So why would you want to consider this tour? As an artist, craftsperson, or just someone who loves to travel, Oaxaca is still a hidden treasure. Crafts such as woodcarving, weaving, pottery, metal working, baskets and masks are just a few of the crafts that appear everywhere, and are an intregal part of every day life in Oaxaca. But the tour will also expose travelers to the more modern and contemporary art galleries and artwork from this region. When we travel to the villages you will see the primitiveness of this area and the craft work reflects their wonderful culture. You will experience the markets which come alive with sights, smells and sounds that one will never forget. Oaxaca (Wah-Hah-Kah) is the ancient home of the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations, builders of Monte Alban and Mitla. It is a charming colonial city, with grand churches, museums and public buildings. The zocalo (town square) is a place where people relax, listen to the mariachi bands, and is an area where cars are banned.
Since the early 1990’s, I have concentrated some of my textile, craft and travel interests to the Oaxaca region of southern Mexico. As a handweaver, collector of textiles and an avid traveler to Mexico, I have been drawn to this area which is especially rich in traditional Mexican crafts and has many interesting mountain villages that are home to native craftspeople. Over the years I have enjoyed becoming friends with many of these Mexican craftspeople, merchants, museum curators and lodging owners. Many of my friends in the States have expressed interest in my travels and having the opportunity to do “my kind of travel” in the non-tourist regions of Mexico. Since then I have lead 8 successful tours and have several more planned for 2008.
We will stay at a bed and breakfast that is owned by Americans. The bed and breakfast is only a few minutes walk to the town square and the rooms are set around a verandah and flower filled gardens. Their friendly staff gives personal service and prepares delicious home style meals. This will be a fantastic experience that will include a hands-on cooking class, trips to Oaxaca’s major archeological sites, visits to the craft villages and markets, Guelegetza Dance Festival performance, and the ability to meet the craftspeople of this area.
Tour Itinerary:
Wednesday, July 23
Travel Day - Arrive in Oaxaca, Mexico. You will me met at the airport and transported to the Bed & Breakfast which will be our home for the next 8 days. Evening meal at the B&B.
Thursday, July 24
Breakfast at the B&B and then on to Monte Alban, Oaxaca’s major archeological site where we will have our own personal tour guide. This site was the elite center of Zapotec culture from 500 BC to 800 AD. We will make a brief stop at the home of a local potter, Irma Blanco, in the village of Atzompa where we will see a pottery making demonstration. Mid-day meal at the B&B. After lunch we visit the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art. While this is a small museum in comparison to the large National Museum in Mexico City, the artifacts displayed were chosen solely for their aesthetic rank of the works,their beauty, and originality. The evening meal at the B&B.
Friday, July 25
Breakfast at the B&B. Today we travel to Ocotlan for the weekly market and a visit to the beautiful town church and museum, as well as the home of the Aguilar sisters – famous for their unique style of pottery. Lunch will be at a roadside restaurant. Then on to San Bartolo the black pottery village and the woodcarving village of San Martin Tilcajete. The balance of the day will be free time. Dinner at the B&B.
Saturday, July 26
Breakfast at the B&B. After breakfast we travel to Teotitlan del Valle, a village that is devoted entirely to the weaving of tapestry style rugs. First there will be a brief visit through the small, village market and the town church. We have been extended a very generous invitation to visit one family’s home and see the weaving process from the start (spinning and dyeing of the yarns) to the final process of the actual weaving of the carpets. Today lunch will be in a restaurant in Teotitlan. We return to Oaxaca late afternoon – the remainder of the day will be free time. Dinner at the B&B.
Sunday, July 27
After breakfast we will make our way via van to the Tlacolula market, which is held every Sunday and is filled with an abundance of local produce, livestock, the best selection of breads and a large variety of area crafts. Visit the Dominican Chapel considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Americas. We will make a brief stop at Santa Marie del Tule, home of El Tule a large (15 story high) Mexican cypress tree which is over 2000 years old. Back to the B&B for the mid-day meal. During the afternoon you will have free time to explore Oaxaca. Dinner at the B&B.
Monday, July 28
Breakfast at the B&B, then we will attend the Guelegetza, the regional folk dance festival. The balance of the day will be free time to explore Oaxaca’s many craft shops, galleries and museums. Dinner at the Casa.
Tuesday, July 29
Breakfast at the B&B. Today we spend the morning and early afternoon at La Casa de Mis Recuerdos where our hostess, Nora Gutierrez, will lead us through a cooking class of traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Nora creates an array of delectable meals, calling on time-honored recipes passed down by her mother and grandmother. Lunch will be held at the cooking school. After class you will have time to visit the recently renovated Cultural Museum of Oaxaca, formerly a convent, to see exhibits of religious, social and cultural life. You can view objects and artifacts leading you through 8000 years of human history in the Oaxaca Valley and also see the treasures from Monte Alban’s Tomb 7. Next to the museum is the lavishly decorated Santo Domingo Church. Within this area are many craft shops. Dinner at the B&B.
Wednesday, July 30
Breakfast at the B&B. Today will be entirely at your own pace. I highly recommend a visit to the Abastos Market. This market is the largest in the state and covers a 20 square block area and is just a short taxi ride (or walk) from the Casa. Here you will see the locals purchasing anything from fresh fruits, produce, household goods, and live animals to a wide range of locally produced crafts. Back to the B&B for lunch with enough time in the afternoon to make your final purchases, sit and have a drink on the zocalo, and see your final sites. Our final dinner will be a special event.
Thursday, July 31
Breakfast at the B&B and then travel to the airport for your flight home. Transportaion to the airport will be at our own expense.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- lodging
- all meals
- transportation from the airport
- daily tours
- air-conditioned van
- local tour guides
- museum admissions
- archeological site admissions
- cooking class
- and ticket to the Dance Festival.
Single rooms are very limited – you may be paired with another single traveler. $1500 pp/double $1700 pp/single.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Crafts Tours
Cultural Journey
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