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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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Protecting the Environment

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

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.
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 Haydee de Hoyos
Haydee de Hoyos
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
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
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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