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Highlights of Mexico: Oaxaca to Mexico City

with Yucatán extension

Duration: 9 or 13 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 14

See the best of Mexico, from historic civilizations to modern cities.

Start in mountainside Oaxaca, making your way through vibrant cities and picturesque countryside to Mexico City, the bustling capital. As you go, you’ll see the impact of ancient empires, immerse yourself in the local culture, and taste mouthwatering regional dishes. On this journey through Mexico, discover a country of strong traditions, rich history, and memorable flavors.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
2 lunches
2 dinners with beer or wine
4 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Benito Juárez Market
Tasting mole and chocolate
Puebla Cathedral
Basilica de Santa María de Guadalupe
El Zócalo

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Day-by-day itinerary

Oaxaca3 nights

Day 1: Arrival in Oaxaca

Welcome to Mexico! Arrive in Oaxaca late this evening and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Oaxaca

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities. Today, discover this UNESCO-recognized urban center on a sightseeing tour.

• Make your way around Plaza de la Constitución, viewing the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption as you go

• See the Church of Santo Domingo, a former Dominican monastery

• Stroll along Calle Macedonio Alcalá, a pedestrian street named for the talented Mexican musician

• Learn how chocolate is made at a local factory and enjoy a tasting

• Browse the stalls of Benito Juárez Market and 20 de Noviembre Market

Gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome lunch.

Day 3: Free day in Oaxaca

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Oaxaca or add excursions.

Ancient Mexico: Monte Albán & Mitla Ruins

Excursion (additional cost)

Oaxacan Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Puebla2 nights

Day 4: Puebla via Tehuacán

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Puebla today, stopping on the way in the city of Tehuacán for lunch. This evening, arrive in time for dinner where you’ll try the chocolatey mole poblano, a regional specialty.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Puebla

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know the UNESCO-protected “City of Angels” today on a sightseeing tour led by a local guide.

• Step inside the opulent Rosary Chapel and 16th-century Puebla Cathedral

• Pass through the Main Square, recently remodeled in the Old Spanish style

• Make your way to a local Talavera workshop to see how the iconic pottery is made and decorated

Spend free time in Puebla or add an excursion.

Historic Cholula

Excursion (additional cost)

Mexico City3 nights

Day 6: Mexico City via Basilica de Santa María de Guadalupe

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Mexico City today, stopping en route to explore the Basilica de Santa María de Guadalupe. Built on the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1531, the basilica is now the largest pilgrimage site in the western hemisphere.

• Enter both the old and new basilicas

• Enjoy free time to explore the adjoining museum at your leisure

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Mexico City

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, set out to explore Mexico City’s UNESCO-protected city center on a guided tour.

• Pass by Alameda Central park and the Art Nouveau Palacio de Bellas Artes, the city’s cultural hub

• Walk through Plaza de la Constitución, colloquially known as "El Zócalo"

• Enter Palacio Nacional, home to the Federal Treasury and National Archives, to view Diego Rivera’s famous murals depicting events from Mexican history

• Pay visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor, an archaeological site and museum

Spend free time in the Mexican capital or add an excursion.

Coyoacán & Frida Kahlo Museum

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Free day in Mexico City

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Mexico City or add an excursion.

Later this evening, join your group to raise a toast to your trip at a farewell dinner.

Ancient Mexico: Teotihuacán

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 9: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to Yucatán

Experience the many sides of the Yucatán. Start in Mérida, the region's vibrant capital city. Then, delve into ancient Mayan culture during a visit to Chichén Itzá before soaking up the sun in seaside Playa del Carmen.

Mérida2 nights

Day 9: Flight to Mérida & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, board your flight to Mérida, a picturesque Spanish Colonial city located in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. Then, set out on a sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide leading the way.

• Pass through the main square, viewing San Ildefonso Cathedral, Government Palace, and Municipal Palace

• Stroll down Paseo de Montejo, Mérida’s tree-lined main boulevard

• See the home of Francisco de Montejo, a Spanish conquistador and the founder of the city

Day 10: Free day in Mérida

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day exploring Mérida at your leisure or add an excursion.

Mayan Mexico: Uxmal & Hacienda Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Playa del Carmen2 nights

Day 11: Playa del Carmen via Chichén Itzá & Vallodolid

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to beachside Playa del Carmen today, making two stops along the way. The first is at Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO-recognized complex of ancient Mayan ruins.

• View Kukulcan Temple, a tribute to the Maya snake deity, and witness the “chirping” acoustic phenomenon when you clap your hands at its base

• Stand in the Great Ball Court, where athletes would compete for eternal glory

• View the observatory and the Temple of the Warriors

Then, make your way to the city of Vallodolid for free time before continuing on to Playa del Carmen.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 12: Free day in Playa del Carmen

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full free day in Playa del Carmen or add an excursion.

Celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.

Tulum & Dos Ojos Cenotes

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Cancún airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 average

03/25/2019 by 9th time traveler Diane M.

So glad we were able to tour several areas of Mexico. The experience of the history, culture, beauty and friendliness of Mexico was lovely. Go Ahead did a great job with our tour!

Fascinating Ancient Mexico

04/11/2019 by 16th time traveler Susan D.

On this 15th Go Ahead tour, my husband and I traveled to Oaxaca, Puebla, and Mexico City. We went on all of the excursions except for the cooking class. The excursions are wonderful and recommended if you are interested in visiting archaeological museums and ruins. This is a physically chal...

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Interesting tour

02/08/2019 by 2nd time traveler Joan G.

I thought the tour was average. It should have included another element such as visiting the botanical gardens. One archelogical site would have been enough as they were very similar. Too much free time. Tour director did not take a personal interest in us. One couple had some issues so he did with ...

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Absolutely Fantastic Tour!

11/20/2018 by 2nd time traveler Barbara G.

Maybe I just lucked out, but the people on my tour were all delightful and helped make the trip special. We were a group of 17 counting the guide, but we had a full-size bus so that everyone could spread out and have access to a window on each side of the bus for picture-taking opportunities (and to...

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Great Experience in Mexico

04/12/2018 by 8th time traveler Anonymous

Let me start by saying the flights to Mexico were exceptional. Arriving in Oaxaca the day before the tour began we had no trouble getting from the Airport to the Hotel. The beauty of this city/state is spectacular with its sub tropical climate and rising mountain tops it goes beyond description. The...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Hotel Victoria Oaxaca

This modern rustic hotel is located in the Area sin Asignacion de Nombre de Colonia, located just minutes from the historic center of Oaxaca. Guests e...

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San Pedro Hotel

This colonial hotel is located in the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Guests enjoy a terrace bar, an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and a restaurant. Nearby...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Mexico, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Mexico’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 3 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility and/or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Oaxaca and depart from Mexico City (or Cancún for the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
On the tour extension, a flight from Mexico City to Mérida is included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Mexico.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website atcdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
Due to Mexico's proximity to the equator, the sun can be more intense than it is in other regions. Be sure to take proper care for sun exposure by regularly applying sunscreen or covering up with long layers.
There are inherent risks associated with snorkeling and other water sports, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
We recommend that you only drink bottled water and refrain from using the tap, including when brushing your teeth.
Additionally, avoid eating any fresh fruits and vegetables, unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Mexican cuisine fuses locally available staples like corn, tomatoes, chili peppers, squashes, avocados, and seafood with ingredients brought by the Conquistadors: herbs and spices as well as dairy products and meats like pork and beef. Corn tortillas are served alongside most meals. Mole poblano, a savory sauce of peppers and chocolate, is the unofficial national dish—it’s served atop everything from turkey at weddings to seafood at Christmas.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Electricity & air conditioning

Mexico operates on 127 volts and uses Types A or B plugs. As these are the same as the plugs used in the U.S. and Canada, a voltage adapter is not needed.
The strength of the air conditioning in some Mexican hotels may not be as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Time zones

The areas in Mexico through which you will be traveling operate on Central Time (CT), which is one hour behind Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 11am on tour.

Currency

You will use the Mexican peso in Mexico.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.