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This is a private itinerary, available with shared or private experiences
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Mexico City to Oaxaca & the Pacific

Highlights

  • Eat your way through Mexico City’s best tacos and mezcals by night
  • Walk through the remote beauty of Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte mountain villages
  • Swim beneath the stars in a glowing bioluminescent lagoon
  • Newborn turtle release experience in Puerto Escondido
From £2667 pp*
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9 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

From ancient pyramids to colonial plazas and glowing Pacific lagoons, this 10-day journey reveals Mexico at its most authentic and inspiring.

From ancient pyramids to colonial plazas and glowing Pacific lagoons, this 10-day journey reveals Mexico at its most authentic and inspiring.

Route Summary
Day 1–3: Mexico City
Day 4–7: Oaxaca
Day 8–9: Puerto Escondido

Begin in Mexico City, where art, history, and street food come alive — from Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul to the soaring pyramids of Teotihuacán, the canals of Xochimilco, and the flavours of a late-night taco crawl.

Continue to Oaxaca, Mexico’s cultural heartland. Here you’ll cook with locals in the highlands of the Sierra Norte, craft red clay pottery in a Zapotec village, and wander the golden ruins of Monte Albán at sunset.

End your adventure on the Pacific coast at Puerto Escondido, a laid-back surf town where days are for relaxing and evenings bring once-in-a-lifetime encounters — swimming in a bioluminescent lagoon and releasing baby sea turtles at dusk.

With boutique stays, private transfers, and immersive local experiences, this trip blends Mexico’s great icons with its hidden gems — a journey of colour, culture, and connection.

*Newborn turtle release experience in Puerto Escondido is dependent on the time of year. Turtle hatching and release season typically runs from July to January, with the most consistent activity during the peak months of August to November.

Please note:

*From price based on travel for 2 people during 2025. For larger groups, solo travellers or children cost please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com or via the Enquire Now button.

This is a private itinerary but experiences throughout the tour may be part of a shared tour. You will have the option to upgrade to fully private at time of checkout. The Turtle hatchling & experience is the only experience that cannot be upgraded to private.

Arrival in Mexico City – Welcome to the Capital

Arrive in Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis where Aztec history meets cosmopolitan flair. After landing, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. You’ll check in to your comfortable base for the next two nights — a peaceful retreat tucked among the buzz of the capital. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure or simply relax after your journey.

Perhaps take a short walk to a nearby café or explore the leafy streets of La Roma or Condesa districts, famous for their Art Deco architecture and creative energy. Mexico City is a culinary hub, so even your first casual bite might be the start of a flavourful adventure. Your hotel is well placed for soaking up the city’s eclectic mix of history, art and food.

Canal trip by day, Narvarte by Night – Tacos, Chelas & Mezcal

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin a journey into the artistic soul of Mexico City. Travel to Casa Azul, the vibrant former home of Frida Kahlo, where her paintings, personal belongings, and colourful interiors reflect her extraordinary life and creativity. Continue to the Anahuacalli Museum, designed by Diego Rivera as a tribute to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage, showcasing an impressive collection of artefacts within striking volcanic-stone architecture.

The morning concludes with a leisurely trajinera boat ride through Xochimilco’s canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Glide past floating gardens and musicians as you soak in the festive atmosphere of this unique part of the city. You’ll return to your hotel by early afternoon with time to rest or explore at leisure.

In the evening, dive into Mexico City’s legendary street-food culture on the Narvarte by Night culinary tour. Guided by a local foodie, taste your way through beloved neighbourhood taquerías, sampling al pastor, volcanes, and suadero tacos, each with its own style and story. Along the way, stop at a classic cantina for a beer or cocktail, then finish with a private mezcal tasting paired with appetisers and dessert.

This flavour-packed evening is the perfect way to experience Mexico City’s energy — a blend of tacos, chelas, mezcal, and lively local spirit.

Note: These experiences are available either as a shared small-group tour or private guided experience depending on the package selected.

Teotihuacan Pyramids & Guadalupe Shrine

After breakfast, you’ll leave the modern city behind and journey to the ancient metropolis of Teotihuacan, once the largest city in the Americas. With a local expert guide, you’ll walk along the Avenue of the Dead, where towering pyramids rise above ancient temples and plazas. Stand at the base of the Pyramid of the Sun, climb if you wish, and feel the energy of a place once believed to be the birthplace of the gods.

Continue to the Pyramid of the Moon and explore the intricate carvings and ceremonial spaces of the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Temple of the Butterflies. Along the way, your guide will bring the site’s rich mythologies and histories to life.

In the afternoon, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s most revered religious site. Admire its soaring Spanish Baroque architecture and hear the story of the Virgin’s miraculous apparition — a cultural cornerstone for millions of Mexicans.

It’s a day of awe and reverence, blending archaeology, spirituality, and heritage. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon with time to relax or head out for dinner independently.

Today’s experiences are available as shared small-group excursions or private guided tours depending on your selected package.

Scenic Transfer to Oaxaca

Today you’ll leave Mexico City behind and travel south into the heart of Oaxaca. Your private transfer offers a smooth and scenic ride through the highlands, and speak to your driver as you have the chance to customise your journey with an enriching stop enroute. Choose to pause in Puebla, a colonial gem famous for its tiled churches, vibrant markets and rich mole sauces, or opt for more offbeat diversions like the Ex-Convento de Yanhuitlan or Tehuacan biosphere reserve — both excellent for travellers with a taste for the unexpected. The journey time is approx. 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic (not including stop at Puebla)

Arrive in Oaxaca City in the afternoon, where cobbled streets, bustling markets and colourful facades await. You’ll check in to your charming colonial-style hotel, a haven of tranquillity in the lively leisure district.

Spend your evening soaking up Oaxaca’s energy. The Zócalo (main square) comes alive with music, families and open-air eateries, offering the perfect setting for a casual meal and people-watching. Whether you’re drawn to mezcal bars, artisan shops, or simply a quiet night in the hotel’s courtyard, you’ll find Oaxaca immediately captivating.

Sierra Norte Discovery

Today you’ll leave the bustle of Oaxaca behind and venture deep into the cool, pine-scented highlands of the Sierra Norte. This private full-day experience combines rural traditions, authentic flavours, and breathtaking landscapes.

Begin at Don Eli’s organic farm, where you’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on culinary workshop using fresh, locally grown ingredients. Prepare traditional dishes alongside your hosts and then sit down to share a hearty communal meal, an intimate glimpse into village life.

In the afternoon, set out on a gentle guided hike to El Mirador, a viewpoint perched at 3,000 metres above sea level. Take in sweeping mountain panoramas before crossing an exhilarating hanging bridge, suspended above the forest canopy. The combination of crisp mountain air, bird song, and dramatic scenery makes this a truly memorable adventure.

What’s included: Private round-trip transportation, English/Spanish-speaking guide, cooking workshop, local meal, guided hike, access to viewpoint and bridge, and travel insurance.
This immersive Sierra Norte experience is operated privately for a more personal connection with the local community.

Pottery & Sunset Ruins

This morning, travel into the valleys outside Oaxaca City to the village of San Marcos Tlapazola, renowned for its striking red clay pottery. Meet celebrated artisan Macrina Mateo Martínez and take part in a hands-on pottery workshop, learning the ancestral techniques passed down through generations. Guided by local expertise, you’ll shape your own piece and gain insight into the cultural traditions that make Oaxacan craftsmanship so distinctive. A simple local meal is included before returning to the city.

In the late afternoon, set out for a truly special experience at the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán. With a special permit allowing access after hours, you’ll explore the Great Plaza, Juego de Pelota, and Tomb 7 in the magical golden light of sunset, long after the crowds have gone. Your expert guide will bring the site’s history to life as the sun dips behind the ancient temples — a serene and unforgettable way to connect with Oaxaca’s rich past.

What’s included: Licensed guides, round-trip transport, pottery workshop with artisan, local meal, exclusive Monte Albán sunset permit.
Your pottery workshop is operated privately, while the Monte Albán experience may operate either privately or as part of a small group depending on your selected package.

Market Flavours & Journey to the Pacific

This morning, dive into the vibrant food culture of Oaxaca with a hands-on market cooking experience. Inside a bustling local market, you’ll discover the secrets of Mexican cuisine’s most essential ingredients: chiles and salsas. Guided by your instructor, learn to grind spices and blend flavours using a traditional molcajete (pestle & mortar), creating authentic salsas to taste alongside fresh local bites. It’s an interactive, flavourful introduction to the heart of Oaxacan cooking.

In the afternoon, depart Oaxaca on a private transfer to Puerto Escondido, descending from the highlands to the Pacific coast in just over three hours. An optional stop at Playa Carrizalillo — a postcard-perfect bay ideal for swimming — offers a chance to stretch your legs before arriving at your hotel on the beach.

What’s included: Guided cooking class in local market, tastings, private shuttle transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, optional stop at Playa Carrizalillo.
This experience is available either as a shared small-group activity or private experience depending on your selected package.

Pacific Paradise & Bioluminescent Magic

The day is yours to relax and soak up the laid-back charm of Puerto Escondido. Unwind on the beach, swim in the Pacific, or take time to explore at your own pace. You might choose to watch surfers tackle the famous Zicatela waves, wander local markets, or simply enjoy the hotel’s pool and ocean views.

In the evening, set out on an unforgettable bioluminescence tour at Manialtepec Lagoon. After sunset, board a small boat with your guide and glide across the still waters, where every movement creates a magical glow of light thanks to the natural bioluminescent microorganisms. For the adventurous, there’s even the chance to slip into the lagoon and swim in this shimmering spectacle — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What’s included: Local guide for boat trip, bioluminescence viewing with optional swim.
This bioluminescence experience is available either as a shared small-group excursion or private lagoon experience depending on the package selected.

Visit to local turtle conservation camp

Spend a final leisurely day in Puerto Escondido, enjoying the hotel, beach, or a last swim in the Pacific before your evening activities.

As the sun begins to set, visit a local turtle conservation camp for a heart warming experience: helping to release new born sea turtles into the ocean. Learn about the region’s conservation efforts from your bilingual guide, then watch as the tiny hatchlings make their first journey toward the waves — a moving and memorable way to close your time on Mexico’s Pacific coast. (Please note: this activity depends on the presence of hatchlings.)

What’s included: Turtle release experience with local guide
The turtle release experience operates as a shared conservation-led activity in order to support local environmental programmes.

Departure

Enjoy a final morning at leisure before your private transfer to Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) for your onward flight.

Take with you the memories of Mexico’s ancient cities, colonial towns, vibrant markets, and Pacific sunsets — a journey filled with flavours, culture, and authentic encounters.

Extra Nights in Puerto Escondido

Not quite ready to leave the coast? Add extra nights in Puerto Escondido at check-out and ease into the laid-back rhythm of this Pacific surf town. Spend more time relaxing on golden beaches, watching the waves roll in, or discovering local cafés and beachside bars. Whether it’s one more paddle out at sunrise or a final dinner with your toes in the sand, an extra night here gives you space to savour the slow, natural beauty of Mexico’s Pacific coast.

What's included

Included

  • 3 nights in Mexico City - B&B
  • Morning Canal Boat Tour with Museum visits
  • Night street food tour in Mexico City (Shared or Private available)
  • Guided tour to Teotihuacan Pyramids and Guadalupe Shrine (Shared or Private available)
  • 3 nights in Oaxaca - Room Only
  • Full-Day Sierra Norte Experience with Local Guide & Traditional Meal (Private experience)
  • Artisanal Red Clay Local Pottery Experience (Private experience)
  • Monte Albán Exclusive Sunset Experience (Shared or Private available)
  • From Market to Molcajete: Salsa & Chile Experience (Shared or Private available)
  • 3 nights in Puerto Escondido - Room Only
  • Sea Turtle Release Experience (shared conservation-led excursion)
  • Bioluminescent Lagoon Swim Experience (Shared or Private available)
  • Return Airport Transfers
  • Private transfers between all destinations

Accommodation

Hotel Carlota (or similar), Mexico City

This contemporary boutique hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City, close to major museums, galleries and leafy neighbourhoods. A striking blend of industrial design and warm tones, the hotel features a central pool courtyard, chic on-site bar and restaurant, and artistic interiors. Its welcoming atmosphere and stylish spaces provide the perfect base for discovering the capital's vibrant culture.

Board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Room type: Standard Suite

Hotel Boutique Naura Centro (or similar), Oaxaca

Perfectly located in Oaxaca’s historic centre, this charming colonial-style hotel is full of character, with a sunny interior courtyard, rustic architecture, and traditional décor. You're just a short walk from the main square, food markets, museums, and artisan shops, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s culture and cuisine.

Rooms are comfortable and individually styled, with air conditioning, a fan, and traditional furnishings. Some offer private balconies with garden or city views. While meals aren't included, you’ll be surrounded by Oaxaca’s legendary food scene, with excellent eateries just minutes away.

Board basis: Room Only
Room type: Junior Suite, King Bed

Hotel Blater (or similar), Puerto Escondido

A modern beachfront hotel on Zicatela, Hotel Blater offers ocean-view rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, and easy access to Puerto Escondido’s lively surf and sunsets.

Board basis: Room Only
Room type: Standard Room

Your local host

Paul

We believe travel should be seamless, immersive, and unforgettable. Since 2008, we’ve been curating customized experiences that showcase Mexico’s stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. Whether your clients seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, we craft journeys tailored to their interests.

We believe travel should be seamless, immersive, and unforgettable. Since 2008, we’ve been curating customized experiences that showcase Mexico’s stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. Whether your clients seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, we craft journeys tailored to their interests.

Paul image

Location

Your journey begins in Mexico City, where you’ll discover ancient ruins and culinary treasures. You’ll then travel south to Oaxaca, a colonial city nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains and renowned for its gastronomy, crafts, and indigenous traditions. Finally, you’ll arrive at the beaches of Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast, where wildlife, surf, and natural wonders await.

All transfers are included – so you can sit back, relax, and watch Mexico’s stunning scenery unfold around you.

FAQs

Is the Newborn turtle release experience in Puerto Escondido dependent on time of year?

Yes, the newborn turtle release experience in Puerto Escondido is absolutely dependent on the time of year.

Seasonal Details:
Turtle hatching and release season typically runs from July to January, with the most consistent activity during the peak months of August to November.

Releases depend on when eggs were laid (usually 45–60 days prior), and whether there are hatchlings ready on the day.

Outside these months, turtle releases are rare or may not occur at all.

Important Notes for Itinerary:
The experience is subject to the presence of hatchlings and may be confirmed only closer to the date.

Even during the season, releases may not be available every single day, so flexibility is helpful.

If you’re promoting this experience as part of a fixed-departure tour, it would be worth noting it as seasonal and subject to availability, or adjusting the activity depending on the month of travel.

If I travel outside of the turtle hatching season, are there other wildlife experiences I swap it for?

If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido outside the turtle hatching season (which runs from July to January), there are still fantastic nature and wildlife experiences you can enjoy in the area. Two great alternatives include:

Mangrove & Wildlife Tour at Chacahua National Park
Discover the stunning lagoons and mangrove forests of Chacahua by boat, as you look out for crocodiles, tropical birds, and other native species. This peaceful national park is rich in biodiversity and also offers insight into local Afro-Mexican culture and coastal life.

or

Ecotourism at La Ventanilla Community
Spend time with the La Ventanilla community, a locally-led conservation project focused on preserving coastal ecosystems. Enjoy a canoe ride through mangroves, learn about crocodile and turtle conservation efforts, and support sustainable tourism that directly benefits the environment and local people.

These experiences offer meaningful ways to connect with nature and local culture — even if turtle hatchlings aren’t around during your visit.

How physically demanding is the Trek the Camino Real on day 6

The walk is around 8–10 km and takes 3–4 hours at a gentle pace, with a few gradual ascents and descents. The trail is well-maintained but can be uneven in places, so it’s rated moderate in difficulty and best suited to travellers with a basic level of fitness.

The experience is private and the local guide will go at your pace. If you think this isn't right for you, let us know and we'll work with our local host to offer an alternative.

What experiences on this trip are private?

All our your transfers between locations are private as your Trek along the Camino Real with a local guide.

These are small group tours where you'll be joined by other like-minded travellers:

Day 2 – Narvarte by Night: Tacos, Chelas & Mezcal
(Small group evening food tour)

Day 3 – Teotihuacan Pyramids & Guadalupe Shrine
(Group tour with guide and shared transport)

Day 5 – From Market to Molcajete: Salsa & Chile Experience
(Small group cooking experience)

Day 7 – Full Oaxaca Experience (Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Mezcal, Tule)
(Join-in full-day group tour with local guide)

Day 8 – Sea Turtle Release Experience
(Group experience at local turtle camp, depending on hatchling availability)

Day 8 – Bioluminescence Tour at Manialtepec Lagoon
(Shared boat tour with a local guide)

You have the option to upgrade the package to private at checkout. However, the Sea Turtle Release Experience is the only experience that dopesn't offer a private experience.

What clothing should I pack?

Clothing
You’ll experience a mix of climates on this journey, from the warm days and cooler evenings in Mexico City and Oaxaca, to the tropical heat of the Pacific coast. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for daytime exploring, while layers such as a light jumper or jacket will come in handy for higher elevations and cooler nights in the mountains. Pack a rainproof layer if you're travelling between July and September, when showers are possible.

Modest clothing is recommended when visiting religious or cultural sites like the Guadalupe Shrine. A scarf or light cover-up is useful for such occasions. In Oaxaca, casual evening wear will suit most restaurants and bars, though there's no need to pack anything formal.

Footwear
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or trainers are essential — you'll be doing plenty of walking at archaeological sites and during the Camino Real mountain trek. Choose footwear with good grip and support, especially for uneven trails in the Sierra Norte.

For beach days and relaxed evenings in Puerto Escondido, pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops. If you plan to swim at Hierve el Agua or during the bioluminescent lagoon tour, consider bringing water shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting wet.

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