Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Mexico - Mexico City - Puebla - Oaxaca - Puerto Escondido - Mazunte
100% customisable for you
Your Mexican adventure starts today. Head to the airport, speed through security and settle in for your 12-hour overnight flight to Mexico City. When you land in the morning, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel in La Condesa, a safe and lively neighbourhood.
On arrival, you’ll see wide, tree-lined avenues stretch before you and pavements dotted with cafes, art galleries and beautiful Art Deco architecture (the Basurto and San Martin buildings are real highlights).
After settling into your hotel and grabbing a bite to eat, we’ve arranged a guide and driver to take you on an architectural tour of the city. Highlights include the Metropolitan Cathedral on Constitution Square (the largest cathedral in Latin America); Palacio de Bellas Artes with its mix of Art Deco and Art Nouveau details; and the modern Soumaya Museum in Polanco, tiled with thousands of silver hexagons.
Had your architecture fix? The rest of today is yours to spend as you please. Enjoy an afternoon stroll, or head back to your hotel, kick back and relax.
Rise and shine, you have an action-packed day ahead. Explore the leafy parks, tree-lined avenues and vibrant terraces of La Roma and La Condesa districts on a half-day cycling tour with a local guide. Discover these trendy bohemian neighbourhoods, from the Art Deco architecture to the quiet side streets, with stop-offs in galleries, bookstores and designer shops.
This afternoon, the city is yours to explore at your own pace, uncovering historic streets and contemporary hotspots while soaking in your new surroundings.
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning, then pick up your hire car for the drive to Puebla, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey will take around two-and-a-half hours, and you’ll stay in a centrally located hotel for the night.
Admire the city’s colonial architecture and the breathtaking view of the Popocatepetl volcano, towering 17,800ft above the landscape. During your stay, be sure to sample the regional delicacy mole poblano, a spicy sauce made with chillies, almonds and cocoa, traditionally served with turkey and chicken.
You’re back on the road this morning, heading to Oaxaca City, perched on the Sierra Madre del Sur, more than 5,000ft above sea level. During this five-hour drive, watch as the volcanic plains gradually give way to mountain landscapes and forests of candelabra-shaped cacti.
To break up the journey, we’ve arranged a private tour of the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve. Admire the vast range of flora and fauna, explore the world’s highest concentration of columnar cacti and spot hummingbirds, including Rivoli’s and Blue-throated species, flitting among the blooms.
When you arrive in Oaxana, settle into your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights.
Spend today exploring Oaxaca’s creative hub, where local artisan villages bring Mexico’s most iconic arts and crafts to life. Take a day trip to a local workshop and discover one-of-a-kind treasures – think carved wooden animals, traditional black pottery and vivid textiles.
Prefer to stay in the city? Stroll through the tree-shaded Zocalo square, visit the imposing Santo Domingo Church and browse the buzzing markets. After an adventure? Explore the region's dramatic mountain landscape, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to climbing and riding.
Foodies, you’re in luck, Oaxaca is home to some of Mexico’s top restaurants and street food. Tuck into a delicious hot tamale (corn masa parcels of spicy pork steamed in corn husks) or, if you’re feeling brave, sample some crunchy grasshoppers. Plant lovers can visit the Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca and spot native species that inspire local art and cuisine.
Today’s all about discovering Oaxaca’s cultural side with a private guided art walk. What better place to start than at Taller Arte Papel? Established by Mexican artist Francisco Toledo in 1998, this paper-art workshop in a former electric plant shares traditional paper-making techniques and hosts workshops and installations from visiting artists.
Then it’s onto the nearby Centro de las Artes de San Agustin, a spectacular ecological arts centre, founded by Toledo in 2006. This restored textile factory is now an iconic cultural landmark that hosts art exhibitions, workshops and artist residencies. Finally, enjoy an inspiring studio visit to see sculptor and ceramist Adan Paredes and learn about his art and handmade processes.
Afterwards, head to the bustling market or street food stalls (ask our Concierge for their recommendations) to chow down on local dishes.
Don’t forget your sunnies this morning as you’re heading to Puerto Escondido, a peaceful haven on the Pacific Coast. This small port town, surrounded by palm trees, is known for its big waves and boho vibes. Hop in your hire car, head south and tune into our destination-specific playlist for the three-hour drive.
On arrival, unpack and make yourself at home – this is your base for the next two nights. Then venture out to explore the port town’s eateries and take in your surroundings. Enjoy an early night before your beach day tomorrow, where you can surf, kayak or swim until your heart’s content.
There’s a beach for everyone in Puerto Escondido, so rise bright and early to make the most of the day. If you’re an experienced surfer, catch the waves at Playa Zicatela, a legendary surf spot known as the ‘Mexican Pipeline’. Or swap large swells for calm waters at Playa Carrizalillo and Playa Angelito. For kayaking and paddleboarding, dip into the crystal-clear waters of Playa Manzanillo, while romantics might fall for Playa Bacocho on a stroll along its golden sands.
This afternoon, head out on a coastal drive west to the Casa Wabi foundation, about 40 minutes away. Founded by Mexican contemporary artist Bisco Sodi and designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, this artists’ residency features an indoor gallery, outdoor exhibition spaces by the beach and a 67-acre botanical garden.
This evening, when you’re back in town, make a beeline for the best beach bar for a refreshing sundowner.
It’s up and at ’em again this morning for a drive along the coast road to Mazunte, around an hour and 20 minutes away. Check into a comfortable hotel near this laid-back beach town, kick back and relax. This chilled out spot is the perfect place to take things easy – enjoy a refreshing dip, join a yoga session, grab a cocktail, or climb the path to Punta Cometa to watch crashing waves and a dreamy sunset.
Start your day with a visit to Playa Mermejita, your closest beach. Known for its rugged cliffs, powerful waves and windswept sands, there’s plenty of photo-worthy views. It’s also a popular spot to watch nesting turtles and, if you’re lucky, see humpback whales.
Back in town, watch the surfers catch the waves and fishermen cast for fresh fish, before finding a restaurant to enjoy one last blow-out dinner. Pescado zarandeado (grilled red snapper), mojarra (fried fish) and mahi mahi ceviche (mahi-mahi ‘cooked’ in citrus juice) are likely to be on the menu, along with ice-cold beers and margherita cocktails. Delicious.
Sadly, it’s your last morning in Mexico. After tucking into breakfast and saying your goodbyes (and maybe one last stroll on the beach), set off on the one-hour and 15-minute drive to Puerto Escondido International Airport. Drop off your hire car and catch your overnight flight to the UK – the journey will take around 14 hours, arriving back on home turf the next day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
