The
Oaxaca
TRIP
For the love of
MEZCAL​
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MEXICAN STREETS
ANCIENT ARTS
MOLE
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INDIGENOUS CULTURE
NATURAL POOLS
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VALLEY VIEWS​
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AGAVE FIELDS​
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TRADITIONAL RECIPES​
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OAXACA
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Oaxaca caters to solo travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for ancient history in Monte Albán and delicious Oaxacan cuisine on every street corner.
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On this five-day expedition through rugged southwestern Mexico, you’ll discover a region brimming with color where lively festivals and some of the nation’s friendliest locals fill the streets. You’ll hike the Sierra Madres one day and devour Oaxacan food like tlayudas, tamales, and mole the next.
This is a different kind of Mexico, one far removed from the well-trodden tourist trail, focused on local life and traditions passed down for more than 1,000 years.
upcoming dates
Feb 13 - 17, 2025
1 single room left
Apr 16 - 20, 2025
Jul 16 - 20, 2025
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Nov 5 - 9, 2025
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5 days/ 4 nights
starting at $1,999 USD
​Limited single room upgrades starting from $659 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $199 deposit + 3 additional installments.
INcluded
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4 nights in Oaxaca
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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4 breakfasts at the hotel
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3 lunches (One with a local family)
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2 dinners (Welcome and farewell)
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Welcome drinks with rooftop views
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Day trip and hike to petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua
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Authentic Oaxacan cuisine cooking class
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Tour of Monte Albán with an archeologist
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Mezcal tasting at a traditional farm and distillery
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FTLO Trip Leader
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*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights to and from Oaxaca
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $150)
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Incidental expenses
Day by day
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
Day 1 – Oaxaca City
welcome
to Oaxaca
After dropping your bags at your hotel, meet up with the rest of the crew and get ready for one exciting adventure.
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You’ll get the low down on this city, region, and ancient culture from a local guide as you make the short walk over to grab drinks with one hell of a view. And by ancient, we do mean ancient—we’re talking about a region inhabited for thousands of years. Yeah, it’s a lot to wrap your head around.
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Kick back with your first mezcal of the week and marvel at the scenery as you learn about the Zapotecs, the Aztecs, and Spanish colonization. After that, you’ll head out for dinner at one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca with the crew.
Wander
Day 2 – Oaxaca City
natural wonders
Get up early and grab breakfast on your way to the Sierra Madre Mountains to explore Hierve el Agua, Mexico's petrified waterfalls.
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After a bit of a challenging hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views. Don't forget to bring a swimsuit as taking a dip in the natural pools is highly recommended. If you're hungry, you can enjoy a local tlayuda (known as a mexican pizza) at one of the nearby stands.
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In the afternoon, you’ll return to Oaxaca City, where you'll have free time to explore with friends. Whether you're searching for the best mezcal bar or strolling through the charming streets, make sure to visit one of the city's best rooftop spots for drinks and chapulines (local crickets). Trust us, they're more delicious than they sound!
Admire
Day 3 – Oaxaca City
foodie adventure
Get up and grab breakfast with friends at the hotel; you’ve got quite the day ahead. Today, you’re heading into the kitchen to cook
Oaxacan cuisine like a local.
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And you’re not just learning about traditional Oaxacan ingredients and spices (though we assure you, those are delicious); you’re also giving it a go with traditional culinary tools.
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After fueling up on local Oaxacan food, it’s time to jet off to Monte Albán with our archeologist guide for a sunset tour of the 2500-year-old pyramids and palaces that once made up Oaxaca’s political, social, and economic center. Eat through the present, walk through the past, then kick back in the evening and relax with the crew.
Taste
*
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Take the morning to wander Oaxaca’s magical mural-lined streets before we head out for a tasty excursion to discover the state’s most famous export... time for a mezcal moment!
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More than 70% of Mexico’s mezcal comes from the Oaxaca region, and today, you’ll be discovering exactly why. After lunch at a nearby distillery or “palenque,” we’ll be diving into the production process from the agave plant to the beautiful finished product.
In the afternoon, check out a few of the local markets in the historic center before our final farewell dinner at a delicious Oaxacan spot.
Day 4 – Oaxaca City
Mmm Mezcal
savor
Hit the hotel breakfast one last time with your crew, and then hit the road back to the real world. If you’re headed back home, remember Oaxaca’s only a short flight away, so come back soon.
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If you’ve got some more time on your hands, well, you’re in luck. From mountains to sea, there’s plenty more to explore in the region for any solo traveler, so keep on going.
Adios amigos!
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Day 5 – Oaxaca City
Hasta Luego
FAST FACTS
About Oaxaca
Oaxaca de Juárez is the capital of the state of Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico, though sometimes it’s referred to as Oaxaca City or just Oaxaca. Although both Oaxaca and Mexico City are known for their cuisine, history, and local culture, Oaxaca City couldn’t be farther from the Mexican capital. The streets are calm, the buildings are short, and the culture is much more relaxed in general (other than Day of the Dead, when the city comes alive!)
GOOD TO KNOW
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Oaxaca is one of the safest cities and states in all of Mexico.
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The Mexican peso is the currency.
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While Spanish is spoken by the vast majority of those in Oaxaca, there are 16 indigenous languages spoken in the region as well.
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Certified legal mezcal can only be produced in ten Mexican states; the Oaxacan product is by far the most well-known.
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The city of Oaxaca and nearby Monte Albán were designated UNESCO Heritage Sites in 1987.
TRIP NOTES
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Pack carefully; the highs in Oaxaca reach into the 80s every month of the year, but nights can be chilly.
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Mezcal is part of the Oaxaca experience, but you’ll never need to drink if you don’t want to.
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This is an "active trip" with a fair amount of walking.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
flight information
Fly into Oaxaca City (OAX)
Arrive by 2pm on day 1 and grab a cab to the hotel. (Pro tip: look into roundtrip flights to Mexico City and then take a domestic flight to Oaxaca City to save some $$). We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own!
Fly out of Oaxaca City (OAX)
Feel free to leave whenever you like on day 5.
Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the Oaxaca trip...but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
learn more
Interested in learning more about our Oaxaca trip?
Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.