Off the Beaten Path Cultural Immersion
Mexico
July 31—August 12, 2024
From $4,400
Adventure Overview
Discover the heart and soul of Mexico's diverse culture on a journey like no other. This adventure takes you through four breathtaking states within Mexico and embodies our commitment to direct trade as you join our team in sourcing coffee and cacao from our partners. Together, we will journey through the colonial city of Puebla, into the awe-inspiring Sierra Norte Mountains, and deep into Tabasco's culturally rich forested regions. We will also delve into Mexico's spiritual heritage while visiting traditional pilgrimage points, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying rest and relaxation on Mexico's famous beaches. Join us on this remarkable expedition and enjoy the vibrant colors, flavors, and experiences of Mexico.
Highlights
Itinerary
Every day in Mexico will bring exciting new adventures. From harvesting cacao and coffee alongside farmers, to exploring caves and swimming in waterfalls, we plan to do it all on this trip. Prepare for you and your family to be blown away by the stunning countryside we'll see and the cultural experiences we'll have in Mexico.
Day 1: Fly into Mexico City (Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico)
- Drive to Puebla (2 hours)
- Dinner and overnight in the historic district of Downtown Puebla City.
Day 2: Explore Puebla City
- Get to know the city of Puebla and its great significance in Mexico’s national history.
- City tour, craft shopping, coffee experience, dinner on the Zocolo.
- Night in Puebla City.
Day 3: Journey to Jonotla, Sierra Norte Mountains
- After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive into the mountains and arrive in Jonotla town. (4 hour drive)
- Jonotla is a small coffee farming community in the Sierra Norte Mountains, which we have called home for years.
- We will stay for three nights in the company of our Moka coffee farming partners.
Day 4: Coffee farming and swimming
- We’ll reconnect with our Moka Mexico coffee farmers and tour and volunteer on their coffee farm while discussing the importance of fair-trade pricing in the coffee sector.
- After lunch, we’ll walk through the village and swim in the forest in a naturally formed swimming pool.
Day 5: Exploration of Mountains, Caves and Waterfalls
- We will hike to the famous El Pinon. This mountaintop is an iconic pilgrimage point known for the miraculous appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
- Visit local caves and travel to the magical town of Cuetzalan.
- Special goodbye dinner with our Moka Mexico farmers as we prepare to travel to a different region.
Day 6: Travel to the beautiful Gulf Coast
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the lush coast of Montepio, where we will stay for 3 nights. (7 hour drive)
Day 7: Day at Montepio
Enjoy the beautiful shores and jungles.
Day 8: Day 2 at Montepio
- Enjoy the beautiful coasts and jungles.
- Boat trip.
Day 9: Travel to Villahermosa
- Drive to Villahermosa. (5 hours)
- Explore the city and overnight in Villahermosa.
Day 10: Cocoa farming with our cocoa partners in Comalacalco.
- Take a short drive to Comalacalco and meet the cocoa farmers we are proud to call our partners.
- Volunteer harvesting pods and planting trees on their farms.
- Night in Villahermosa.
Day 11: Travel to Palenque
- Travel to Palenque on a beautiful drive through the jungle to the home of the world-famous Palenque ruins. (2 hour drive)
- Night in Palenque.
Day 12: Ancient Ruins and Waterfall
- Discover the awe-inspiring ruins of the ancient city of Palenque, also anciently known in the Itza, which contain some of the finest architecture and sculptures that the Mayans Produced.
- We will take a refreshing dip in pristine jungle waterfalls.
- Special farewell dinner together as a group.
Day 13: Departure day
After breakfast, we will travel to the Villahermosa airport for our departing flights.
Direct-Trade Partners
Origin Adventures started as a way to take you to meet the farmers who grow the cacao and coffee beans we use in our products. These trips are the ultimate way to experience a transparent, direct-trade supply chain - from farmer and raw bean, all the way to finished product. At the heart of every Origin Adventure are our farming partners - they're the reason we do what we do.
We're ecstatic to introduce you to our dedicated team in Mexico, who are responsible for our incredble coffee and cacao. On this trip, you'll gain direct experience of a transparent supply chain, and even get to harvest and ferment cacao side by side with farmers, as well as participate in coffee farming and tree planting as well.
Accommodations & Food
This trip provides plenty of time to relax, swim, experience culture and enjoy local food. All participants will share lodging with immediate travel partners, or with a same-gender roommate. We'll be staying in comfortable lodgings throughout our journey.
Accommodation Styles: All bookings are double occupancy minimally with families being the exception.
Meet Your Guides
You’ll be accompanied by members of the Moka Origins team, along with local tour guides and experts at our destination.
Jeff Abella
Chelsea Abella
Ariszandy Calderon
Alejandro Escriche
Dates & Prices
July 31–August 12, 2024
- Early Registration: $4,400 (save $600)
- Normal Registration: $5,000
- Kids Registration: $3,900
- Deposit Amount: $1,000 (secures your spot on the trip)