiet corners and boisterous spectator sports
* Oaxaca's colonial charm
* A rare visit with the caretakers of one of the patron saints in Tenejapa (Chiapas)
* Participation in a fiesta after having learned about the context and significance of the event from a local expert
* The splendor of Palenque, one of Mexico's - and all of Latin America's - greatest archaeological treasures

Culture Xplorers' Signature Experiences:

Host Family Option~
You can also choose to stay for several nights with a local host family in Oaxaca instead of a hotel - a perfect way to experience life through the eyes of a local!

Mayordomo’ Visit in Chiapas~
The mayordomos or ‘butlers’ of Tenejapa, Chiapas are the caretakers of their town’s patron saint, San Idelfonso. This is a position of great importance and responsibility. We have the rare privilege to visit with some of these caretakers to learn about the traditions and celebrations in this small, fascinating indigenous village.

Artist’s Lunch~
Our Mexico trip leader, Pati Reyes, works with many of Oaxaca’s finest painters, sculptors and lithographers. When possible, she will arrange an informal lunch with one of her artists, opening up this often private world to our travelers and introducing us to some of its most colorful personalities.

Included:

* An experienced, bi-lingual trip leader will be with the group for all organized activities
* Specialist day leaders and/or local experts to give insights into the festivals and cultural celebrations we participate in
* Signature experiences listed on the itinerary
* All lodging, double occupancy in charming, character-filled hotels including a restored colonial mansion in Mexico City and best of class lodging in Palenque
* Most meals: two or three daily as listed in the itinerary
* Two internal flights (Oaxaca/Chiapas & Chiapas/Mexico City)
* All in-country ground transportation
* All entry fees for museums, national parks, monuments, churches, etc.
* Travelers' insurance covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation up to $50,000 (available only to U.S. residents)
* Private airport transfer coordinated with flight arrivals and departures on the start and end dates of our trip

Items not included and estimates:

* International airfare to Oaxaca (via Mexico City ), returning to the U.S. or Europe from Mexico City. Budget $700
* Approximately 5 to 6 meals during our core trip. This gives you the opportunity to explore on your own and indulge your individual tastes. Budget $12/day
* If you are traveling alone or choose a single room, please add $480 for 8 nights, $660 for 11 nights or $960 for 14 nights. Note: to avoid this fee, ask us to assign you a roommate. If no roommate is available the single room upgrade must be charged

Details:

Length: 9, 12 or 15 days including international travel

Activity level: Moderately active. Participants must be able to walk comfortably for 2- 3 hours per day at altitudes of 7,000 feet. There is lots of hilly terrain, cobblestone streets in San Cristobal and some walking on unpaved paths around archaeological ruins.