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Day 1 : Oaxaca
Fly from Mexico City into Oaxaca. You will be met at the airport by a Travel The Unknown representative and brought to your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Meal plan: n/a
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Venture into a hidden corner of Mexico that the indigenous Zapotecs call home - the Sierra Norte mountains of Oaxaca. This stunning region is home to around 4,000 plant species and is thought to be one of the oldest eco-systems in the world at around 20 million years old. These beautiful mountains, pine forests, rivers and valleys lend themselves to legends and the Zapotecs have many which they are only too happy to share with the adventurous souls who visit their native lands. The benefits of this eco-tourism project are shared amongst the people and villages that make this area so special. Come discover this little slice of paradise.
Oaxaca - Cuajimoloyas - Latuvi - Amatlan
Fly from Mexico City into Oaxaca. You will be met at the airport by a Travel The Unknown representative and brought to your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Meal plan: n/a
Drive North to the village of Llano Grande in the Sierra Norte mountain range. Start a 4 hour hiking loop in the surrounding cloud forest before returning for a late lunch. Afternoon free to relax or visit the village. Dinner and overnight in Llano Grande. A fire will be lit in the fireplace in your room in the evening here.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hike to Cuajimoloyas via Cueva de la Iglesia (5 hours). Lunch at Cuajimoloyas. Optional afternoon hike to El Mirador (viewpoint) or visit of a traditional healer.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hike to Latuvi (5½ hours). Lunch at a trout farm. Overnight in the cabins of Latuvi.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hike from Latuvi to Amatlan along Camino Real (6 hours). Optional temazcal (traditional steam bath) in the late afternoon. Overnight in the cabins of Amatlan.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Free morning or hike from Amatlan to La Natividad / Capulalpam. After lunch visit of the center for traditional medicine in Capulalpam. Drive back to Oaxaca city. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Day tour of Oaxaca. Visit of Santo Domingo church and the ethnobotanical garden.Walk along the main pedestrian street down to the main plaza ('El Zocalo') and visit the cathedral and the central '20 de noviembre' market stopping at different stands for an explanation of the uses of medicinal plants. Sample chillies, taste various local products such as agua de horchata con tuna y nueces (rice water with prickly pear and walnuts), the famous chapulines (grasshoppers) and nieves (home-made ice cream - with hundreds of flavours). Lunch at the Centro de Esperanza Infantil with an explanation of the work they do. Overnight in Oaxaca.
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Breakfast. Drop to the airport for departure to Mexico City.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Swim, dive and cruise the shores to discover Mexico's marine life
Explore Mexico's stunning mountains on foot
Unforgettable rafting and free-fall experiences in the heart of the jungle
Delve into Mexico's tapestry of craggy cliffs and copper-green canyons
Unwind on Mexico's idyllic white sand beaches
Trace Olmec, Aztec, Zapotec & Mayan roots
Trace the path of Mayan history - from antiquity to today
Discover the highlights of two Latin gems
Aztec ruins, Oaxacan flavours & colonial towns
The last bastion of indigenous Mexico
The festival where death never felt so alive.
A culinary tour of Mexico's gastronomy capital
Indigenous village trek in a world of biodiversity
Ancient history meets modern metropolis
Caroline , Zapotecan Village Trek, MexicoThe hiking was amazing with spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides. The luxurious but rustic wooden cabins were really welcoming after a long days hiking.
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Jeannie Saville , Flavours of Mexico, MexicoIt is not surprising that UNESCO has added Mexican cuisine to its list of cultural treasures worth preserving. The variety and quality of Oaxacan food is awe inspiring and ranges from street food to creative chefs in top class restaurants. All aspiring young chefs should visit the Sunday market in Tlacolula, a real feast for the eyes and the palette. We have learnt a huge amount on this tour about life in Mexico and the problems of Mexico`s indigenous people.
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Bill Dodd , Flavours of Mexico, MexicoHaving travelled to Mexico on various trips over the years I was surprised to find Oaxaca was so different. Many traditions that have died out elsewhere are still alive and kicking in Oaxaca. And the food is sublime.
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