The Experience
Oaxaca is the heart of Mexican Zapotec culture and home to some of the most beautiful colonial plazas and majestic churches in Latin America. We’ll get lost in the winding colonial streets of Oaxaca City, visit the UNESCO-protected ancient ruins of Monte Albán and discover the bizarre rock formations of Hierve el Agua. Spend two days with our inspiring nonprofit partners, Fundación En Vía, to engage with the rural communities where they work. Visit women-led businesses and lend a hand in a dyeing and weaving workshop, and chocolate-making class.
Move on to another village, San Martín Tilcajete, for a workshop in making alebrijie, or brightly colored imaginary creatures that play an important role in Mexican folklore (and are the inspiration for Pixar’s film Coco!). Back in Oaxaca city, also a UNESCO-protected area, uncover the up and coming cuisine that Oaxaca is known for, visit bustling local markets to shop for crafts and relax in the comfort of our colorful boutique hotel in the heart of the old city.
An Impactful Experience in Mexico’s Cultural Heart
We’ll embed ourselves in our nonprofit partner’s, En Via’s, impactful empowerment initiatives in the community of Teotitlan del Valle while discovering the beauty of Oaxaca on this journey of purpose and empowerment.
Our Impact
Gain insight into the culture of Mexico’s indigenous Zapotec people as you engage with a leading non-profit organization, En Via, to empower and uplift historically disadvantaged women in the Oaxaca Valley. We’ll be invited into the homes and workplaces of these local Zapotec women, learning traditional cooking and craft techniques passed down through the generations. See firsthand how they are supported through microfinance loans and get a glimpse into how these work in small rural communities like Teotitlán de Valle. Visit their small, family-run businesses and lend a hand in a dyeing and weaving workshop and chocolate-making class.
Where You’ll Stay
During our time in Oaxaca City, we’ll stay in one of the colorful boutique hotels we partner with. Our main hotel, Hotel con Corazón, is a hotel with a cause, where profits go into local schools to help lift up the local community. This boutique hotel & social enterprise is one with heart, recognizing that Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico, and children need more resources to ensure they finish school. This brand new building located in the heart of the old city of Oaxaca includes private bathrooms, WiFi, fans, and garden views from all rooms.
Itinerary Overview
Explore Oaxaca City before heading out to the nearby villages of the Teotitlán Valley to meet the women and children supporting their communities. Each day is a hands-on lesson in the lives of these women including a dyeing and weaving experience, cooking lesson and microfinance workshop.
Return to Oaxaca City and explore Hierve el Agua’s unique rock formations and learn to make local pottery and chocolate with the women of San Marcos Tlapazola. Uncover ancient, UNESCO-protected ruins in Monte Alban, then learn to make fantastic animals painted with bright colors and designs.
Rodolfo Juarez
Rodolfo was born in Tlacochahuaya, a small farming village in the Valley of Oaxaca. He is the director of a small family-run project devoted to promoting the importance of vast Mexican culture and insider stories about the history of Mexico. Rodolfo attended High School and learned English in Southern California before returning to his homeland to share his passion for history, art, food, and his love of Oaxaca and Mexico. His work has allowed him to meet people from all over the world and collaborate as a cultural advisor for the making of Coco (Disney/Pixar 2017) an Oscar-winning movie, a truly unforgettable event. When he’s not leading Discover Corps trips, he has a small farm where he and his wife produce eggs, alfalfa, corn, beans, and vegetables- all organic! Rodolfo looks forward to welcoming you on this Discover Corps trip to Oaxaca and making it a memorable experience!
We Help You Every Step of the Way
Planning travel can be overwhelming—we’re here to make it easy. From your first question to your return flight home, our expert team handles every detail so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey.Ready to Start Planning?
Traveler’s Journal
Kathryn T.
Sedona, AZ
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Rating: 5/5 stars
Prices & Inclusions
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$3,295 Adult
$3,095 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult *
- Single Room Supplement = $495. This will guarantee you your own, single occupancy room for the entirety of the trip. If you are a solo traveler and would like us to match you with a roommate of the same gender, please book as double occupancy. See full details here.
What’s Included:
- 5 nights lodging in 3-star boutique hotels in the old city of Oaxaca
- All meals throughout the trip except for one lunch and one dinner
- Overview of En Via’s microfinance programming
- English-speaking local guides that are there to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
- All gratuities for hotels and meals
- All airport transfers & land transportation
- Admissions and entrance fees to national parks, historic sites and other scheduled events throughout the trip
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline & turnkey support
What’s Not Included:
- International airfare
- Alcoholic beverages
- One lunch and one dinner
- Tips for Discover Corps guide and driver
Dates
Share the journey with a small group of like-minded travelers, or indulge in a private departure reserved exclusively for your family and friends.
Small Group Departures
Travel with a small, like-minded group on our scheduled departures designed for deep connection and cultural immersion. Our groups average eight travelers and include an expert guide, boutique lodging, and purpose-driven experiences.
2025 Dates
November 25-30, 2025
December 23-28, 2025
December 30, 2025-January 4, 2026
2026 Dates
January 6-11, 2026
February 24-March 1, 2026
March 24-29, 2026
April 7-12, 2026
May 26-31, 2026
June 23-28, 2026
July 7-12, 2026
August 4-9, 2026
September 1-6, 2026
October 20-25, 2026
November 24-29, 2026
December 29, 2026-January 3, 2027
2027 Dates
January 5-10, 2027
February 23-28, 2027
March 23-28, 2027
April 6-11, 2027
May 25-30, 2027
June 22-27, 2027
July 6-11, 2027
August 3-8, 2027
August 31-September 5, 2027
October 19-24, 2027
November 23-28, 2027
December 28, 2027-January 2, 2028
Schedule Travel Consultation
Private Departures
Enjoy the full Discover Corps experience—tailored to you. Our Private Departures are a premium offering that features the same expert guides, meaningful experiences, and boutique accommodations, exclusively for your group and on your preferred dates.
Families & Multigenerational travel
Celebrations & Milestone events
Friends traveling together
School, Alumni, or Corporate groups
Plan a Private Journey