Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Oaxaca, capital of Oaxaca State, is one of the prettiest towns in Mexico and was deservedly nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust Site in 1987. Founded by the Spanish in 1521 on a pre-existing Zapotec and Mixtec settlement, the town gracefully combines colonial charm with its ancient pre-hispanic roots.

Imposing churches, airy plazas and hidden convents blend with busy markets, traditional crafts stalls and local music makers.

Chiapas, Mexico
Mexico

A little more about Oaxaca & The Central Valleys

Relax in the zocalo and enjoy a locally produced Mezcal while absorbing the feel of this vibrant and colourful town. Oaxaca is also one of Mexico’s major handicrafts and arts centres with a vast range on offer guaranteed to keep even the most dedicated souvenir shopper happy.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Keel-Billed Toucan, Costa Rica

Wildife of Tortuguero

Peacefully meander down the waterways of Tortuguero National Park by canoe, getting up close and personal with birdlife, colourful frogs and lizards, playful monkeys and sloths. You are surrounded by the warm Caribbean sea, where you can watch baby turtles taking their first steps towards the sea.

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Green sea turtle hatchling

Turtle Conservation

Visit Tortuguero, one of the world’s major nesting sites for Atlantic green turtles.

Holiday idea

Poas Volcano crater, Costa Rica

Volcano Adventure

Walk up to the ridge of the active Poas volcano for a peek into the steaming abyss of its caldera, the largest in the world.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chocolate making course in Costa Rica

Chocolate Making

Discover how to make chocolate, from bean to bar.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Morgans Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge, Two Bedroom Ocean View Villa Private Terrace, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Stay in an Eco-Lodge

Tucked into the forest canopy, stay in an eco-lodge with views of the ocean below.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Turtles on the beach, Nicaragua

La Flor Wildlife Refuge

Visit La Flor Wildlife Refuge and watch thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Diving With Turtles, Belize

Outdoor Pursuits

Take part in a wide variety of outdoor adventures, from kayaking, tubing and wildlife trails to snorkelling and fishing.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Mantled Howler Monkey, Nicaragua

Hiking in Nicaragua

Hike through the forest where monkeys roar from the tree canopy.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Cacao pod in Belize

Chocolate Tasting

Toledo is a chocolate lovers haven. Sitting at the heart of Belize’s chocolate industry, a tour allows you to sample the finest cacao in its purest form.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Ash boarding down Cerro Negro Volcano in Nicaragua

Ash Boarding

Travel down the slopes of Cerro Negro volcano on an ash board.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Mexico holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Hotel Catrina de Alcala £££££

  • Mexico

Hotel Catrina de Alcala is a boutique hotel, set in the heart of Oaxaca – a World Cultural Heritage area, designated by UNESCO. The hotel has 13 rooms, each with vibrant interiors and an inviting and modern theme throughout. Catrina de Alcala benefits from a heated pool, an in-house restaurant with a unique wine cellar – the staff members are knowledgeable in pairing specific grapes with dishes. There is also an in-house art gallery with a collection of pieces demonstrating the culture of Oaxaca.

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Quinta Real Oaxaca £££££

  • Mexico
  • Boutique

Once a 16th Century convent, the Quinta Real has been carefully converted into a luxury hotel. All rooms are air-conditioned and have shuttered windows opening onto Oaxaca’s historic streets.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Sue Grimwood

I was inspired to travel south from an early age. My form teacher when I was nine made us listen to tapes from Shackleton’s expeditions, I didn’t know it at the time, but it obviously left a deep impression on my psyche.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

John Faithfull

Over multiple trips, John has immersed himself in the natural and cultural highlights of this huge country. He has had close encounters with grey whales off Baja’s Pacific coast, swam with whale sharks in the Caribbean, attended shaman rituals in Chiapas and sought out some of Mexico City’s finest Mezcalerias.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


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