Mexico with Stephanie Moka

Dates

Aug 9–14, 2024

Group Size

8–24 Travelers

Duration

6 days, 5 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

Have you ever traveled to the past? In this trip you will get to know the Zapotec culture and traditions that have been preserved to this day. Through visits to important archeological sites, tasting traditional cuisines, and learning about local arts and crafts, you will immerse yourself in some of the most important cultural experiences that Mexico has to offer!
$2,399USD
$2,499USD
Aug 9–14, 2024
6 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Stephanie Moka
Stephanie Moka

Hi, I'm Stephanie Moka, your gorgeous, funny, and charming travel companion. I'm a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content creator with a passion for traveling. Join me on my group trips for immersive cultural experiences, exciting adventures, and the chance to build lasting friendships with fellow travelers.

View Full Profile

Trip Activities

  • Monte Alban tour

  • Oaxaca City Tour

  • Cooking class

  • Mitla Archeological Site

  • Zapotec Lunch

  • Tule Tree

  • Beeswax Candle Making

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • Local guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer on the last day

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Bienvenidos and welcome to Mexico! TrovaTrip will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where your adventure begins.

Airport transfer

40 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), between 8 am and 5 pm

dinner

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included.

La Noria Centro Historico (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/5

Overnight in Oaxaca

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 2

Info

Begin your trip by learning about the pre-colonial Zapotec civilization with a visit to Monte Alban archeological site. After you will explore Oaxaca City Center and its colorful markets where Descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec indigenous people sell colorful woven blankets and shawls, among many other local arts and crafts.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Monte Alban tour

3 Hours

The archaeological site of Monte Alban is among the largest in Mexico. It is the capital of the 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!).

lunch

Lunch included

Oaxaca City Tour

2 Hours

Explore the city and history of Oaxaca on this city tour.

La Noria Centro Historico (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/5

Overnight in Oaxaca

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 3

Info

Cooking day! today you will spend all morning with a local chef. You will follow recipes using freshest and exotic ingredients, with a special focus on local herbs and chiles unique to Oaxaca.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Cooking class

4 Hours

Today you’ll be joined by a local chef for a visit to the market, learning about Oaxaca’s produce and cuisine from an expert. You’ll then take the ingredients you’ve picked up at the markets and learn how to transform them into traditional Oaxacan dishes, which you’ll then enjoy for lunch.

lunch

You will enjoy the lunch you prepared in the cooking classes!

La Noria Centro Historico (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/5

Overnight in Oaxaca

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 4

Info

Today, venture out of the city and take a tour of the Oaxaca region. Visit the Mitla ruins archaeological site, once the religious center for Zapotec communities.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Transfer to Mitla

1 Hour

Take a private transfer to Mitla

Mitla Archeological Site

1 Hour

Soak in the history at the Mitla ruins. Mitla was once the religious center for the Zapotec people and later the Mixtec.

Zapotec Lunch

1 Hour

Enjoy a traditional local Zapotec lunch!

lunch

Lunch included in Zapotec Lunch experience

Tule Tree

1 Hour

Next up is a visit to the famous Tule Tree, a 1,500-year-old Montezuma cypress with a 36-meter circumference, making it one of the widest in the world.

snack

Stop off in Tule town to try some Mexican ice cream – an important part of Mexico’s culinary history, this hand-churned ice cream is up there with the best of them. Perhaps try some Mexican vanilla, fresh fruit sorbet or even a scoop seasoned with chili.

Beeswax Candle Making

1 Hour

Continue to a beeswax candle-making workshop, learning age-old processes passed down for generations and the intricate designs that are created, and you can take home your candle as a souvenir.

Return Transfer to Oaxaca

1 Hour

Return to Oaxaca via private transfer

La Noria Centro Historico (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 4/5

Overnight in Oaxaca

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 5

Info

Today you will have a free day to enjoy Oaxaca! Cultural activities abound in Oaxaca, scores of free museums, galleries and workshops showcase world-class, locally produced arts and crafts, such as intricately designed black pottery, hand-woven Zapotec rugs and surreal mythical animal sculptures. You can spend all day wandering the different markets.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.

La Noria Centro Historico (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 5/5

Overnight in Oaxaca

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 6

Info

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Airport Transfer

40 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) on the last day.

Show DetailsHide Details

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

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 or Fewer Days 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.

Join 30,000 Travelers Who've Booked With TrovaTrip

Explore the world with confidence. You're in great company!

Flexible Payment Options

Reserve your spot with just 25% down, pay in full, or apply for a payment plan at booking. Your dream trip, your way.

Trusted Local Experiences

We partner with 50 handpicked Trip Operators worldwide to give you authentic, unforgettable adventures.

Thousands of Reviews

Don't just take our word for it, read what real Travelers are saying on Trova, Trustpilot, and Google.

Here When You Need Us

Questions? We're just a tap away. Get support via Chat or our Help Center.

FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

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 pending100% 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 tripPartially 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 tripNon-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.

Who can I contact with more questions?

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.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

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.