Come explore the natural and cultural diversity of southern Mexico

January 26 to February 4, 2027

Oaxaca is one of the most culturally rich places in the Americas with 16 indigenous peoples, each with its own language. Its people, traditions, and way of life is spread across a landscape that shifts from cloud-draped mountains to high desert valleys, and on to the Pacific coast. The city itself is vibrant and walkable with a thriving art scene, lively markets, and extraordinary food around every corner.

On this tour, we begin in Oaxaca City and its surrounding villages, taking in the crafts, history, and daily life of the central valleys. Then we cross the mountains to the coast, where the pace changes.

We'll settle into a beachside base to explore the Pacific side of Oaxaca, visiting a turtle rescue center and an environmental conservation site, heading out on the water to watch for dolphins and possibly whales, and taking an early morning bird walk through the tropical landscape.

For those who have visited Oaxaca before, we're building in new activities and options so there's no need to repeat what you've already done. And for everyone, this will be something new: The first time a Travel Fever group has visited the coast.

Expect uncrowded beaches, warm water, and a stretch of shoreline largely untouched by mass tourism. We'll stay active and curious, but we'll also leave plenty of room to slow down, walk the beach, sit by the pool, or settle beside a shaded table with something cold in hand.

See it for yourself

Here are two videos for you, both filmed and produced by Travel Fever Tours. The first shows you some of the activities we undertook during our most recent group visit to Oaxaca City. The second introduces you to the beach, just in front of our hotel on the Pacific Coast.

• Oaxaca City Video

• On the Pacific Coast Video

Our time in Oaxaca City

We begin with three nights in the historic center of Oaxaca City. It is a walkable, endlessly interesting place where indigenous traditions, contemporary art, and one of Mexico's great food cultures coexist on every block. Even those who have visited before will find something new.

Beyond the city, we'll visit the archaeological site at Mitla — less famous than Monte Albán but architecturally stunning — along with the weekly market and well-regarded community museum in Santa Ana del Valle, and a working mezcal distillery where the spirit is still produced by hand.

Back in town, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace: Galleries, museums, the botanical gardens, the city's many murals and markets.

We'll share several meals at some of Oaxaca's best restaurants, but the real discoveries tend to happen on the street at market stalls, corner shops, and neighborhood comedores.

On the Pacific coast

From Oaxaca City we head south toward the Pacific, stopping along the way in Ocotlán de Morelos, timing our drive to catch market day and eat lunch among the stalls. From there we continue over the mountains to the coast, arriving at our beachfront hotel in time for dinner at the neighboring restaurant with the ocean before us.

Once we reach the beach, we've deliberately left the schedule loose. You'll want time to walk the sand, swim in the pool, and settle into a stretch of coastline that you'll have almost entirely to yourselves, where you can watch pelicans, terns, and cormorants dive for fish between the waves.

That said, there's plenty to see when you're ready. We'll visit the environmental conservation center at Ventanilla and take a boat through its mangrove lagoon, home to crocodiles and iguanas. We'll spend time at Piña Palmera, a respected community-based center dedicated to rehabilitation and social inclusion of people with disabilities — one of the most quietly remarkable organizations on the coast.

We'll head to the Escobilla sea turtle protection area to help with a turtle release, and have a sunset dinner on Zipolite beach. From Puerto Escondido, we'll take a boat tour along the coast with the chance to spot dolphins and possibly whales, and join a naturalist for an early morning birding walk at Manialtepec lagoon. Our last evening together will be a send-off dinner in Puerto Escondido.

Where we’ll stay

We will stay in two hotels on this trip.

Hotel Casa de la Tía Tere

The first, at the Casa de la Tía Tere, is a short walk from the historical center of Oaxaca. The hotel features comfortable rooms, an inviting pool, and pleasant outdoor spaces for breakfast and general relaxation.

The Hotel Casa de la Tía Tere’s website is at: www.casadelatiatere.com

Casa Chula Hotel Boutique - Frente al Mar

The Casa Chula Boutique Hotel is located directly on the beach in Tierra Blanca, less than 30 minutes south of Puerto Escondido. It offers direct access to a private beach area and beachfront. Guests enjoy sea views and a serene setting with a sun terrace and lush garden.

The hotel features an infinity swimming pool, sun terrace, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a shared kitchen, outdoor seating area, and picnic spots. Each room is equipped with air conditioning. The hotel’s website is at: www.casachulaoaxaca.com.

Meet your Tour Leaders

Mimi Marchev

Mimi is an experienced program leader with a decade of service overseeing SIT Study Abroad college semester programs in Chile and Mexico as Academic Director. She has also developed and led additional experiential programs in Oaxaca for organizations including the River Gallery School and Maine Audubon, as well as customized programs for U.S. universities and nonprofit partners. She is fluent in Spanish and English.

After practicing Law in New Jersey and Maine, Mimi earned a Master’s degree from SIT Graduate Institute in International Administration. A permanent resident of Mexico for over 25 years, Mimi lives in Oaxaca where she is retired from full-time program administration but remains actively engaged in the community, serving as President of the board of Libros Para Pueblos and providing translation and interpretation services for several local NGOs.

For this trip, Mimi has leveraged extensive local academic and cultural networks to arrange experienced instructors, knowledgeable guides, and local community leaders, ensuring an immersive and well-supported experience for participants. She has previously led six trips for Travel Fever Tours.

Oliver Froehling

Oliver Froehling has spent 30 years living and working in Oaxaca, Mexico, building relationships with indigenous communities, civil society organizations, and grassroots initiatives across the state. As director of SURCO A.C., a Oaxacan civil society organization, and through long-standing university affiliations, he has coordinated dozens of international group experiences — from university programs to community learning exchanges. He works to connect visitors with the people, landscapes, and traditions that make Oaxaca one of the most culturally rich regions in the Americas.

His deep familiarity with the Pacific coast, the central valleys, and the Sierra Norte means Oliver brings not just logistics but context — on indigenous rights, community organizing, ecological practice, and the social fabric of the communities participants will encounter.

Oliver is fluent in Spanish and English and is as comfortable navigating a coastal fishing village as a community assembly in the mountains. He has co-led previous trips for Travel Fever Tours.

Oaxaca is located in the interior of southern Mexico at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The city enjoys a warm climate and has seen increasing tourism, though it has avoided the extensive development found in Mexico's coastal areas. Oaxaca attracts a mix of visitors, including Mexicans from other parts of the country, Europeans, and North Americans.

Situated in a mountain-ringed valley, Oaxaca's historic center reflects its Spanish colonial heritage. The city is regarded as an important cultural center by both Mexican and international visitors.

The city center features pedestrian streets, outdoor cafes, galleries, and craft shops. Numerous public markets are located within walking distance of the central plaza (zócalo), including a wrought-iron bandstand, a cathedral, botanical gardens, and the Templo de Santo Domingo.

Oaxaca is also characterized by its ethnic diversity. The surrounding villages offer opportunities to observe this diversity, and over 15 indigenous languages are spoken in the region, in addition to Spanish.