Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday March 20: Mexico City

Depart from the USA. Arrive in Mexico City and meet your ACIS Tour Manager before transferring to and checking into your hotel. Begin to explore this energetic and culturally diverse metropolis, which weaves together a rich and intriguing tapestry of history, traditions and modernity. (D)

Day 2, Sunday March 21: Mexico City

The day begins with a walking tour of this vibrant city, the largest one in Mexico and the country’s capital. You’ll see highlights such as the remains of the Templo Mayor, the ceremonial center of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán (which later became Mexico City); the Zócalo, the main public square and gathering place in the city center; and the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, constructed over a span of nearly 250 years on the northern side of the plaza. In the afternoon, browse through the treasures of the renowned National Museum of Anthropology, dedicated to the culture and history of Mexico. Then it’s time to don your dancing shoes and take a salsa dancing lesson. You’ll get a brief introduction to the history and culture behind this passionate form of dance before immersing yourself in its cheerful rhythms and expressive movements. (B,D)

Day 3, Monday March 22: Mexico City

The morning starts with a visit to the massive Basilica de Guadalupe, one of Catholicism’s and Mexico’s most revered sites, which is thought to receive as many as 20 million pilgrims and visitors each year. Then travel to the magnificent archaeological ruins of Teotihuacán, once Mesoamerica’s grandest city. Built between the 1st and 7th centuries, its vast monuments and influence pre-dated the Aztecs by several centuries. Ponder its origins and mysteries as you discover stunning features such as the Temples of the Sun and the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcóatl. Return to Mexico City in the afternoon for time to explore more at your own pace. (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday March 23: Puebla

Start the day by traveling to Coyoacán, a charming borough of Mexico City that’s filled with colonial architecture, brightly painted houses along cobblestone streets and vine-adorned balconies. Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum, located in the stunningly blue Casa Azul. The exhibits within this former home of the legendary Mexican artist—noted worldwide for her boldly colorful and surreal self-portraits—blend an art museum with unique personal mementos. After time for lunch on your own, you’ll transfer to Puebla, a cultural enclave known for its gilded Baroque churches, vibrant fiestas, rich gastronomy and the beautiful examples of Talavera tiles and pottery adorning buildings and shops across the city with designs that blend of indigenous and Spanish traditions. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday March 24: Puebla

This morning you’ll enjoy a sightseeing walking tour through this captivating gem of a city in the heart of Mexico. See the most popular sites of its colorful, well-preserved historic district, a UNESCO Heritage Site, and marvel at the many artisans that call Puebla home. The rest of the day is yours to perhaps sample some mole poblano in its birthplace, treat yourself with something sweet from the Calle de los Dulces, or shop for local handicrafts. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday March 25: Oaxaca

In the morning, journey to Oaxaca, a charming city famed for its culinary scene, indigenous crafts, significant architecture, and a penchant for colorful, over-the-top festivals and celebrations. After time for lunch on your own, discover city’s ambiance during a sightseeing walking tour that showcases the mix of indigenous, colonial and contemporary influences which intertwine to create a unique and unforgettable experience. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday March 26: Oaxaca

The day starts with a journey to the ruins at Monte Albán, a massive, hugely significant pre-Columbian architectural site. Built atop a flattened hill by the ancient Zapotecs, it features an expansive Gran Plaza, tombs, ball court, astronomical observatory, unique carved stone figures, terraces, pyramids, canals and more. In the afternoon, travel to nearby Arrazola, where you’ll slip into artisan mode for an Oaxacan clay figure-making workshop. This hands-on experience introduces you to the distinctive local clay and ancestral traditions that characterize the region’s pottery craft as you create and decorate your own figurine. Then head to San Martín Tilcajete, another one of the small artesanía communities that surround Oaxaca. Here the entire community specializes in alebrijes, colorful folk art carvings of magical and fantastical creatures. Visit a professional’s workshop to learn about their origin story and see how these symbols of good luck and protection spring to life. Return to Oaxaca in time to cap off your tour with a delicious final dinner. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday March 27: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)