Oaxaca Ancient & Modern Tour
Overview
At the completion of every program Viva Tours Abroad allocates monies to be donated to community activism projects and non-profit organizations in need in Oaxaca. The participants of each tour collectively decides what cause or project will be the benefactor of the donation. We will facilitate follow-up progress reports to the cause/project that the participants choose to aid.
Soulful & Authentic Hybrid Adventure in Oaxaca:
Immersive Experiences with Modern Luxuries!
This authentic and intimate adventure lead by Dawn Feuerberg, Founder of Aurora Adventures, will immerse you into intact ancient cultures with modern exclusive experiences. Her long standing relationships of over 25 years in Oaxaca ensure a unique, well-connected adventure that would not be possible on your own. Come explore the energy of the pyramids, learn about the pre-Hispanic Zapotec culture, visit home galleries of world famous artisans, participate in culinary classes with 5 star chefs and so much more.
| Where: | Oaxaca, Mexico |
| When: | January 17th-14th 2026 |
| Duration: | 8 days |
| Group Size | 8 participants |
| Price: | $4,485 |
Customize this Adventure
CALL 805-540-1762Itinerary
Excursions
You will visit the awe-inspiring pyramids, explore the ancient indigenous customs, and participate in artistic and cultural traditions. Many of the activities are unavailable to the casual tourist and are one of a kind.
Excursions List & Descriptions
MONTE ALBAN PYRAMIDS & CERAMIC VILLAGE
First we will visit Monte Alban, a massive complex of pyramids, terraces and crumbling temples that was founded in 500 A.D. This ancient ceremonial site is considered to be one of the most important examples of pre-Columbian culture in all of México.
On our return from Monte Alban, we will visit a small village known for it’s sculptured pottery that many of its citizens produce. The muñecas, or figures, are fanciful and intricate. This type of pottery has become a unique and very collectible art form as well as a beautiful addition to any decor. You will be given a demonstration by world famous ceramist Irma Blanco.
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS MARKET & TREE
The first stop on this tour is to visit a huge Mexican cypress tree that is over 2,000 years old. The largest tree in all of Latin America.
The tour continues with a stop at an ancient indigenous market
founded around 1250 A.D. This pueblo’s Sunday market is one of Oaxaca’s biggest, oldest and most diverse. We also visit the main town church.
MEZCAL PALENQUE TOUR
We will go out to a small village and meet with mezcaleros ( one who makes mezcal). They will share in the process of their small batch wild agave blends. We will be accompanied by one of the foremost mezcal connoisseurs of Oaxaca. On your return to Oaxaca we will visit a village known for it’s unique alebrije Art. Exquisite lunch included.
ZAPOTEC WEAVING VILLAGE & ANCIENT MARKET
On this excursion we will first visit a small Zapotec indigenous village known for it’s production of world famous colorful rugs. (tapetes).
Nearly every home is filled with family members who card, spin and color wool, often using hand-gathered natural dyes.
We will spend the afternoon visiting the homes of these Zapotec weavers and walking the cobblestone streets of this village nestled in the mountains of the central valley of Oaxaca. You will be treated to a traditional Zapotec meal before departing.
BLACK POTTERY & ALEBRIJE WORKSHOP
The first stop on this tour is to visit a huge Mexican cypress tree that is over 2,000 years old. The largest tree in all of Latin America.
The tour continues with a stop at an ancient indigenous market
founded around 1250 A.D. This pueblo’s Sunday market is one of Oaxaca’s biggest, oldest and most diverse. We also visit the main town church.
The first stop on this tour is to visit a huge Mexican cypress tree that is over 2,000 years old. The largest tree in all of Latin America.
The tour continues with a stop at an ancient indigenous market
founded around 1250 A.D. This pueblo’s Sunday market is one of Oaxaca’s biggest, oldest and most diverse. We also visit the main town church.
This all day excursion first begins with a visit to a market town just south of Oaxaca City in the Central Valley. The town’s artisans are world famous for their black pottery (barro negro). You will then be treated to a beautiful lunch featuring one of the most famous dishes in Mexico, Chile en Nogada.
The last stop of the day will be at a small village known for its artisans that produce the fanciful wood carvings called Alebrijes. Participants of the program will have the opportunity to do an alebrije workshop and paint a wood “animalito”
Activities
Curated Experiences
- Guided Art Gallery & Contemporary Art Tour
- Colonial churches & museum walking tour
- Organic Farmer’s Market
- La Mezcaleria ( Mezcal Tasting)
- Exquisite Dinning At 5 star Michelin worthy restaurant
- Toltec Blessing Ceremony
- Gourmet Cooking Class
- Ethical shopping to support local fair trade & women’s cooperatives
Location:
Oaxaca, Mexico
Learn more about this location
The city of Oaxaca (altitude 5070 ft.) is located in the heart of two verdant valleys and has an ideal Spring-like climate. Folk art, festivals and fascinating indigenous cultures make Oaxaca one of the most magical of Mexico’s many colonial cities. Zapotec and Mixtec ruins and traditional rural villages lie just a few miles from the beautifully preserved city center. Streets around the Plaza Principal, one of the prettiest public parks in all Mexico, have been closed to traffic and transformed into pedestrian malls. Colonial haciendas house excellent restaurants featuring world famous Oaxacan regional cuisine; some offer live music at nigh ranging from jazz to tropical. Oaxaca city with its hip cafés, art galleries, and live music scene, has a bohemian feel while maintaining its colonial charm and links to its pre-Hispanic past.
Highlights
Gourmet Cooking Demonstration & Class
People from all over the world come to Oaxaca to learn about the local ingredients, regional cooking tools and traditional cooking techniques that make Oaxacan food so distinct.
This experience will start with a visit to the Central Market where you will stroll through the aisles visiting with the vendors amongst the colorful array of region’s culinary heritage.
We will return with the the unique fruits, vegetables and spices to prepare a 4 course meal that you will enjoy with some artisanal mezcal if you wish!
Accommodations
Exclusive Historical Hotel
We will be staying in the heart of the colonial center of downtown Oaxaca in an exclusive upscale historical hotel that only has a total of 6 rooms. The hotel is in one of he most desirable neighborhoods in the center of Oaxaca City.
It is steps away from many places of interest, parks, restaurants and cafes. Your room will have 24-hour front desk service, Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, multilingual staff, concierge services, Wifi.
Inclusions
What’s Included
(This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden costs.)
- 7 nights in 4 star exclusive hotel in colonial downtown with delicious regional breakfast daily
- Welcoming ceremony and ritual with Spiritual Leader of Toltec Wisdom, Armando Cruz Sanchez
- Entrance fees to archeological sites and museums
- 4 Behind-the-scenes excursions
- 7 authentic & exquisite freshly prepared main meals.
- Off the beaten path tours of Oaxaca City
- Authentic Oaxacan Cooking Class
- Dynamic onsite director and guides
- Pre-departure Advising
Travel
It is your responsibility to book your own flight and transportation. However, we know the best airlines & flight times to this destination. Once you have booked your custom adventure, we will connect you with our local travel agent to arrange the booking of your flight so that you can travel with the group. The sooner you make your reservation the more likely you will be able to travel with the group. Otherwise you may make other travel arrangements.
IMPORTANT NOTES
This program is based on a minimum of 12 participants. In the event that the program does not fill, the trip will be cancelled and any deposits and payments fees will be returned to the participants.
What’s Not Included
Air or land transportation to and from Oaxaca, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, Guide gratuities, Excess baggage charges, Alcoholic beverages, Airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry fees, immunizations or insurance of any kind.
Safe & Secure Travel
Each program includes:
- Pre-departure advising
- Pre-departure and onsite orientations
- Risk Management & Crisis management plan
Note: Each participant is required to purchase Trip Cancellation & Medical Travel Insurance.
Customize this tour
For a Curated Authentic Experieance
We take care of ALL logistics!
You choose the dates, the focus & the place.
This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!
Saying Yes to traveling with Dawn to Oaxaca has been one of the best choices that I have made and will last me a lifetime. It was a beautiful blend of culture, art and ceremony. Dawn exposed us to the most amazing, warm hearted and loving people that whole heartedly welcomed us into their homes and took the time to share their artistry and passion. The kindness of the people, the beauty of the land and the opportunity to experience a culture that has kept its traditional ways was a life altering experience I will never forget. Can’t wait to return with Dawn next year!
I was the senior woman (81 years Young) on this trip, and I signed up with some trepidation, but “not to worry.” For me, the trip was invigorating and very memorable. We interacted with the indigenous people during all the activities planned by our guide and mentor, Dawn, who clearly had our best interests and our safety as her constant priority. We were totally immersed in dancing, singing, yoga sessions, eating and learning. I will not forget that I was treated with love, kindness, consideration, and respect during the entire trip by Dawn, fellow lady-travelers, villagers, my niece and various merchants. Gracias!
Dawn Feuerberg (AKA Aurora in Spanish)
Get Notified of Upcoming Adventures
Stay up to date and be the first to know about new tours, sacred events, and class