Mexico
Christmas and New Year's in Oaxaca and Puebla
Program No. 8696RJ
Leave the snowmen behind as you experience an authentic Mexican Christmas and ring in the New Year Oaxaca-style! See ancient rituals and visit well-known archaeological sites.
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13 days
12 nights
31 meals
12B 10L 9D
1
Arrive Oaxaca, Check-in, Welcome Dinner
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
2
Orientation, Historical Center, Noche de Rabanos
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
3
Fiestas Lecture, Arrazola, Cuilapan, Christmas Eve Dinner
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
4
Legends and Traditions, Monte Alban.
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
5
Santa Maria del Tule, Mitla, Teotitlán
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
6
Piñata manufacturing, Josefino Children's Home,
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
7
The Magic Hands of Oaxaca, Free Time, Guelaguetza Show
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
8
Transfer to Puebla, Walking Downtown Puebla
Puebla City, Puebla
9
Amparo Museum, Free Time
Puebla City, Puebla
10
Santa Maria Tonantzintla, San Francisco Acatepec, Cholula
Puebla City, Puebla
11
To Mexico City, Teotihuacan Pyramids
Mexico City, D.F
12
Frida Kahlo Museum, Anthropology Museum
Mexico City, D.F
13
Program Concludes
Mexico City, D.F
At a Glance
Revel in the long history and rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca during the region’s fascinating cycle of holiday ceremonies. With roots based in prehistoric rituals, discover a full display of seasonal festivities in Oaxaca, Puebla and Mexico City as they build through colorful events and commemorations and culminate in the extravagant pageant of Christmas and a festive dinner to ring in the New Year.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 7,200 feet.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Participate in local Christmas Pageants.
- Make piñatas and bring them to children at a convent.
- Observe the legendary craftspeople of Oaxaca at work in local shops and markets.
General Notes
Please note schedule varies to allow for holiday-related activities.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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.
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.
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.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
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.
Christmas and New Year's in Oaxaca and Puebla
Program Number: 8696
Christmas in Mexico
Letters from Mexico
Conquest: Montezuma, Cortéz and the Fall of Old Mexico
Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs
The Course of Mexican History
Distant Neighbors: A Portrait of the Mexicans
El Regalo de la Flor de Nochebuena/The Gift of the Poinsettia
Two Holiday Folktales from Mexico