JOIN FOUNDERS, AMBER BREITENBERG OF MAKERS MEALS AND CECILE BIZET BURBANK OF OAXACA COLLECTIVE FOR OUR ANNUAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE DELVING INTO THE RICH CULINARY AND ARTISTIC TRADITIONS OF OAXACA, MEXICO.

OVER THE COURSE OF 7 DAYS WE'LL EXPLORE OUR FAVORITE CULINARY, DESIGN, AND ART HOTSPOTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF OAXACA AND BEYOND. OUR ITINERARY INCLUDES OPPORTUNITIES TO SEE OAXACA'S NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS, EXCLUSIVE STUDIO TOURS WITH OUR MAKER AND ARTISAN FRIENDS AND MEALS AT THE TOP RESTAURANTS FEATURING OUR FAVORITE CHEFS and MIXOLOGISTS.

• What is a Maker and do I have to be one to join?
  • Not necessarily! We consider a maker to be anyone engaged in activities that bring culture to themselves and their communities. This trip is designed with the goal of bringing Makers together to learn, grow and experience Oaxaca together. We ask that you self-select whether you would be a good fit on a trip like this or if a more traditional tour would suit you better.
• How many people will be on the trip?
  • We are expecting to have a group of 5-8.
• Will I have my own room? 
  • Yes. We will be staying in a Bed & Breakfast with Private rooms with Queen-size beds. There are a few King-size rooms that can be reserved at a higher price on the registration page.
• Can I share a room with a friend?
  • Yes. If you would like to travel with a friend and share a Queen or King-size bed for a lower price you are able to choose the Shared Room option during registration. Note that each traveler will still need to register separately choosing the shared room price.
• Can I pay in installments?
  • Yes, we are offering a payment plan or you may pay in full. 
• Is everything included in the price?
  • Everything is included in the price except your travel to and from Oaxaca, trip insurance, alcohol and any items you wish to buy.
• What's the closest airport to fly in and out of?
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX). 20 min drive to Oaxaca Centro
• Do I need travel insurance?
  • Yes, we ask that all participants are signed up for travel insurance that covers personal injury, medical expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. Travel insurance typically costs between $50-$100 USD.
• Do you offer refunds?
  • No, but you always join us on a future trip or transfer your booking to a friend.

Arrive in Oaxaca, get settled into our base for the week in the exquisitely designed Boulenc Bed & Breakfast. We’ll be within walking distance to the center of Oaxaca where you can poke around and pop into one of the many shops and restaurants or go see some of the popular sights and museums (Don't worry, we'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction). We'll enjoy cocktails on the roof before heading to our first group dinner at one of Oaxaca's recently Michelin-starred restaurants.

Meals Included: Dinner

Today we'll spend time getting to know Oaxaca Centro. We’ll start by heading to the famous Santo Domingo church followed by a tour of the Botanical Garden housed within the church grounds. Next, we'll head towards the food stalls in the bustling 20 de Noviembre market to taste Oaxaca's famous street food followed by a mezcal tasting and ice cream. Dinner will be the flavors of the Oaxacan coast with crudos and ceviche.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll begin today with optional Yoga on the roof as the sun rises followed by a delicious spread for breakfast. From here we’ll head out to Teotitlan del Valle, the heart of Oaxacan textiles. We’ll enjoy a pre-hispanic cooking class and lunch with a family of wool weavers followed by a walking tour learning about the ancient Zapotec history of the town. Next, we’ll visit Teotitlan’s candle makers and learn how the ornate candles are made that are traditionally used to decorate churches for festivals and celebrations. We’ll grab plenty of taper candles to adorn our tablescape for the feast we will be hosting on our last night. No visit to Teotitlan would be complete without a visit to the studio and shop of well-known clothing designer and natural dyer, Angélica Maria of Maria Ospina. After the big day, we’ll take a couple of hours to relax before dinner featuring small plates inspired by the art of fermentation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will experience a traditional breakfast of mole, chilaquiles, enchiladas, hot chocolate, and sweet bread at one of Oaxaca’s colorful markets and enjoy a stroll through the buzzing stalls filled with vendors selling fruits/vegetables, meat, flowers, tamales, sweet bread and handmade goods. From here we’ll stroll to the nearby neighborhood of Jalatlaco, known for its cobblestone streets, colorful facades and street art where we will meet up with our host for a natural dye workshop. We’ll grab lunch nearby at a friend's popular cafe and bakery. Following our workshop you will have a chance for some free time or you can join us for an evening stroll along some of the best streets for viewing Oaxaca's famous street art. We’ll reconnect for a private tasting menu with one of the most innovative chefs in Oaxaca.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we take you off the beaten path to visit a lesser-known (but just as stunning!) natural spring where we can take a dip and enjoy the natural beauty that Oaxaca has to offer. Once we’ve thoroughly relaxed, we’ll head to the Mountainous Sierra Norte for a traditional lunch overlooking the valley below. As the day ends we’ll head back to the city for some rest time followed by dinner exploring the flavors of the Istemeño region of Oaxaca.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’re focusing on ceramics and setting the table for our upcoming Makers Meal. First, we visit the home of Oaxaca’s famous black pottery, San Bartolo Coyotepec. Next, we’ll head to San Martin Tilcajete to meet an incredibly talented female ceramicist whose work you can find on the shelves of Oaxaca Collective. We’ll enjoy lunch at an open air restaurant surrounded by copal trees (part of a reforestation project started to protect the future of Tilcajete’s famous brightly colored wooden Alebrijes). Lunch will be followed by a visit with a friend and artisan partner in Santo Tomas Jalieza where we will see the process of pre-hispanic cotton weaving and pick up items for our styled tablescape before heading back to the city to enjoy dinner at the restaurant of chef Thalia Barrios, Levadura de Ollo.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a free day to explore or rest the way you choose but be ready to set the table as we prepare for hosting a Makers Meal incorporating the items we’ve sourced, made and learned during our time over the past week in Oaxaca. We’ve invited the guests and now it’s time to co-create a space that we can all take with us as we head back to our own homes, studios and communities with respect and gratitude for the people, food and makers of Oaxaca.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day as you’d like ahead of your flight home or on to other adventures.

Meals Included: Breakfast