Mexico: The Zapotecs & Their Descendants
Explore the rich heritage of Oaxaca, Monte Alban, Mitla, and the surrounding indigenous villages. Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, architecture and culture of this vibrant region.
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Please use the drop-down menu below to indicate which tour you are curious about.
Tours
Please use the drop-down menu below to indicate which tour you are curious about.
Tours
The Zapotecs & Their Descendants
June 27 – July 5, 2027
Over the course of nine days, we’ll explore the rich history of the ancient Zapotecs and the culture of their present-day descendants in this special Mexico tour.
The Zapotecs are an indigenous people from Oaxaca, Mexico, known for their advanced pre-Columbian civilization centered at the city of Monte Albán, featuring early writing, sophisticated calendars, and impressive architecture, with a religion focused on agricultural and nature deities like Cocijo, practicing ancestor worship and rituals, and today maintaining traditions while incorporating Catholicism.
Their culture highlights skilled pottery, weaving, and unique pottery figures, with a strong belief in an afterlife and spiritual connections to animals like jaguars, eagles, and snakes
Day 1
Arrival in Ciudad Oaxaca
Arrive at Ciudad Oaxaca’s international airport and take a cab to Casas de Las Bugambilias in the city’s historic center just a few blocks from the Zocalo. After settling in and taking a rest, we’ll for our orientation dinner. Meals included: dinner. Arrival on the previous day can be accommodated if desired (at additional expense).
Day 2
Monte Alban
Whether you’re a flavors hunter, a lover of unique food, or someone searching for new culinary experiences, you’ll love the walking street food tour. This immersive adventure showcases the cherished spots where our guide grew up enjoying delicious meals, including a visit to herfamily business, Tacos Rosy, where you’ll savor the authentic flavors of her grandma’s traditional recipes.
Meals included: breakfast & lunch.
Day 3
Monte Alban
In the morning, we will explore Monte Alban, one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica. Monte Albán was important for nearly one thousand years as the pre-eminent Zapotec socio-political and economic center. Meals included: breakfast.
Day 4
Free Day
We have nothing scheduled today so you’re free to relax after two busy days of sightseeing. Or leisurely stroll through the city exploring the smaller museums, shopping, and observing daily life. Meals included: breakfast.
Day 5
The Magic Route of Handcrafts
Today, our guide will take us to four nearby towns to explore their unique artisanal contributions to Oaxacan culture. We’ll see the ceramics created by the Aguilar sisters who make beautiful potteryin Ocotlan de Morelos, the backstrap loom weavers of Santo tomas Jalietza, the “alebrijes” of San Martin Tilcajete, and black clay pottery in San Bartolo Coyotepec. Meals included: breakfast.
Day 6
Mitla & Teotitlan del Valle
Today we’re focused on Mitla and Teotitlan del Valle. Mitla is one of the Pre-Columbian sites that represent the Mesoamerican belief that death was the most consequential part of life after birth. Teotitlan del Valle is a small village known for its textiles. They combine Zapotec designs with contemporary designs such as reproductions of famous artists’ work. Meals included: breakfast.
Day 7
Mezcal Tour
Today’s adventure is a visit to the small village of Santiago Matatlan, the village declaring it the “World Capital of Mezcal.” Here we’ll see the entire process of how mezcal is made from harvesting the agave plant to distillation. There’s a wide variety of producers; but they all use traditional techniques (clay pots and copper still). But the true highlight of our visit is the opportunity to sample the wide variety of mezcals. Meals included: breakfast.
Day 8
Free Day
There’s nothing scheduled for today. You can relax, explore the city some more, or sign up for a day tour of your choice. Meals included: breakfast.
Day 9
Flights home
Safe travels as you take morning flights home or to your next destination! Meals included: breakfast.
Activity Level
Moderate
Activities are generally not strenuous; however, we expect guests to enjoy two hours or more of walking, be sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, and walk up and down stairs without assistance. In rural and small-town settings, unpaved roads and pathways will be common with some short sections of rough trail, which we expect that guests can traverse with no more than a companion’s hand to steady them. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited.
Mexico
The Zapotecs and their Descendants- Price per person/double occupancy. Single supplement of $575
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
- Other meals will be on your own individually or as a group
- Tours (including entry fees) as listed
- Minimum travelers: 5
- Maximum travelers: 9