I always wanted to go to Patagonia and prefer trips with a hiking focus. This trip exceeded my expectations. The scenery is superb and the organisation was such that we were able to make the most of every day. It was well organised with a good mix of activities. Sophia was most helpful, and I appreciated having local guides when we were hiking in Torres del Paine and El Glacier national Park.
Why you’ll love this trip?
- Experience Mexico through art and culture – visit inspiring cities, vibrant galleries, artisan studios, and iconic museums.
- Create your own artwork during a guided art retreat with professional instruction in a stunning jungle-by-the-sea setting.
- Meet local artists and artisans and gain insight into their techniques, traditions, and creative stories.
- Enjoy unforgettable experiences including a sunrise hot air balloon over Teotihuacán, tequila tastings, and a Mexican cooking class.
What’s the Activity and Art Experience Level?
- Relaxed pace with cultural exploration, combining art, local experiences and scenic destinations.
- Moderate walking in historic towns and markets, often on cobblestone streets and with occasional steps.
- Comfortable travel days with scenic drives between destinations and plenty of free time to relax.
- Optional activities available, allowing you to explore at your own pace or simply enjoy the surroundings.
- This workshop is best suited to artists with some prior painting experience who are ready to deepen their skills. It is not intended for complete beginners.
What’s the transport and accommodation like?
- Travel in Mexico in a private vehicle.
- Enjoy boutique and unique accommodation around a 3 to 4 star standard with ensuite.
- Casa Buena art retreat: Rooms are spread across three lodge-style buildings and vary in size and bathroom type (most have ensuite)
- Hotels selected for their safety, location, ambiance, and friendly staff
*All our tours are non-smoking
TRIP SUMMARY:
Duration: Mexico Art Tour: 18 days starting and ending in Auckland
Trip focus: Active sightseeing, cultural insights and Art workshops
Accommodation: 14 nights in boutique and unique hotels
Transport: Flight, bus
Group size: Maximum 11 + S.E.T. tour leader and Artist, Minimum 8
Single supplement: NZ$1,475
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Bilingual Kiwi English and Spanish speaking Tour Leader, along with local guides
- Four days of intensive mixed media acrylic art workshop tution
- All art materials as specified except brushes, art apron with logo
- Flights from Auckland to Mexico City / Puerto Vallarta to Auckland
- Airfare taxes and fees
- Airport Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
- All accommodation
- Tips for hotel staff, local guides and drivers
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Food and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal Expenses, souvenirs, laundry etc
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Activities
All prices are approximate and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.
DAY 1 – FLY FROM AUCKLAND TO MEXICO, TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Depart Auckland and fly via the United States to Mexico City. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for a four-night stay.
Meals Included: Inflight meals only
DAY 2 – MEXICO CITY: WALKING CITY TOUR
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Mexico City’s Historic Centre, visiting the Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor. See Diego Rivera’s murals at the Secretariat of Public Education, sample traditional street food such as tacos and quesadillas, and finish at the Museo de Arte Popular, home to colourful Mexican folk art.
Note: National Palace access may be restricted.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
DAY 3 - COYOCAN & COOKING CLASS
Depart early (around 5:00 a.m.) for Teotihuacán and enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Avenue of the Dead. After breakfast at a local restaurant, return to Mexico City. Later, visit the Museum of Modern Art in Chapultepec Park and enjoy a gallery walk in the creative Colonia Roma district.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 4 - TEOTIHUACAN & COOKING CLASS
After breakfast, visit Coyoacán, a charming historic neighbourhood known for its colourful streets and artistic atmosphere. Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), her former home and studio, now showcasing her art and personal belongings. End the day with a hands-on cooking class preparing traditional Mexican dishes, accompanied by tequila and mezcal cocktails.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 5 - MEXICO - QUERETARO - SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Travel to Querétaro to explore its charming colonial centre, visiting landmarks such as the Aqueduct, Casa de la Corregidora and the Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo. Continue to San Miguel de Allende, known for its pink stone architecture and vibrant arts scene, visiting the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and the lively main plaza.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 6 – SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE
After breakfast, enjoy an artists’ tour of San Miguel de Allende, visiting local studios and meeting painters, sculptors and artisans, followed by a shared Mexican meal hosted by one of the artists.
Meals Included: Breakfast and either Lunch or Dinner
DAY 7 – SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore San Miguel de Allende at your own pace. Wander its cobblestone streets, browse galleries and artisan shops, or relax in a café overlooking the plazas. Optional activities include visiting El Charco del Ingenio, horseback riding in the canyon, or a vineyard wine tasting.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 8 – SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE - TEQUILA
This morning travel to Tequila, surrounded by blue agave fields. Explore the town before visiting a distillery to learn about tequila production and enjoy a guided tasting. Tonight, stay in unique barrel-shaped rooms on a working tequila plantation, each decorated with artistic murals.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 9 – TIQUILA - CASA BUENA, LOS COCOS NAYARIT
Depart Tequila for a scenic three-hour drive to the coast, passing agave fields and volcanoes as the landscape shifts from highlands to forest. Arrive at Casa Buena Art Retreat, nestled between jungle and sea near Puerto Vallarta, offering an authentic glimpse of rural Mexico. After lunch, settle into your casa and enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the pool or beach before evening happy hour and dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 10 – CASA BUENA - ART WORKSHOP
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before today’s workshop (9am–4pm). Lisa introduces the concept of working from a sense of place, exploring how memory, atmosphere and personal response shape visual storytelling. Participants create a personal mood board using photos and materials collected on the tour, focusing on themes, composition and visual inspiration. The day concludes with short videos and discussion of contemporary painters.
HAPPY HOUR
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 11 – CASA BUENA - ART WORKSHOP
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before today’s workshop (9am–4pm). Lisa introduces painting techniques including composition, colour, tone, mark-making and layering. After demonstrations, participants experiment with mixed media and acrylics, developing ideas from their mood boards and beginning their main paintings.
HAPPY HOUR
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 12 – CASA BUENA - GUIDED JUNGLE TOUR & BEACH TIME
Jungle, Village Life & Coastal Relaxation in San Blas
After an early light breakfast, enjoy a guided jungle walk exploring the lush tropical landscape around Casa Buena Art Retreat. Later, visit the relaxed coastal village of San Blas with time to wander and experience local life. The afternoon is free to relax at the retreat, stroll the beach or enjoy a swim.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 13 – CASA BUENA - ART WORKSHOP
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before today’s workshop (9am–4pm). Lisa demonstrates how collage and mixed media can enhance texture and storytelling in painting. Participants then continue developing their own works with individual guidance and feedback throughout the day.
HAPPY HOUR
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 14 – CASA BUENA - ART WORKSHOP
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the final workshop (9am–4pm). Continue developing and completing your artworks with one-on-one guidance from Lisa. In the afternoon, enjoy an informal mini-exhibition where the group reflects on their work and celebrates the creative journey.
HAPPY HOUR
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 15 – CASA BUENA - PUERTO VALLARTA
After breakfast at Casa Buena, transfer south along the coast to Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica. After checking in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the vibrant streets and galleries before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
DAYS 16 TO 18 – DEPARTURE & FLIGHT TO NEW ZEALAND
Sadly it’s our last days in beautiful Mexico. We will spend a night in Puerto Vallarta, exploring the lively streets of the Romantic Zone. You’ll have free time for some last minute souvenir shopping before our farewell dinner. Then on day 16 transfer to the airport for your flight home to New Zealand. We wish you continued artistic inspiration and many happy memories. Adios y buen viaje!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ask about our proposed 3 day extension to La Paz in Baja California to witness the Mobula Ray Migration.
TESTIMONIALS
HIGHLIGHTS
DATES
| Start Date | End Date | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Apr 2027 | 20th Apr 2027 | AVAILABLE | NZ$14,760 |
