Arcos: Programs for Teens in Mexico

Arcos: Programs for Teens in Mexico

Location
  • Mexico
    • Oaxaca
    • Puerto Escondido
Length
1 - 12 weeks
529 Plan eligibility
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Host Family Hotel Lodge
Language
Spanish
Age Min.
13
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
3295
Price Details
Price varies per program and is all-inclusive. Combine any two programs for a 5% discount.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance
Jan 18, 2026
Dec 26, 2025
6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Discover the diversity and wonder of Oaxaca, Mexico with Arcos Journeys Abroad! Choose from a variety of programs based in the colonial city of Oaxaca or get active and surf on Oaxaca's stunning Pacific coast. The state of Oaxaca is unmatched in its cultural and geographic diversity. Take Spanish classes at the University of Oaxaca. Learn about the cutting-edge culinary arts scene based on centuries of ancient cooking traditions. Explore the artistry of Oaxaca from its street art to its eclectic folk art traditions. Deeply rooted in culture and traditions, a study abroad program in Oaxaca is the perfect recipe for inspiration and growth!

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers immersive Spanish classes, welcoming host families, and well-organized cultural excursions in Oaxaca.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Indulge in the incredible food found in Oaxaca such as the iconic mole
  • Explore Monte Alban, the best-preserved pre-Hispanic ruins in Mesoamerica
  • Swim in the pristine mountain springs of Hierve el Agua
  • Explore the cobblestone streets and colonial center of Oaxaca City
  • Surf the perfect waves of Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast

Popular Programs

Arcos participants at surf camp at Puerto Escondido

Join this program centered around surfing and exploring Oaxaca! Tour Oaxaca City with its incredible food scene and beautiful colonial architecture. Hike Hierve El Agua's limestone cliffs and swim in the mountain springs. Travel to Puerto Escondido and Chacahua for 9 days of surf camp full of surfing, aquatic activities, and exploration. Amongst other exciting activities, explore mangroves and hidden lagoons on the Pacific Coast.

Cooking workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico

Taste the flavors of Oaxaca and learn about all of the unique aspects of its culinary arts scene. World-renowned for its street food, traditional dishes, and markets, Oaxaca is the ideal place for a culinary-arts program. Participate in cooking classes. Meet with local chefs and restaurant owners. Select ingredients in the bustling markets. Travel to indigenous communities to learn about their ancestral cooking traditions and the importance of corn in the Mexican diet.

Arcos students painting alebrijes in Oaxaca, Mexico

Travel to Oaxaca, the epicenter of the Mexican arts and culture scene. Participate in morning art classes in Drawing and Painting techniques at the University of Oaxaca. In the afternoons experience a variety of cultural activities. Meet with artisans in the surrounding indigenous communities to experience their folk art traditions and create your own piece. Explore the pyramids of Monte Alban and ruins of Mitla to see some of Mexico’s best preserved pre-Hispanic art and architecture.

Study abroad students in Oaxaca, Mexico

Study Spanish in the world-renowned colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Famous for its food and art scene, this is a gem of a destination to take Spanish classes. Complement classes at the University of Oaxaca with cultural activities to experience the very best of Oaxaca such as a cooking class, art workshops, city tours, and volunteering. Hike in the lush Sierra Norte mountains. Climb the ruins of Monte Alban and swim in Hierve el Agua mountain springs.

Program Reviews

4.92 Rating
based on 38 reviews
  • 5 rating 92.11%
  • 4 rating 7.89%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.75
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.7
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 1 - 8 of 38 reviews
Christine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful!

The level of organization and thoughtful activities were outstanding. Everyone from staff in the US to staff in Oaxaca and host families were beyond wonderful. A student had a health incident during the program and the response could not have been better—I would feel very safe sending even a young teen on this program. My child had a life changing experience and her language skills improved a great deal too, Loved it would recommend to anyone. Highly recommend. Can’t say enough about the teachers and home stay.

42 people found this review helpful.
Amelia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca Mexico: An amazing experience for anyone

My second year traveling abroad through Arcos was another rewarding experience. Although adjusting to living with a host family and a new roommate is challenging at first, I quickly became comfortable and began enjoying the trip within the first few days. The early excursion to Monte Albán was especially beneficial because it introduced the trip and helped me with the transition. Our program instructor took us out to lunch on the first day so we were able to enjoy local food right away.

One of my favorite aspects of the trip was how much we packed into every day. From attending a Lucha Libre and seeing well-known fighters to learning Spanish and art at school, the itinerary was perfectly balanced.

The highlight of the trip for me was the few minute zip-line over a mountain town where I was able to see houses and animals from high above. I also enjoyed painting Alebrijes and learning about their cultural origins from a family that makes them for a living. Being able to bring home something that I created and share what I learned with my family made the experience even more meaningful.

Overall, this trip taught me that no matter the circumstances, it is possible to have impactful and enjoyable experiences anywhere with anyone. I would recommend any travel abroad experience to anyone and I will forever be proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort-zone and learning so much about the world and myself.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
When you are traveling, I think it is important to step out of your comfort-zone and try new things. Although I was hesitant to try the roasted grasshoppers (champolines) our program instructor bought from a local market, I am glad I tried them, because the experience helped me realize that I didn't like them.
Pros
  • New friends
  • Spanish skills
  • Amazing food
Cons
  • Expenses
33 people found this review helpful.
Ahlannie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing

I had an amazing time over the course of this trip. It was very insightful to different cultures and a fun way to learn more about them. We went to many historical sights with wonderful guides telling us the importance of the history conserved by that sight but we also went to more lax fun places throughout the trip as well. I would recommend this trip for anyone who wants to experience some of the culture in Mexico. I would also recommend this trip to anyone starting out their traveling journey so they have an easier time with the planning. Overall this was an great trip and I hope anyone who chooses this has as much fun as I did.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers is prepare for walking as if you’re walking for the Olympics. I was told before hand there’d be a lot of walking but I didn’t expect to be averaging 15,000 steps a day so my advice is make sure you’re ready to walk.
Pros
  • Growth
  • Fun
  • Adventure
Cons
  • Un-interested roommates
38 people found this review helpful.
Lydia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca Arcos Trip

I had an amazing time on my Arcos trip to Oaxaca. I loved meeting new people that I plan to stay in touch with for a long time, and I had so many new and fun experiences. Overall, this was an amazing trip that I would highly recommend trying an Arcos trip. Oaxaca was an amazing experience for me and I think anyone would have an amazing time. The excursions we went on helped me to experience Mexican culture and helped me see more of Oaxaca. The homestay was so welcoming and fun to interact with and learn from. I loved my trip and I would definitely do it again.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would say to make sure to try new things and put yourself out there. If you are very reserved and not ready to try new things and meet new people, you will not make the most out of your trip and the experiences. I found that I ended up having the best time after I was more open and willing to try anything.
Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Improving Language Skills
  • Making fun and lasting memories
Cons
  • Can be uncomfortable/different at times
51 people found this review helpful.
Addie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Oaxaca trip

My trip was amazing and I’m so greatful that I got to go on a trip that many can’t go on due to the cost. My school resources helped tremendously to provide me a full paid trip to where I learned a huge amount of Spanish that will help me on my journey to becoming bilingual. The food my host mom provided me was by far some of the most delicious food I had and she was such an amazing lady and I couldn’t have had another host mom that was as sweet and loving as she was. Lastly the cites we visited were by far spectacular and places that you can’t find anywhere outside of Mexico.

What was your funniest moment?
I believe my funniest moment on my trip was going to baseball and seeing how different it was compared to the U.S’s baseball.
Pros
  • Beautiful city
  • Takes less time to develop Spanish speaking skills
  • Yummy food
Cons
  • Too tight of a schedule
47 people found this review helpful.
Alberto
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lovely Oaxaca

A fantastic team offers structured experiences for high school students, helping them explore language and culture through the Oaxaca Arcos program.

Through hands-on activities, students engage with local traditions, art, and cuisine, fostering a deeper understanding of Oaxaca and México.

Amazing instructors guide participants through interactive workshops that include cooking classes, language lessons, and cultural excursions.

Our students made great memories from their trip. Staying with families was a vital aspect of their experience in Oaxaca.

57 people found this review helpful.
Viet
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCOS is great

My son was a part of the Argos Oaxaca program for the summer of 2024 and could not recommend it more. The program was by far the best and most professionally run program our family has been a part of. The staff was a mix of in-country and foreigners, all of whom were knowledgable, kind and attentive.

We liked that we clicked well with the other parents who were fun and easy to get along with. Our son enjoyed that the program separated into two different age groups.

Our son's biggest compliant was that the food was in his words "basic", with lots of corn tortillas and beans.

What was your funniest moment?
Day trips to local attractions.
Pros
  • Staff
Cons
  • Food was basic according to our son.
94 people found this review helpful.
Ian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was good

I learned much more Spanish and could practice my Spanish with more native speakers. It was truly amazing to get this experience that I will remember until I am older. Also, it was free from my district so what's not to love? I had lots of cool times and got to experience a whole new country, and how their students are educated. Also, I saw how similar places were to the USA and how they differed. And the food was really good especially in Oaxaca when we went there for two weeks and I learned from Cristian Moro.

Overall 10/10 would recommend it to a friend.

86 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers