Oaxaca
Why Oaxaca
Oaxaca is soulful and vibrant, and it packs in so much of the complex, fascinating culture of Mexico. Walk colorful markets and hike ancient Zapotec pyramids all in one day. Oaxaca's cuisine will blow your mind, the mezcal is better than anything you've ever tasted. Come for rich history, artistry, and gastronomic traditions—come to experience the heart and soul of Mexico.
Moments That Matter
We’ll be a part of it all—at artist studios, ancient ruins, local markets, street-food stands, hacienda hotels—from Oaxaca City to San Sebastián Teitipac. We tour ancient Zapotec pyramids and meet traditional weavers, go on the hero’s journey of mezcal at the agave farm of a multi-generation mezcalero, prepare a farm-to-table feast. Discover more than you thought possible in one lifetime.
Your Private Experience
Who It’s For
Our Oaxaca is for the cultural connoisseur as much as the Mexico novice. If you’re a lover of traditional art, stunning scenery and really, really good food, look no further.
When to Travel
Oaxaca is a year-round destination with weather that rarely disappoints. Experience cultural festivals like Día de Muertos in November, or opt for the warm summers and extend your trip to include a beach getaway.
Make It Yours
Want to delve deeper into ancient indigenous culture? Always dreamed of hands-on cooking the best traditional foods? A mezcal master class? Whatever your interests, we'll craft your unforgettable Oaxaca adventure.
Day by Day
Focus the trip how you want, or even extend it into the Yucatán or Mexico City for a deeper look into the country. Here’s our favorite way to explore Oaxaca:
Where We Sleep
A peaceful oasis in Oaxaca City, a historic hacienda gone chic in a private valley of mountains—our accommodations are small-scale and boutique, the ideal ways to get acquainted with Oaxaca life.
Oaxaca City
Off a central side street, a few blocks from the zocalo and central shops, a street gate opens into a breathtaking oasis that’s our Oaxaca City home. Serenity reigns in thoughtful garden spaces with palm trees, covered walkways and an outdoor patio bar.
San Sebastián Teitipac
A 300-year-old hacienda tucked away in the mountains, each room features a mix of traditional and contemporary designs. Enjoy spa treatment and comfortable lounging, plus hiking, horseback riding and biking. It’s relaxing, private and the ideal place to soak in the golden sunset with a cocktail in hand.
People Love MO/AD’s Oaxaca
I loved eating goat just after it was lifted from the pit, sipping on a mezcal.
This is more than just a trip. It’s authentic and joyful, and a powerful reminder of why we travel.
The meals made for us in local homes were just heavenly.
FAQs
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How many people is this itinerary suitable for?
We can plan a custom, private departure for any group size. Our custom trips are perfect for a couple wishing to travel on their own, a family, or a multi-generational group. If you’re looking to travel on one of our group departures on a private basis, a minimum number of travelers may apply.
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Can you curate an itinerary for a larger group?
Yes, we can craft an unforgettable milestone celebration or company retreat for groups as large as 40 or more.
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What makes a MO/AD experience different?
Our level of curation, care, and in-country connections. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We support you every step of the way with comprehensive itineraries, detailed day-by-day descriptions, insider destination info, and 24/7 dedicated support.
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How far in advance should I plan my trip?
Preferably six to nine months in advance and earlier for holiday travel. We stay in unique, in-demand boutique and luxury hotels where advance reservations are important to secure the best accommodations possible. We can help with last-minute travel planning, however availability may be limited.
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What is typically included?
We curate your MO/AD Private Departure to ensure the experiences are authentic, immersive, and included in your trip price. Your itinerary typically includes accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for all day trips and excursions, privately guided tours with local guides, exclusive VIP access and activities, and meals as detailed in your itinerary.
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How much will it cost?
MO/AD Private Departures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by destination, time of year, number of people in your group, and types of activities you prefer.
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What's not included?
MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, gratuities for local guides, hotel incidentals, and any activities and meals not included in your itinerary.
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What deposits are required?
After learning more about you, your interests, preferred style of travel, dates, and budget, we will present you with initial ideas and examples of what we can plan for you. In order to design a detailed itinerary and check availability, there is a $500 non-refundable planning deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost. Once your itinerary is perfect, we require a 25% non-refundable confirmation deposit to start confirming all of your arrangements. Many of our local partners and hotels require additional advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip cost is due 90 days prior to travel.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa for tourist visits to Mexico, but are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. On arrival in the airport, you will be issued a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). For citizens of other countries, please check with the Mexico Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
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Where can I find the complete terms of my booking?
See our Terms & Conditions for complete details about our policies regarding your MO/AD Private Departure booking.