Mexico: a Taste of Oaxaca

Searching for a city bursting with intense colour, famously good flavours and the warmest of Mexican welcomes? You can’t do much better than this escape to Oaxaca

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
Local transport
Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Arrival airport transfer
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

If you’re searching for a city break bursting with colour, flavour and the warmest of Mexican welcomes – this five-day escape has it covered.

In a place known as Mexico’s cultural capital, it’s only right that we dazzle you with a street food tour and chef-led cooking masterclass, uncovering all the stories behind world-famous Oaxacan cuisine. On the drinks front, a mezcal maestro showing off local distilleries is a highlight you won’t forget – not least given the finale feast, complete with mezcal pairings.

Speaking of standout experiences, a temazcal steam bath brings a chance to tap your spiritual side in an ancient Mayan ritual. You’ll also discover street art, bustling neighbourhoods and some iconic Oaxacan landmarks (hello, Hierve el Agua). All this, plus gorgeous digs and a group of like-minded solo travellers? You’d be mad to miss it…

Cook up a Oaxacan feast

Meet your private Flash Pack transfer at the airport and settle into your hotel in the heart of Oaxaca
Kick off your adventure with a three-hour cooking masterclass, learning to make memelas (toasted cakes), mole sauces and handmade tortillas

Street food & a temazcal ritual

Explore the cobblestone alleys of Barrio de Jalatlaco, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, dotted with art galleries, cafes and colour-popping murals
Sample local food at the 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez markets, seeking out Anthony Bourdain’s favourite pork tacos (in the world)
Take part in an ancient temazcal ritual involving a steam bath, indigenous chanting and aromatic herbs

Petrified waterfalls & ancient trees

Marvel at the ethereal Hierve el Agua (“the water boils”), a rare petrified waterfall where giant rock shelves emerge from the valley amid cascades of calcified water
In the weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle, visit a family who create elaborate Velas de Concha (Zapotec shell candles), thought to emit positive energy
Bask in the beauty of El Árbol del Tule, a 2000-year-old Montezuma cypress tree, and see which animal figures you can spot in its gnarly 14-metre trunk

Take a mezcal masterclass

Spend the day with a mezcal maestro (yes, that’s a thing), visiting two family-run distilleries and an agave field, with plenty of tastings of course
Enjoy a special mezcal-paired feast at a garden restaurant in Oaxaca, where each dish will be expertly matched with one of the 34 different varieties
Gather for a farewell dinner with your group and raise a toast to the adventure you’ve shared

Hasta Luego, Oaxaca

Short but oh so sweet, it’s time to bid farewell to your new Flash Pack friends and make your own way to the airport
In just five days you’ve managed to escape the daily grind and swap it for incredible feasts, emotive ancient rituals and spectacular natural wonders. Just the tonic you needed to reset and unwind. Now you’re ready to take on the world again

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Casona Oaxaca

Dating back to the 1800s, this former tavern once hosted the noblest of families visiting the city. The grand colonial-style rooms are set around a plant-filled courtyard in earthy hues of burnt amber, terracotta and mustard. Best of all is the location, just a block from Oaxaca’s main square, putting you right in the heart of the atmospheric old town.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly in and out of Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), also known as Xoxocotlán Airport.

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to arrive before 3 pm on Day 1. Your welcome meeting will be at 5 pm at the hotel, which is a half-hour drive from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

Check out is at 12 pm. There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from the hotel and we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before departure.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What fitness levels do I need for this adventure?

There will be a bit of walking on the Oaxaca art and street food neighbourhood tour, but overall this adventure does not require a high level of physical fitness.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

What will the temazacal experience be like?

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in for this traditional sweat lodge experience lasting around an hour and a half.

The herbal cleansing part of the activity will take place outdoors but you’ll also be inside a sweat lodge for group breathing exercises. This space will be dark and windowless, but there will be light coming in from the open doors.

Those with claustrophobia might want to skip this activity, but those who don’t mind will be immersed in a thick, healing steam as the curandero, or healer, stokes volcanic rocks with buckets of water

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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