Oaxaca in southern Mexico is synonymous with the most vibrant and festive features of the country’s arts. Folk dance, pottery, textiles, paper craft, cuisine and more will mark your vacation in this colorful city. A private tour will help you discover some of Oaxaca’s most distinctive sights, including the Anthropology and History Museum and the Benito Juarez Market.

Discover why Oaxaca is considered Mexico’s culinary capital as you sample local dishes like empanadas, quesadillas, tamales, cheeses and tortillas de maiz. Savor the taste of the city’s chocolate, infused with cinnamon, almonds and sugar. And smell the alluring scent of the tangy mélange of mole sauces that Oaxaca is particularly known for.

You’ll also have plenty of time to explore sights in the surrounding area. In Monte Alban, the cradle of Zapotec culture, see archaeological treasures that date to 600 BC. Visit the village of Teotitlán del Valle to admire the beautiful handmade wool weavings. Stop at an artisan factory for mezcal, a liquor fermented and distilled from a plant known as maguey. And at local markets abuzz with eager shoppers, admire colorful regional crafts of embroidery, jewelry and wood carvings – each a fine treasure.

Price includes:
• 5 nights accommodations at your choice of 3, 4 or 5 star hotels in Oaxaca (including tax)
• Daily breakfast and 1 lunch
• All on-tour transportation by air-conditioned car or van
• Services of professional English and Spanish speaking tour guides
• Private city tour of Oaxaca
• Excursions to Cuilapan Indian Village and archeologically rich Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Tour of Teotitlan del Valle village, archaeological site of Mitla and a mezcal distillery
• Private tour of craft workshops in Coyotepec, San Martin Tilcajete and Santa Tomas Jalieza
• Round-trip airport/hotel transfers

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Single supplement may apply. Unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement and vary by provider. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member benefit is per person and applies to first and second traveler only. Member benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or cancelled subject to the travel providers policies. Black out dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of publication, but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance.

Day 1 - Arrive in Oaxaca, Mexico
Fly to Oaxaca Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check in and spend the balance of the day exploring your surroundings.
Accommodation: Your choice of Oaxaca hotel - 5 nights

Day 2 - Oaxaca Sightseeing
Enjoy a private tour of Oaxaca City or Verde Antequera, the city of green quarry stone. Its monuments and streets show the best of colonial architecture from the 16th to the 18th century. The visit includes the Anthropology and History Museum, the Santo Domingo Church, the Fountain of the Seven Regions, and the Benito Juarez Market.

Day 3 - Monte Alban and Cuilapan 
In the morning tour Monte Alban, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in North America. It’s more than three thousand years old and considered the cradle of Zapotec culture, known for the treasures of its tombs. Highlights include the Main Plaza, the Ball Game Court, the Astronomical Observatory and the Dancers Building, among others. Next, continue the tour through interesting Indian villages such as Cuilapan, known for its monumental open-air Chapel for Indians built in the 16th century. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 4 - Teotitlán del Valle, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery 
Visit the Zapotec village of Teotitlán del Valle to admire the beautiful handmade wool weavings. Then continue to the archaeological site of Mitla which means “place of the dead.” Mitla is well known for its unique architecture and ornamentation, commented on by Dominican Friars in the 16th century. See the buildings of the church group, its tombs and temples, as well as an artisans market nearby. On Sundays the excursion includes the Indian market of Tlacolula. Finally, on the way back stop at an artisan factory for mezcal, a liquor that is fermented and distilled from a plant known as maguey.

Day 5 - Coyotepec, Santo Tomas Jalieza, Ocotlan de Morelos and San Martin Tilcajete 
Dozens of Indian towns in Oaxaca are known for their traditional crafts. San Bartolo Coyotepec is renowned for its black pottery. In Santo Tomas Jalieza pre-Hispanic looms are used for spinning and hand-made weavings. Ocotlan de Morelos is famous for its Santo Domingo Church and Convent as well as for its polychrome pottery and cutlery. On Fridays, which is the Indian Market day, one can find quality blouse and dress embroidery from San Antonino. Next, we may visit San Martín Tilcajete known for their wonderful animal and surrealistic wood carvings known as “alebrijes.”

Day 6 - Depart Oaxaca
Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home or to another destination in Mexico.