Taste of Mexico: Mexico City and Oaxaca
Overview
Embark on a flavour-filled journey through Southern Mexico, where rich culinary traditions, vibrant culture and authentic regional character come together. From the energy of cosmopolitan surroundings to the deep-rooted flavours and time-honoured traditions of Oaxaca, this thoughtfully curated escape offers a delicious and immersive introduction to Mexico’s diverse gastronomic heritage.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Mexico
- Mexico City
- San Juan Teotihuacán
- Oaxaca de Juárez
- Santa María del Tule
- San Pablo Villa de Mitla
- Teotitlán del Valle
- San Isidro Roaguía
- Historic Center of Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City, Mexico
- Teotihuacan Pyramids (Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon), Mexico City, Mexico
- Xochimilco Canals, Mexico City, Mexico
- Mitla Archaeological Site, San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Mexico
- Hierve el Agua, San Lorenzo Albarradas, Mexico
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Mexico City (if flight & hotel option is chosen)
- Round-trip flight in Economy Class between Mexico City and Oaxaca de Juárez
- Shared airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers, unless otherwise noted
- 9 nights in Superior accommodations (5 nights in Mexico City, 4 nights in Oaxaca de Juárez)
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
- More Moments inclusions:
- Historic Centre Food guided walking tour
- Teotihuacán and Shrine of Guadalupe tour
- Private Tacos and Mezcal tour
- Southern Neighbourhoods and Xochimilco tour
- Sunset Cocktail tour
- Guided city walking tour, featuring a mezcal experience
- mperio Mixteca tour
- Cooking class, featuring a 3-course dinner
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Welcome to Mexico City!
Scheduled flight to Mexico City International Airport.
Upon arrival, clear customs and immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit. A local representative will be waiting with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name and will assist with your transfer to the hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional experiences are available at an additional cost and can be arranged and paid for directly with your local representative.
Day 2
Mexico City
After breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable culinary adventure through the Historic Centre of Mexico City. Tantalize your taste buds as you discover the rich flavours, aromas and culinary traditions that have made Mexican cuisine so renowned.
Note: Transfers to and from the meeting point are not included. Your local tour guide will provide the meeting point details locally.
Following this flavour-filled experience, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Historic Centre Food guided walking tour
Along the way, you’ll visit 8 tasting locations, savour more than 13 exquisite tastings, and stroll through authentic, non-touristy neighbourhoods that provide a deeper and more genuine connection to the city. This one-of-a-kind experience invites you to discover fascinating ingredients in bustling markets, sample incredible street food and visit establishments rich in gastronomic tradition. Guided by passionate, warm and highly knowledgeable hosts who love sharing the story of the city and its extraordinary cuisine, you’ll enjoy a truly immersive and transformative culinary journey.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Mexico City – San Juan Teotihuacán – Mexico City
After breakfast, meet your local guide and embark on another exciting full-day experience. Today’s journey connects Mexico’s spiritual traditions with its ancient heritage, offering a fascinating introduction to the country’s rich culture and history.
Following the tour, return to your hotel to freshen up before this afternoon’s culinary experience, celebrating the taco, one of Mexico’s most iconic traditional foods.
After your taste buds are satisfied, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Teotihuacán and Shrine of Guadalupe tour
Begin your morning at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of Latin America’s most important pilgrimage sites. Explore its historic basilica complex, including the original 16th-century chapel and the striking modern basilica.
Continue to the Teotihuacán Archaeological Site, the legendary City of the Gods. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead and admire the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon while your expert guide brings the ancient city’s history and mysteries to life.
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Private Tacos and Mezcal tour
Discover the art of handmade tortillas and the traditions behind Mexico City’s beloved taco culture, including the unique “honour system” between diners and taqueros. Visit carefully selected taquerías and a traditional mezcalería, where passionate local hosts share the history, flavours and character behind each experience. This private driving tour allows you to travel comfortably between stops while experiencing more of the city.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Mexico City
After breakfast, meet your local tour guide and set out on another exciting full-day sightseeing experience. Today is all about contrasts and colours, where contemporary creativity meets timeless tradition.
Following the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Southern Neighbourhoods and Xochimilco tour
Begin with a panoramic drive through La Roma and La Condesa, known for their Art Deco architecture, lush parks and vibrant café culture. Continue past the Polyforum Siqueiros before a stop outside Ciudad Universitaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view the Olympic Stadium and Central Library’s iconic mosaic mural.
Continue to Xochimilco, the Venice of the Americas, where you’ll board a colorful trajinera and cruise its ancient canals, surrounded by floating gardens and vibrant local life.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Mexico City – Oaxaca de Juárez
After breakfast, your local representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and assist with your transfer to Mexico City International Airport for your flight to Oaxaca de Juárez.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name. You’ll be transferred to your hotel to check in and freshen up before this afternoon’s experience.
Late this afternoon, meet your local guide and enjoy an exciting cocktail experience celebrating Oaxaca’s vibrant flavours and distinctive drinking culture. Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Sunset Cocktail tour
Begin your Oaxaca experience with a relaxed cocktail hour (included) at one of the city’s inviting rooftop venues. Take in beautiful city views while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere and a refreshing drink, setting the perfect tone for your time in Oaxaca.
Note: The rooftop location will be provided at destination.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Oaxaca de Juárez
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set out on an enriching full-day experience that combines the vibrant character, cultural heritage and authentic flavours of Oaxaca with a memorable mezcal tasting experience.
Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Guided city walking tour, featuring a mezcal experience
Begin with a guided walking tour through Oaxaca’s historic and cultural heart, including visits to key landmarks, local markets and artisan workshops. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own, with the opportunity to sample traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
Continue to a renowned mezcal tasting room to sample a selection of high-quality mezcals while learning about their production and cultural heritage. Afterward, join a hands-on cocktail workshop with a local host, where you’ll explore traditional mezcal-based cocktails and create your own. Dinner is at leisure, with local recommendations provided to complete your evening.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Oaxaca de Juárez –San Pablo Villa de Mitla – Teotitlán del Valle – Oaxaca de Juárez
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a full-day tour showcasing the rich heritage, traditions and natural beauty that define this remarkable region.
Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Imperio Mixteca tour
Begin with a visit to the Tree of Tule, where you’ll marvel at this ancient and impressive natural wonder. Continue to the Mitla Archaeological Site, an important Zapotec archaeological site known for its striking geometric stone mosaics and rich cultural history.
Next, travel to Teotitlán del Valle, where local artisans preserve ancestral weaving traditions using natural dyes and traditional handcrafting techniques. Learn about their craft and meet the families keeping this cultural heritage alive.
Continue to Hierve el Agua, a spectacular natural formation resembling cascading waterfalls, offering breathtaking panoramic views and the opportunity to enjoy its natural pools.
End the day at a traditional mezcal palenque, where you’ll learn about the artisanal production.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Oaxaca de Juárez
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a full-day gastronomic journey through Oaxaca, immersing yourself in the region’s rich culinary traditions, authentic flavours and vibrant food culture.
Note: A light breakfast is recommended to ensure you have plenty of room to fully enjoy this culinary experience.
Afterward, return to your hotel to freshen up before continuing your culinary adventure with dinner at a local restaurant, which will be confirmed by your guide at destination.
At the end of this memorable culinary experience, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Cooking class, featuring a 3-course dinner
Begin your culinary adventure with a sampling journey through Oaxaca’s vibrant markets, discovering local ingredients and tasting traditional delicacies, including the iconic chocolate con leche. Next, visit a renowned cooking school and restaurant for a hands-on class led by a local chef, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes using fresh, local ingredients before enjoying the meal you’ve prepared.
After the class, return to your hotel to refresh before dinner. Your guide will provide personalized restaurant recommendations based on your tastes and preferences for a memorable evening.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 9
Oaxaca de Juárez – Mexico City
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll meet a local representative in the hotel lobby. They will assist you with your transfer to Oaxaca International Airport for your flight to Mexico City International Airport.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Mexico City - Canada
After breakfast, meet a local representative in the lobby of your hotel. They will assist you with your transfer to Mexico City International Airport for your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): King, queen or twin beds
Room occupancy: Max. 3 guests, any combination
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Ideal for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Earn more with Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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Dates of operation: Jan. 1, 2027 - Dec. 31, 2027
Frequency: Daily
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
- Transfers for optional activities, or any additional transfers outside those listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
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- Van/car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers
- Plane between Mexico City and Oaxaca de Juárez
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- The establishments included in the gastronomic experiences can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, guests with food allergies and other special dietary needs. Please advise of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
- Food-tasting venues and inclusions may be subject to change without prior notice.
- Food-tasting tours proceed rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
- The tour duration indicated in your itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and operational constraints.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
- Some drives on this itinerary may involve winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend planning accordingly.
- The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.