Orchids and Chocolate: An Exploration of Cultures, Traditions, and Cuisines of Mexico

Arrive in Mexico City. Orientation to the program followed by cocktails and a welcome dinner. (3 Nights)

Visit the renowned Anthropological Museum, one of the most important museums in México. See precious jade carvings, funerary pottery, animated whistles, immense Olmec carvings, and the famous Aztec Calendar, among other treasures of Pre- Columbian Mesoamerican societies. Historical introduction to the importance of chocolate in Pre-Columbian times; once considered a drink from the gods and reserved for the upper echelon. Visit the México City Historic Center, one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage cities where the great ancient Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlán stood. Tour the heart of the historical center (Zócalo) with its Aztec ruins, imposing cathedral, mansions, colonial churches, and 20th century Diego Rivera murals.

Depart for Teotihuacán, one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. A city planned and built on a massive scale. See the impressive pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. On the return to México City, stop at the botanical garden in Chapultepec and learn about the cacao plant. Then, explore the rotated rhomboid-shaped Soumaya Museum, which aside from its striking architecture, is home to a private art collection of nearly 70,000 works of art.

Travel to the historical neighborhood of Coyoacán in the south of the city where Hernán Cortés, México’s famous conquistador, based himself during the siege of Tenochtitlán. Visit the Casa Azul (Blue House), the home and workshop of the artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Continue to Puebla, one of México’s most beautiful colonial cities, the cradle of the famous mole sauce, made with chocolate and different types of chilies. On the way, see glorious views of the snowy heights of Popocatépetl and Ixtaccíhuatl volcanoes. (1 Night)

Tour the historic center of the beautiful city of Puebla and explore colonial buildings beginning at the Palafoxiana Library, at its time, considered the finest library in the New World. See its spectacular Rosario Chapel, a masterpiece of baroque architecture and extravagant decoration. Visit the famous tile factory to see handmade Talavera ceramics and stop at El Parian market that sells regional crafts, pottery, and tiles. Depart for Oaxaca. Drive through the Cacti Biosphere Reserve to admire giant Candelabra cacti and other species of cacti endemic to the region. (4 Nights)

Travel to Oaxaca’s historical center, which is full of indigenous arts and crafts. Explore the Santo Domingo Cultural Center and its Museum of Oaxacan Cultures. Examine the gold treasures from Monte Albán followed by a visit to the Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca. Stroll through the timeless streets of this UNESCO World Heritage town and tour the new San Pablo Cultural Center and beautiful Textile Museum. After lunch, walk to the old Benito Juarez market to enjoy a cup of traditional hot chocolate. Learn how chocolate is made in Oaxaca.

Drive to the remarkable archaeological site of Mitla, an important Mixtec site with intricate geometric friezes, a large religious center, and a burial ground for priests and kings. Their elegant tombs and buildings offer beautiful examples of architecture from the Classic period. Continue to Teotitlán del Valle, a major Zapotec weaving village to see traditional rugs and blankets using organic and mineral dyes. Also learn about mezcal, a type of tequila, and stop at a distillery for a tasting. Later, see the enormous cypress called El Tule, which is over 2,000 years old, one of the oldest and largest in the world.

Drive to the spectacular site of Monte Albán, perhaps the most important archaeological site in the area. The great, flattened mountaintop and the layout of this Zapotec ceremonial center are impressive. Continue with a visit to a cochineal farm to learn about parasites living in cacti used to produce vibrant dyes since pre-historic times. Head next to the famous village of San Martin Tilcajete, to see the wonderful alebrijes, colorful wooden animal figures made from the copal tree. Farewell dinner.

Following breakfast, transfer to the Oaxaca airport for return flights to the U.S.