Welcome to Oaxaca!
Kirchoff Fitness Adventures provides a once in a lifetime experience in global travel which will not only challenge your body, but will open your mind and soul to other cultures. Our commitment to getting you physically prepared along with giving back to the local communities around the world guarantee that when you travel with Kirchoff Fitness Adventures you will have a truly unique experience whether you are trekking in Nepal, or Cycling in Vietnam, hiking in Peru, or Kayaking in Croatia.
We will be teaming up with our friend Ari Santander, Oaxaca expert and native speaker as well as the non profit, Fundación En Via to explore the diverse state of Oaxaca Mexico. Oaxaca State is the most diverse and indigenous region of Mexico, where some 17 languages (including Spanish) are still spoken. We will begin in the UNESCO World Heritage of Oaxaca City, an architectural gem filled with amazing museums, festivals, colorful handicrafts, pre-Columbian ruins and baroque churches. It is revered as the culinary capitol of Mexico.
We will take you off the beaten path, providing the opportunity to support the local Zapotek communities while trekking through the forest land of Pueblos Mancomunados in the Sierra Norte. We will have an opportunity to learn about the cultures, fruit trees and medicinal plants along the way.
Finally we will end our journey at the Pacific Ocean in beautiful, Puerto Escondido where you will eat delicious home cooked food and do some sunset and sunrise yoga. After sunrise yoga, paddleboard or snorkel and enjoy cocktails by the pool. We are so excited to have you with us for this extraordinary adventure.
| DAY | DATE | LOCATION / ACTIVITY |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Sun, Sep 26, 2021 | Oaxaca City Arrive / Welcome Dinner |
| Day 02 | Mon, Sep 27, 2021 | Oaxaca City Optional outdoor park workout / Oaxaca City Tour / free time |
| Day 03 | Tues, Sep 28, 2021 | Oaxaca City Sierra Norte Transfer to Tlalixtac de Cabrera / Trekking |
| Day 04 | Wed, Sep 29, 2021 | Sierra Norte Trekking |
| Day 05 | Thurs, Sep 30, 2021 | Sierra Norte Trekking Oaxaca Trekking / Mezcal Tasting |
| Day 06 | Fri, Oct 1, 2021 | Oaxaca City San Martin Tilcajete Monte Alban Ruins / San Martin Tilcajete / San Bartolo Coyotepec |
| Day 07 | Sat, Oct 2, 2021 | Oaxaca City Tlacolula Valley Outdoor workout / Fundación Envia Micro Loan Service Project / Team Dinner |
| Day 08 | Sun, Oct 3, 2021 | Oaxaca City Puerto Escondido Transfer to Puerto Escondido (Flight) Free time: pool, or surfing, Yoga |
| Day 09 | Mon, Oct 4, 2021 | Puerto Escondido Yoga, Free time: beach or paddle board, kayaking |
| Day 10 | Tues, Oct 5, 2021 | Puerto Escondido Mexico City Depart, back to USA |
Tour Summary: Itinerary in Brief
DAY 01 | SUN, SEP 26, 2021
Welcome Dinner
El Diablo y la Sandia
ARRIVE TO OAXACA CITY
Welcome to Oaxaca City! You will be welcomed at El Diablo y la Sandia Libres, in Oaxaca. Enjoy a relaxing walk around the city or if you arrive early checkout the Sunday Market in Tlacolula. We will meet as a group in the evening for our welcome dinner.
DAY 02 | MON, SEP 27, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch
El Diablo y la Sandia
Oaxaca
EXPLORE OAXACA CITY
Begin the day with a healthy delicious breakfast at our accommodation. After breakfast our fabulous guide Jose Maria will meet us to show us this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Oaxaca City. We’ll take a walk to the main city center and stroll around the ‘zócalo’ (town square) before spending time at two of the Oaxaca’s most famous markets—20 de Noviembre and Benito Juarez—where you’ll find local crafts and woven goods as well as delicious breads, chocolate and chilies.
We’ll see the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman, a monument of the Dominican Order, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Mexico. And Visit the Oaxaca Regional Museum, located in the former Convent of Santo Domingo, which was active until the
mid-19th century.
We’ll have a delicious lunch then you’ll have the afternoon free to explore this amazing City. Enjoy the museums, galleries, craft shops and mezcalerias.
DAY 03 | TUES, SEP 28, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cabins
Sierra Norte Mountains
OAXACA CITY TLALIXTAC DE CABRERA TREKKING IN THE SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS
Trek Day 1: We will begin our 3 day journey from a town 6 miles away from the city of Oaxaca, Tlalixtac de Cabrera. Observe the marvelous flora of the Sierra Norte along the Camino Real (Royal Trail) which was part of an ancient pre-historic route that linked the Zapotec cities located in the valley of Oaxaca with the Gulf of Mexico.
Begin with the hike.
Activity: Trekking/hiking
Distance: Approx 11 mi.
Altitude/Elevation: Start point: 5,200 ft. Finish point: 9,500 ft
DAY 04 | WED, SEP 29, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cabins
Sierra Norte Hike
TREKKING IN THE SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS
Trek Day 2: We can take a short 2 mile hike to see a beautiful sunrise of the highlands. After breakfast transfer to Ixlan de Juarez, known for ecotourism is managed by the local indigenous community.
We will walk among the orchids and pine and oak woodlands which are forested sustainably. This great natural landscape beauty of Ixlan de Juarez, is claimed to be home to around 500 bird species and 6000 plant species.
Activity: Trekking/hiking
Distance: Approx 6 mi.
Altitude/Elevation: Start point: 6,900 ft. Finish point: 8,200 ft.
DAY 05 | THURS, SEP 30, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
El Diablo y la Sandia
Benito Juarez
SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS OAXACA CITY TREKKING IN THE SIERRA NORTE MOUNTAINS
Trek Day 3: Hike 11 miles in the cloud forest to the highest point of the town. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family. After lunch we’ll head back to Oaxaca City and stop at a local Mezcalaria. We’ll have a casual dinner at the hotel.
Activity:Trekking/hiking
Distance: Approx 11 mi.
Altitude/Elevation: Start point: 6,900 ft. Finish point: 10,200 ft.
DAY 06 | FRI, OCT 1, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch
El Diablo y la Sandia
Monte Alban Ruins
EXPLORE MONTE ALBAN RUINS / OAXACA CITY
After breakfast, our Oaxaca expert will pick us up to explore the breathtaking ruins of Monte Alban. We’ll Continue on to a fascinating wood alebrijes carving village, before finishing in San Bartolo Coyotepec, known for its black clay pottery.
One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico was inhabited between 500 BC and AD 1000 by Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs, who carved pyramids, terraces, dams, and canals directly out of the mountain. Its sheer size will give you room to roam — and learn about ball games played, literally, to the death. We will eat lunch at an outdoor restaurant, a hidden gastronomic gem, found in the Oaxacan Central Valley, specializing in a unique culinary fusion of pre-Hispanic and European tradition.
San Martin Tilcajete: In San Martin Tilcajete you will see the process of making Alebrijes, the famous and colorful figures from Oaxacan-Mexican folk art. You will visit a workshop and see how artisans carve and paint these figures. These figures decorated with Zapotec symbols were the inspiration for the creators of the famous movie “Coco”.
San Bartolo Coyotepec: We will visit the charming community with
about 600 families dedicated to the traditional indigenous craft. The artisans will show us the process of making black pottery using
pre-Hispanic techniques.
DAY 07 | SAT, OCT 2, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
El Diablo y la Sandia
Fundación En Via
EN VÍA MICRO LOAN PROGRAM TLACOLULA VALLEY
After breakfast we will be working with En Vía — a non profit organization that works to empower women to better support themselves and their families. Funds generated through responsible tourism provide interest-free loans and educational programs to entrepreneurial women in 5 communities in the Tlacolula Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico.
We will travel to 2 of the communities approximately 25-40 minutes outside of Oaxaca to meet women who are ready for their next En Vía microloan. Each of the women we visit will present her project — whether it is weaving rugs or raising chickens, selling flowers or making tortillas — and explain what she has done with past loans, and what she plans to do with subsequent loans. After hearing about the projects, learning about their community, we will have an opportunity to engage and as questions. A delicious lunch at an En Vía borrower’s business or home will provide us with an authentic taste of Oaxacan cuisine.
We will end the day at our Team Farewell Dinner.
DAY 08 | SUN, OCT 3, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Casa Zen
Casa Zen
OAXACA PUERTO ESCONDIDO BEACH
After breakfast we will head out to catch our 10am flight.
After arriving at our lovely beachfront accommodation we will have free time to walk the beach, sit by the pool. Enjoy free time: do a surf lesson, ride into town, etc.
We will do sunset yoga and dine at our villa.
DAY 09 | MON, OCT 4, 2021
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Casa Mar
Casa Mar
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Begin the day with a light morning yoga flow class then we’ll enjoy a delicious home cooked breakfast. After breakfast relax by the beach.
Enjoy free time — take an afternoon surfing lesson, kayak or hang out by the pool.
We will do sunset yoga and dine at our villa.
DAY 10 | TUES, OCT 5, 2021
Breakfast
DEPART PUERTO ESCONDIDO
GOODBYE OAXACA STATE! Say goodbye to guide and group. After breakfast, we will Depart from Puerto Escondido at 12:30 pm. Arrival to Mexico City at 2:10 pm.
Trip Cost & Payment
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Accommodation at selected hotels with daily breakfast. Check-in time is 3:00 PM and checkout time is 12:00 PM. Early or late service is subject to availability with surcharge.
- Leadership of a Kirchoff Fitness Adventure Travel Trip Leader
- Private English speaking guides
- Fitness guidance and prep for the trip
- Meals as mentioned
- Tours and transfers as mentioned
- Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
- Domestic Flight ticket (economy class - including all applicable taxes)
TOUR EXCLUDES:
- International Flight
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Early/late check in/out service at hotels(surcharge if request)
- Tips
- Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommend)
TRIP COST
$3,495 (8-10 members)
$3,695 (5-7 members)
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
At time of reservation: $600
90 days prior to departure: $2,895 (balance due)
CANCELLATION & TRANSFER FEE SCHEDULE
Up to 75 days prior to departure: No charge!
61-74 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Cancellation and transfer schedules for certain group trips, as well as cruises, private departures, extensions, and Special Events are often more strict. These exceptions are clearly indicated in the detailed itineraries for each of these trips.
Rates are based on group participation and no partial refunds will be given for unused trip arrangements for any reason whatsoever. Once you have been confirmed on a trip that requires a medical certificate signed by a doctor, normal cancellation penalties apply if your doctor does not sign the certificate. We highly recommend that all clients purchase trip cancellation insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk and we strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure. Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability.
ARRIVAL & MEETING PLACE
- Oaxaca City, Mexico, El Diablo y la Sandia
- Date: September 26, 2021
- Suggested Arrival Airport
- Oaxaca City
We will arrange one group pick up time at airport that is included in the base price of the tour. If coming in early or at a different time we can help arrange transport but will not be included in tour price. If you arrive early no problem, we will have your bags stored.
DEPARTURE
- Mexico City
- Date: October 5, 2021
- Suggested Airport: Mexico City, Mexico
- We will be arriving to Mexico City from Puerto Escondido at 2:10pm so your outbound flight should be after 3:30pm
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
You are responsible for making your own arrangements flights to from Mexico. There are many online consolidators for booking travel like kayak.com or expedia.com but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact George Moore at [email protected] He is very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the U.S. one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the U.S.
Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.
ACCOMMODATION
In Oaxaca your unique hotel El Diablo y la Sandia is conveniently located walking distance to the city center. When hiking in the Sierra Norte we will stay in mountain cabins. And at the beach in Puerto Escondido we are at Casa Zen, a fabulous villa with a pool overlooking the beach.
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
Trip members are responsible for making their own arrangements for air transportation. Please do not purchase your airline tickets until you are confirmed on the trip and have reviewed your proposed air schedule with our office. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule so that we can send it on to the local guide (make sure to include your Trip Name and Trip Dates on it). Note: The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly; otherwise, you may be denied boarding. Please remember this when reserving your flights. In addition, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US (in most cases).
