Go on a cultural adventure through the beating heart of Mexico’s past and present.

Say Hola to an adventure into the heart and soul of Mexico. From Aztec to Zapotec, this eight-day trip is a cultural cocktail, blending the best of the country’s ruins and natural wonders. Wander through colorful markets, learn the secrets of black pottery, try pasita in a local bar, explore the ancient ruins of Monte Alban and Teotihuacan and discover the vibrant art scene of Oaxaca. With a local leader who knows all the best spots, you’re guaranteed to get a taste of Mexico’s magic at every turn.

More Detailed Trip Info Here

This trip is the perfect complement to our Day of the Dead in Mexico City trip, which ends the same day this one begins. Join us for both!

**We specialize in tours for adults only. We take you away from your everyday world and the necessary distractions of family life.  

*Please note you should be able to walk at least 3 miles a day and carry your own luggage sometimes up steps. 

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws. 

What are the medical and vaccination requirements? 

Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations, and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19, but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit. Therefore, a COVID vaccine is required on all of our trips.

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas, and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay, or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

Need a passport? Click here -> U.S. Passport

Need to renew your passport? Click here -> Renew U.S. Passport

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense, or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure, or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws.

What are the medical and vaccination requirements? Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19 but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit. Therefore proof of up to date COVID Vaccine is required on all of our trips.

Travel insurance will help protect your investment and is required for all of our trips (but not required at the time of booking). We recommend and use World Nomads.  If you are over 70 we recommend using Insure My Trip.  

If you cancel within 30 days of making your deposit, you will receive a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee per spot reserved.

If you cancel between 31 days after booking and 180 days before the trip, you will receive a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.

No refunds will be given if you cancel within 180 days of the trip’s start date.

Note: If you find someone to fill your spot, I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee, provided the transfer is made at least 60 days before departure. If you become ill or encounter other issues, it is highly likely that the required travel insurance will cover your costs, so please check with your provider.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and to make their payments on time. We reserve the right to retain payments according to the cancellation policy outlined above in order to pay our vendors and ensure the trip can proceed.

By making a deposit, you agree to the above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To ensure smooth operations for our trips, we kindly ask that all payments are made on time. If a payment is 15 or more days past due, a $50 late fee will be applied to your balance.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to adjust your payment plan or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa at [melissa@pennypinchingglobetrotter.com]. 

We’re happy to work with you to find a solution. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we are committed to providing an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience for all our guests. To ensure a smooth and harmonious trip for everyone, we have established this Group Travel Code of Conduct. All participants are expected to follow these guidelines to promote a respectful and supportive group dynamic. 

 1. Respect and Cooperation - All travelers are expected to treat each other with kindness, respect, and courtesy at all times. This includes: 

 - Listening to others' opinions and experiences without judgment. 

- Offering help and support to fellow travelers when needed.

 - Communicating openly and constructively to resolve any misunderstandings or concerns that arise. 

  2. Personal Attacks and Harassment - Personal attacks, harassment, or any form of abusive language directed at fellow travelers will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: 

 - Insulting or belittling others for any reason including remarks based on race, nationality, gender, religion, appearance, or personal beliefs.

 - Making derogatory or offensive remarks, either in person or through digital communication channels (e.g., group chats or emails). 

 - Engaging in behavior that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to others. 

 3. Disruptive Behavior - Traveler's should ensure their behavior does not disrupt the group's activities or the overall enjoyment of the trip. This includes:

 - Avoiding excessive arguments or conflicts that disturb the group’s harmony. 

 - Engaging in proactive problem-solving rather than contributing to negativity. 

 - Being considerate of group plans/schedules and communicating any issues promptly to the group leader or host.

 4. Accountability and Responsibility - Each traveler is responsible for their actions. Should conflicts arise, all involved parties are encouraged to: 

 - Address concerns calmly and privately, when possible.

 - Seek the assistance of the group leader or host if mediation is needed.

- Understand that repeated violations of this policy may result in removal from the trip with no refund. 

5. Group Dynamics and Social Interaction - Group travel is a chance to connect and share experiences with others. We encourage all travelers to: 

 - Participate in group activities with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. 

 - Be inclusive and welcoming to fellow travelers, regardless of their background or personal views.

 - Show empathy and understanding toward the diverse personalities and cultures within the group.  

6. Consequences for Violating the Policy - Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences: 

 - A verbal warning from the group leader or host. 

- In extreme cases, expulsion from the trip without refund, if the behavior continues despite prior warnings. 

In addition, any traveler who exhibits consistently disruptive behavior, or who repeatedly violates the principles outlined in this policy, will no longer be permitted to travel with Penny Pinching Globetrotter in the future. We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals whose actions compromise the experience of other travelers or the integrity of the group.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we aim to create positive, memorable travel experiences for all. By following this policy, we ensure that everyone can enjoy their trip in a respectful and supportive environment. 

By booking your spot on this trip, you are agreeing to the policy outlined above. 

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico City. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe go and see the Templo Mayor (a 13th-century Aztec temple) or the baroque Catedral Metropolitana de Mexico. If you’re a fan of art, you could go to the Frida Kahlo Museum or check out the Palacio Nacional, which houses murals by Diego Rivera.

After the meeting join the group for an optional dinner.

Want to arrive earlier and experience Day of the Dead in Mexico City? Learn more here.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. 

If you are staying late or arriving early you can add extra nights at check out here or you might find it cheaper to book yourself via hotels.com  I am an affiliate with them and when you use my link I earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

Looking for something to do today? Check out these platforms for tons of activities and tours:  Viator  & Getyourguide 

Accommodation

Ibis Mexico Alameda or similar

Depart Mexico City and travel to Teotihuacan. Here, you'll discover the extraordinary ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. This was once the biggest city in the Americas and predates the Aztec Empire by many centuries. Join an expert local guide and stroll down The Avenue of the Dead to see fascinating clues as to what life here was like nearly 2000 years ago.

After lunch continue to Puebla. Stop off on the way to visit a local family who produce beautiful stonework carved from obsidian – a naturally occurring volcanic glasslike rock. Take some time to admire their striking pieces and speak to the family about their craft.

Arrive in Puebla and set out for a walk around town, visiting Calle de los Dulces (Candy Street) and the El Parian handicraft market. See the Rosary Chapel and Town Hall Palace, then as option join the group for dinner at an award-winning restaurant, where a local chef serves up local specialties in an elegant setting – the mole here comes highly recommended.

Meals Included

 • Breakfast

Included Activities

 • Teotihuacan - Archaeological Site

 • Teotihuacan - Obsidian workshop

 • Puebla - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Accommodation

Hotel San Pedro or similar

Venture out on a culinary city tour with a stop in a famous local market for lunch. Puebla is renowned for dishes that combine Spanish and pre-hispanic influences, such as chiles en nogada (stuffed chillies covered in creamy walnut sauce). Start with some Pueblan street food like tacos Arabes (a style of taco created by Puebla’s Middle Eastern immigrants) or chalupas (fried tortillas with a spicy filling). Then, make a beeline for Calle de los Dulces (Sweet Street) to sample tortitas de Santa Clara (shortbread biscuits) and camotes (sweet potato lollies). Save space for a cinnamon-dusted churro or two! Once you’re full and satisfied, perhaps check out Talavera pottery or chill out in a cantina as the rest of the day is yours. 

Meals Included

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Included Activities

• Puebla - Food tour with lunch

Accommodation

Hotel San Pedro or similar

Travel by bus to Oaxaca – a beautiful city nicknamed the ‘land of the seven moles’, hinting at its varieties of the thick sauce. When you arrive, head straight for the bustling Mercado 20 de Noviembre for a late lunch. Among the many great choices, tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza) is a staple you shouldn’t miss.

Next, visit Mercado Benito Juarez – a bountiful market taking up a full city block and brimming with produce like mole spices, pastes and towers of Oaxacan cheese. Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, or Santa Domingo Church, which is one of Oaxaca’s most iconic landmarks. A short walk from Santa Domingo Church, you'll find La Pasita, a beloved bar in Oaxaca known for its namesake drink, Pasita. Here we will try this local specialty. Pasita is a sweet, local liqueur made from a base of pecan nuts and raisin, combined with a mix of traditional Oaxacan spirits.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Included Activities

• Oaxaca - Leader-led Orientation Walk 

• Visit Santo Domingo Church and Rosary Chapel visit

• Visit to Mercado 20 de Noviembre

• Visit to Mercado Benito Juarez

• Visit to La Pasita bar for Pasita

Accommodation

Happy Express Hotel or similar

Today, visit a market with a local chef and learn about Oaxaca’s cuisine from an expert. Take the ingredients you’ve picked up and, during a special cooking class, learn how to transform them into traditional Oaxacan dishes such as mole, which you’ll then enjoy for lunch. And you can take these recipes home as a souvenir – the gift that keeps on giving!

After, explore Oaxaca’s artsy neighborhood, Jalatlaco, with your leader. Bright murals and coffee shops adorn its streets so sit down with a hot cup of caffeine from a cafe that’s been open for 140 years and take in your colorful surroundings.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Included Activities

• Cooking class

• Barrio de Jalatlaco Orientation Walk with coffee stop

Accommodation

Oaxaca Real Hotel or similar

Today, venture out of the city and take a tour of the Oaxaca region. Visit the Mitla Ruins archaeological site – once the religious center for Zapotec communities – and the Tule Tree, considered the world’s widest tree at over 11 m in diameter. The Montezuma cypress’ gnarled trunk is over 1500 years old, roughly the same as the ruins.

Stop off to try some Mexican ice cream – an important part of Mexico’s culinary history, this hand-churned ice cream is considered one of the tastiest in the world. Maybe try some traditional Beso Oaxaqueno – a fresh fruit sorbet – or a scoop seasoned with chili. Continue to a beeswax candle-making workshop, learning age-old processes passed down for generations and the intricate designs that are created.

Later, take part in a Zapotec weaving demonstration, which uses only traditional techniques, tools, patterns and organic dyes. Watch as local families craft folk clothing and rugs, some taking months to complete. Here, you’ll have a mostly plant-based lunch of regional specialties. On your way back to Oaxaca, stop by an agave mezcal factory for a tasting before returning to the city in the late afternoon.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Included Activities

• Oaxaca - Mitla Ruins archeological site

• Oaxaca - Tule Tree

• Oaxaca - Candle Making

• Oaxaca - Weaving demonstration

• Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit 

Accommodation

Happy Express Hotel or similar

 Today you will discover the Zoológico Mágico Alebrijes (Magical Alebrijes Zoo), which is a unique and enchanting attraction in Oaxaca, where the vibrant world of alebrijes (colorful, fantastical creatures in Mexican folk art) come together.

Zoológico Mágico is San Martín Tilcajete’s first female-led cooperative. The women oversee every stage of the process including carving, a dangerous task traditionally only completed by men. Alebrijes has become a significant source of income for San Martín Tilcajete, a small Zapotec pueblo located 30 miles from Oaxaca city. Here you will learn about the process and create one with a vibrant workshop.

For a memorable farewell to your Oaxaca journey, the Farewell Dinner at Las Quince Letras offers a delicious and authentic dining experience. This renowned restaurant, known for its Oaxacan cuisine, is located in the heart of the city and is famous for offering traditional dishes with a modern twist. The name "Las Quince Letras" refers to the fifteen letters of the Oaxacan alphabet, symbolizing the region’s deep-rooted culture and history.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

• Dinner

Included Activities

• Oaxaca - Zoological Magic Alebrijes workshop

• Oaxaca - Farewell dinner: Las Quince Letras

Accommodation

Happy Express Hotel or similar

Your adventure ends after breakfast. However, your trip can continue. Join us for six blissful days along the stunning Oaxaca coast, where relaxation and snorkeling await. Imagine staying in a charming beach house, steps away from the sparkling ocean, where most of your meals are lovingly prepared for you. Experience the thrill of a boat trip, exploring the breathtaking bays teeming with vibrant marine life. Dive into this serene paradise and create memories that will last a lifetime. Exciting details coming soon!

Meals Included

• Breakfast