Magical Mexico: Oaxaca
July 18-23, 2025
Guelaguetza, Flavors, & Traditions Unveiled
Denver Botanic Gardens and Reefs to Rockies invite you on a vibrant journey to Oaxaca, Mexico, during its most spectacular annual event—La Guelaguetza. This colorful festival unites Oaxaca’s 16 ethnolinguistic groups in a celebration of the region’s rich cultural diversity. Adorned in traditional attire, communities perform their unique folk dances, and in a joyous finale, they share offerings from their respective regions with the crowd.
Immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s artistic and culinary traditions, where history comes alive in every corner. Explore the city and nearby villages, meet artisans preserving centuries-old techniques, and savor authentic flavors in a special cooking class. This thoughtfully curated tour provides a deep connection to Oaxaca’s culture, art, and food—an experience that will leave you in awe of the region’s vibrant heritage. Join us for an unforgettable journey that celebrates the essence of Guelaguetza!
Collaboration trip with Denver Botanic Gardens hosted by Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, Associate Director of Community Relations.
About Your Host: Meet Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, your passionate guide to the heart of Mexico. Born and raised in South Texas, Yvonne‘s deep-rooted love for her Mexican heritage infuses every aspect of her life and work. Her bicultural, bilingual roots bridge cultures effortlessly, connecting travelers with the vibrant traditions, flavors, and stories of Mexico.
As a community leader and cultural ambassador,Yvonne‘s mission is to share the soul of her beloved country, from its breathtaking landscapes to its rich artistic expressions and culinary wonders. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her personal connection to Mexico runs deep, ensuring that your journey with her goes far beyond typical tourism.
With Yvonne as your host, you’ll venture off the beaten path to experience the true magic, depth, and diversity of Mexican life, creating unforgettable memories and celebrating the authentic culture, connections, and community that make Mexico truly special.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Fri, July 18) – Arrival to Oaxaca City ~ Arrival to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX) and transfer to hotel.
Accommodations: Hotel Azul de Oaxaca
Meals: None
Day 2 (Sat, July 19) – Oaxaca City ~ Experience the vibrant culture and history of Oaxaca City on a walking tour through its colorful streets. Explore stunning architecture, the city’s bustling atmosphere and artistic charm. This city tour offers a glimpse into the heart of Oaxaca’s cultural heritage and is an excellent way to start your first full day in Mexico. Experience Oaxacan gastronomy this afternoon during our Welcome Lunch.
The region’s energy will be palpable this afternoon during The Guelaguetza Delegates Parade, a vibrant celebration of the state’s rich cultural diversity. Delegates from different regions of Oaxaca march through the streets in traditional attire, performing dances, and sharing regional music. The parade showcases the deep-rooted traditions of indigenous communities and is a colorful prelude to the annual Guelaguetza festival.
Accommodations: Hotel Azul de Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 (Sun, July 20) – San Martin Tilcajete & San Bartolo Coyotopec ~ Today we’ll travel to two different communities famous for local artisans. In San Martin Tilcajete, we’ll have a workshop at Manos que Ven (Hands That See) with internationally acclaimed sculptor Juan José Garcia Antonio who lost his sight decades ago, but retained his talent in his memory and his hands. We’ll also visit the community of San Bartolo Coyotopec to learn about Barro Negro (Black Clay) pottery with Maestro Matias Reyes. Lunch today is at Restaurante Alfonsina.
For those interested, there’s the option to go to see an evening showing of The Legend of Princess Donaji at the Guelaguetza Auditorium.
Accommodations: Hotel Azul de Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 (Mon, July 21) – Monte Albán & Guelaguetza ~ Full morning visit to the archaeological site of Monte Albán, the ancient center of Zapotec and Mixtec culture dating back to the 8th Century. Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of Mexico’s most culturally rich archaeological sites that towers 400 meters above the valley floor from a hilltop a few kilometers west of Oaxaca. Through exploring numerous pyramids, temples, and altars visitors will be treated with gorgeous 360-degree views of the city and surrounding valleys on clear days.
The afternoon is ours at leisure.
This evening we’ll celebrate Guelaguetza, a Zapotec word meaning “offering”. Its meaning goes far beyond the festival of the same name. In traditional villages when there is cause to celebrate, people attending the party will bring items necessary for the celebration – food, drink, and more. Each person’s offering or “guelaguetza” allows the party to take place and becomes a part of reciprocal exchange, reinforcing social ties in the community. Get ready for tonight’s celebration at Fortin Hill Auditorium overlooking the city.
Accommodations: Hotel Azul de Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 (Tues, July 22) – Mezcal & Jalatlaco ~ A visit to the 5 Estrellas Mezcal Factory in Oaxaca offers an authentic and immersive experience into the world of mezcal production. Set against the scenic Oaxacan countryside, the tour takes you through each step of the traditional mezcal-making process, from the harvesting of agave plants to the artisanal distillation in copper stills. You’ll get to see the palenque (production area), where agave hearts are roasted in earthen pits, and learn about the techniques passed down through generations. Our private experience includes a pairing session, where you can sample a variety of artisanal mezcals, each with its own distinctive flavor profile.
There’s time this afternoon to enjoy the city at your leisure. For those that want another activity, join us for an optional street art walking tour in Jalatlaco, a quaint neighborhood about a 10-minute walk from the city center. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Oaxaca, a stroll through Jalatlaco streets feels like you’re walking back in time.
Accommodations: Hotel Azul de Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6 (Wed, July 23) – Oaxaca City ~ After a relaxed morning, our final day in Oaxaca features a hands-on culinary experience with Doña María, a traditional Oaxacan cook, or cocinera tradicional, renowned for preserving ancestral food traditions. In 2024, the Secretary of Oaxaca Culture and Art (Seculta) recognized Doña María as a cocinera tradicional to honor her work. Many of these cooks, including Doña María, come from villages where indigenous culture deeply influences local cooking styles and regional ingredients.
Accommodations: Hotel Azul de Oaxaca
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 (Thurs, July 24) – Departure ~ Transfer back to OAX Airport in time for our flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
DETAILS
Price: $3950* per person based on two people sharing double occupancy accommodations. If you prefer private, single occupancy accommodations, add $900**.
Includes: accommodations; airport transfers on arrival and departure days; private transportation on Days 2-6, bilingual trip leader; host from Denver Botanic Gardens (Yvonne Garcia Bardwell); meals as listed; activities and entrance fees as listed; basic $0 trip cost travel insurance; gratuities at restaurant meals, for your trip leader, and for local guides; and 24-hour in-country support. Pre-departure cancellation benefits can be added to the basic insurance policy for an additional cost.
Excludes: flights (we will assist with flight arrangements), passport fees, room upgrades, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, optional travel insurance policy with pre-trip cancellation and interruption benefits, optional activities, optional gratuities for hotel staff, and personal expenses.
*Price is based on payment by check. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time of payment based on card used.
**If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a double occupancy room, we will try to pair you with another traveler. If we can’t find a suitable roommate for you, the private room surcharge will apply.
Group Size: Min 7, Max 12 + DBG Host + Trip Leader
Level of Difficulty- Easy to Moderate: Oaxaca City has a mix of flat areas and some hilly streets, especially in the historic center. Most walking tours involve strolling through cobblestone streets, which may be uneven, but generally manageable for most people with normal fitness levels. Walking tours can range from 2 to 4 hours with frequent stops to visit sites like markets, museums, and churches. Monte Albán archaeological site sits on a hilltop, and there is some walking uphill to access certain areas. Paths are generally well-maintained but involve steps and uneven terrain, especially when exploring ruins like temples and tombs. Expect moderate exertion, particularly in hot weather, but it’s accessible for most people who are comfortable with some uphill walking and stone pathways.
A Note About Gratuities – Your trip cost includes gratuities for your trip leader, local guides and drivers, as well as at restaurants for included meals. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working so hard to keep you happy, healthy, and safe during your trip.
Important Information: Itinerary has been built to allow flexibility to accommodate activities and sightseeing. Every effort will be made to carry out all activities as planned and advertised, however, trip leaders reserve the right to make alterations, deletions, or modifications to the itinerary deemed necessary due to circumstances beyond their control.