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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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Oct 7 - Oct 15, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Nov 11 - Nov 19, 2024
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2,799
Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024
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2,799
Jan 20 - Jan 28, 2025
Starting at
2,949
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
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2,949
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Feb 24 - Mar 4, 2025
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2,949
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Mar 24 - Apr 1, 2025
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2,949
Apr 7 - Apr 15, 2025
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2,949
Oct 6 - Oct 14, 2025
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2,949
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Oct 20 - Oct 28, 2025
Starting at
2,949
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Nov 10 - Nov 18, 2025
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2,949
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Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2025
Starting at
2,949
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
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
Filling Fast!
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Full Inventory
Feb 24 - Mar 4, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Full Inventory
Mar 24 - Apr 1, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Apr 7 - Apr 15, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Oct 6 - Oct 14, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Full Inventory
Oct 20 - Oct 28, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Full Inventory
Nov 10 - Nov 18, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Full Inventory
Dec 8 - Dec 16, 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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 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 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.
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