Name: Mysteries of the Mayan World
Start: 2023-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-24T00:00:00.000Z
Location: San Cristobal de las Casas, Chis., Mexico

Jewel Murphy

16 reviews

Jan 13 - 24, 2023

Group size: 6 - 7

Mysteries of the Mayan World

San Cristobal de las Casas, Chis., Mexico

Jan 13 - 24, 2023

Group size: 6 - 7

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.

Transportation
Comfortable and private vans
Lodging
Based on double occupancy. We’ll stay in a centrally located hotel with beautiful gardens.
Most meals
We’ll take most meals together but you’ll have several evenings to explore the great food scene in San Cristóbal. We’ll explore a variety of cuisines from street food to four star
Guide Services
Our charming guides are bi lingual and have both lived in San Cristóbal for many decades .
Entrance Fees
Educational Materials
We’ll provide you with a Chiapas centered reading list and our personal recommendations for shopping, food and drink. Plus complimentary travel journal

Airfare
You will be responsible for airfare. The closest airport is Tuxtla Guittierez about 75 minutes by vehicle fromsan Cristóbal. Shuttles are plentiful and can be arranged for an additional charge
Gratuity & Tips
Completely at your discretion
4 Dinners
We want to give you the opportunity to explore San Cristobal on your own. It’s tiny, walkable and full of great restaurants. Or stay close to home and eat at our hotel. Your choice
Personal Shopping
There are lots of great things to buy from market trinkets to weaving commanding large sums. We recommend budgeting about $500 to $2,000 for shopping.
Alchohol
On your own Amigos.
Travel insurance
INSURANCE - Travel insurance will be required for this trip as we will be in a remote location. We recommend travelinsure.com

Day 1
Day 1
Gathering Together
We’ll meet for a light meal in our cozy hotel and have a little meet and greet.

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Day 2
Day 2
Exploring the town
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
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Day 3
Day 3
Out to the Village
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 or stay in and dine at our hotel.
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Day 4
Day 4
Food, Art & Shopping
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.
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Day 5
Day 5
The Ancient World of Weaving
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.
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Day 6
Day 6
A Pottery Village
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.
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Day 7
Day 7
A Village Festival
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.
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Day 8
Day 8
A Free Day &More Textiles
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.
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Day 9
Day 9
More Festivals & Nature
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 !
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Day 1

Gathering Together

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

Jewel Murphy

16 reviews

I’m an award winning floral designer and shopkeeper indulging my late in life wanderlust. Sharing Mexico with others is my love language. I believe in slow travel, cultivating authentic cross cultural experiences, reciprocity, eating well and having fun. With two decades of travel experience, I’ve carefully curated my tours to take you places you might otherwise never see and to visit people who are world class artisans and caretakers of their cultural heritage.

This was an amazing and transformative 70th birthday trip for me. We returned almost two weeks ago, but today I still feel the effects of our time together. We shared an immersive art experience woven together by the brilliance of Mija and Jewel. Seamlessly, we moved from the beautiful Oaxacan villages, to the urban gems of Oaxacan City where we tasted, touched and experienced the authentic culture of this beautiful region. We started as individuals seeking our own intentions for this adventure and by the end of our time together had formed into one collective bonded by beauty, art, food, culture and the spirit of the Oaxacan people. We clearly saw the magic of the area through the lens of Mija and Jewel who are deeply rooted in the landscape of this area and its people. In my opinion, the only way to begin to understand the culture and the arts of this region is to be guided by our dear cultural creatives that are seasoned devotees to this area. All of our guides and artists were local and authentic and shared not only their artistry but also a deeper sense of meaning. I feel grateful to have found this artventure when on a whim and in need of a change of perspective, I googled, “best art retreat in Mexico”. Google was right, it was the best art retreat I could have imagined. Thank you Mija, Jewel and wonderful Cohort. Ellen/ Portland, OR.

By Ellen H for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on Apr 01, 2024

It was a great trip full of exploration and exposure to other cultures and experiences. Mija brings a caring attitude, joy & curiosity to the art experience and a sense of fun and adventure to the touring portion. Her intimate knowledge of Oaxaca deepened my appreciation for this magical place. I highly recommend!!

By Susan R for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on Mar 22, 2024

The trip with Jewel and Mija was beyond what I had hoped for. It was intimate, well planned, easy, real, and so much fun. Because of Mija and Jewel's connections we met and experienced local artists, cooperatives, and community settings that we would not ordinarily have access to. On at least 4 mornings prior to breakfast local artisans came to the Casa where we stayed to display and sell their work. It was fun to meet them, learn about their craft and support their work. Everything was curated from a place of authenticity and with the goal of offering up real and heartfelt experiences. The schedule provided a good balance between studio time and out and about time, as well as some free time thoughtfully folded in. There is nothing that I would change about the trip. It was fabulous on many levels.

By barbara c for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on Mar 20, 2024

Jewel and Mija made this the trip of a life time. Learning the life of the Oaxaca people and their culture. We visited areas that the average tourist probably wouldn't have seen. Being involved with the communities. Accomodations were good and the staff were lovely at Casa Colonial. Mija provided the enthusiasm and demonstration for all levels of art students. I felt like an artist when I departed! I look forward to my next trip back to Oaxaca.

By Karen O for Oaxaca Artventure with Mija Matriz on Mar 19, 2024

This was my first trip to Oaxaca and I am already planning a return. It was beyond words incredible. The other participants and our leaders made the trip so special and memorable. I enjoyed myself immensely. Personally, I struggle on trips when I am fully scheduled, so the first few days of going to multiple places on a timeline were a bit hard for me socially, emotionally, and mentally. However, given the distance we traveled I understand why it was arranged that way. I would pay more to have it more spread out and have half of the day out (ex. 9-1pm travel to 1-2 places)/ half day in studio (2-6pm studio time). I loved all of the places we went so I cannot say leave some of them out! The trip was so perfectly curated and the artisans were SO amazing. I loved how well taken care of I felt, from the delicious meals, to the massage at the casa, to the check-ins from Jewel/ Mija, and the amazing studio space/ supplies/ instruction. Accommodations-10/10. Meals at the Casa 10/10 Meals as a group out 5/10 Transportation 9/10 Jewel and Mija 11/10 Jane, Amado, Luz, and All Staff 11/10