Oaxaca Extension

You will arrive in the World Heritage listed city of Oaxaca. Today is an arrival day and you are free to explore. Once the centre of Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations, there are numerous archaeological sites to be found within the city including the settlements of Monte Alban and Mitla. At the city’s centre you’ll find the main square, or Zocalo, as well as the Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca and its attractive baroque façade. Considered the foodie capital and gastronomical hub of Mexico, be sure to also visit one of its colourful rooftop restaurants and bars.

Today you will take a walking tour of the Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre Markets and have the opportunity to taste some of Oaxaca’s local cuisine. Some unusual things to try are grasshoppers (chapulines), Tejate (a fermented drink), Nieves Oaxaquenas (Oaxacan ice cream), Nicuatole (a gelatinous dessert made from ground corn and sugar) and Tlayudas (a Mexican pizza that uses folded tortillas).

You will enjoy a tour of the Monte Alban World Heritage site. Situated on a mountain in Oaxaca’s west, Monte Alban is one of the largest remaining archaeological sites of the Zapotec civilisation. The city was founded in 500BC and was once the capital of Zapotec culture. Considered a triumph of engineering, there are a number of structures to visit including the Gran Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace and the North and South Plazas.

You will be transferred to the airport to fly to your next destination.