NextTribe has a love affair with Mexico. Jeannie Ralston called it home for four transformative years of her life. It’s so close that it’s often taken for granted by North Americans who haven’t explored much beyond its famous beaches and tourist hot spots. But Mexico has an incredibly rich tapestry of culture, from a huge variety of  soul-stirring cuisine to astonishing classical and modern art, architecture, and deep history.

Please note: NextTribe members receive $100 discount on this trip. Click here to become a member. 

The crown jewel of Mexico (other than San Miguel de Allende, of course) is Oaxaca, nestled in the country's mountainous South. Here, ancient Zapotecs and Mixtecs built great cities and temples, while Spanish colonizers later created one of Mexico's most enchanting and vibrant colonial towns—a UNESCO World Heritage site, Oaxaca City.

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This 8-day journey combines the comfort of boutique accommodations with authentic cultural experiences, mountain cabin stays, and meaningful connections with local communities. From the bustling markets of Oaxaca City to the cloud forests of Sierra Norte, this is a trip to photograph, to journal,  to remember.

Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Accommodations and activities may change but we will always replace them with something of equal or better value.

1. History in Every Stone Wander through centuries-old colonial buildings where every detail tells a story—hand-carved wooden doors in jewel tones, intricate ironwork that casts deep afternoon shadows, and delicate murals that have endured for centuries..

2. Indigenous Culture That Lives and Breathes Oaxaca's 16 indigenous groups and their way of life isn't presented as a museum diorama, frozen in time. These native people live in vibrant communities and their traditions infuse everything from  hand-turned pottery to complex moles simmering in local kitchens, from mezcal aging in clay vessels to textiles woven on looms passed down through generations.

3. Artisan Markets That Awaken Your Senses Every market stall and gallery bursts with color and creativity—hand-painted pottery, intricately carved wooden animals, textiles in patterns that tell ancestral stories, and artisanal treasures like stone-ground chocolate and small-batch mezcal that you can only find in Oaxaca. It’s not against the law, but you won’t find much beige, or boredom in this part of the world!

4. A Culinary Adventure Like No Other Thanks to incredibly fresh ingredients, ancient indigenous techniques, and recipes guarded by generations of grandmothers, Oaxacan cuisine is complex, surprising, and deeply satisfying. From seven different types of mole to grasshopper tacos, every meal is a revelation.

5. The Remarkable Women We’ll Meet On this trip we’ll get to know women who are the backbone of their communities—master weavers preserving 500-year-old techniques, mezcal distillers breaking gender barriers, healers maintaining ancient medicine traditions, and artists and artisans creating beauty from humble materials. Plus, you'll share this adventure with like-minded women travelers, some could become lifelong friends.

Jeannie has been advising and building startup companies since 2011. A former CNN reporter and CBS News producer, Jeannie has lived and worked in Europe, Asia and Latin America. After her first experience as a solo traveler at age 6 (her parents put her on a plane to visit her grandparents) she has always felt most comfortable on an airplane with her passport in hand. She's the author of "Start Me Up: Tips, Tales and Truths about Starting Up and Starting Over."

After your transfer from the airport to the hotel, we will meet in the lobby for a walking tour that will introduce you to the main sites of interest in the city. Later, we will celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at 15 Letras Restaurant.

Today's adventure takes you into the heart of Oaxacan craftsmanship, where ancient techniques live on through passionate artisans. We'll visit potters in San Bartolo Coyotepec, home of the famous “black clay pottery," and wood carvers in Tilcajete, who make alebrijes, true works of art finely decorated in bright colors, which are created from the fantastic imagination of each craftsman. We will continue to Jalieza, where we´ll visit a group of women backstrap loom weavers, working the same way as their ancestors have for centuries.

End your day at a very special place - a traditional mezcal distillery run entirely by women! Learn from a master mezcalera who inherited her knowledge from her father and now leads other women in producing this sacred spirit.

Today you'll trade city streets for mountain paths as we venture into the Sierra Norte, one of Oaxaca's most stunning regions.

We´ll do a short hike to visit what's known as the viewpoint of Benito Juárez, that provide us a nice view of the central valleys. Then we will have a lovely "farm to the table" lunch in the highlands.

Check into your cozy mountain cabin - rustic yet comfortable, complete with fireplace and hot water. These sustainable accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort and connection to nature.

End your day sweetly by visiting local women who transform seasonal mountain fruits into delicious artisanal jams. Their entrepreneurial spirit and traditional knowledge create products that tell the story of the Sierra.

Today belongs to adventure and the remarkable women guides of the Sierra Norte! These local leaders will take you on one of the region's most spectacular hikes along the Camino Real (Royal Trail) - an ancient pre-Hispanic route that once connected Zapotec cities to the Gulf of Mexico.

Meet six extraordinary Zapotec women who are preserving traditional medicine through ancestral healing practices. Learn about medicinal plants, spiritual cleansing, and the profound connection between physical and spiritual wellness that has guided their communities for centuries.

Before returning to the city, discover the art of molinillo-making - these beautiful wooden whisks are essential for preparing traditional Oaxacan hot chocolate.

Prepare to be amazed! These stunning petrified waterfalls are one of only two such formations in the world (the other being Pamukkale, Turkey). The mineral-rich springs have created cascades of stone over thousands of years. Take time to swim in the natural pools and capture incredible photos of this geological wonder.

Meet the inspiring women of "New Life" cooperative that broke tradition in 1996 when they began weaving - an art previously reserved only for men. Led by founder Pastora, these Zapotec women preserve their heritage while creating economic opportunities for their families. Watch them transform sheep's wool into stunning textiles using natural dyes from cochineal, indigo, and moss.

Discover the delicate art of decorative candle making, where wax becomes sculpture.

The Tree of Tule, located in Santa María del Tule, is home to one of the oldest and widest trees in the world, boasting a trunk over 14 meters in diameter. This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into local culture and history, with intricate carvings enhancing the experience.

Ascend to the crown jewel of Zapotec civilization--Mount Altaban! This mountaintop city strategically overlooks three valleys and will leave you breathless - both from the climb and the incredible views.

Visit a local family to learn the art of making Oaxaca's famous string cheese. This hands-on experience connects you with daily life in rural communities.

Participate in a meaningful ceremony to reflect on your journey and express gratitude for the experiences and connections you've made.

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport, carrying with you the colors, flavors, stories, and friendships that make Oaxaca truly magical.