Mexico in Color
Take a culinary masterclass in Oaxaca, sip tequila at one of the oldest bars in Mexico City & watch a lucha libre wrestling show
What's included
- Max 14 travelers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
A magical history. A culinary prowess. Tacos. Tequila. Lucha libre…enter Mexico’s rainbow world and everything you’ve ever known will look a little sepia in comparison.
Starting strong on day one, you’ll enjoy a tequila tasting at one of Mexico City’s most iconic bars, dating all the way back to 1912 – the perfect ice breaker amongst new friends. Next, a private gondola-style boat ride along the canals of Xochimilco (complete with Mariachi band) and a chance to get lost in the colorful madness of Coyoacán’s local market. And you can forget your traditional bar crawl when in the capital. It’s all about the ‘taco crawl’ here, and trust us when we say we’ll take you to the very best (and little-known) taquerias.
Beyond bustling Mexico City? You’ll witness the magic and majesty of the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacán. You’ll wander the rainbow-colored streets of Puebla and you’ll embrace the bedlam of the masked superheroes at a Lucha Libre wrestling show. There’ll be moments of calm as you learn to paint folk art sculptures at an Oaxaca workshop, and moments of wonder at the brilliance of your private chef as you spend hours in a culinary masterclass. All wrapped up with a stint along the golden sands of Puerto Escondido for dolphin spotting and beach living.
This is Mexico in color. Are you ready to see?
- Touch down in Mexico City, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your stylish hotel close to the Zócalo plaza
- Get to know your Pack Leader and group over a welcome dinner in a traditional local restaurant
- Sip tequila in Café de Tacuba, one of the city’s oldest bars, whose past patrons have included presidents and rockstars
- Explore Mexico City on a walking tour, starting in the historic center and stopping off for tacos (what else?) at the best local taquerias
- Head across town to the canals of Xochimilco where you’ll board a lively trajinera (a gondola-style boat) complete with a Mariachi-style band
- Visit the traditional old neighborhood of Coyoacán to explore its market with its rich hub of colour and exotic products
- The Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacán calls, where you’ll explore its vast ancient pyramids, Temple of Quetzalcoatl and Avenue of the Dead
- Take an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride (additional cost) over Teotihuacán for a spectacular aerial view
- Witness the drama of a lucha libre wrestling show in Puebla; these flamboyant masked superheroes are pop cultural legends in Mexico
- Journey across a high desert plateau to the World Heritage city of Oaxaca, with its preserved colonial center and Monte Albán archaeological zone
- Explore the historic center on a local-led walking tour, showcasing the city’s most famous sights, as well as the lesser-known
- Visit the traditional market of 20 de Noviembre, where you can taste memelas cakes, traditional soups and even grasshoppers
- Start your day with a food-hopping tour of Tlacolula, a traditional Sunday market; sampling tacos, barbacoa (pulled meat) and crackly chicharrón (deep-fried pork skin)
- Visit a local mezcal distillery to learn about the traditional agave process, before getting to sample delicious varieties
- End the day with cocktails at a rooftop bar in downtown Oaxaca
- Work with a renowned Oaxacan chef to prepare a gourmet five-course meal, sourcing ingredients from the local market and creating your own menu
- Visit a traditional alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk art) workshop and create your own masterpiece to take home
- Travel to the 2000-meter-high town of San José del Pacífico, known for its magic mushrooms, used by both curanderos (traditional healers) and tourists
- Continue to the lively coastal town of Puerto Escondido with its stunning beaches and surf breaks, oceanfront bars and restaurants
- Spend a free afternoon exploring the town or grab a snorkel and explore the thriving offshore reef
- Embark on a private three-hour dolphin-watching tour aboard a panga (local fishing boat); keeping a lookout for turtles, manta rays and flying fish too
- Spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach or exploring the local town, sharing a cocktail with your fellow Flashpackers
- After breakfast, bid farewell to your new Flash Pack friends and make your way to the airport for your onward journey
- Mexico’s energy and color will stay with you for a long time. A destination of addictive vibrancy, you’ll be left with endless tales of adventure and friendship. An adventure that has the power to brighten your days long after you return home
Our favorite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Histórico Central Hotel, Mexico City
This 19th-century beautifully restored building captures the soul of Mexico City, and is perfectly located at the heart of the city’s historic centre. The rooftop terrace comes with sweeping views of the city, and most evenings you’ll find live jazz or bossa nova music here.
Casa De Sierra Azul, Oaxaca
You’ll feel transported back to 19th-century Mexico as you step through the doors of this noble mansion, with its arcades of frescoes, classic balconies and pretty courtyard fountain made of green stone, for which the city is famous. Spacious rooms feature all mod cons yet retain many original features.
Hotel Santa Fe, Puerto Escondido
This colonial-style hotel at the quieter end of Zicatela beach, feels like a private estate. Set within lush tropical grounds, it features 3 gorgeous pools, a huge alfresco terrace and an open-air palapa restaurant with rustic Mexican decor. It’s the perfect place to chill but with plenty of nightlife action within walking distance.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly into? Plus airport code
Fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX), and out of either Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) or Bahias De Huatulco International Airport (HUX).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please try to arrive before 3 pm. Your welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5:30 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 30 minutes away from the airport.
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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 15 minutes away from your final hotel.
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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. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 7.50-10 USD per day
- Drivers: 3 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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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.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized 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 specialized 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.
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What fitness levels do I need for this adventure?
There will be quite a lot of walking on city tours, 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.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Activities and some meals are included in the adventure cost, so you won’t need to spend much money other than for souvenirs and the meals that aren’t included. In hotels and establishments that cater primarily to tourists, expect to pay about 25% less for food and drinks than you would at a similar place back home. However, your Pack Leader will help you find the best local places that offer great value.
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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. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.
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