Mexico

Why Mexico

Mexico offers layered history, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes—ideal for donor gatherings, alumni immersions, student learning, and community partnerships. Mexico City anchors with museums, cathedrals, and Teotihuacán pyramids, while the Yucatán delivers Maya heritage alongside Riviera Maya resorts for rest. Oaxaca’s markets and artisans add culinary depth, and Baja coastlines provide quiet retreats with whale encounters. With short flights from the U.S., bilingual guides, and trusted partners, we keep logistics coordinated so leaders can stay focused on community impact and fundraising conversations supported by our travel commissions guide.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Mexico City & Central Plateau: National Palace murals, Metropolitan Cathedral, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Teotihuacán sunrise balloon rides.
• Yucatán & Caribbean: Mérida colonial plazas, Chichén Itzá, Valladolid cenotes, and Riviera Maya beach evenings.
• Oaxaca & Southern Highlands: Monte Albán ruins, Zapotec weaving villages, mezcal tastings, and vibrant markets.
• Baja & Pacific: Los Cabos whale watching, Todos Santos art colony, and Ensenada coastal retreats.
• Community & Service: Partnerships with NGOs and local organizations supporting education, housing, and community development.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Mexico City & Central Highlands

• Base near Reforma or Polanco for secure hotels and meeting spaces.
• Visit Zócalo, Templo Mayor, and Palacio de Bellas Artes for historical context.
• Day trip to Teotihuacán with sunrise hot-air balloon or archaeology-focused tours; add Basilica of Guadalupe for reflection moments.
• Consider Puebla and Cholula for culinary experiences, Talavera workshops, and volcano viewpoints.

Yucatán Peninsula & Caribbean Coast

• Fly 2 hrs from Mexico City to Mérida or Cancún for Maya history and beach retreats.
• Explore Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Valladolid, and cenotes with certified guides.
• Riviera Maya resorts host donor dinners, evening gatherings, and rest days; Tulum and Akumal add coastal relaxation.

Oaxaca & Southern Mexico

• Oaxaca City’s colonial center provides markets, cooking classes, and artisanal cooperatives.
• Monte Albán ruins, Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls, and mezcal palenques showcase culture and creation care.
• Connect with local organizations on education, agriculture, and indigenous empowerment.

Baja California & Pacific Coast

• Los Cabos resorts blend beach rest with snorkeling, whale watching (Dec–Mar), and community partnerships.
• Ensenada or Tijuana sites offer border community insights and culinary tourism (Valle de Guadalupe wineries).
• Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlán add Pacific sunsets and resort infrastructure for retreats.

Chiapas & Southern Highlands (Optional)

• San Cristóbal de las Casas and Sumidero Canyon provide indigenous culture and highland scenery.
• Coordinate with NGOs focused on healthcare and social enterprise while navigating altitude and rural travel considerations.

Trip Length & Pacing

• Arrive Mexico City; Zócalo orientation, cathedral visit, and welcome dinner.
• Teotihuacán sunrise balloon flight, Basilica of Guadalupe visit, and partner briefing.
• Xochimilco trajinera cruise or museum day (Frida Kahlo, Anthropology) with evening donor reception.
• Fly to Mérida; explore colonial center and cenote swim.
• Chichén Itzá and Valladolid day with a sunset gathering in a Riviera Maya resort.
• Beach rest or service project; farewell dinner overlooking the Caribbean.
• Depart via CUN or MEX.

9 Days

• Adds Oaxaca segment with cooking class, Monte Albán tour, and artisan cooperatives.
• Includes buffer day for service project or neighborhood outreach in Mexico City or Mérida.
• Provides evening donor dinner in Oaxaca courtyard with local musicians.

12 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Yucatán, and Baja or Pacific retreat.
• Adds whale watching, vineyard dinner, or border community conversations.
• Allows rest day, leadership development sessions, and multiple partner meetings.

Best Time to Go

• November–April offers dry season, pleasant temps, and peak whale migration in Baja; book early for holidays.
• May–June shoulder season brings warmer weather with fewer crowds; plan midday indoor sessions to avoid heat.
• July–October is rainy season with afternoon showers and hurricane risk on coasts—build flexibility and monitor advisories.
• Festivals (Dia de los Muertos, Holy Week, Guelaguetza) provide rich culture but require early reservations for lodging and events.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Mexico City (MEX/AIFA), Cancún (CUN), Mérida (MID), Oaxaca (OAX), Los Cabos (SJD), Guadalajara (GDL), and Tijuana (TIJ).
• Transport: Private coaches and vans, domestic flights, and charter boats for coastal experiences; we ensure vetted drivers, hydration, and cool storage.
• Typical drives: MEX ↔ Teotihuacán ~1 hr; Oaxaca ↔ Monte Albán ~30 min; Mérida ↔ Chichén Itzá ~2 hrs; Cabo San Lucas ↔ Todos Santos ~1 hr.
• Lodging: 4★ city hotels, hacienda-style resorts, beachfront properties, and boutique inns with meeting rooms.
• Meals: curated Mexican cuisine, cooking classes, street food tastings (with safety protocols), and private gala dinners; dietary needs managed ahead.
• Mobility: moderate—cobblestones, pyramid steps, and uneven terrain; we provide alt routes, coach drop-offs, and rest breaks.
• Fundraising moments: rooftop receptions, cenote candlelight gatherings, hacienda dinners, and whale-watching reflection moments.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Guatemala or Costa Rica for Central American focus.
• Add Texas or California for border briefings and pre-trip fundraising events.
• Combine with Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico for Caribbean contrasts.
• Route via Spain for colonial heritage context or Peru for Andean partnership comparisons.
• Incorporate Israel or Turkey to connect heritage narratives with Latin American partnerships.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas? A: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter visa-free; we handle documentation guidance, tourist cards, and support for other nationalities.
• Q: Is bottled water provided? A: Yes—we supply bottled water on coaches, hotels, and meal venues; we brief teams on food and water safety best practices.
• Q: How do we manage altitude in Mexico City? A: We schedule lighter activities on arrival, encourage hydration, and offer adjustments for those affected by 7,000 ft elevation.
• Q: Can we include service projects? A: Absolutely—we coordinate with vetted organizations for construction, education, medical, or compassion projects that match group skills and schedules.
• Q: How far in advance should we plan? A: Secure 9–12 months ahead for festival seasons, whale watching, and resort blocks to lock in preferred venues and partner availability.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Mexico to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.