If you want to travel mindfully and feed your soul while doing so, The Afro-Mexico Experience is for you. Beginning and ending in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, this 7-day, 6-night trip is led by locals and designed for travelers who want to thoughtfully immerse themselves in the customs and culture of Mexico's Afro-descendants. The experience is set against the lively backdrop of Dia De Los Muertos, a festive occasion where Mexicans pay tribute to their departed loved ones. This journey is designed to take you on an exciting exploration of Afro-Mexican heritage, with opportunities to savor local cuisine, adventure through the arts, and engage in various activities that highlight the richness of this vibrant community. At I Got Your Black, we prioritize building authentic relationships within each community that we visit. By partnering with local guides, supporting local businesses, and creating intentional moments, that keep both travelers and natives in mind, we are able to create authentic and unforgettable experiences. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore Black culture in Mexico with The Afro-Mexico Experience. 

This trip is for people who: 

Are mindful of their impact as a traveler 

Want to support community centered travel experiences

Love learning about global Black culture and the connections of the diaspora  

Want to learn about local customs and culture when traveling (ex: trying new foods) 

Are interested in learning the unique ways in which Afro-Mexicans celebrate holidays like Dia De los Muertos 

Have a desire to immerse themselves in the community they are exploring 

Are interested in meeting new people 

Have the capacity to acknowledge their privilege as a traveler 

Enjoy a balance of local and luxury

• I Got Your Black on-site staff 
• 4-star Accommodations in Puerto Escondido and Cuajinicuilapa 
• Airport transportation with a trusted I Got Your Black shuttle service 
• Transportation to and from each excursion 
• Majority meals and drinks (except for free day) 
• A celebratory authentic Mexican welcome dinner to kick off our trip
• A digital guide to La Costa Chica (includes tips, businesses, and resources to help you explore La Costa Chica) 
• Visit to Chacahua National Park (5 lagoons and swimming, boat ride through various mangroves, bird sanctuary, crocodile farm, and aerial views at the Chacahua lighthouse) 
• Grounding gratitude meditation
• Visit a gorgeous beach in La Costa
• Walking food tour 
• Opportunity to support local businesses in Puerto Escondido 
• Enjoy nightlife in Puerto Escondido
• Experience Oaxacan culture through various activities 
• Connect with the Afro-Mexican community in various parts of La Costa Chica
• Afro-Mexican breakfast, lunch, and dinner 
• Mezcal tasting 
• Live Afro-Mexican Music and dance 
• Entrance fees to the Afro-Mestizo Museum
• Gallery visit and artist talk
• Street art tour 
• And more! 

Travel Insurance 

Naturally, no one books with the intention of canceling their tour, but unexpected things do happen therefore we highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance once a deposit is made. Please be sure that your insurance policy covers you for all relevant activities that you will be engaging in during the tour. You can go to: http://bit.ly/get-travel-insurance-quote or purchase the insurance of your choice. Depending on the policy and conditions, travel cancellation insurance will pay for some or all cancellation fees. With most agencies, insurance must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation. 

Cancelation Policy 

There are no refunds or cancellations available for this tour. We highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance in case of an unforeseen emergency. In the case that I Got Your Black must cancel this tour for any reason, you may transfer your full payment to another tour, or you may request a full refund. 

Check-in and Settle in

You have arrived in Puerto Escondido, a welcomed guest to a sleepy beach town paradise on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. After a quick ride from the airport with a trusted I Got Your Black taxi or shuttle, you will check in to your home for the next week. Unwind from your flight, lounge by the pool, enjoy a margarita, or a combination of all three -- whatever you choose, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy.

Welcome Dinner 

In the evening, you'll meet your fellow travelers, begin the start of new and divine connections, and have one of your first tastes of how delicious Oaxaca can be. After breaking bread over a mouthwatering authentic Mexican dinner, you can already tell this trip will be like no other.

Daily Summary: 

- Shuttle from the airport 

- Hotel Check in and settle in 

- Welcome dinner 

Morning Meditation

Our morning begins with a gratitude meditation. Designed to set the tone for an experience rooted in community  

Experience Oaxaca Culture with A Walking Food Tour 

After our meditation we'll get ready to explore Puerto Escondido via a walking food tour. During the tour we'll enjoy and support locally-owned businesses in the area. Did you know Oaxaca is known for its food? That's right. Mexican and foreign travelers alike visit this state just to experience its gastronomy. During the tour, we'll travel through our taste buds while learning about the history of Puerto Escondido's local market, off-the-radar eateries, and famous restaurants. By the end of the experience, you'll understand why Oaxaca is known for its delicious cuisine. Your only dilemma will be deciding which place to revisit before you leave. 

Learn about Mezcal at a Tasting 

After that delicioso food series, we'll soak up the eats with a mezcal tasting. Mezcal is the smokey, slightly exclusive cousin of tequila, and its birthplace is Oaxaca. With each sip, you'll learn how the agave-based spirit is made and what makes it so special. 

Daily Summary: 

- Grounding gratitude meditation 

- Walking food tour 

- Learn about Oaxacan culture through food 

- Explore Puerto Escondido businesses 

- Mezcal tasting 

Travel to the Oaxaca-Guerrero Border for the Celebration

Today, we have early start to the day as we journey deeper into La Costa Chica. After a light breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel in Puerto and set out for our next lodging in Santiago Pinotepa Nacional.

Lunch with an Afro-Mexican Freedom Fighter

Only five years have passed since the Afro-Mexican community was formally recognized and included in the national census. Today, we’ll have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand from an activist who was part of the movement for recognition and acknowledgment.

Exploring Art in Cuaji: The Museum of Afro-Mestizo Culture

After lunch, we’ll head to Cuajinicuilapa, affectionately known as “Cuaji” by the locals and home to one of the highest concentrations of Afro-Mexicans in the country. Our first stop will be the Vicente Guerrero Saldaña Museum of Afro-Mestizo Culture, one of the only museums in Mexico dedicated to Afro-Indigenous history. Our guide will take us through the rich stories behind the art and the creation of the museum. During our visit, we’ll also have the chance to practice traditional Afro-Mexican dances, skills that may come in handy later on as we continue our immersive journey.

Gallery Visit

Following our museum visit, we’ll make our way to the home and Gallery of a world-renowned local artist whose work brings to life the rich history and culture of Afro-Mexicans in La Costa Chica.

Daily Summary:  

- Travel from Puerto Escondido to Santiago Pinotepa Nacional

- Check in to our new hotel

- Lunch with an Afro-Mexican freedom fighter and hear stories of the community’s fight for recognition

- Explore Cuajinicuilapa the town with the highest concentration of Afro-Mexicans in the country 

- Visit the Vicente Guerrero Saldaña Museum of Afro-Mestizo Culture

- Participate in traditional Afro-Mexican dance practice

- Visit the home gallery of a world-renowned local artist

- Enjoy traditional Afro-Mexican food

Breakfast in Pinotepa Nacional
Our day starts with a traditional breakfast in the vibrant town of Pinotepa Nacional, setting the stage for the experiences ahead.

Visit Collantes
After breakfast, we’ll head to Collantes—our favorite town in La Costa Chica. There, we’ll explore vibrant murals painted by local artists and visit an unofficial landmark. We’ll also delve into the town’s historical cultural expressions, experiencing spoken word performances and traditional Afro-Mexican dances. As part of our journey, we’ll meet with a women’s rights activist of Afro-Indigenous descent who will share the struggles faced by Afro and Indigenous women in Mexico, as well as their ongoing fight for equality and recognition.

Afternoon Playa Corralero Beach
From Collantes, we’ll head to Coralerro, a beloved local spot and one of the most stunning beaches in La Costa Chica. While at the beach we’ll enjoy another delicious meal at an Afro-Mexican-owned restaurant and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves.

Daily Summary: 

- Breakfast in Pinotepa Nacional

- Visit a historic Afro-Mexican home in Collantes

- Explore murals, spoken word, and Afro-Mexican dances in Collantes

- Meet with an Afro-Indigenous women’s rights activist

- Afternoon at Playa Corralero Beach

- Enjoy a meal at an Afro-Mexican-owned restaurant in Coralerro

- Dinner at the most famous restaurant in Cuajinicuilapa 

Return to Puerto Escondido 

Today we’ll check out of our hotel in Pinotepa and make our way back to Puerto Escondido. Once we arrive and check in to our original hotel, the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Take this opportunity to explore the town, pick up some souvenirs, or revisit one of your favorite stops from our food tour.

Daily summary 

- Travel from Santiago Pinotepa Nacional to Puerto Escondido

- Check in to our original hotel

- Free Day to explore 

Tour Chacahua National Park Led by an Afro-Indigenous Guide
Today, we’ll embark on a day trip to Lagunas de Chacahua, a stunning national park and vibrant Afro-Indigenous community located about an hour and a half from Puerto Escondido. Our journey will be guided by a local expert of Afro-Mexican descent who will share personal stories and deep insights into the park’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Explore Nature by Boat
By boat, we'll  navigate through five lagoons, a maze of mangroves, and a rich bird sanctuary, making our way to Corral Island. There will be opportunities to swim in the tranquil waters while learning about all that lives in Chacahua, from its wildlife and natural wonders to the interconnected Afro and Indigenous communities that have thrived here for generations.

Sunset With a View
As the tour draws to a close, we’ll take a 10-minute hike to a scenic overlook just in time for sunset. This breathtaking spot is perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos and reflecting on the week's adventures.

Daily Summary: 

- Tour of Chacahua National Park 

- Learn about local biodiversity and cultural heritage

- Explore five lagoons, mangrove mazes, and a bird sanctuary by boat

- Swim in the Laguna 

- Hike to stunning sunset view

Check-Out and Airport Transfer

It’s time to head home. Upon checking out, a vetted I Got Your Black shuttle service will take you to the airport. As you make your way back, you can't wait to tell your friends and family about this soul travel experience.

Daily Summary: 

- Check out of the hotel by 11am 

- Airport transfer to PXM