Arriving in Mexico City is a joyous assault on the senses. This colourful, cultural and charismatic capital will turn your head from the moment you leave the airport. A Flash Pack transfer will whisk you to your stylish hotel close to the Zócalo plaza, the ceremonial center of the former Aztec capital, once named Tenochtitlán. After your welcome dinner, you’ll proceed to one of the city’s oldest bars, Café de Tacuba, set in a former convent. Just a few steps from the bustle of Calle Tacuba in the historic district, the venue has hosted a slew of the country’s presidents and rock stars. And, of course, there’s time for a tequila tasting (or the renowned hot chocolate) after.  

This morning, you’ll be exploring the city in the most intimate fashion: on foot. Starting in the historic centre, you’ll visit the imposing Cathedral, with its double towers and, inside, five centuries of Mexican art; don’t forget to look up. From here, it’s on to the Palace of Fine Arts – with fresco murals by Diego Rivera – and the Templo Mayor Museum, before going on a taco crawl lunch, visiting some of the best local taquerias in the city. This afternoon, you’ll head across town to the canals of Xochimilco where you’ll board a lively trajinera (a gondola-style boat) with a Mariachi-style band and perhaps a few more tequilas. Finally, you’ll visit the traditional old neighborhood of Coyoacán to explore its market with its rich hub of colour and exotic products.

This is a day of two halves. You’ll start with an eye-opening walking tour through the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacán, located 50 kilometres northeast of the capital, surrounded by lush green highlands. There’s also the option to book a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride over the temples for an additional cost, just let us know if this is something you’d be interested in (in our opinion, it’s not to be missed). You’ll take a guided walk around the main structures: the Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and along the Avenue of the Dead. Come evening, it’s a complete change of scene. You’ll travel to the historic town of Puebla to witness first-hand the dramatic spectacle of good versus evil in a Lucha Libre wrestling show; these flamboyant masked superheroes are pop cultural legends in Mexico.

Before bidding adieu to Puebla, you’ll pay a visit to the 17th-century Rosary Chapel, one of the most prominent examples of Mexican Baroque; known for its ornamentation, the walls and ceilings are adorned with gilded stucco, pretty talavera tiles and oil paintings. Let the windows do the talking on a scenic drive along the Altiplano, the country’s mammoth high desert plateau, to Oaxaca, where the colonial centre and Monte Albán archaeological zone have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. You’ll be introduced to the town, strongly regarded for its rich cultural heritage, on a walking tour through the historic centre. Also known as the culinary capital of Mexico, you’ll visit the traditional market of 20 de Noviembre. You’ll be lucky enough to experience it with your guide who will be able to translate and direct you towards the impressive local delicacies worth sampling, such as memelas cakes, traditional soups and, for the adventurous, grasshoppers.

Today you’ll explore the wider Oaxaca Valley. To start? Food-hopping the stalls at Tlacolula, a traditional Sunday market. It might be breakfast time but it’s never too early to consume tacos, traditional barbacoa (pulled meat), or crackly chicharrón (deep-fried pork skin). Next, you’ll visit a local mezcal distillery to learn about the traditional process which uses varying types of agave to make the alcoholic drink, and you’ll sample different varieties. Back in Oaxaca, you’ll share stories of the day over cocktails in a downtown rooftop bar. 

In true Flash Pack style, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a renowned Oaxacan chef to prepare a gourmet five-course meal. The masterclass begins at his home where you’ll create your own menu as a group, advised by one of the most regarded cooks in the local area. You’ll then head off to the local market together to source fresh local ingredients, learning what combination of food and flavours are needed to craft a delicious meal. Back at the house you’ll prep and cook as a team, before having the chance to sit down and savour the end result. From here, you’ll visit a traditional alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk art) workshop, where you will learn about their importance in the region and paint your own to take home as a beautiful and unique memento.

It’s time to wave adiós to the city and head for the glorious coastline. En route, you’ll stop in San José del Pacífico, a small town nuzzled at over 2,000 metres in the mountains. Known for its magic mushrooms, used by both curanderos (traditional healers) and tourists, they are sacred here and imperative to the local economy. You’ll continue on to the lively beach town of Puerto Escondido, a stunning stretch of pristine beaches with surfable waves, oceanfront bars and restaurants, and reefs crying out for a snorkel. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy at your leisure.

This expanse of coast is awash with sea life, which is exactly what you’ll enjoy on your final full day. You’ll start the morning with a dolphin-watching tour with the group aboard a private panga (a small, motorised fishing boat) for a three-hour cruise, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot playful pods swimming in their natural habitat. With any luck, you’ll also spot sea turtles, manta rays and flying fish. During the dry season of November to March, you’ll also have a chance to witness the magnificence of nose-diving humpback whales. The rest of the day will be spent on dry land, relaxing on the beach, exploring the town or sharing a cocktail with your fellow Flashpackers. 

While it’s the end of the trip, it’s just the beginning of, hopefully, what will become life-long friendships, solidified through the incredible adventures you’ve shared in colourful and vibrant Mexico. As with all our trips, our wonderful Pack Leader can help you arrange transport back to the airport for your flight. And, if you’re missing your new friends on the journey home, why not get planning that next life-affirming Flash Pack adventure?