Explore the Heart of Mexico: Oaxaca and the Pacific Coast

In this itinerary - private Mexico City tours and exploring by bike. Cycling is an enjoyable and practical way to explore the trendy parks, avenues and terraces of the Roma and La Condesa districts. Half a day with a local guide allows you to interpret these trendy bohemian neighbourhoods, from Art Deco architecture to quiet side-streets and stop-offs in galleries, bookstores and designer shops. Another day, another guided tour with a local resident. This tour of the city will be entirely spontaneous, tailored exactly to your tastes by your guide who will be able to share historical and anthropological anecdotes of wherever you visit. It is also an opportunity to discuss life in modern Mexico and to garner valuable tips for the rest of the journey.
Optional - Discover Mexico City's markets on an exclusive private tour and get access to tickets to a free Mexican wrestling match at Arena Mexico: popular and authentic!

Mexico isn't a big city, it's a mega city. From Tenochtitlan to Chilango, history has left indelible contrasting marks in its wake. In the Historical Centre, The Great Temple, dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, the Aztec gods of war and agriculture, adjoins the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary. In Saint Joseph's chapel, Christ with cocoa beans is a nod to the Aztec god Tlaloc. At the National Palace and the Palace of Fine Arts, the works of 20th-century mural painters (José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera) express the tensions and dynamics that still exist in Mexican society today. In Polanco, under its aluminum sheath, the Sumaya Museum presents the art collection of Carlos Slim, 'the richest man in the world'. Indulge in some shopping on President Masaryk Avenue, relax under the branches of the Bosque de Chapultepec or visit the National Museum of Anthropology.

Pick up the rental car and drive to Puebla, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We love the colonial architecture and the breathtaking view of the Popocatepetl, which rises to a height of more than 17,700ft. Accommodation for two nights in the historic heart of Puebla, in a former period house converted into an intimate hotel. Mexican charm, superb outside dining space and quality cuisine - one should not miss tasting the 'mole poblano', a spicy sauce with chilies, almonds, and cocoa used to season meats.

What to see and do in Puebla - The magnificent Talavera pottery, faience covering the facades of the beautiful stately mansions - the opulent decor of the churches and cathedral - the Capilla del Rosario of Santo Domingo Church, also known as the eighth wonder of the new world and renowned for its 24-carat gold leaf - the zocalo, one of the most beautiful in the country - strolling in the bohemian El Barrio del Artista (artists' district), where artists carry out their trade much to the enjoyment of passers-by - venture down Callejon de los Sapos, a colourful street where antique shops spread their wares all across the sidewalk.
Must-see: Cholula, about 13 miles away from Puebla, is famed for its large pyramid with the Our Lady of Remedies Church perched at the top, framed by the snow-covered summit of Popocatepetl in the distance. This vast pyramid has been shaped and enhanced by several civilisations including the Olmecs, Toltecs, Zapotecs and Aztecs. The conquistadors discovered nearly 400 similar buildings when the city was captured in 1519, so Cortès vowed to build 365 churches! Only 37 materialised. Also worth a visit is the Franciscan convent of Archangel Gabriel - one of the oldest in Mexico. It is located on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, and the Casa Del Caballero Aguila, built in the 16th century, which houses the city museum and some beautiful art galleries.

The road to Oaxaca, capital of the state of the same name, nestled on the side of the Sierra Madre del Sur, more than 5,000 feet above sea level. The landscapes of the volcanic plain gradually give way to those of the mountains; candelabra-shaped cacti surround you in this desert universe. A three-night stay in a beautiful downtown location, with sleek decor, pastel hues, a warm welcome and delicious food. The rooftop terrace offers fantastic panoramas of the city.

The itinerary includes a visit to Oaxaca and Monte Alban, with an expert private guide . Oaxaca de Juarez was granted city status in 1532. It was quickly equipped a fortified square, administrative buildings, churches, convents, warehouses... The buildings borrow European styles, adapting them to local tastes. Today, this setting is remarkably well preserved, despite persistent seismic activity. Museums document the different aspects of life in the valley, before and after the arrival of the Spanish and to this day. Not far from Oaxaca, Monte Alban is the great city of Zapotec culture - abandoned in the 7th century, it was later occupied by the Mixtecs. Temples, pyramids, tombs and recreational parks are located around a huge plaza built on a levelled peak.

Already in the itinerary - traditional crafts in Oaxaca. You'll explore the many villages of the surrounding valleys and the crafts for which they are famous in the company of a private expert guide. Coyotepec for barro negro pottery; San Martin Tilcajete and its Alebrijes workshops; Jalietza is known for its textiles and embroidery; Ocotlan for its artistic cutlery factories... The day begins in Santa Catarina Minas, where you visit a mescal distillery.
Optional Private cooking class - high-altitude hike in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca.

Take a day's drive across the Sierra Madre to reach the Pacific coast. As you get further away from Oaxaca, there are fewer villages and more hairpin turns on the road. Eventually you'll reach the sea and the port town of Puerto Escondido.
Three-night stay in a peaceful haven on the ocean. This stretch of pristine coastline has been transformed into a private paradise for beach lovers. This boutique hotel has just sixteen bungalows, each with private pools - barefoot luxury at its finest. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or by the pool, or doing activities like surfing and kayaking. In the evenings, dine on local seafood in the hotel's restaurant.

This small port, surrounded by palm trees, is renowned for its hippie atmosphere and huge waves. There's a beach to suit every mood; experienced surfers should head to Zicatela, while novices to La Punta. The Playa Principal has more of a family vibe while Manzanillo and Angelito are great for swimming and snorkelling. Those in search of romantic walks, meanwhile, should head to Bacocho. And then there is the hinterland, behind the high mountains that rise above the bay, the small villages, the markets, the fiestas. You can also take to the sea, go horseriding or do some bird watching... finished off with a cocktail while you watch the glorious Pacific sunset.