San Cristóbal de las Casas is a magical, chic, international town high up in the Sierra Madre mountains of Southern Mexico. Magical, in part, because it is surrounded by Mayan villagers whose ancestors built the great cities of Palenque and Bonampak.  Today they live in largely autonomous communities with feet planted in both the traditional and modern worlds. They speak their own languages, make their own clothes, practice a syncretic religion blending Catholicism and native ideas but also use cell phones and WiFi. The legacy of colonialism, liberation theology and the Zapatista rebellion of 1994 are all part of the story of resiliency we witness. We’ll use San Cristobal as our homebase while take day trips to nearby villages. We have planned the trip around several village festivals both religious and secular. You’ll visit six different indigenous communities and learn how clothing, food and ceremony contribute to a unique and vibrant community life, one very different from ours. Please note the itinerary is subject To change based on opportunity, enthusiasm and whim. 

- Visits to 6 different indigenous villages

- Visits to 3 different community festivals

- A focus on learning about the textile traditions, IMO, the most intact and active in all of Mexico. Meet with a curated selection of award winning artisans, curators, designers and women’s co-operatives. 

- Time at a ceremonial center blending Catholicism and native religions described by travel writer Nick Ryder as  ”one of the most intense religious centers anywhere“.  

- Boat ride through a stunning natural canyon with monkeys, alligators and great birdwatching

-Many opportunities to shop artisan direct and also to shop the San Cristóbal street markets some of the best in the country. Pom Pom lovers take note.  

 - DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

Your $500 deposit is non refundable and holds your place. Final non refundable payment is due 30 days before the start of the trip. Please be committed  to this trip  Failure to make your final payment in 30 days before the trip may  forfeit your deposit and your place. We only offer refunds if the tour is cancelled because of government imposed restrictions and or lockdowns in which case there there will be a full refund This is the rare exception to our no refund policy. We feel we have to offer this as planning travel under Corona has uncertainties. 

INSURANCE -

Medical Travel insurance will be required for this trip as we will be in a remote location. We also recommend trip cancellation insurance as well for your own peace of mind. Lots of people like https://www.travelinsure.com and they cover both

Some thoughts on Corona - The last thing I want is the gringa tourist bringing death and disease to vulnerable indigenous populations. We all know how that turned out in the past. All tour goers will need proof of current  Covid vaccinations. I know there may be those among you who are unable to get vaccinated because of medical vulnerabilities and I am sorry but no exceptions. 

We’ll meet for a light meal in our cozy hotel and have a little meet and greet.

We start at a historic museum where we learn about the colonial legacy, the enslavement of the Mayan people and the last of the independent indigenous tribes. After lunch we head down to the mind blowing Mayan Textile Museum for a private tour.  Our day ends  right next to one of the largest indigenous crafts markets in Mexico. Free to explore and we’ll meet later for a welcome dinner 

Today we head to the market and ceremonial center of San Juan Chamula - 

We’ll learn about the traditions of their blended religion and visit home altars, their cemetery and their church filled with incense and candles. On our way home we visit a museum dedicated to the social justice work of Bishop Samuel Ruiz. 

Back in town the evening is free to explore and enjoy dinner on your own. 

We’ll chill  a bit and stay in town today and visit the staggeringly packed and colorful Mercado - we learn about the local food economy. Then off to visit a publishing collective operated by contemporary Mayan artistS. They have created the first books to be written, illustrated, printed, bound (in paper of their own making) by Mayan people in over 400 years. How cool is that ? Lots of free time in the late afternoon for shopping and exploring then we’ll meet for a delicious meal together in one of San Cristobal’s best restaurants. 

We head to the high mountains and visit with women who work in a weaving coop. We’ll  talk  of slow fashion and fair trade and what it has meant to their lives. Plus we’ll have a beautiful backstrap loom and natural dyeing demonstration and opportunities to support artisans by shopping  directly from them. These communities boast some of the most skillful weavers in all of Mexico. Home cooked meal from our hosts for lunch and a walk through this sleepy mountain town. On your own for dinner in the evening.

Today we head down from the mountains to a Mayan village specializing in ceramics.  We visit with two families and learn how life has changed over time for them. Because their craft is pottery, you don’t find woven textiles but they have their own traditional dress here which is beautiful. 

We head to Zinacantan, land of flowers where they celebrate their village saint today. We visit both the “official” and the “unofficial” church. Expect music, fireworks, dance in a display that is both solemn and festive. Afterwards time with a weaving family and we end the day with a trip to the Mayan Medicine Museum. Evening on your own. 

Today is a free day to explore San Cristobal.  We’ll gather in the late afternoon to meet with healer Sergio Castro who has been ministering to Mayan people for decades. His home is part doctors office and part Museum filled with treasures his grateful patients have gifted him. Hear about his remarkable story . Afterwards a celebratory meal in town. 

We head down into the lowlands this morning for a boat ride through the magnificent Sumidero Canyon home

of birds, crocodiles & monkeys.

Afterwards we head to Chiapa de Corzo a town famous for lacquerware where we’ll learn how they paint the gourds using only their fingers. The town is having a festival so we’re hoping for multiple parades. We will also have the opportunity to visit home

altars dedicated to the the village saints ! 

We like to end our trips on a high note and today is no exception. Today we go out to the village of Tenejapa as they celebrate their saint day. Lucky us. Then visit to the Pom Pom makers and a hilltop cemetery. Dinner on your own. 

A final day to pack and do last minute shopping, get a massage, visit an orchid garden or whatever your heart desires. Late afternoon we’ll meet at one of my favorite contemporary designers who works with local weavers and find out about their projects. Then we head across the street for an intimate

farewell dinner.