Wonders of Oaxaca Retreat
July 6-13, 2025 | Starting at $3,879
Want to know why Oaxaca’s is getting all the buzz as one of the must-travel destinations in 2025? Join us for a curated small group travel experience and find out! We love Oaxaca for it’s vibrant art, rich customs and traditions, and of course because Oaxaca is one of the best food and drink destinations on the planet! We have handpicked and carefully curated the best of the best experiences for YOU: culture, cuisine, history, nature elements, and of course, movement and meditation…all this with attention paid to our environmental and social impacts on this beautiful land and her people.
This boutique travel experience includes:
* 7 nights of accommodation in our favorite Oaxacan boutique hotel. Our lovely hotel is located near the main square, within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and markets. Enjoy breakfasts in the open-air courtyard, yoga on the rooftop with a view of the city and surrounding mountains, and step out the front door to explore the town. Oaxaca is very walkable, with tons of beautiful architecture and street art to captivate your attention.
* All in-country transportation with our own private driver, including pick up and drop at the Oaxaca airport on arrival and departure days at designated time (we will share recommended flight arrival and departure times before you book your flights)
* Guided tour to significant Zapotec archeological site, where we’ll learn about the history of this pre-Columbian civilization.
* Private mexcal tour! Visit an artisanal mezcal farm and distillery, meet the maker, and learn how this traditional drink is produced, from plant to bottle. Plus: lots of samples!
* Private molé cooking class! We have the good fortune to learn to prepare one of Oaxaca’s signature dishes, molé, the traditional way, from a local expert.
* Visit to artisan village to experience the heritage of a special form of pottery found only in Oaxaca. We’ll have the opportunity to craft our own piece of pottery, with the guidance of a multi-generational family carrying forth the lineage of this art form.
* Local expert guides accompanying our private group throughout our whole trip, offering a unique perspective on the history and culture of the region.
* Learn about Zapotec life, traditions, customs, and spiritual practices. Experience firsthand how modern Oaxaca life intersects with ancient Zapotec influences. Make local friends in Oaxaca and surrounding indigenous communities.
* Hike in the mountains surrounding Oaxaca … with dogs! Through a partnership with a local dog rescue, we’ll have the opportunity to hike through the forest in the company with new puppy friends, currently awaiting adoption. (For those who are interested: you can volunteer to escort a dog back to the states in the event that an approved adopter is located in a city you’re flying through! Ask us if you’re interested, and we’ll connect you with our partner service organization!)
* Local expert guides accompanying our private group throughout our whole trip, offering a unique perspective on the history and culture of the region.
* Daily breakfasts, and most lunches. We can’t wait to introduce you to sipping chocolate (con agua o con leche), tlayudas, homeade tortillas, fried squash blossoms, the whole range of molé possibilities, and for the brave: chapulines (iykyk!).
* Daily group practices, including yoga, meditation, introprective exercises and facilitated group dialogue, led by highly experienced facilitators, teachers, and coaches Carrie and Kelly
* Individualized and group support throughout our journey
* Opportunities to explore and relax on your won. Stroll historical Oaxaca, visit a local market, explore the mountain villages to learn more about indigenous culture, or whatever else your adventurous heart desires. We offer suggestions for the two “choose your own adventure” days, to ensure you have ample vetted possibilities!
* Gratuities for all of our many service providers while in Oaxaca, including guides, excursion hosts, drivers, hotel staff, etc. This is an important way we can support the individuals that take care of us so well throughout our journey.
* Extraordinarily beautiful natural beauty, deep connection, the opportunity for personal growth and transformation…and as always, fun surprises to delight you along the way!
* Thorough support prior to our trip, including recommendations for packing, arranging flights, insider’s tips, and more!
FAQs
That’s a lot of goodness! What is NOT included?
airfare
dinners out (one of our favorite things about Oaxaca is how culinary delights are available at every turn! There are 31 Michelin star restaurants in Oaxaca, and extraordinary meals are available at a fraction of the price of comparable meals the states. We’ll share some of our very favorite spots, including where Kelly had one of the most delicious meals of her life!)
any additional excursions or services you may choose to arrange on your free days
extra drinks, snacks, and alcohol (Oaxaca is the birthplace of Mezcal!)
travel insurance (highly recommended for unforeseen needs while traveling!)
How do I get to there?
While we will provide detailed recommendations regarding timing, here is the rundown: 1) fly to Oaxaca, Mexico (airport code OAX) 2) we pick you up at the airport at the designated time.
I really want to bring my partner, but they don’t practice yoga. Can they still come?
Absolutely! All group activities, including yoga, are optional. And, we offer practices to delight a range of levels. Some yoga classes will be great for everyone, even including folks who have never stepped foot on a yoga mat. Other classes may be geared toward people with some experience practicing yoga. You’ll be provided with a detailed itinerary, so you (and your partner!) can decide what you’d like to participate in, and anything you’d prefer to skip.
I’m a solo traveler and don’t know any of the other participants. Can I still come?
Yes! Absolutely! Many of our retreat participants are solo travelers. While you may begin the retreat on your own, you’ll leave with a community that very much feels like family (and probably will be, forever).
I see that rooms are double occupancy. What if I want to stay in a room by myself?
If space in our hotels allow, we may be able to offer you a private room for an additional fee. Message us for availability and rates!
What happens after I reserve my spot?
We do a happy dance and welcome you to the Explore & Expand family! And then, we send you an email with itinerary, packing list, and other vetted recommendations!
I have another question! What should I do?
Email us! We’re happy to help.
p.s. Wonder what it’s like to travel with us? Check out what our past participants are saying!