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why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
Suitable for Family, Group
OVERVIEW
This 10-day immersive mission offers a profound exploration of Mexico’s Jewish narrative, making it a true Jewish tour of Mexico that spans from the colonial era of the Conversos to the thriving modern community of today. Your journey begins in the high-altitude pulse of Mexico City, where you will trace Jewish life through the historic Justo Sierra Synagogue and the elite Jewish hubs of Polanco, before flying to Oaxaca to discover an emerging community reclaiming its identity amidst Zapotec ruins and world-class artisanal traditions. Together, these experiences define what sets this Jewish tour of Mexico apart: deep historical continuity paired with one of the strongest and most secure Jewish communities in the Americas. This trip is an essential deep dive into a civilization where Jewish resilience and Mexican spirit have harmoniously intertwined for over 500 years, making it an ideal choice for families, seniors, and multi-generational Bar Mitzvah celebrations looking for deep historical continuity.
Beyond the cultural landmarks like the pyramids of Teotihuacán and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, the journey focuses on the unmatched strength of Mexico’s modern infrastructure, including private visits to the Beth El Community Center and the massive Centro Deportivo Israelita. You will uncover the secret history of the Inquisition at the Memoria y Tolerancia Museum and engage in meaningful dialogues with Oaxacan locals who are currently reclaiming their Sephardic ancestry. This destination matters because it showcases one of the most successful examples of Jewish continuity in the Diaspora, where ancient Zapotec mountaintop ruins and vibrant folk-art markets serve as the backdrop for a living, breathing community that has flourished for centuries.
To ensure a seamless experience for heritage travelers, the itinerary provides a complete and practical Kosher and Shabbat experience. In Mexico City, guests will enjoy a traditional Shabbat with local families and have access to the city’s 30+ high-end kosher restaurants, while in the more remote regions of Oaxaca, we provide specialized catering and pre-arranged kosher meals to ensure dietary laws are observed without missing the local culinary soul. From the intricate stone mosaics of Mitla to the world-class security and luxury of Polanco, this mission offers a perfectly balanced, safe, and spiritually enriching encounter with the “Soul of Mexico.”
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Upon arrival at Mexico City International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Polanco, the heart of the modern Jewish community. You will spend the day acclimating to the city’s altitude with a walk through Lincoln Park and the surrounding streets, where you will find several local synagogues and kosher bakeries. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a high-end kosher restaurant, introducing you to the unique fusion of Mexican and Jewish flavors.
Today you will head to the Centro Histórico to visit Sinagoga Histórica Justo Sierra 71, the oldest synagogue in the city, where you will learn about the Ashkenazi immigrants of the early 1900s. The journey continues to the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace to see Diego Rivera’s murals, providing a broader context of the Spanish Inquisition and its impact on the Crypto-Jews (Conversos) in Mexico.
The morning is dedicated to Sinagoga Monte Sinai, the first Jewish community center established by Sephardic Jews in Mexico. Afterward, you will travel to the Casa Azul in Coyoacán, the former home of Frida Kahlo, to learn about her claims of Jewish ancestry and her relationship with Leon Trotsky, whose nearby home-museum you will also visit to discuss the Jewish-intellectual exile community of the mid-20th century.
You will leave the city early for the Pyramids of Teotihuacán, climbing the Sun and Moon pyramids to experience the grandeur of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Upon returning, the focus shifts to the evolution of the community with a visit to the Beth El Community Center, an architectural marvel. You will meet with local leaders to discuss the current state of Jewish life, followed by an evening at a local mezcalería to sample artisanal spirits.
The day begins at the National Museum of Anthropology, home to the Aztec Sun Stone and Mayan artifacts. Afterward, you will walk through Chapultepec Park to visit the Castle, the only royal castle in North America. The afternoon is spent at the Memoria y Tolerancia Museum, a world-class institution featuring a profound Holocaust wing that explores Mexico’s own history of diversity and human rights.
The morning is spent at the Mercado de San Ángel, a colorful explosion of high-end Mexican folk art and textiles. In the afternoon, you will visit the Centro Deportivo Israelita (CDI), the massive social and athletic hub that unites all sectors of Mexico City’s Jewish community. The day concludes with a traditional Shabbat service at a local synagogue, followed by an intimate Shabbat dinner within the community.
After a short flight to Oaxaca City, you will check into your boutique hotel in the historic center. The day is spent walking the cobblestone streets, visiting the stunning Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and the Ethnobotanical Garden. While in the city, you will meet with members of the small, emerging Oaxacan Jewish community for a discussion on their unique journey of reclaiming Jewish identity in the heart of Zapotec country.
The morning begins at Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital perched on a hill with 360-degree views of the valley. After exploring the archaeological site, you will visit the village of San Martín Tilcajete, famous for Alebrijes (vibrant wooden carvings). You will learn about the indigenous craftsmanship and enjoy a traditional lunch in the countryside, featuring the famous seven moles of Oaxaca.
Today you travel to Santa María del Tule to see the widest tree in the world, followed by the ruins of Mitla, known for its intricate geometric stone mosaics. You will then visit Teotitlán del Valle, a village of Zapotec weavers who use natural dyes for their rugs. The day ends at a traditional Palenque (distillery) to learn about the spiritual significance of mezcal, concluding with a farewell Oaxacan feast.
Your final morning allows for a visit to the Benito Juárez Market to buy local coffee, chocolate, and handicrafts. After a final walk through the Zócalo to soak in the atmosphere of the city, you will be transferred to Oaxaca International Airport for your flight home, carrying the memories of Mexico’s diverse Jewish and indigenous heritage.
Accommodation
Set around a verdant inner courtyard, our hacienda-style Hotel puts the hectic urban hustle of Mexico’s vibrant capital city seemingly on pause, but only for as long as you’d like. Step outside our doors, and you’ll find yourself on the grand boulevard of Paseo de la Reforma, just a short stroll away from Bosque de Chapultepec and the trendy neighborhoods of Condesa and Polanco. Want to know what makes Mexico City tick? Join us at Fifty Mils, one of the 50 Best Bars of the world, and taste the cocktails that are captivating Mexico City.
This is one of the hotels in Oaxaca Centro with a pool, an ideal space to enjoy the climate. A very special feature is that it is a place that combines history and avant-garde. They have one of the most striking walls used by guests and visitors to take photos and a beautiful tree over 200 years old.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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