Quick Details
OVERVIEW
We will start our trip in Mexico City, a place full of history, art and culture, visiting its most important and iconic spots, such as the Historic Center, Coyoacan and Xochimilco. We will then head to the state of Oaxaca, home of the Guelaguetza, one of the largest cultural festivals in the world.
The Guelaguetza is a cultural festival in Oaxaca, Mexico that takes place on the last two Mondays in July. The festival is a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and the diversity of its indigenous communities. It features traditional dances, music, food, and crafts from the different regions of Oaxaca. The festival has its roots in pre-Hispanic traditions of offering tribute to the gods and celebrating the cycles of nature. Visitors can expect to see a dazzling array of traditional costumes, colorful textiles, and intricate crafts, as well as sample the delicious cuisine of the region. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Oaxaca’s cultural heritage and is an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the region’s unique identity and spirit. The Guelaguetza is a must-see event for anyone interested in the rich diversity of Mexico’s cultural traditions.
In addition, we will visit the main highlights of the beautiful city of Oaxaca and its surroundings, such as Monte Alban, El Arbol de Tule and Hierve el Agua, to complement this unique experience.
The trip is planned to be full of culture, history and lots of fun, without leaving comfort aside. Dare to come with us and be part of this stunning adventure!
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Welcome to Mexico City! We will check in at the 5-star hotel Hotel Geneve. Tomorrow we will start our great adventure.
Breakfast at the hotel at 9:30 am. During the morning we will visit Coyoacan, walking down the streets of this bohemian quarter that reflects the time of the Spanish conquest. Here we will taste “pulque”, an ancestral drink from pre-Hispanic times.
In the afternoon we will go to Xochimilco, taking a boat tour through its canals to appreciate the natural surroundings.
Breakfast at the hotel at 9:30 am. In the morning we will reach the Zócalo of Mexico City to walk through its side streets full of history, murals and pre-Hispanic vestiges. Afterwards we will taste some of the best street food this city famous for its gastronomy has to offer.
In the afternoon we will depart for Oaxaca, where we will spend the night.
Breakfast at the hotel at 9:30 am. This day will be dedicated to the Guelaguetza. We will head off to the Cerro del Fortín, home of this beautiful tradition, in which folkloric, cultural and sports presentations merge. Here we will be spectators of the Guelaguetza, the Bani Stui Gulal and the Legend of Princess Donají, daughter of the Zapotec king Cosijoeza and the princess Coyolicatzin, as well as the cycling races.
Breakfast at the hotel at 9:30. We will head for the archaeological site of Monte Alban. Afterwards, we will visit the town of Arrazola, which is famous for the carving of alebrijes, brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures. Finally, we will visit the town of Coyotepec, known for its beautiful black pottery.
Breakfast at the hotel at 9:30 am. In the morning we will drive to Santa Maria del Tule, to appreciate the Arbol del Tule, the widest tree in the world. After that we will visit the archaeological site of Mitla, and finish the day at the beautiful petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua.
Breakfast at the hotel at 9:30 am. We will leave in the morning towards Mexico City, where we will end our tour.
This boutique hotel will be our lodging in Oaxaca. This colonial-style hotel offers attractive suites with balconies and free Wi-Fi. Set in San Felipe, Hotel La Casa de Adobe features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant. More info
Yes, the festival is open to visitors from all over the world.
You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the festival involves a lot of walking and standing. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen, as it can get quite hot during the day.
No, we want you to be free to decide what and where to eat, so we only include some snacks and traditional food samples within the Street Food Tours.
Yes, there are many food vendors offering traditional Oaxacan cuisine, such as tamales, mole, and chapulines.
Some tips include arriving early to get a good seat, bringing cash as many vendors do not accept credit cards, and being respectful to the performers and traditions of the festival. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed, as the festival can be quite crowded.
Yes. We believe that a visit to Mexico City is perfect to complement this tour because of its enormous cultural, historical and geographical richness. Nevertheless, you can purchase the Oaxaca only tour.
While the festival can be quite crowded and some areas may be difficult to navigate, there are usually accommodations for people with disabilities as well. It’s a good idea to check with organizers beforehand to see what options are available.
Yes, photography and videography are allowed at the festival, but it’s important to be respectful of the performers and other participants.
Some popular souvenirs include traditional textiles, pottery, and other crafts made by local artisans.
No, tips are 100% optional, and at no time are you obligated to leave them, but your guide, driver or waiter will be grateful to receive them if they did a good job.
La Guelaguetza
The Guelaguetza is a cultural festival that takes place annually in the city of Oaxaca de Juarez, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The festival, which is also known as the Lunes del Cerro (“Mondays on the Hill”) is a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and the diversity of its indigenous communities.
The Guelaguetza typically takes place on the last two Mondays in July, although festivities may last for several days after the main event. The festival is divided in two parts, with each Monday featuring a different set of dances, music, and performances.
During the Guelaguetza, visitors can expect to see a dazzling array of traditional costumes, colorful textiles, and intricate crafts, as well as try the delicious cuisine of the region. The festival is a celebration of Oaxaca’s many cultural traditions, and it represents an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together and experience the region’s unique identity and spirit.
The festival’s origins date back to pre-Hispanic times, when the indigenous peoples of Oaxaca would gather to celebrate the cycles of nature and offer tribute to their gods. Over time, the festival has evolved into a more secular celebration of the region’s cultural diversity, although many of the traditional customs and practices are still observed.
One of the highlights of the Guelaguetza is the traditional folk dancing, which features groups of dancers from different regions and communities of Oaxaca performing complex choreography in colorful costumes. The dances are accompanied by music played on traditional instruments, such as the marimba, the jarana, and the quijada.
Another important aspect of the festival is the traditional food, which includes regional specialties such as tamales, mole, and chapulines (roasted grasshoppers). Visitors can also browse the numerous handicrafts on display, which range from intricately woven textiles to pottery, wood carvings, and other folk art.
Overall, the Guelaguetza is a vibrant celebration of Oaxaca’s cultural heritage and a testament to the resilience and vitality of its indigenous communities. It is a must-see event for anyone interested in the rich diversity of Mexico’s cultural traditions.
