Oaxaca: Bring Your Bestie Trip | June 29 - July 6, 2026
*TO APPLY: CLICK HERE.
PHOTOS BY: ERICA CONNOLLY
Join us in Oaxaca for a once-in-a-lifetime experience designed for you and your bestie.
During this immersive journey, you’ll deepen your understanding of:
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Indigenous Zapotec culture
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Traditional Oaxacan cuisine
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Magical surrounding towns and artisan communities
This boutique trip is intentionally small and thoughtfully curated to offer a meaningful, immersive experience. Luisa values each relationship she has built with local artisans, cooks, and guides in Oaxaca, and this trip introduces you to many people she considers part of her extended community.
If you’re drawn to artisan craft, food, culture, and adventure—and you’re seeking an authentic way to experience Oaxaca—this trip is for you.
About Luisa (Your Trip Planner)
Luisa is a Mexican-American journalist who has worked for both national and local news stations. She left the news world to launch Mexico In My Pocket, a company rooted in her mission to show a side of Mexico often overlooked in mainstream media.
Through thoughtful storytelling and community-centered travel, Luisa creates experiences that connect travelers to the heart of Mexico. By the end of this trip, you’ll not only fall in love with Oaxaca—you’ll likely find yourself dreaming about your next adventure in Mexico.
About Rubén (Your Local Guide)
Rubén Vásquez will be your guide throughout the trip. Luisa has worked with Rubén since 2021 and deeply trusts his insight as a local Oaxaqueño.
Rubén has joined Luisa on every Oaxaca trip and personally knows each artisan and community partner featured in the itinerary. He is passionate about sharing the beauty, history, and traditions of Oaxaca, and Luisa is proud to partner with him for this June 2026 Bring Your Bestie Trip.
Trip Dates & Pricing
DATES
June 29 – July 6, 2026
PRICING
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Early Bird: $2,500 per person (6 spots available)
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General Admission: $2,950 per person (6 spots available)
SPOTS AVAILABLE: 12 total (intimate group)
*Rooming Note:
This trip is designed for best friends, sisters, or chosen family traveling together. All accommodations are shared rooms with two twin beds per room. Solo travelers are not accepted for this trip.
Payment Details
To secure your spot, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required.
Payment options:
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Zelle (no processing fees)
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Credit card (3% processing fee)
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Monthly payment plans available via Affirm
For payment plan details, email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com.
The remaining balance is due April 30, 2026. Up until that date, you may release your spot; however, the non-refundable deposit will be forfeited.
How to Join
This trip is application-based.
To join:
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Submit an application
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Receive approval
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Submit your non-refundable deposit
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Sign and return the Terms & Conditions agreement
If purchasing online, select your accommodation (single or double occupancy) using the dropdown menu.
If payment is not submitted within 5 days of approval, your spot will be released to the next applicant.
Applications close March 31, 2026.
DAY 1: Welcome to Oaxaca City
Arrivals & Slow Beginnings
As everyone will be arriving into Oaxaca City throughout the day, the first half of the day is intentionally free. Take this time to settle in, wander the city, and begin soaking in the magic.
We recommend visiting Templo de Santo Domingo and exploring the surrounding shops and galleries.
In the evening, we’ll gather for our welcome dinner at one of our favorite Oaxacan restaurants in the city, known for its Isthmus-style cuisine and warm, festive atmosphere.
Meals: Dinner included (1 alcoholic beverage per person)
DAY 2: Welcome to Monte Albán
Ancient History & Panoramic Views
Today, we visit Monte Albán, one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built atop a flattened mountaintop, Monte Albán was once the political and ceremonial center of the Zapotec civilization.
During our guided tour, you’ll learn about Zapotec cosmology, rituals, and daily life — all while taking in sweeping views of the Oaxaca Valley.
Lunch and dinner are on your own. A curated restaurant guide will be shared ahead of the trip so you can explore our favorite spots.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & Dinner on your own
DAY 3: Welcome to Teotitlán del Valle
Textiles, Tradition & Craft
We head to Teotitlán del Valle, a village renowned for its Zapotec rugs and traditional craftsmanship.
Here, we’ll meet local artisans and learn about the process behind natural dyeing, weaving, and the cultural symbolism woven into each piece. We’ll also visit artisans who create traditional floral candles, another beautiful and meaningful Oaxacan craft.
We recommend eating lunch before this tour. You will depart Oaxaca City at 1:00 pm and return in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch & Dinner on your own
DAY 4: Welcome to San Martín Tilcajete
Alebrijes & Spirit Animals
Today we visit the land of the alebrijes — Oaxaca’s vibrant, hand-carved spirit animals.
Local artisans will guide us through the symbolism behind alebrijes and conduct a reading to help you discover your own spirit animal. You’ll also see the carving and painting process up close.
Please be sure to bring pesos for artisan purchases.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included / Dinner on your own
DAY 5: Free Day - Choose Your Own Adventure
Option 1: Stay in Oaxaca City
Enjoy a slow morning followed by shopping and museum visits around the city. Luisa will provide a list of her favorite shops and cultural stops.
Some options include visiting Mercado Benito Juárez, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, or heading to Barrio de Jalatlaco to explore its colorful murals. We can also connect you with a local photographer if you’d like to schedule a special photoshoot with your bestie.
Option 2: Hierve el Agua
Join Rubén for a guided visit to Hierve el Agua, famous for its petrified waterfalls and mineral pools.
This is a full-day excursion with an early morning departure at 7:00 am. We’ll return to Oaxaca City in the late afternoon, around 3:00–4:00 pm.
Transportation included.
Mandatory local guide: $35 USD per person (must be scheduled and paid in advance).
A traditional Oaxacan breakfast is included and features eggs prepared on a comal, chocolatito, quesadillas, and more.
Option 3: Mole Cooking Class in Etla
Join Luisa’s friend Mimi and her son Charlie for a hands-on mole cooking class.
Mimi is a traditional Oaxacan cook whose recipes have been passed down through four generations and featured in Vogue. You’ll learn techniques, stories, and flavors that make mole such a sacred dish.
$95 USD per person (must be scheduled in advance).
Transportation included.
Meals: Breakfast included / Lunch depends on selected option / Dinner on your own
DAY 6: Farewell Dinner
A Special Goodbye
We’ll close our journey with a farewell dinner at one of our favorite Michelin-recognized restaurants in the city.
Expect deeply flavorful moles, fresh corn tortillas cooked on a comal, and a final chocolatito de agua to toast an unforgettable week.
Meals: Dinner included (1 alcoholic beverage per person)
DAY 7: Departures
Hasta Pronto
Departures from Oaxaca City. Some guests may choose to extend their stay (for an additional cost), while others head home — the choice is yours.
Meals: Breakfast included
What the Trip Includes
Accommodations
Meals
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Daily breakfast is included at El Diablo y La Luna B&B
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1 group lunch
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1 welcome dinner at a highly rated restaurant
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1 farewell dinner at a Michelin-recognized restaurant
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One alcoholic beverage per person included at select group dinners
This schedule also allows for free time to explore Oaxaca City independently. A curated restaurant and shopping guide will be shared ahead of the trip.
Transportation
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Round-trip airport transportation to and from Oaxaca City International Airport (only applicable for the official start and end dates).
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Private driver for excursions to surrounding towns
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Transportation for all included activities
Experiences
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Guided visit to Monte Albán
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Artisan studio visits and workshops
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Cultural experiences outlined in the itinerary
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Spanish & English translation throughout the trip
Support & Extras
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Tips for all included meals, drivers, and activity guides
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Thoughtful surprises along the way
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On-the-ground coordination throughout the trip
What the Trip Does Not Include
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Alcoholic beverages (unless explicitly stated)
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Airfare or transportation to/from Oaxaca
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Packing materials
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Incidental expenses
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Required travel insurance
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Meals not listed in the itinerary
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Extra excursions or events selected on free days
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Any meals or activities not explicitly listed above
Reviews
“A week in Oaxaca with Luisa and Mexico In My Pocket was the best way to dive deep into the soul of the region. She connects the group with the spirit of Oaxaca by granting access to homes, shops, and stories of local artisans and chefs.”
— Erica Connolly, Dallas, Texas
“Luisa really put her heart and soul into showing the city and people she loves so much. The trip felt personally connected to the land and culture, and it was incredibly moving to witness American Mexicanas connect to their roots.”
— Brit Alveno, Northfield, Minnesota
“My trip with Luisa and Mexico In My Pocket was nothing short of magical. I’m leaving Mexico with a full heart.”
— Shannon Velasco, New York City
“Luisa created a deeply immersive, stress-free experience that allowed us to connect with local artisans, the culture, and each other. The unexpected friendships were the bonus.”
— Rosie Fregozo, San Mateo, California
“Memorable doesn’t even begin to describe this trip. I’m so grateful to Mexico In My Pocket for this moment in my life.”
— Anna Bass, Houston, Texas
Inquiries
For more details, including accommodations, cancellation policy, terms, and conditions, please email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com.
Important Booking Terms:
This is an application-based, shared-room group experience (two twin beds per room; no solo travelers). All payments are non-refundable. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and trip interruption coverage is required. Full Terms & Conditions apply and must be signed prior to travel.
