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. Pretty sure you’ve never seen anything like it. 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 stay in town this morning and visit the staggeringly packed and colorful Mercado and learn about what a local food economy looks like. This is one of my favorite Mexican markets. Afternoon visit to indigenous poet, artist and weaver Maruch in her village.  We lunch with her family and learn about textile traditions and contemporary culture.  Evening  on your own in San Cristóbal 

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. 

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 (an insect derived process where 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 ! 

 Today we go out to the village of Tenejapa as they celebrate their saint day. Lucky us. We also include visits with the longtime women’s weaving cooperatives and pom pom makers. (Footnote - Pom poms are part of the traditional men’s dress in this community but they have adapted them for the tourist industry. I am a tiny bit of a pom Pom aficionando and these are the best of the best).  Our day ends at the beautiful and moving Romerillo hilltop cemetery. Dinner on your own later that evening. 

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 meet with humanitarian activist Sergio Castro in his home which is part doctors office and part Museum filled with treasures his grateful patients have gifted him.  He’ll share stories about his textile collection and his work treating burn victims in the highlands. And finally we’ll end with a celebratory farewell meal. 

Some of you will stay on for a few more day, some head home (we’ll help arrange transport), and some head out to the ancient Mayan ruins in the jungles. Grateful to have this adventure with everyone.