Itinerary:

Day 1: Oaxaca / Arrival day

Upon arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and take you to our centrally-located hotel. For those who arrive early or are interested in some activities on this day, our team will be on hand to assist. We'll then meet up in the evening for a group orientation and our first dinner together, diving into the deep flavors of Oaxaca's famous food scene.

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Oaxaca

We'll start the day by getting acquainted with Oaxaca's captivating old town on foot. We'll see some of the main attractions like Santo Domingo and the Zocalo, as well as the bustling markets and the Oaxaca Textile Museum, where we’ll gain insight into the rich textile traditions of the region. Come lunchtime, we'll make our way to an organic market where vendors will serve us an array of local dishes that we'll enjoy at picnic tables. Later in the afternoon, we’ll get the chance to hang out with local artists who are keeping Oaxaca's age-old crafts alive. We'll wrap up the day with a hearty, home-cooked meal from our friends. For those interested, there will also be an optional mezcal tasting to end the day.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Teotitlan del Valle + Tlacolula + San Marcos Tlapazola

This morning we’ll head to Teotitlan del Valle, a Zapotec village known for its naturally dyed rugs and beeswax candles. Here you'll get to roll up your sleeves in a hands-on weaving workshop led by locals who’ve been in the textile game for generations. We’ll learn how they use the different ingredients they collect from nature, like the cochineal bugs, moss, and indigo, to make their vibrant dyes. Afterwards we’ll move on to Tlacolula for lunch, and maybe even sneak in a quick visit to a mezcal palenque to see how they craft this smoky liquor. In the afternoon we’ll drive to San Marcos Tlapazola, a community largely run by women who’ve formed a red-clay pottery cooperative. Using unconventional tools like corn cobs and repurposed basketballs, they make some really cool traditional kitchenware.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Oaxaca

We'll kick off our day by diving into a lively market, surrounded by an array of colors and aromas. It’s here that we’ll grab some fresh ingredients for a cooking lesson that’s in store for us. From there, we'll head to the kitchen of a local chef who will guide us through the ins and outs of Oaxacan cuisine. After enjoying our creations, we’ll have some free time to roam through Oaxaca’s city center at leisure. For dinner we’ll try some mole - a famous traditional Mexican sauce that originates from pre-Hispanic times. The state of Oaxaca in particular is renowned for its mole, which is often referred to as the "land of the seven moles."

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Monte Alban + Arrazola

In the morning we’ll head off to Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage full of customs and traditions. We’ll take a guided tour to learn about the abundant history and customs of the Zapotec civilization that once thrived here. We’ll then continue to Arrazola, a town that's celebrated for its alebrijes, colorful folk art sculptures that were originally conceived in dreams and have become symbolic of Mexican art and culture. Here you'll get the rare chance to paint your own alebrije. For lunch we’ll venture to a scenic family farm just on the outskirts of Oaxaca, where the food is as authentic as it gets. To round up our day, we'll swing by a village known for its unique, locally-crafted pottery as we make our way back to the city.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Hierve el Agua + Mitla

Today we'll set out for a cozy home-cooked breakfast at a local family’s house. From there, we'll head straight to Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder featuring cliffside formations that look astonishingly like frozen waterfalls. We'll take a dip in the natural pools and catch some scenic views on a light hike. We’ll then drive to the culturally rich town of Mitla, honored with the "Pueblo Magico" title in 2015. Here we'll explore some of Oaxaca's most significant archaeological sites, wander through a quaint market, and enjoy a tasty lunch. For those who prefer a quieter day, our tour leader can help you set up a restful experience back in Oaxaca with options such as a day spa, enjoying a temazcal steam bath, do some shopping, or partake in a chocolate-making class. As the day winds down we'll regroup for our farewell dinner. 

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Adios Amigas

You will be picked up for your private airport transfer based on the time of your departing flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

Tour Cost

$3,000 USD per person (Twin-share) 

$3,250 USD per person (Single)

What’s Included

• An expert group leader 

• Accommodations (6 nights ) 

•  Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 4 dinners 

• Transportation within Oaxaca (private van) 

• Local English-speaking guides throughout the trip 

• All mentioned activities and entrance fees 

• All airport transfers

What’s Not Included

• Flights

• Passport/visa fees 

• Meals and activities not mentioned 

• Travel insurance (mandatory) 

• Gratuities

Accommodations

On this tour, we’ll stay in acomfortable and convenient 4* hotel in the heart of Oaxaca’s Historical Center. 8 single rooms are available and offered on a first come-first served basis. The remainder of the rooms will be shared. Solo travelers will be paired together - 2 travelers per room, 2 single beds. All rooms have a private bathroom.

Group Size

8-12 women

This tour has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small-group tour experience.

VERY IMPORTANT: Do NOT book your flights until we can confirm this departure. We need to meet the minimum number of participants (8) before confirmation. We will you know immediately when the trip is confirmed!

Payment Terms

DEPOSIT : To secure your spot on this tour, a $500 USD deposit is required. This deposit will be refundable for up to 10 days after booking. If the deposit is paid within 90 days of Day 1 of the tour, the deposit is non-refundable.

BALANCE : The remainder of the tour cost will be due 90 days before the start date of the tour. Our tour operator will be in touch with payment details. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Our peace of mind policy ensures your deposit is refundable for 10 days. After 10 days, this deposit becomes non-refundable. If the deposit is paid within 90 days of Day 1 of the tour, the deposit is non-refundable.

• If you cancel 89 - 60 days before Day 1 of the tour, you will receive a 50% refund of the balance paid (total tour cost - the deposit).

• The tour is non-refundable if canceled within 60 days of Day 1 of the tour.

• All deposit and balance refunds will be returned via the original payment method, minus a 3% transaction fee. It may take up to 10 business days from the date of request for the refund to be applied.

• If a tour is canceled because we did not meet the minimum number of travelers, or for reasons beyond our control, you will receive a full refund of the tour cost.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for this trip is required. Let’s face it, things happen. We recommend a policy with a “cancel for any reason” clause. Better safe than sorry. Reach out if you need help choosing insurance, or see our helpful resources.

Physical Demands - Is This Trip Right For You?

This tour requires a certain level of physical activity. Please note that the trip can involve the following: long days, walking tours in the cities, a couple long drives, being outside in potentially diverse temperatures, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.

IMPORTANT It’s extremely important that you consider any pre-existing health conditions in determining if this trip is appropriate for you. In small group travel, it’s important to remember one woman’s health and well-being has the power to impact us all. Not sure? Let’s talk about it.

Dietary Considerations

If you have restrictive dietary requirements, we encourage you to reach out to us BEFORE booking to ascertain our ability to accommodate you. While we can guarantee an awesome experience, we cannot necessarily guarantee a destination’s ability to provide nourishment to satisfy every diet.

Limitation of Liability

The Women’s Travel Tribe shall not be liable for any damage/injury (physical or otherwise) to participants as a result of the physical activity performed during the trip, the consumption of alcohol, breakage of equipment and materials or for any other reason which, within the limits of professional diligence, could not have been foreseen or resolved. The organizer is not responsible for expenses (transportation, meals, hotels) not included in the program but necessary to reach the meeting point or to leave the finishing point at conclusion of the trip.

Photo/ Video Release

Please be aware that Wandering Earl Tours, as well as your fellow travelers, will be taking photos and videos during this trip. The Women’s Travel Tribe may use these photographs and videos in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by The Women’s Travel Tribe, including but not limited to: brochures, monthly publications, magazines, newsletters, invitations, television, website, social media, and other promotional materials. To ensure the privacy of individuals, images and videos will not identify full names or personal information. If you do not wish to have your image recorded for marketing purposes, it is your responsibility to make these wishes clearly known to the photographer(s) and other group members.