loading spinner
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.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Mar 11 - Mar 19, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Apr 8 - Apr 16, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Oct 7 - Oct 15, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Nov 11 - Nov 19, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024
Starting at
2,799
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
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2024
Starting at
3,429
Mar 11 - Mar 19, 2024
Starting at
3,429
Apr 8 - Apr 16, 2024
Starting at
3,429
Filling Fast!
Oct 7 - Oct 15, 2024
Starting at
3,429
Nov 11 - Nov 19, 2024
Starting at
3,429
Filling Fast!
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024
Starting at
3,429
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
Apr 7 - Apr 15, 2025
Starting at
3,599

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 Alban 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 Alban and Cacaxtla.
  • Examine the artistry of handmade textiles during a field trip to the village of Teotitlan del Valle, and enjoy a weaving demonstration by a local expert.
  • Marvel in the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world and a feat engineering.
Featured Expert
All 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 Arturo Vertiz
Arturo Vertiz View biography
Arturo Vertiz knew from an early age that he wanted to work in the travel industry, focusing on learning English and French in school. Graduating with a degree in tourism and business administration, he worked in the hotel industry before founding his own travel agency. Arturo’s greatest honor was being chosen to manage the housing complex for athletes participating in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara. As a Group Leader and a Mexican national, Arturo loves interacting with visitors in search of learning experiences.
Profile Image of Haydee de Hoyos
Haydee de Hoyos View biography
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
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.
Oaxaca Celebration, Family, Food and Fiestas in Teotitlan
by Mary Jane Gagnier Mendoza
Gagnier Mendoza captures the rituals and celebrations of Day of the Dead, Fiesta of the Black Christ of Esquipalasm, Easter and wedding ceremonies in this overview featuring 100 color photographs.
Oaxaca Journal
by Oliver Sacks
Talented essayist and neurologist Oliver Sacks shows his wide-ranging intellectual curiosity in this transporting tale, interweaving observations, and travels with the history, nature, and culture of Oaxaca.
Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook
by Rafael Carmona
This handy take-along phrasebook with essential vocabulary for travelers.
Discovery and Conquest of Mexico
by Bernal Diaz del Castillo, A.P. Maudslay (Translator), Hugh Thomas (Introduction)
A vivid eyewitness account from a soldier's perspective. Diaz attempts to set the story straight and his classic first-person account is a richly detailed, well-written and essential narrative of the Spanish conquest of Mexico.
Fiesta, Days of the Dead & Other Mexican Festivals
by Chloe Sayer
Drawing on her travels all over Mexico, Chloe Sayer (The Skeleton at the Feast) mixes religious tradition, popular culture and folk art in this colorfully illustrated survey of Mexican celebrations.
Under the Volcano
by Malcolm Lowry
The former British consul drinks away the haunting troubles of his past on the Mexico's Day of the Dead in Lowry's celebrated novel.
The Cities of Ancient Mexico
by Jeremy Sabloff
With 152 black-and-white photographs, illustrations, and site diagrams, this portrait of ancient civilizations in Mexico features chapters on the Oaxaca Valley, Teotihuacan, and Palenque. Written by a renowned Mayanist, it also includes insightful chapters on how archaeologists have reconstructed the past in Mexico.
Culture Smart! Mexico
by Sian Hughes
A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.
The Essential Cuisines of Mexico,
by Diana Kennedy
The thoroughly revised edition of Kennedy's influential and savory survey of the authentic food of Mexico, with 30 new recipes.
Skull Duggery
by Aaron J. Elkins
This 16th book in Aaron Elkin's Gideon Oliver series finds the skeleton detective vacationing in charming Teotitlan del Valle in Oaxaca, where wife Julie's expatriate relatives, the Gallaghers, operate a dude ranch resort. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty!
Oaxaca Map
by Mapas Independencia
Published in Mexico, this full-color plan includes a regional map (1:650,000), Oaxaca (1:22,600), Santo Domingo Tehuantepec (1:22,000) and Puerto Escondido (1:27,400). With some legends and a brief history. Dual Spanish/English language.
Moon Handbook Oaxaca
by Justin Henderson
An invaluable travel guide featuring a good overview of the culture and history of the region, along with coverage of local events, recommendations on accommodations and dining. With photos, illustrations, and dozens of local and city maps.
Conquest: Montezuma, Cortéz and the Fall of Old Mexico
by Thomas, Hugh
Oaxaca al Gusto
by Diana Kennedy
Diana Kennedy celebrates the diversity of the food, life, and culture of Oaxaca in 300 exhaustively researched, authentic recipes.
Moon Mexico City
by Julie Doherty
A compact, comprehensive full-color travel guide with an excellent overview of history and culture.
Ancient Oaxaca, The Monte Alban State
by Richard Blanton, Gary Feinman, Stephen Kowalewski, Linda Nicholas
A scholarly account of the archaeology of the Valley of Oaxaca from 500 B.C. The four contributors cover the physical and social setting and origins of the civilization of Monte Alban.
Mexico City: A Cultural and Literary Companion
by Caistor, Nick
The Labyrinth of Solitude
by Octavio Paz
These essays by the Nobel Prize-winning poet address Mexican culture and character. The chapters on the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead and the conquest are especially memorable.
Many Mexicos
by Lesley Byrd Simpson
This widely-known popular history of Mexico, first published in 1941, stands as an enjoyable, well-written introduction to the country and its history.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.