A great introduction to a wonderful country
Mexico
|
Nov 28 - Dec 8, 2025
This was a fantastic trip and a great introduction to Mexico. Our initial trip plan from Charlotte was full of great activities and suggestions as a way to get to know Mexico City and Oaxaca and every activity built on the other to learn the culture and history.
Each day had a thoughtful activity or plan, but it was never overwhelming. The walking tours with private guides helped illuminate more of the history and gave us a different perspective on the rich culture of Mexico City and Oaxaca. Our Mexico City driver, Sr. Roberto, had a great sense of humor and patience as he helped get us around a large and overwhelming city. Some other highlights of our tour were our bicycle ride through Mexico City with our guide Raul, tasting different foods and seeing new neighborhoods on two wheels; visiting the Museum of Archaeology; the hot air balloon ride and visiting the pyramids of Teotihuacan; kayaking the canals in Xochimilco; and this was just in Mexico City!
Oaxaca was also a gem and one of the highlights was the day spent doing a cooking class with our chef Gerardo. He picked us up, took us to a local market, where we learned about the food and bought what was needed to cook a delicious authentic meal, and then spent the afternoon at his kitchen preparing and eating a delicious meal. We also enjoyed the two days of historical tours with our drivers and guide Ede, where we saw other historical and archaeological treasures of the Oaxaca region. We enjoyed visiting the various artisans, including the painters, the potters, and weavers who all used unique methods to make beautiful treasures.
KimKim and Charlotte did a great job of selecting hotels that were unique (especially the Sauve Casa Boutique in Oaxaca--what a great place!) and putting us in locations where we could also go on walks without needing to get in a car. We got good recommendations for meals and food, things to do, and the whole trip was seamless. We felt completely safe and taken care of and had such a good time. Thank you for a memorable vacation!
Hotel Reviews
Convenient and lovely location in the historic Condesa neighborhood. The bathroom was a bit small, and the hotel was on a noisy street, but that seems to be an unavoidable part of Mexico City. We loved the Art Deco neighborhood and style of the hotel. It was very comfortable and we would stay there again!
Great central location; amazingly clean; unique room; lovely central courtyard; delicious complementary breakfast. It was also very loud at this hotel, but no surprise given the central location. They did acknowledge the noise with the included ear plugs. :)
Activity Reviews
Our guide was amazing. He was so knowledgeable! My only complaint was that it just wasn't enough time to see the whole Museum. We need five days to really see everything, and so much would have been good to revisit after the trip.
The driver and the guide were both fantastic! The driver knew Mexico City well and made it a real adventure getting around. Our guide had so much knowledge and information.
Magical experience. Our driver/kayak guide was fantastic and so energetic. We got to see things I would have never seen on this trip. What a surprising experience, delicious breakfast, and really interesting.
Our guide Isabel was so knowledgeable and helpful and really brought the site to life. The pyramids and ruins were overwhelming, but we got a history that made it attainable. Definitely bring a hat! I forgot to do that and it was very bright.
Our guide Raul was amazing! He was everybody's friend and knew the side streets, street vendors, and best places to try different food. We covered a ton of ground and got to see so much of the Condesa and Roma North neighborhoods. This day was definitely a highlight!
Super fun, great seats, and a really unique experience. I would have never picked this activity but am so glad we got to go! What a spectacle!
Magical and such a unique experience. Yes, it was touristy, but I can see why. Our balloon pilot was so skilled and it felt like we were in great hands.
Tried a variety of different tacos in places we would have never experienced.
The tour guide gave us so much insight into the history of the area. He was energetic and a lot of fun. We liked learning about the ancient water systems, the cathedrals and history of the Catholic church in Mexico, and trying Oaxacan ice creams/ices.
Absolutely a highlight. The market was a unique experience that would have been very intimidating without a guide. We tried and made foods that were authentic and delicious. Chef Gerardo's house/kitchen was so inviting and lovely. We really enjoyed our day!
Monte Alban was a complete surprise and lovely. Not a site we knew we would visit, but even more meaningful after seeing the other ruins and sites. Our driver was awesome, and our guide Ede was captivating and engaging.
Guide Ede was fantastic. Seeing the different locations on this day was a great way to end the trip.
