Student Fees
DAY ONE – Arrival Puebla
Arrive Mexico City’s International Airport. Enjoy a panoramic two-hour drive past snow-capped peaks and volcanoes. Puebla is renowned
for its colonial treasures, cafe-lined plazas and a vibrant arts-and-crafts culture.
The Centro Historico has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Your host hotel is located within the heart of this zone.
DAY TWO - Cholula/Arrival Oaxaca
The tiny town of Cholula, a few miles from Puebla, is known for its great pyramid that is a third larger than the Great Pyramid at Giza.
Tunnel through its endless antechambers and barren tombs and climb the massive exterior staircase for fabulous views of snow-covered Popocatepetl,
among Mexico’s most-active volcanoes. Following lunch, take the toll road to Oaxaca, the southern Mexican city with Zapotec roots and a Spanish colonial gloss, simmers with a passionate spirit.
You'll feel it in the buzzing markets, see it in the wealth of colorful crafts, and taste it in their culinary specialties of mole and chocolate.
Oaxaca Homestay Groups:
stay with middle class host families who have been interviewed, carefully selected, and monitored by the resident director. Bring family photos and community mementos to share.
Everyone is expected to practice their Spanish in the home. Participants normally share with one other group member of the same general language ability.
DAY THREE– Monte Alban/
First stop, Monte Alban! Built on a flattened mountain top that rises above the valley, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Explore the Great Plaza,
ball court, and ancient tombs of high priests. Next, explore Oaxaca's Centro Historico from Santo Domingo Church to the Zocalo. Tonight, your
is a special visit to a local orphanage, where you’ll
help the children with their homework or play games. Please bring basic school supplies. Interact makes a donation to the local institution.
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DAY FOUR – De Compras
Your Oaxaca experience would not be complete without exploring a few of the region’s fascinating villages and wandering
through several of the area’s exotic native bargaining markets. Meet local families in San Antonio Arrazola as you shop for the fanciful alebrijes.
Then, In the black pottery village of Coyotepec, witness a live demonstration of this ancient process.
Later, return to the Centro Historico’s bargaining markets where you can have fun practicing your Spanish.
DAY FIVE – Teotihuacan/
/Mexico City
Explore Teotihuacan and climb the monumental Sun and Moon pyramids. Today’s near the pyramids includes a maguey demonstration and a
fascinating tortilla competition. Try your hand (literally) on the traditional comal.
Then visit the Shrine of Guadalupe on your way to your hotel, overlooking the historic Zocalo.
DAY SIX – Zocalo/Xochimilco & Casa Azul
After you’ve visited the Cathedral and viewed the Diego Rivera murals, travel south to Xochimilco, where you’ll be treated to a boat ride on
the ancient Aztec canals (recently restored ecologically). Conclude with a visit to Casa Azul, where Frida Kahlo was born, where she lived as an
artist and where she spent her last days. Behind these tall blue walls, the artist created a world of her own,
and the creative spirit of the famous Latin American artist vibrates in her paintings hanging from the walls.
DAY SEVEN – Ixtapa
Jet to Mexico’s upscale resort, Ixtapa, a beautiful stretch of beach dotted with hotels, golf courses, and ample shopping.
After a relaxing afternoon on the beach, your guide will accompany you to Zihuatanejo, just over the hill, with all the charm and authenticity of old-world Mexico.
Here, quaint shops and bargaining opportunities line the picturesque Paseo del Pescador.
DAY EIGHT - ¡Viva Ixtapa!
Your Dorado Pacifico Hotel is highly regarded as one of the nicest overlooking El Palmar beach.
This eleven-story ocean front resort is a great vacation spot for families and students alike.
The Dorado features three pools, waterslides, and scheduled activities.
DAY NINE - Return to United States
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DEPARTURES
9 days/8 nights |
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NIGHTS
Puebla
Oaxaca (hotel/homestay)
Mexico City
Ixtapa |
1
3
2
2 |
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MEALS
Daily breakfast and lunch or dinner.
Homestay families provide full board.
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