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Mexico with Gina Luker
Dates
Dec 12–17, 2025
Group Size
8–24 Travelers
Duration
6 days, 5 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileGina Luker
A girl on a mission to make life magical. Turning everyday moments into creative adventures along the way.
Trip Activities
Monte Alban tour
Oaxaca City Tour
Cooking Class
Tule Tree
Mitla Archeological Site
Beeswax Candle Making
Zapotec Textile Demonstration
Zapotec Lunch
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
Local guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Not Included
International flights
Food and alcohol (except as noted)
Visas and travel insurance
Airport transfers
Tips for Guides
What's included by Your Host
Moon Phases class with Gina
Cartomancy Readings with Gina
Stroll and shop with Gina
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
dinner
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a 2-course set menu with an additional shared appetizer and 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.
La Noria Centro Historico or Similar (or similar)
Overnight in Oaxaca
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Monte Alban tour
Depart your hotel on a 25 minute private transfer to Monte Alban. Then led by a local guide, you will explore the archaeological site of Monte Alban, which is among the largest in Mexico. It is the capital of Zapotec culture and perhaps the most important archaeological site in Oaxaca. Head to Monte Albán’s flat mountain top for views of the city, then explore the vast site’s temples, tombs, underground tunnels, and ball court. After a guided visit, spend some free time walking around, taking pictures (as this is probably one of the most picture-perfect views in Mexico!). Depending on how much you explore the archeological grounds, expect to walk 2-3 miles on hard dirt paths and be ready to encounter large stone steps. After your tour you’ll take a 20 minute transfer to lunch.
lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a la carte with 1 non-alcoholic drink included, subject to change.
Oaxaca City Tour
After lunch, you’ll transfer 15 minutes to Mirador de la Ciudad where you’ll get expansive views of the city. Then you’ll transfer roughly 15 minutes back to the city center and set out on foot to explore Oaxaca City. Led by your guide, you’ll visit important landmarks such as the Temple of Santo Domingo, the Fountain of the Seven Regions, and the Mercado Benito Juárez. You’ll finish your tour at your hotel. Expect to walk around 1-2 miles on paved roads.
La Noria Centro Historico or Similar (or similar)
Overnight in Oaxaca
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Cooking Class
One of Oaxaca’s MUSTS is local gastronomy. Only a 10 minute transfer away, today you will completely indulge in local flavors with a cooking class led by a local chef. Spend about an hour visiting a local market, in which you will see different types of regional ingredients. After finding fresh ingredients for local traditional dishes, get in the kitchen and start preparing some Oaxacan dishes. Over the course of roughly 2 hours, you will learn how to make tortillas, 3 different salsas, an appetizer, a soup, and a mole (subject to change based on seasonal menus). Wrap up your meal with a dessert and an agua fresca (fruit water). Enjoy a meal with your group and take some of the best kept secrets in Oaxaca cuisine back home. After your meal you will transfer back to your hotel.
lunch
Lunch is included as part of the cooking class. You will enjoy 3 salsas, tortillas, an appetizer, a soup, a mole, a dessert, and an agua fresca as a beverage.
Moon Phases class with Gina
Join me for a workshop on understanding the moon phases and aligning your life with them for ease and flow. This workshop will help you to manifest easier, stay more balanced in your day to day life and harness the power of the moon.
La Noria Centro Historico or Similar (or similar)
Overnight in Oaxaca
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Tule Tree
30 minutes after departing Oaxaca City, you’ll stop to see the world’s widest tree, the Tule Tree. At over 36 feet (11 meters) in diameter, the tree is located on church grounds in the town of Santa Maria del Tule. The tree is thousands of years old, but the exact age is debated with an estimated range between 1,200 and 3,000 years old. You’ll stop to learn more about this magnificent tree and take some photos before continuing on to Mitla.
Mitla Archeological Site
After another 45 minutes you’ll arrive at Mitla archeological site. Led by your guide admire and soak in the history at these ancient ruins. Mitla was once the religious center for the Zapotec people and later the Mixtec and considered the second most important archeological site in Oaxaca. Unlike Monte Alban, the construction of Mitla is lower to the ground, and characterized as being constructed for the comfort of the residents rather than for grandeur. Walk among these ruins as your guide explains to you the significance and history of this important site. Expect to walk 1 hour (2-3 miles) on stone, dirt, and gravel paths.
snack
After you’ve visited Mitla, stop for a short break and enjoy a scoop of local hand-churned ice cream! Perhaps try some Mexican vanilla, fresh fruit sorbet or even a scoop seasoned with chili.
Beeswax Candle Making
A 30 minute transfer away from Mitla will take you to a small town. Here you’ll partake in a beeswax candle-making workshop, led by a local family, and learn age-old processes passed down for generations. You’ll observe the intricate designs that are created, and you can take home your candle as a souvenir.
Zapotec Textile Demonstration
In the same location, you’ll watch as local families meticulously craft folk clothing and rugs, some of which take months to complete. This Zapotec weaving demonstration uses only traditional techniques, tools, patterns and organic dyes.
Zapotec Lunch
Transfer less than 10 minutes to the home of a local family that has been preserving traditional homemade foods and recipes for many generations. You’ll be welcomed with open arms into their home as you enjoy a delicious traditional and authentic Zapotec lunch of tortillas, mole, rice, beans, and more. Enjoy your lunch and then take a 45 minute transfer back to the hotel.
lunch
Lunch at a local family home is included. Your meal will typically be 1 main dish with water provided as a beverage, subject to change.
Cartomancy Readings with Gina
Cartomancy is my favorite divintation method - and I've been doing it for over 45 years! Get one on one readings with me in this informal gathering and we can grab dinner together afterwards if you'd like to come along.
La Noria Centro Historico or Similar (or similar)
Overnight in Oaxaca
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
dinner
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a 2-course set menu with an additional shared appetizer and 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.
Stroll and shop with Gina
Join me after breakfast for a strolling trip to shop at artisan and witchcraft shops located near the hotel. Oaxaca is a magical place and we'll spend the day just enjoying the local shops, grabbing a bite to eat and hopefully can find some magical things on our adventure. *This activity is not included in the itinerary cost.*
La Noria Centro Historico or Similar (or similar)
Overnight in Oaxaca
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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Traveling with TrovaTrip
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Can I book solo?
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What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending – 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip – Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip – Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
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Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
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Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.