**Scroll down to review your day-by-day itinerary**
Along this 7-day/6-night journey, you'll discover the art of natural dyeing and fiber crafting with a renowned designer and your host, Olga Reiche. This educational experience is led by Olga, Founder of Indigo, a charming textile shop in Antigua Guatemala, renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted textiles that blend traditional Guatemalan designs with contemporary style. The Indigo team is partnered with Naturally Smart Travel, a trip coordination service, to expertly manage the logistics of hospitality experiences beyond each workshop.
Immerse yourself in the world of sustainable eco-fashion as Olga shares her expertise in working with artisans to create exquisite garments from recycled materials. With over 30 years of experience experimenting with natural dyes, Olga's passion for indigo and other plant-based pigments shines through in every piece.
Join us for a 5-day immersive workshop filled with hands-on activities and knowledge sharing led by Olga and her team from Indigo, hosted at their studio in San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala.
From learning the intricate process of scouring and mordenting fibers to diving into the magic of vat dyes and indigo extraction, each day promises to be a journey of creativity and inspiration; learning how to practice eco-conscious, traditional methods of natural dye and fiber work.
The day-by-day learning experiences included are:
- Workshop 1 // Intro to Natural Dyes with Olga Reiche + the Indigo team
- Workshop 2 // Mordanting Intensive + Color Extracting
- Workshop 3 // Closing Color Prep + Beginning Fiber and Cloth Dying
- Workshop 4 // Exploring Vat Dyes and Embacing Indigo
- Workshop 5 // Color Shades from Dyes + Preparing Color Sample Chart
Together, we will explore the rich history and vibrant hues of natural dyes, mixing colors to create unique shades and preparing color sample charts under Olga's expert guidance. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a newcomer to the world of natural dyeing, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to delve into the artistry of sustainable fashion and traditional weaving techniques.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Antigua, Guatemala by staying at a top rated hotel in the heart of this charming city. With nightlife, dining, and cultural experiences at your fingertips, you can easily immerse yourself in all that Antigua has to offer.
RECOMMENDATIONS
With downtime to enjoy, we offer guests recommendations for both restaurants and sightseeing. Antigua is the most touristic town in Guatemala, offering an eclectic mix of menus ranging from local comedors (homemade food in a small space) to fine dining. You receive a list of recommended epicurean experiences to explore.
Likewise, there are countless opportunities to get to know the local culture and immerse yourself in community. We offer guests ideas and suggestions to make the most of your downtime.
Olga Reiche first became familiar with Guatemalan weavers in 1978 while she traveled the country working for Oxfam International. She now lives in Antigua, where she heads the sustainable eco-fashion brand Indigo which works with craftspeople from different regions to create clothing from recycled and reused materials. The name of her brand is inspired by the rich blue pigment that comes from the native Guatemalan indigo plant.
Olga is the lead designer and produces naturally-dyed threads used by a team of weavers with whom she collaborates—mostly women working out of their homes. They make pieces according to Olga’s instructions, weaving almost exclusively on backstrap looms, incorporating patterns and symbols inspired by their shared Mayan heritage. Once the pieces are fabricated, they are returned to Olga for assembly into comfortable and luxurious handmade garments featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Mexico.
Olga is also a teacher who shares her knowledge of natural dyes with the artisans she employs and groups of weavers in Bolivia, Mexico, and the Canary Islands. In an article she wrote for ReVista: Harvard Review of Latin America in 2006, Olga waxes about her career. “I’m fascinated by the possibilities of using indigo and other dyes deeply rooted in nature and history as viable options to synthetic dyes. I’ve spent more than thirty years experimenting with these dyeing techniques, and it’s how I make my living. I have to admit indigo is my favorite dye.”
During our 7-day workshop event, Olga and her team from Indigo will lead with knowledge sharing, hands-on activities, and more.
6 nights of accommodations in Antigua
All domestic transportation is coordinated for guests. From airport pick up to drop off, you'll enjoy private transport throughout.
Breakfasts (6), lunches (5), and dinners on planned nights (5)
All access to 5-days of workshops led by Olga Reiche and materials are included
A bi-lingual host will accompany the group throughout each day to ensure any needs or
Guests will be added to a group chat using the application WhatsApp, so they're able to receive all the important information needed before and during the tour
Leading up to your departure date, you'll receive weekly emails to help you prepare for your trip including cutlure points, what to pack, what to expect each day, and more.
A surprise gift of local artisan goods that you will use throughout your trip; connecting you with local communities from day-one.
International airfare is not included
Trip insurance is required for all guests to attend
Aside from your welcome cocktail and two dinner pairings, all alcoholic beverages are paid by consumption directly by guest
When you arrive at Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, your host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors before embarking on a 1.5-hour ride to our hotel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua.
As you arrive, your host will welcome you, ensure a seamless check in process, and invite you to enjoy a siesta or take an afternoon tour of the town with fellow guests.
After a peaceful afternoon, we host our Bienvenidos dinner to review the itinerary, discuss logistics, answer any questions, and embrace the beginning of a wonderful week of learning.
After starting our morning with a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a short ride to the local aldea San Juan del Obispo. There, we visit the Indigo Studio, where Olga and her team will meet us before beginning an all-day workshop on scouring, mordenting for vegetable fibers, and extracting dyes from plants and bark.
Scouring and mordanting are important processes for preparing vegetable fibers for dyeing. Scouring involves removing impurities and oils from the fibers, while mordanting helps the dye adhere to the fibers and improve color fastness. Soaking plants and barks in water helps extract the natural dyes that can be used for dyeing fibers. These steps are crucial for achieving vibrant and long-lasting colors in natural dye and fiber creations.
After a productive day of learning and creating, we'll head back to Antigua for a relaxing siesta before enjoying a festive dinner experience.
After a hearty breakfast, we will journey back to the Indigo studio to continue learning with Olga and her talented team.
This day, we delve into the fascinating process of mordanting, specifically using tannins to prepare fabrics for natural dyeing. This step is crucial in enhancing color extraction and ensuring that our dyes are vibrant and long-lasting.
Following the workshop, we have some free time to relax and recharge with a siesta in the charming home base of Antigua. To end the day on a high note, we will gather for a relaxing dinner where we reflect on the new skills and knowledge we have gained during our immersive workshop.
We start with a delicious breakfast at our charming hotel in Antigua, where you can fuel up for the day ahead.
Afgter, we return to San Juan del Obispo, a quaint town known for its historical charm, for our third workshop at the Indigo studio. Here, we join Olga and her talented team to learn the final mordant steps in preparing fibers or cloths before gaining a deeper understanding of the art of dyeing.
After a fulfilling day of creativity and learning, we'll return to Antigua where guests can enjoy a free evening to discover the UNESCO world heritage site; whether you choose to explore the cobblestone streets, indulge in local cuisine, or simply relax and unwind.
Join us on a captivating journey as we explore the enchanting world of Vat Dyes and Indigo color processing. After a delightful breakfast at our hotel, we will make our way to San Juan del Obispo for our fourth workshop led by Olga and the Indigo team.
We explore the magic of Indigo as we delve into its rich history, vibrant hues, and traditional techniques that are deeply rooted in Guatemalan culture, discovering why Indigo holds a special place in the hearts of locals and learning the artistry behind its production.
After a day at our enlightening workshop, we return to Antigua for a peaceful siesta before sitting for dinner at a favorite local restaurant. Embrace the beauty of Indigo with us and experience the allure of this cherished art form
Welcome to a day filled with creativity and learning as we embark on a unique journey in San Juan del Obispo with the talented Olga Reiche and her team!
Our day begins with a delightful breakfast at our cozy hotel, setting the perfect tone for what lies ahead. As we arrive at San Juan del Obispo, we step into Olga's world, where she shares her expertise in mixing dyes to craft mesmerizing color shades and hues.
Together, we will immerse ourselves in the art of dye mixing, creating a color sample chart that reflects our individual styles. Olga and her team will guide us through the process, ensuring that each participant gains valuable insights and skills to take back home.
After a fulfilling day of hands-on learning, we return to Antigua for a rejuvenating siesta, allowing us to reflect on the newfound knowledge and experiences gained during the workshop.
As the week draws to a close, we come together for a memorable despedida dinner, celebrating the bonds formed and the artistic journey we've shared during our time together.
On the final day of your memorable week, guests will start their morning with a delightful breakfast before departing for La Aurora International Airport. Your dedicated travel team will ensure a seamless and relaxed experience, allowing guests to savor their last moments in the enchanting destination.
