Oaxaca Ancient & Modern Tour

At the completion of every program Viva Tours Abroad allocates monies to be donated to community activism projects and non-profit organizations in need in Oaxaca. The participants of each tour collectively decides what cause or project will be the benefactor of the donation. We will facilitate follow-up progress reports to the cause/project that the participants choose to aid.

Where: Oaxaca city, Mexico
When: June 26th -July 3rd  2024
Duration: 8 days
Group Size:  8 participants
Price: $5,814.

Overview

Soulful & Authentic Hybrid Adventure in Oaxaca:
Immersive Experiences with Modern Luxuries!

This authentic and intimate adventure lead by Dawn Feuerberg, Founder of Aurora Adventures, will immerse you into intact ancient cultures with modern exclusive experiences. Her long standing relationships of over 25 years in Oaxaca ensure a unique, well-connected adventure that would not be possible on your own. Come explore the energy of the pyramids, learn about the pre-Hispanic Zapotec culture, visit home galleries of world famous artisans, participate in culinary classes with 5 star chefs and so much more.

 

 

Itinerary

Excursions

You will visit the awe-inspiring pyramids, explore the ancient indigenous customs, and participate in artistic and cultural traditions. Many of the activities are unavailable to the casual tourist and are one of a kind.

Excursions List & Descriptions

All excursions are included
Click on each item below for a full description of each Excursion.

First we will visit Monte Alban, a massive complex of pyramids, terraces and crumbling temples that was founded in 500 A.D. This ancient ceremonial site is considered to be one of the most important examples of pre-Columbian culture in all of México.

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55On our return from Monte Alban, we will visit a small village known for it’s sculptured pottery that many of its citizens produce. The muñecas, or figures, are fanciful and intricate. This type of pottery has become a unique and very collectible art form as well as a beautiful addition to any decor. You will be given a demonstration by world famous ceramist Irma Blanco.

38The first stop on this tour is to visit a huge Mexican cypress tree  that is over 2,000 years old.  The largest tree in all of Latin America.

234The tour continues with a stop at an ancient indigenous market
founded around 1250 A.D. This pueblo’s Sunday market is one of Oaxaca’s biggest, oldest and most diverse. We also visit the main town church.

We will go out to a small village and meet with mezcaleros ( one who makes mezcal). They will share in the process of their small batch wild agave blends. We will be accompanied by one of the foremost mezcal connoisseurs of Oaxaca. On your return to Oaxaca we will visit a village known for it’s unique alebrije Art. Exquisite lunch included.

 

233On this excursion we will first visit a small Zapotec indigenous village known for it’s production of world famous colorful rugs. (tapetes).

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Nearly every home is filled with family members who card, spin and color wool, often using hand-gathered natural dyes.
59We will spend the afternoon visiting the homes of these Zapotec weavers and walking the cobblestone streets of this village nestled in the mountains of the central valley of Oaxaca. You will be treated to a traditional Zapotec meal before departing.

82This all day excursion first begins with a visit to a market town just south of Oaxaca City in the Central Valley. The town’s artisans are world famous for their black pottery (barro negro). You will then be treated to a beautiful lunch featuring one of the most famous dishes in Mexico, Chile en Nogada.64

65The last stop of the day will be at a small village known for its artisans that produce the fanciful wood carvings called Alebrijes. Participants of the program will have the opportunity to do an alebrije workshop and paint a wood “animalito”70

Activities

  • Guided Art Gallery  & Contemporary Art Tour
  • Colonial churches & museum walking tour
  • Organic Farmer’s Market
  • La Mezcaleria ( Mezcal Tasting)
  • Exquisite Dinning At 5 star Michelin worthy restaurant
  • Toltec Blessing Ceremony
  • Gourmet Cooking Class
  • Ethical shopping  to support local fair trade & women’s cooperatives

Location:

Oaxaca, Mexico
The city of Oaxaca (altitude 5070 ft.) is located in the heart of two verdant valleys and has an ideal Spring-like climate. Folk art, festivals and fascinating indigenous cultures make Oaxaca one of the most magical of Mexico’s many colonial cities. Zapotec and Mixtec ruins and traditional rural villages lie just a few miles from the beautifully preserved city center. Streets around the Plaza Principal, one of the prettiest public parks in all Mexico, have been closed to traffic and transformed into pedestrian malls. Colonial haciendas house excellent restaurants featuring world famous Oaxacan regional cuisine; some offer live music at nigh ranging from jazz to tropical. Oaxaca city with its hip cafés, art galleries, and live music scene, has a bohemian feel while maintaining its colonial charm and links to its pre-Hispanic past.

Highlights

Gourmet Cooking Demonstration & Class

People from all over the world come to Oaxaca to learn about the local ingredients, regional cooking tools and traditional cooking techniques that make Oaxacan food so distinct.

This experience will start with a visit to the Central Market where you will stroll through the aisles visiting with the vendors amongst the colorful array of region’s culinary heritage.

We will return with the the unique fruits, vegetables and spices to prepare a 4 course meal that you will enjoy with some artisanal mezcal if you wish!

Accommodations

Exclusive Historical Hotel

We will be staying in the heart of the colonial center of downtown Oaxaca in an exclusive upscale historical hotel that only has a total of 6 rooms. The hotel is in one of he most desirable neighborhoods in the center of Oaxaca City.

It is steps away from many places of interest, parks, restaurants and cafes. Your room will have 24-hour front desk service, Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, multilingual staff, concierge services, Wifi.


Inclusions

What’s Included

(This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden costs.)

  • 7 nights in 4 star hotel in colonial downtown with delicious regional  breakfast daily
  • Welcoming ceremony and ritual with Spiritual Leader of Toltec Wisdom, Armando Cruz Sanchez
  • Entrance fees to archeological sites and museums
  • 4 Behind-the-scenes excursions with fully insured luxury transportation
  • 7 authentic & exquisite freshly prepared main meals.
  • Off the beaten path tours of Oaxaca City
  • Authentic Oaxacan Cooking Class
  • Dynamic onsite director and guides
  • Airport transfer to/from Oaxaca City Airport
  • Pre-departure Advising

What’s not included:

Airfare to and from Oaxaca, 2 meals, Guide gratuities, Excess baggage charges, Alcoholic beverages, Airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry fees, immunizations or insurance of any kind.

Travel

If you are planning to travel with the group, contact us immediately to find out the specifics of the group flight. The sooner you make your reservation the more likely you will be able to travel with the group. Otherwise you may make other travel arrangements.

IMPORTANT NOTES

This program is based on a minimum of 12 participants. In the event that the program does not fill, the trip will be cancelled and any deposits and payments fees will be returned to the participants.

Safe & Secure Travel

Each program includes:

  • Insured, comfortable and air conditioned vehicles are provided for transportation in the host country.
  • Each participant is required to purchase  Trip Cancellation & Medical Travel Insurance.
  • Pre-departure advising
  • Pre-departure and onsite orientations
  • Risk Management & Crisis management plan

Cost

All-inclusive Program Cost

$1,000 deposit or
$5,814 Payment in full
Oaxaca Ancient & Modern Tour

  Space Limited to 8

Register Now

or
CUSTOMIZE THIS TOUR!
You pick the dates, the pace, the focus, the budget…

Call Now 805.540.1762Customize this Adventure

Contact us at 805-540-1762 if you would like to pay personal check.

Click here to view our Cancellation Policy


Reviews

This was more than a trip... where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that... I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer... a beautiful journey!

Michelle Cobbs, Morro Bay, California

I was the senior woman (81 years Young) on this trip, and I signed up with some trepidation, but “not to worry.” For me, the trip was invigorating and very memorable. We interacted with the indigenous people during all the activities planned by our guide and mentor, Dawn, who clearly had our best interests and our safety as her constant priority. We were totally immersed. I will not forget that I was treated with love, kindness, consideration, and respect during the entire trip by Dawn, fellow travelers, villagers, and various merchants. Gracias!

Edie Juck, Pismo Beach, California

I am so glad I decided to join the group with my 2 daughters. It has been an incredible vacation. It gave us the opportunity to experience the local culture without the “Turista” feeling. The Many excursions offered are great; organized in a way that everybody feels relaxed, is not rushed, and has a lot of fun- Great, Great Program!!!”

Giovanna Pegolo, Pasadena, Ca.

About Your Guides

Dawn Feuerberg (AKA Aurora in Spanish)

Owner and founder of Aurora Adventures, LLC.

Dawn has been leading & designing customized tours since 1995. She has a master’s in Spanish Literature and taught at the college level for over 20 years. She is a yoga practitioner of 30 years, a meditation guide, a surfer and mother of 2 daughters. For the past decade she has joyfully taught non-dual tantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, goddess energy meditation and shamanic rituals. She is a community builder and leads full moon ceremonies on the Central Coast of California.

 

Traveling for her is all about the connections.  At a very young age she began to travel alone seeking out and connecting with the aboriginal, the indigenous and the authentic local life abroad. Often times finding herself being the only non-native in the region. Her longstanding relationships abroad give her clients access into an enriching, in depth local experience. She is both well connected and enthusiastic about sharing her access with others. She values the genuine art of discovery travel for all ages and creates flexible itineraries that provide opportunities to make new discoveries.

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