Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Give your students an inside look at Mexico’s ancient civilizations on this exciting educational tour to Mexico City and Oaxaca. Explore the open-air archeological site of Templo Mayor in the heart of Mexico City, climb the pyramids of Monte Alban, and learn about ancient Zapotec religious rites at Mitla. Plus, view treasures at anthropological museums and tour the colonial gem of Oaxaca.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Mexico City
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Mexico City guided sightseeing tour - Bundle
Crowds, cars, and cantinas fill Mexico City, a metropolis of 20 million built atop the Aztec capital. With a local guide, take in the vast Zócalo square, the Metropolitan Cathedral with its evolving architecture, and the Palacio Nacional, home to Diego Rivera’s vivid murals, all from the surrounding historic center. Then step inside and explore the excavated ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor for a closer look at the city's ancient past.
National Museum of Anthropology visit
Explore one of the top anthropology museums in the world. Arranged in over 100,000 square feet of display space are such artifacts as massive Olmec stone heads, the tomb and skeletal remains of an 8th-century Mayan ruler, a carved jaguar with a hollow back for the hearts of human sacrifices, and the famous Aztec Calendar Stone. At the museum entrance, the rain god Tlaloc stands guard over all these treasures. City residents claim that when this statue was moved here from its original home, severe rainstorms raged and ended a citywide drought.
LEAP
LEAP In Step with the Aztecs
Dance like a native in Teotihuacan! Traditional Aztec dancers and musicians in costume introduce you to the dance and its living legacy.
Optional
Ballet Folklórico
Experience a vibrant performance by the renowned Ballet Folklórico. Students discover the richness of Mexican culture as dancers in colorful costumes blend classical ballet with regional music and traditional folk styles from across Mexico.
Day 3
Mexican tortilla workshop
Dive into the fascinating world of Mexican corn culture with this interactive cooking class. You'll learn about nixtamalization, an ancient technique that turns corn into the foundation of Mexican cuisine, before rolling up your sleeves to grind fresh corn on a metate and make your own tortillas. Taste your creations with salsa and wrap up the experience with a light and flavorful lunch featuring tasty tacos and refreshing aguas frescas.
Travel to Puebla via Cholula
Cholula archaeological site visit
Puebla Tour-Director led sightseeing tour
Day 4
Monte Alban archaeological site visit
LEAP
Alebrijes art workshop
Learn about alebrijes, vibrant spirit guides and mythical creatures rooted in Mexican folklore. With guidance from local artisans, students design and paint their own creations.
Day 5
El Tule, Mitla & Hierve el Agua excursion
Explore Oaxaca’s landscape and heritage on a full-day excursion. At Mitla, study Zapotec architecture and design. Visit El Tule, one of the world’s widest and oldest trees. At Hierve el Agua, experience natural mineral pools while learning about the region’s geology and environment.
Day 6
Regional Museum of Archaeology visit
Santo Domingo Church and Cultural Center visit
Travel to Mexico City
Day 7
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Mexico
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.