Mexico
Oaxaca & Puebla: A Modern Look Into an Ancient Land
Program No. 23949RJ
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Oaxaca & Puebla: A Modern Look Into an Ancient Land
Oaxaca & Puebla: A Modern Look Into an Ancient Land
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Participant Reviews
Based on 37 Reviews
SHOWING
I enjoyed Mexico and plan to return again with Road Scholar!
— Review left March 2, 2026
Our leaders, Roberto and Javier, were the very best.
— Review left March 1, 2026
A bit of personal background to put the review in context - I'm a former (and let's emphasize the word former) backpacker, trekker, overlander who used to organize my own trips to Latin America. But 8 yrs. ago, at age 72, I fractured my hip rock climbing in the Appalachians - now at age 80 I walk with a cane and have some balance issues. I had some trepidations about signing on to an organized group travel - I've never done this before. Needless to say the Oaxaca/Puebla archaeology trip was excellent. 8 days - it would have taken me three weeks doing this on my own to see all those sights. - archaeology, museums, ethnology. The guides - Luis, Yarmina, and Javier were excellent - everything was organized and on time. The bus driver handled the stick shift machine with aplomb - twisty mountain roads and crowded narrow city streets! There was a lot of walking, steep steps, and lots of tropical sun but everyone made it. For me, literally high point (2260 meters) were the polychrome Mayan-influenced at Cacaxtla. There were also spectacular views of the Central Mexico volcanic axis. I also was able to find locally sourced cafe espresso in both Oaxaca and Puebla. November 2026 is still a few months from now and I don't know what health issues at ensue, but I am thinking about the Chiapas rainforest and Highlands trip or the 3 country (Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize trips.
— Review left February 18, 2026
This is a strenuous program with high altitudes and uneven surfaces. Please consider your mobility when signing up for this course
— Review left December 18, 2025
It was great. Arturo and Roberto were great.
The local experts were great and knowledgeable.
The people on the trip were very nice.
The sites we went to were spectacular and interesting.
It was great that we were there during the run up to The Day of the Dead.
It was my first RS trip and I am sure I will do more.
Erik
— Review left November 19, 2025
This is a great trip to deep south Mexico with very old pyramids and very old churches/cathedrals, and you get to stay in a very old jesuit monastery as well.
— Review left November 19, 2025
Visit to Monte Alban and to learn about the indigenous peoples of mesoamerican was amazing...
— Review left October 30, 2025
I have been interested in taking a Road Scholar journey for years and I finally did it. Now I can't wait to go again! The location was amazing, but it was our group leaders and our fellow travelers that made the experience spectacular. Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left October 18, 2025
This program was wonderful. I learned so much from it as I had little knowledge of the history and culture of this part of Mexico. We were very well taken care of at all times and as I have experienced in the past, members of our group were welcoming and sympatico
— Review left April 17, 2025
In the program, “A modern look into an Ancient Land,” I thoroughly enjoyed the richness of cuisine, the beauty of the people: the opulence of Teotihuacan, Cholula, Cacaxla and the churches; the artisanship of mezcaleros and weavers; and the love of country of our guides and hosts. So worthwhile just now.
— Review left April 16, 2025
Leader and Assistant were great -- very personalable and good with group.
Local guide in Oaxaca was very knowlegeable. My only (minor) criticism is letting same travellers ask too many questions.
Local guide in Puebla and M. City tended to provide WAY TOO much information -- especially when the group was STANDING, often on hard surfaces.
Restuarants -- some losers: the high end one in Oaxaca -- very small portions. In Puebla, the mole dinner with a cookie for dessert was awful.
I was fine with hotels; however, my standards are minimal. All 3 were in good locations. My knees did not like the stair steps in Puebla hotel, but that's my issue.
That's enough. Gail Skaggs
— Review left March 12, 2025
Viva Mexico! This tour hit all the marks. Excellent guides, accommodations and a wide variety of quality experiences and educational opportunities throughout. Food quality varied somewhat but was very good overall. Oaxaca and Puebla stays allowed for deep appreciations of the rich historic and cultural aspects of these historic provincial capitals. The Pre-Columbian ruin sites we visited were consistently spectacular with our guides providing excellent historical and cultural context. Visits to the weavers and the mescal factory were highpoints. Sufficient free time allowed for rest or self-exploration. The tour could have been even better with a smaller group size and if time was extended to allow a full additional day to experience Mexico City, but these were minor flaws. Viva Mexico! We shall return...
— Review left March 7, 2025
Overall a good trip. However, the hotels and food were not up to Road Scholar standards we have experienced in the past, especially in Oaxaca. One of the Oaxaca city walks was excessively long and ended far from the hotel.
On a positive note, the guides were all excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly. Many of the archeological and cultural sites were spectacular.
— Review left March 7, 2025
The very best tour with the very best people!
— Review left March 2, 2025
I can’t say enough good things regarding our Geronimo guides, Arturo and Roberto, who were so welcoming, informed, prepared, and willing to meet every and all needs. Very organized and patient.
The tour guides were impressive due to their knowledge , pace, consideration of group and local people.
The two colonial hotels were magnificent, as well as the very modern one in Mexico City.
— Review left February 26, 2025
What a great trip! I am so glad to have tried Road Scholar, and am already planning future excursions ~ it's made travel exciting again.
— Review left February 7, 2025
The trip is rated “keep the pace” and they mean it. If you have mobility problems, this trip is not a good choice. The two colonial cities have large pedestrian areas and we visit archaeological sites You are walking and on your feet pretty much all day.
We had two Road Scholar guide/escorts accompany us throughout (Maria (aka Tere) Peniche and assistant Marina Torres) and in each city, a licensed local guide accompanied us to all historic sites and museums. The combination of the three made the trip excellent.
I enjoyed the archaeology elements. This itinerary includes the best sites in central Mexico.
The meals are very good to excellent. Some were plated and some buffets. It was nice to have choices so a suggestion would be that more restaurants offer a “special” menu where we could choose.
Each of the hotel (Oaxaca, Puebla and Mexico City) were clean, safe and in excellent locations.
It would have been nice to have a non-alcoholic choice available (like at the orientation meeting) any time a complimentary drink is offered.
Some suggestions:
Bring two pairs of walking shoes with thick soles as many streets are made of cobblestones.
Bring a small power strip (the electricity and plugs in Mexico is the same as the US) as wall plugs are usually in inconvenient spots. This is especially important if you have several devices.
A walking stick is helpful at some archaeological sites.
Prior to your departure, RS emailed an information packet with numerous attachments. Though at first it seems overkill, it is important to read thru this as the knowledge makes for a better experience.
— Review left January 29, 2025
As a single woman who enjoys traveling, I am grateful for Road Scholar's trips and programs which allow me to do what I love while feeling safe.
— Review left December 20, 2024
The Oaxaca, Puebla and Mexico City tour is worth every cent.
— Review left December 18, 2024
Loved this program. Each day we visited one or more ancient archeological sites around Oaxaca and Puebla with an expert guide who explained what we were seeing and how the people who built these amazing structures lived. The program was well organized and fun and the guides were excellent.
— Review left December 18, 2024
Mexico has so much to offer beyond the beach resorts. The interior of Mexico is rich in history, ancient ruins, and local culture. I had wanted to explore Oaxaca and Puebla for a number of years, but because we don't speak Spanish I was not comfortable travelling outside of a group on our own. When I saw this short but full itinerary I couldn't resist, and I was not disappointed. Wonderful trip!
— Review left December 18, 2024
We heartily recommend the "Oaxaca, Puebla, and Mexico City" trip to everyone. Unfortunately Mexico, as a country, has received a "bad rap" in the US. To the contrary, the sites we visited were interesting, clean, and very safe. The people were friendly and courteous. The culture is a wonderful mixture of several indigenous groups as well as Spanish colonialism imprints.
— Review left December 1, 2024
A great trip, expertly led by a knowledgeable, kind and very organized guide and her warm and friendly assistant. They created a comfortable environment from which we experienced their beautiful country and its culture. The Oaxaca, Puebla and Mexico City experts were impressively credentialed and spoke with passion and depth of knowledge about the archaeological and historical and cultural sites we visited. I come away with memories I think will last: roasted cauliflower with peanut mole sauce. The smoky taste of mezcal. The feel of a cochineal scale bug squished in my palm to illustrate the source of the brilliant red color in textiles. Textiles and Talavera tiles! The Palafoxiana Library, founded 1646. Colonial architecture. The ancient archaeological sites I’ve wanted to visit since I was 12. My fellow tourists were interesting and fun and kind to a one. This was my first trip. Could all Road Scholar trips be this perfect? A+
— Review left November 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this trip. I just want to make a point that it would be nice if the Road Scholar guides acknowledged that we Canadians like to be recognized when the guide is addressing us or talking about the US. It is a small thing, but as a Canadian, we are proud of our country and would appreciate being seen as travellers from a different country, even though we have a lot in common with the US.
— Review left May 3, 2024
Awesome trip! I highly recommend this trip for anyone who's up for a fascinating archeology & cultural tour with easy access near the US! Our tour leader, Haydee, chose wonderful guides who loved to share their deep knowledge and passion about the culture and archeological aspects of the Mesoamerican sites we visited. No curious questions or discussions were off limits! For those who are concerned about safety in a country Americans are told to avoid, Oaxaca & Puebla have a strong police presence and I felt 100% comfortable walking around on my own in both cities. I was happy with the group size. I liked the amount of group tour vs. individual time. I'm still impressed with Umberto's(?) bus driving abilities in very tiny villages and narrow mountain highways! I felt very nurtured and taken care of by Haydee and Georgina-thank you!
PS: when Haydee asked for recommendations, I should have mentioned I would've liked a cooking class on classic Oaxacan dishes. Loved the chicken leg stuffed with dark meat chicken and fruit (apricots?) and smothered in an almond sauce dotted with pomegranate seeds; the sweet potato sorbet; the first buffet lunch (Mitla?) w the dedicated grilled meats & the different mole sauces, the amazing tuna sorbet, the amaranth sweet treat I bought from a vendor, edible insects, food stalls, chile rellenos, delicious butter (I only ate the bread because of the butter!!)
I would sign up for more tours with Haydee...Thank you!
— Review left December 26, 2023
This trip far exceeded my expectations!! Tere & Georgina were wonderful as the staff at the hotels . The guides were knowledgeable and demonstrated a love of country .
I greatly enjoyed conversing with local citizens and learning about their culture. The most interesting experience for me was the visit to the home of the family of weavers! Wonderful!!
We could not have had a better group of people! I have made live long friendships and possible future traveling buddies.
Thank you for this enriching experience! I love Mexico!
"Viva Mexico"!
with love and gratitude'
Linda
— Review left November 16, 2023
Arturo Vertiz and Roberto Lopez were excellent tour leaders and very personable. They were informative and always helpful. They kept tabs on us and made sure no one got lost or left behind, yet were always gracious and never impatient. I enjoyed Oaxaca and Puebla, though I believe I was exposed to Covid at the Benito Juarez Market and believe it is too crowded and closed-in to be a healthy place to visit. All the archaeological sites we visited were interesting, but the schedule was a little too "packed". Day 3 was especially long and I think would have benefited from deleting one of the archaeological site visits and/or the mezcal factory visit. The visit to the Teotitlan del Valle weaving demonstration was excellent. Teotihuacan on the way to Mexico City was also a great site visit. It seemed to be the most complete, or exposed, of the sites we visited. As the trip was a cultural as well as an historical trip, I think an art museum visit would have been a good substitute for one of the archaeological site visits. Susanna and Alejandra were excellent expert guides, knowledgeable and patient. Hugo was very knowledgeable and I frequently knew he was speaking of things I was interestsed in, but I could not understand his English well enough and so was frustrated.
Thank you!
— Review left October 20, 2023
This was a great introduction to two charming, historic, and quite different cities. The trip leaders were excellent - informed and knowledgeable - as were our local guides.
— Review left April 29, 2023
Great educational trip, wonderful group of travelers, felt completely safe.
Encourage Americans to learn more about Meso-American History.
— Review left April 27, 2023
This was a great program, great leaders, lecturers and guides, nice sized group, quaint, inviting hotels, diverse and interesting food and tons to see, do and learn. So much history in a beautiful country. I must make one caveat: because of the altitude, the archeological sites in particular can be challenging, many steep and narrow steps, much of it walking uphill. Further, the streets are cobblestoned and uneven, so be sure to correctly gauge your physical abilities and prepare yourself for physical exertion to get full benefit of seeing everything. That said, it is definitely a trip worth making.
— Review left April 19, 2023
I loved the trip. The tour leaders were wonderful, the food was great, we saw a wide variety of interesting sites, and the food was spectacular. I look at my photos of the trip regularly, and they bring back very fond memories.
Highly recommended!
— Review left March 8, 2023
This is a great program for people who like to be on the go and experience the colors and energy Mexico has to offer (but also comfortable getting out of their comfort zone now and then). The leaders and guides couldn't have been better. It was a terrific experience!
— Review left February 9, 2023
This was a great trip and the support from the Road Scholar staff was fabulous.
— Review left December 22, 2022
Our trip to Oaxaca and Puebla captured the essence of the cultural, historical, and social elements of this incredibly beautiful part of Mexico. The leaders are wonderful, knowledgeable, and charming. We've been on several Road Scholar trips. This was one of the best. We highly recommend it.
— Review left December 13, 2022
Another wonderful RS experience. Organization and pre-trip communication are excellent. Our tour leaders Teri and Marina are the best -- organized, caring and interesting. Teri, in particular, went out of her way to help me when I left my phone in Oaxaca. She was able to find a driver in Puebla who drove to Oaxaca and brought the phone to Puebla, thus saving a lot of headaches. It is such times when trouble occurs on a trip that you realize what a hard-working leader she is.
Both local experts - Suzanne and Jose Luis are very knowledgeable. I particularly liked Suzanne for her easy manners and infectious enthusiasm.
Of course, the travel experience is shaped in large part by fellow travelers. This group does not disappoint - everyone is friendly and inquisitive, and our diverse backgrounds and experiences made for many intense and rewarding conversations.
It is no wonder that Oaxaca is rated the number one travel destination by T&L. It is simply charming. (Tip -- the Barrio Xochimilco which is about 5 min north of old town has some great street art) . Monte Alban is a most impressive archaeological site. The Amparo Museum in Puebla housed some amazing pre-Columbian art objects.
Food was superb!! Surprisingly, the best mole we had was in Puebla for our farewell dinner. Nevertheless, all meals are very good to excellent!
I have two suggestions for this tour - one, it would be good to have a free day each in Oaxaca and Puebla to explore on our own. Second -- if possible, add Hierve el Agua -- a calcified waterfall that is well worth a visit to the tour. (It is about 45 min from Mitla) I understand that it would make for a really long day trip but it is quite spectacular.
— Review left November 12, 2022
A wonderful group of travelers, excellent leaders Maria Theresa & Marina, & very knowledgeable historians Susan & José made for a greater understanding of Mexico’s rich history in Oaxaca & Puebla. While sadly poverty is quite evident, Mexico also has many beautiful sites, parks, cathedrals, museums, & wonderful food adventures for those interested in expanding their horizons.
Belita
— Review left October 24, 2022
Another wonderful Road Scholar adventure! Our guides and the local experts were amazing. The food, the weather, the beauty of Mexico make us want to go again soon. Our group meshed nicely together from day one which made the entire time extra special. It was hard to say good-bye.
— Review left October 19, 2022