The Many Sides of Mexico: Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca

Take to the open seas in search of migrating humpback whales. Observe local marine life and enjoy this unforgettable half-day adventure with commentary from a marine biologist. Have those cameras at the ready should you see any action. Please note that this tour is seasonal and only available (Dec-Mar).

Explore the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Sparkling blue waters, pristine sandy beaches, and gorgeous sun-kissed weather make a beach trip the perfect relaxing activity. Opt to lounge or swim in the water until your heart is content.

Set sail and awaken your senses to the stunning sights in Banderas Bay on a sunset cruise. Relax with some music, a drink, and some snacks as you watch the sun sink below the horizon casting impressive colors across the bay. A great way to cap off a day in paradise.

Looking for the perfect active day in Puerto Vallarta? Head out on this snorkeling tour to the Marietas Islands. Hop on a boat and cross the calm waters in search of dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales along the way. Then, get underwater for a look at the colourful array of tropical fish just below the surface.

Set out with a food guide through the streets of Puerto Vallarta on a food and cocktail tour. Learn about the culutral roots of mezcal, tequila, and raicilla. Taste michelad, Mexico's signature beer cocktail and stop at some popular local sports for food tastings of some pretty delicious tacos.

Opt to reserve a private cooking class to test your culinary skills and learn how to make some traditional regional cuisine. The teacher will teach the class to create authentic dishes that can be replicated at home, when you're finished dig in and enjoy your dish!

Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Ride through the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende on this leisurely 2-hour horseback riding tour admiring the scenery. Trot through Benito Juárez Park, toast your evening in a Mexican ‘cantina’; and listen to a moving serenade performed by ‘mariachis’ before a candlelit dinner inspired by Mexican culinary classics.

The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.

Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.

Coyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.

The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.

Visit the famed "Blue House" where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died. Her lifelong home is open to those looking to learn more about or see what life was like for the celebrated artist. The museum consists of ten rooms throughout the home, each filled with original furniture from when she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, and personal items of Frida's from letters, art materials, original works of art, to handcrafted kitchenwares. Tickets can be limited so we recommend booking in advance online: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en

Take on the famous canals of Xochimilco in a vibrant coloured gondola boat past vendors, mariachi bands and local artisans. Feel the vibes of the music around you as locals shop in the floating markets and hopefully you'll find something to bring back home too.

Combatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture. Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.

Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.

Coyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.

Visit the famed "Blue House" where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died. Her lifelong home is open to those looking to learn more about or see what life was like for the celebrated artist. The museum consists of ten rooms throughout the home, each filled with original furniture from when she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, and personal items of Frida's from letters, art materials, original works of art, to handcrafted kitchenwares. Tickets can be limited so we recommend booking in advance online: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en

The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.

Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.

Coyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.

Take on the famous canals of Xochimilco in a vibrant coloured gondola boat past vendors, mariachi bands and local artisans. Feel the vibes of the music around you as locals shop in the floating markets and hopefully you'll find something to bring back home too.

Combatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture. Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.

Also known as Tlachihualtepetl, Cholula is a massive archaeological site west of Puebla. Dating from at least 100AD, it’s the oldest continuously occupied ceremonial centre in the western hemisphere. Most impressive is the Great Pyramid of Cholula – a tall grass-covered structure which is actually at least four successive pyramids built one on top of the other. The Spanish built a church at the very top in 1594. Visit the museum to learn about the history, explore tunnels, and climb to the top for breathtaking views of nearby volcanoes.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout. The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.

The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.

Begin this activity in the morning with included transport to Hierve el Agua. This stunning natural formation consists of a series of mineral pools near the edge of a cliff. Over thousands of years, the heavily calcified water has flowed over the cliff, leaving mineral deposits as it goes. The result is known as a "petrified waterfall" – nearly white rock formations that resemble a cascading fall. Upon arrival, enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the area and perhaps go for a swim in one of the mineral pools. Then, travel to a Mezcalería for a tour of the distillery which includes an explanation of the production process of mezcal and a tasting. The group will return to Oaxaca in the late afternoon. Please note these approximate travel times below: Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua - Between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours Hierve el Agua to Mezcalería- 1 hour Mezcalería to Oaxaca - 45 minutes.

Take a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.

The Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.