Fans of Mexico (and to go there is to become one) know that the southern state of Oaxaca is a synthesis of all that attracts us to this dear country. Our six-day trip is short but superb. It takes us first to the brilliant old UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Oaxaca. Founded by the Aztecs, Oaxaca was freshly designed in 1529 by the Spanish Empire’s premier architect, Alonso García Bravo. His genius is everywhere to be found, especially in the city’s famed square, the Zócalo, which softens the heart. We’ll visit the World Heritage Site Zapotec pyramids in Monte Albán, once one of the largest cities in the Americas. Nearby is the Place of the Gods, the sublime, mile-high Sierra Norte village of Teotitlán, overlooked by towering green peaks. We’ll do some gentle hiking in the Norte’s pine forests, famed in naturalist circles as the Oreoamuna mexicana forest. At 20 million years or so of age, this is one of the world’s oldest and most diverse ecosystems (among much else, the Sierra is home to 350 species of butterfly). We’ll overnight in a community-owned lodge that exemplifies the modern movement toward sustainable tourism, then head back to Oaxaca for some of its signature cuisine before heading home, well refreshed and uplifted.

Day 1: USA to Oaxaca • Day 2: visit Zapotec ruins at Monte Albán and the weaving village of Teotitlán, overnight in Oaxaca • Day 3: visit artisan villages in the Oaxaca Valley, overnight in Oaxaca • Day 4: hike in the Sierra Norte, overnight at community-owned lodge • Day 5: hiking in pine forest, return to Oaxaca • Day 6: return to USA.

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