From central Mexico to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca

DAY 1 : Welcome to México!

Welcome to Mexico City!

You will arrive at Mexico City airport.

Your guide will pick you up at the airport to transfer you directly to the first leg of the trip, Teotihuacán!

Transportation from the airport to your hotel is included.

Transfer to your hotel :

Type : Bus

From - to : Mexico City International Airport - Pyramid of the Moon

Details: Transfer in private van

Accommodation :

Hotel Quetzalcalli

Hotel Quetzalcalli is a Mexican-style property overlooking the famous pyramids of Teotihuacan. It offers free Wi-Fi, shuttle service and a children's playground.

It offers rooms with cable TV, a wardrobe, a desk, a balcony and a private bathroom with shower and toilet.

Hotel Quetazlcalli has a cafeteria. Restaurants serving national and international cuisine can be found 2 km away.

Guests can relax with a temazcal treatment or visit the archaeological site, a 5-minute drive away.

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DAY 2 : Time travel to Teotihuacan

Today you will follow the tracks of pre-Columbian civilizations by visiting Teotihuacan and its famous pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, where you can get up close enough.

A unique environment awaits you at lunchtime: a fitted out cave will be the setting for our first lunch there!

In the afternoon, you will leave for a bike ride: several circuits are available according to your desires (see details on the activity page)

Breakfast NOT included

Activities included:

Archaeological site of Teotihuacan

You will discover the site of Teotihuacan, and its famous pyramids of the Moon and the Sun with your private English-speaking guide.

We always recommend an early morning visit to avoid the crowds and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Tour Features :

• Private English speaking guide
• Entrance to the site included
• Allow between 1h45 and 2h for the visit.

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Bike ride around the site of Teotihuacan

If you are looking for a bit of adventure and want to discover the surroundings of Teotihuacan, this is the ride for you!

Several routes are available:‍

• ‍La Ruta del Artesano - "The Artisan's Route": this option focuses on discovering the artisans of the region. You will have the opportunity to stop in front of several workshops, where you will discover the artisans at work. Clay, obsidian, cocoa and products made from the famous "nopal" cactus and the prickly pear are examples of what you will be able to see during this tour. It is a 10 km ride and takes about 3 hours (very easy level, no uphill).‍
• Aventura ("Adventure") circuit: During this tour, you will discover the small village of San Martin de las Piramides, as well as a small cave in the area where you will enjoy the effects of light that cut down the darkness. You will also discover the production of "Pulque", an alcohol made from a type of cactus. It is a 10 km ride and takes about 3 hours (very easy level, no uphill).‍
• Temazcal" tour: This tour includes a pre-Hispanic Temazcal experience, an ancestral ritual to purify the body and mind. Similar to a hammam, you will experience how stones are heated to emit steam and you will enjoy breathing in aromatic plants with medicinal benefits.
  

Features of the activity :

• Spanish and English speaking guides.
• Tour with private guide.
• There are single bikes, double bikes and small carts for children.

Accommodation :

Hotel Tamara

Located in Puebla, 6.6 km from Acropolis of Puebla, Hotel Tamara offers accommodation with a bar, private parking and a terrace. It features a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi. Family rooms are available at the hotel.

The air-conditioned rooms feature a desk, a safe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms at Hotel Tamara are equipped with bed linen and towels.

An American breakfast is served at the property.

DAY 3 : Visita de Puebla y Cholula

During these day we will explore the city of Puebla, famous for all kinds of pottery. Also at the magical village of Cholula we will visit the pyramids, the famous church "el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios" and will admire the stunning view of the volcano Popocatepetl.

Activities included:

Visit to Cholula

The city of Cholula, located on the periphery of Puebla, is world famous for its "Great Pyramid", which now looks more like a hill, crowned by the church "el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios".

Built by the Spaniards as a symbol of evangelisation, it seems to reach the top of Popocatepetl, a volcano which rises behind the church and offers a unique landscape!

Discovering Puebla

Nicknamed the "City of Angels", Puebla is a city of wonder with a colonial city centre.

The city is well known for its "Talavera" pottery, with its multicoloured patterns, which can be seen on many buildings in the city centre.

Transfer Puebla to Tehuacán :

Type : Airplane

From - to : Puebla City - Tehuacan

Details:

Duration: 2:00 hrs

Distance (km): 150km

Accommodation :

Casa Real Tehuacan

Hotel Casa Real Tehuacán is 250 metres away from Tehuacán's main square and within a 3-minute walk of the cathedral. It features a gym and a terrace with a fountain.

The air-conditioned rooms and suites are equipped with air conditioning, a safe and a seating area. They are equipped with cable TV, a telephone and an alarm clock radio.

The hotel's restaurant serves typical Puebla dishes. Many more restaurants can be found within a 100-metre radius.

The property also offers a business centre, meeting facilities and free Wi-Fi in public areas.

DAY 4 : Arrival to Oaxaca

This day you can visit a beautiful botanical garden of cactuses, where you can appreciate in their natural environment more than a hundred different species of cactus and which is part of the core zone of the Tehuacan Biosphere Reserve. You will also be able to enjoy the saline landscapes for the production of salt, which makes the region economically important.

You will drive to Oaxaca, to reach a new region of Mexico.

The state of Oaxaca, in the south of the country, is a real gem of Mexico. Discover its pre-Columbian heritage, handcrafts and techniques, juggling the art of mezcal, coffee plantations and the wooden sculptures of the alebrijes workshops. Not to mention its rich gastronomy...

Breakfast inlcuded

Activity included:

Visit to the salt cellars and the Community Botanical Garden

In the heart of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, you will discover the salt mines that were once exploited by the local population.

Explore the Helia Bravo Hollis botanical garden, with its 100 hectares of all kinds of cacti.

A beautiful hike awaits you in breathtaking landscapes (count about 2 hours of walking to reach the top of the hill).

Transfer Tehuacán to Oaxaca :

Type : Bus

From - to : Mexico City - Oaxaca

Details:

Duration: 2h50

Distance(km): 225

Transfer in private van

Accommodation :

Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia

Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca is ideally located in the historic centre of Oaxaca, 7.8 km from Monte Alban, 45 km from Mitla and 500 metres from Oaxaca Cathedral. Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom. There is a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi access.

A wardrobe is provided in each room.

A continental breakfast is served at Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca.

Several attractions are located nearby, including Santo Domingo Temple, the central foreign bus station and Oaxaca City. The nearest airport is Oaxaca International Airport, 8 km from Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca.

DAY 5 : Mountain bike ride, handcraft and sunset in Teotitlán

This adventure, culture and tradition day will allow you to discover the Oaxaca Valley in an authentic way, while enjoying the beautiful landscapes that surround it.

You will start the day with a small breakfast near the charming village of Teotitlán del Valle.

Teotitlán is a small town located 31 km east of Oaxaca City, known for its Zapotec carpet making. The name Teotitlán comes from an indigenous language, Nahuatl, which means "land of the gods".

Afterwards, we will take an 18 km mountain bike ride, where we will enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains.

After the ride, Josefina and her family will be waiting for us in the village with a typical lunch to get your energy back. She will also show you their own textile workshop, where she will demonstrate her incredible handcraft skills.

Finally, we will take a sunset hike to the top of Picacho Peak for a 360° view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. This sunset will probably be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip to Oaxaca.

Breakfast included

Lunch included

Activity included:

Mountain bike ride and visit to Teotitlán

Characteristics of the activity

Approximately 20 km of mountain biking, 18 of which are downhill - The activity does not require regular experience of mountain biking, but knowing how to ride a bike is required.

• Short hike to Cerro Pichacho to enjoy the sunset
• Breakfast is included as a picnic.
• Lunch with the local community included
• English and Spanish speaking guide

Accommodation :

Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia

Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca is ideally located in the historic centre of Oaxaca, 7.8 km from Monte Alban, 45 km from Mitla and 500 metres from Oaxaca Cathedral. Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom. There is a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi access.

A wardrobe is provided in each room.

A continental breakfast is served at Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca.

Several attractions are located nearby, including Santo Domingo Temple, the central foreign bus station and Oaxaca City. The nearest airport is Oaxaca International Airport, 8 km from Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca.

DAY 6 : Cooking class and Zapotec civilization inmersion

In the morning, you will learn how to recognize and prepare some of the most famous dishes of the Oaxaca region in a private traditional cooking class, after having selected the best ingredients at the market with your local guide.

A great way to immerse yourself in the traditions of the region!

After lunch you will discover the archaeological site of Monte Albán, which reached its climax between 200 and 600 AC and was the most important city of the Zapotec culture.

In addition to its historical interest, the site is located on top of a hill, giving you an incredible panoramic view of the entire valley.

Activity included:

Traditional cooking class and visit to the local market

You will discover how to cook the best Oaxacan dishes according to local customs.

You will first select your ingredients at the market, discovering the colorful and fragrant food.

You will then prepare your lunch in a traditional wood-burning oven under the guidance of your guide, who is a native of Oaxaca.

Be attentive and diligent: you will be rewarded when you taste the dishes you have made! ¡Buen provecho!

Characteristics of the activity :

• Private English and Spanish speaking guide included.
• Visit to the local market included
• You will taste the meal you have prepared at the end of the cooking class

Transfer Oaxaca to Monte Alban :

Type : Bus

From - to : Oaxaca City - Monte Albán

Details:

Duration: 0h25

Distance(km): 10

Transportation in private van

Activity included:

Discovery of the Monte Alban site

You will discover the archaeological site of Monte Albán, which reached its peak between 200 and 600 AC and was the most important city of the Zapotec culture.

In addition to its historical interest, the site is located on top of a hill, giving you an incredible panoramic view of the entire valley.

Tour Features :

• Entrance to the archaeological site included
• Self-guided tour (not guided)
• Allow approximately 1.5 hours for the visit.

Accommodation :

Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia

Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca is ideally located in the historic centre of Oaxaca, 7.8 km from Monte Alban, 45 km from Mitla and 500 metres from Oaxaca Cathedral. Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom. There is a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi access.

A wardrobe is provided in each room.

A continental breakfast is served at Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca.

Several attractions are located nearby, including Santo Domingo Temple, the central foreign bus station and Oaxaca City. The nearest airport is Oaxaca International Airport, 8 km from Capital O Posada La Casa De La Tia, Oaxaca.

DAY 7 : Popular handcrafts and ancestral knowledge

Oaxaca is surrounded by many villages around the capital, and many of them shine for their talent and mastery in certain disciplines: you will have the opportunity to discover two of them, each with their own speciality that make the richness of Mexican handcrafts!

The detail, passion and imagination of these artisans will leave you speechless!

We will end the day in a mountain refuge, for a total connection with nature!

Breakfast included

Transfer Oaxaca to San Bartolo Coyotepec :

Type : Bus

From - to : Oaxaca City - San Bartolo Coyotepec

Details:

Duration: 0h35

Distance(km): 16

Transportation in private van

Activity included:

Visit to a black clay pottery workshop: "Barro Negro"

The best way to discover a tradition that has become a handcraft is to get your hands on it! In the village of San Bartolo Coyotepec, our "Barro Negro" master will explain his techniques and involve you in the process of manufacture, leaving you with a different perspective regarding the magnificent black clay pieces of the region!

Features of the activity :

• Demonstration of the creation of a clay piece by a member of the local community
• Local Spanish-speaking community artisan
• Opportunity to experience the creation of a clay piece (please note that the creation of a clay piece takes several days due to the drying and firing times: you will only participate in part of the process).

Transfer San Bartolo Coyotepec to San Martín Tilcajete :

Type : Bus

From - to : San Bartolo Coyotepec - San Martín Tilcajete

Details:

Duration: 0h20

Distance(km): 14

Activity included:

Discover a village that specializes in the elaboration of "alebrijes"!

Continue on to the Oaxaca Valley, where you will have the opportunity to visit a village that specializes in the creation of "Alebrijes".

Alebrijes are wooden sculptures of various sizes, often representing a mix of two different animals, to represent the two facets of the same being according to the Zapotec culture: they are one of the most beautiful representations of Mexican handcrafts and to see the artisans making these meticulously decorated figurines in front of you is a real pleasure!

After visiting the workshop, you will have the opportunity to paint a wooden sculpture, in order to understand the fine details of the artworks on display and the complexity of the Zapotec motifs.

Characteristics of the activity :

• Artisan from the local community - English and Spanish speaking
• Visit to the workshop included
• Painting workshop included - Materials provided - Approximately 40 minutes of activity

Transfer San Martín Tilcajete to San Mateo Río Hondo :

Type : Bus

From - to : San Martín Tilcajete - San Mateo Río Hondo

Details:

Duration: 2h10

Distance(km): 115

The way to San Mateo Río Hondo goes through the mountains, with some nice turns!

Accommodation :

Cabañas Rancho Viejo

Beautiful rustic cabins with a beautiful view of the mountains: a great option for a stopover with a spectacular view before heading out the next day.

• Fireplaces in each cabin
• No restaurant on site but you can buy provisions in the village.Please note: this establishment does not include breakfast.
• Possibility to book several activities in advance: tyrolean traverse, massage, temazcal, forest hike: contact your agent to include these activities in your quote and ensure their availability.
• Located 1.7 km from the village of San José del Pacífico (20 minutes walk) - No possibility to go out at night.
• 1 cabin for 2 included in your quote.

DAY 8 : Coffee Plantations and Insolite Camping

Do you love coffee and good food?

We take you to an extraordinary place in the mountains, where you will spend a night of Glamping in absolute comfort and charm, enjoy exceptional food, taste a world famous coffee and above all, enjoy the best company with your hosts Cole and Adriana, whose families have succeeded each other generation after generation to preserve the quality of their coffee from their plantation!

Breakfast not included this morning at Cabañas Rancho Viejo

Transfer San Mateo Río Hondo to Pluma Hidalgo :

Type : Bus

From - to : San Mateo Río Hondo - Pluma Hidalgo

Details:

Duration: 2 hours

Distance(km): 80

Transportation in private van

Activities included:

Coffee tasting and aroma recognition

Along with the experts Cole and Adriana, you will learn to recognise the different aromas of coffee, through a fun game (remember that women generally have a better sense of smell, so it's up to you to prove the contrary, gentlemen!) You will then go on to taste the coffee to put your knowledge into practice!

Features of the activity :

• Activity carried out by your hosts Cole and Adriana: English and Spanish speakers
• Note: The aroma recognition game is very fun and suitable for children (it does not involve any coffee tasting).
• The coffee tasting is optional but is still an amazing exercise, even for non-coffee lovers.

Accommodation :

Glamping in the mountains of Oaxaca

Adriana and Cole will prepare their beautiful tents with a view over the whole valley, on their land where their coffee plantation is located. You will have all the necessary comfort (showers with hot water and toilets at your disposal and even a swimming pool) to relax in the middle of nature.

Tents like "yurts" with hard beds (with classic mattresses)

Shared showers and toilets (very clean!), with hot water.

Swimming pool on site

Breakfast included

Restaurant on site (there is the possibility to include lunch and dinner in your quote, please contact your agent if you are interested in this option)

Notes :

1. Access to the plantation is via a rough road, which quickly becomes impassable for a conventional vehicle in the days following a light rain. Adriana and Cole will give you a meeting point to come and pick you up (you will leave your vehicle in a completely safe place), so that you can board their super 4X4, ready for the adventure!
2. Adriana is an exemplary (if very modest!) chef and will delight your tasting buds! She will be happy to accommodate your wishes as she can, but be aware that she will be your only option for lunch and dinner once you arrive at the plantation.

DAY 9 : Temazcal, Beachfront and spectacular sunset

Your day will start with a unique experience: you will discover the "Temazcal", a kind of sauna based on thousand-year-old Mexican traditions. Adriana will set it up for you in one of their famous tents beside the 50 metre waterfall situated on their property.

You will then head to Oaxaca's quietest beaches to enjoy the seaside. You can end the day with a short walk to the Punta Cometa hill in Mazunte. Being the most advanced point in the Pacific Ocean, it is THE place to watch the most spectacular sunset in the region! Between December and March, it is not uncommon to observe the migration of whales, which swim along the coast!

After dark, you can head to one of the many beach bars to enjoy a mojito or margarita with your feet in the sand!

Breakfast Included

Activity included:

Temazcal at the edge of the river

Discover a pre-Hispanic tradition in an enchanting environment: temazcal is an ancestral ritual to purify the body and mind. Similar to a hammam, you will discover how the stones are heated to emit steam and breathe in the aromatic plants with medicinal benefits.

Activity Features :

• Activity conducted by your hosts Cole and Adriana: Spanish and English speakers.
• Temazcal included
• Picnic by the waterfall included

Transfer Pluma Hidalgo to San Agustinillo :

Type : Bus

From - to :Pluma Hidalgo - San Agustinillo

Details:

Duration: 1h50

Distance(km): 65

Transportation in private van

Activities included:

Short walk to see the sunset at Punta Cometa

A short walk to the Punta Cometa hill awaits you in Mazunte. Being the most advanced point in the Pacific Ocean, it is THE viewpoint to watch the most spectacular sunset in the region and the locals know it!

Between December and March, it is not uncommon to see the migration of whales, which swim along the coast!

Features of the walk :

• Allow 20 minutes to walk to the viewpoint.

Accommodation :

Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva

Bungalows Tierra Viva offers fully equipped bungalows just a 2-minute walk from Rinconcito Beach in Mazunte. The property offers beautiful views of the surrounding mangroves.

It features a seating area and a full kitchenette with kitchenware. The private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries.

A variety of restaurants, bars and small shops can be found within a 5-minute walk of Tierra Viva Bungalows. Punta Cometa viewpoint is just a 25-minute walk away.

The famous village of Zipolite is just a 5-minute drive away, while Huatulco International Airport is a 50-minute drive or taxi ride away.

DAY 10 : Turtle Camp and Community Centre

On this journey, you will drive to a community eco-tourism centre where you will be able to see crocodiles in the wild up close.

During the season, you can also help the centre to release baby turtles that have just been born, in order to increase their chances of survival for their great adventure at sea!

Breakfast included

Activities included:

Small group excursion to the Tortuguero Community Centre and Camp

We are very proud to offer this tour, as this community centre is a national example: in a difficult context, the local community has managed to preserve the natural richness of its area and take care of its fauna and flora to make it an asset of the area!

The visit will take place in several parts:

• You will start with a boat ride (not motorised, you will be rowed in order to enjoy the local fauna without scaring it) in order to observe many species of birds, iguanas and maybe see some crocodiles resting in the shade of the mangrove.
• You will reach a part of the reserve where animals in captivity are grouped together: these specimens have been rescued from different conditions (illegal capture, injured animals, etc.) and taken care of by the centre (which has a special authorisation and is very closely monitored by the government for each animal it takes in). The animals that can be released will be monitored and controlled after their release, while those that cannot be returned to the wild for various reasons are used to educate the surrounding schools and raise awareness about conserving the local species.
• If you are lucky and there are turtle nests about a month and a half before you arrive (turtles lay eggs all year round on this beach but the dates are random!), you can also help the centre to release baby turtles that have just been born, to increase their chance of survival for their great adventure at sea!

Tour Features :

• Small group tour (Maximum 8 / 9 people - private tours available for an additional cost)
• Local English and Spanish speaking guide.

Accommodation :

Casa Mazunte Tierra Viva

Bungalows Tierra Viva offers fully equipped bungalows just a 2-minute walk from Rinconcito Beach in Mazunte. The property offers beautiful views of the surrounding mangroves.

It features a seating area and a full kitchenette with kitchenware. The private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries.

A variety of restaurants, bars and small shops can be found within a 5-minute walk of Tierra Viva Bungalows. Punta Cometa viewpoint is just a 25-minute walk away.

The famous village of Zipolite is just a 5-minute drive away, while Huatulco International Airport is a 50-minute drive or taxi ride away.

DAY 11 : Horseback ride to the beach and meal in the local community

After almost two weeks of intense sightseeing, it's time to relax... It's thanks to a private horseback ride, where you'll cross rivers and crossing crops fields and jungle paths, that you'll reach the beach of this small village on the coast of Oaxaca, one of the must-do activities of our program. Relax and enjoy the surrounding valleys!

While the activity itself is incredible, it's sharing the day with the local community that makes it unforgettable: you'll meet Ismael's family, who will prepare a delicious meal for you and open their home to you.

If local conditions and permits allow, the ride may change course to a destination of hot springs where you can relax in their pools.

Breakfast included

Lunch included

Activity included:

Horseback riding to the sea!

Enjoy a horse back ride (where horses are treated extremely well), through the surrounding valleys of Manialtepec and direction to the sea shore. This day will be a great opportunity to interact with the local community, and in particular the family of Ismael, our local guide.

Features of the activity :

• Guide from the local Spanish-speaking community
• Approximately 3 hours ride, with a break in the beach
• On your return, meal included, prepared by Ismael's family
• Note: Although it is quite rare, the tour can be done in small groups if other people book on the same day.

Transfer Pluma Hidalgo to San Agustinillo and San José Manialtepec :

Type : Bus

From - to : Manialtepec - Puerto Escondido - San José Manialtepec

Details:

Duration: 0h35

Distance(km): 26

Duration: 1h40

Distance(km): 95

Transportation in private van

Accommodation :

Hotel Rockaway

Located just steps from the world-famous Zicatela Beach, Hotel Rockaway is an intimate boutique resort with an outdoor pool. It is located in Santa Maria, 1 km from the centre of Puerto Escondido.

This authentic property offers 32 rooms and 12 deluxe accommodations. All are spacious and uniquely designed. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Hotel Rockaway features a small supermarket, as well as a bar, 24-hour reception, garden, terrace and tour desk.

Breakfast included

DAY 12 : Boat trip in search of dolphins in the wild and sunset drinks

A deep sea adventure takes you in search of the huge schools of dolphins that usually roam this area, if you're lucky you may even snorkel alongside them, and enjoy their aquatic songs.

A perfect afternoon to end your Exxi trip is waiting for you! On the agenda: A beautiful evening at sunset to enjoy an excellent meal and cocktail in one of the most emblematic restaurants with the best view of Puerto Escondido.

Breakfast included

Activity included :

Dolphin Boat Trip - Puerto Escondido

Go in search of the Pacific dolphin schools and maybe have the chance to snorkel with them: a unique experience to live with these magnificent animals in total freedom!

Between December and March, keep your eyes open! Humpback whales migrate along the coast and it is not uncommon to observe them during the trip.

Often turtles and rays are added to the picture, while orcas sometimes show up in winter, this is rarer, but that's the magic of nature: it can happen!

Features of the activity :

• English and Spanish speaking guide.
• 2 to 3 hours walk depending on sea conditions.
• Small group tour (maximum 10 people)
• Early departure around 7am.

Accommodation :

Hotel Rockaway

Located just steps from the world-famous Zicatela Beach, Hotel Rockaway is an intimate boutique resort with an outdoor pool. It is located in Santa Maria, 1 km from the centre of Puerto Escondido.

This authentic property offers 32 rooms and 12 deluxe accommodations. All are spacious and uniquely designed. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Hotel Rockaway features a small supermarket, as well as a bar, 24-hour reception, garden, terrace and tour desk.

Breakfast included

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DAY 13 : ¡Hasta Luego!

It's time to say goodbye to your guide and enjoy Puerto Escondido for the few days you have left before your flight home.

Enjoy this little piece of paradise, we hope you have enjoyed our beautiful country and ¡hasta luego!

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