This small group journey is designed to showcase the very best of Oaxaca and is limited to 12 travelers for an intimate, immersive experience. Oaxaca is renowned for its extraordinary artisans, vibrant markets, rich culinary traditions, and deep cultural heritage. Throughout the week, you will experience all of it.

Over the course of our stay, we will visit several craft villages where artisans create handwoven rugs from handspun yarns, produce green, natural and red pottery using locally sourced clay and carve whimsical wooden figures in workshops passed down through generations.

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TOUR OVERVIEW  

We begin with a guided walking tour of Historic Oaxaca to help you get acquainted with the city’s charming downtown streets, markets, and landmarks. Over the course of our stay, we’ll visit several craft villages where artisans create handwoven rugs from handspun yarns, produce green, natural, and red pottery using locally sourced clay, and carve whimsical wooden figures in workshops passed down through generations.

Our itinerary also includes visits to two of Oaxaca’s major archaeological sites, opportunities to observe back‑strap weaving demonstrations, learn about the use of natural dyes and handspun yarns that do into weaving the rugs. No trip to Oaxaca would be complete without exploring its bustling local markets and enjoying a mezcal tasting to learn about this iconic regional spirit.

You’ll also have ample free time to wander through galleries, shops, and museums at your own pace, ensuring a balanced blend of guided experiences and personal discovery.

We stay at a wonderful B&B located about 8 blocks away from the Zocalo (town square) and pedestrian street. The B&B has amazing gardens and serves dinner every evening for an extra charge, should you decide not to go out for dinner.

Friday, September 11 (D)

Welcome to Oaxaca! Today is your travel day. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport for a group pickup and transferred by taxi or van to the charming B&B that will be your home during the tour. Settle in, relax, and get acquainted with your surroundings. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first group dinner at the B&B—a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and kick off our adventure together.

Saturday, September 12 (B,L)

Begin the day with breakfast at the B&B, then head out on a two to three‑mile walking tour of Historic Oaxaca. You’ll visit several of the city’s bustling markets, including Benito Juárez Market, 20 de Noviembre Market, and Mercado de Artesanías, and stop at a chocolate shop to see how traditional Oaxacan chocolate is made. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way. As you continue through the historic center, you’ll pass the Textile Museum and the San Pablo Cultural Center—both wonderful places to revisit during your free time. The walk continues up the Alcala pedestrian walkway with stops at the Zócalo, the Cathedral, and the Santo Domingo Church. Dinner is on your own.

Snday, September 13 (B,L) 

After breakfast at the B&B, you’ll set out for the lively Tlacolula Sunday Market, a vibrant hub of textiles, crafts, and local culture. Your guide will introduce you to rebozo weavers, apron makers, and artisans who create beautifully hand‑embroidered blouses. You’ll have time to explore and shop on your own before enjoying lunch and a mezcal tasting. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Teotitlán del Valle for a spinning, dyeing, and weaving demonstration with master weaver Bulmaro Pérez. If time permits, you may visit an additional weaving workshop. Dinner is on your own.

Monday, September 14  (B,L) 

After breakfast, you’ll depart early for Monte Albán, Oaxaca’s most significant archaeological site, arriving before the crowds. Following your visit, you’ll continue to the pottery village of Atzompa, known for its green and natural clay pottery, and then to Arrazola, a wood‑carving village where many artists work from their homes.

Tuesday, September 15 (B)     

This day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax, explore Oaxaca’s museums and shops, revisit favorite markets, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the city. Mexican Independence is celebrated on the night of September 15 and throughout the day on September 16.  On the night of the 15th there are celebrations called “El Grito” (the shout of independence) in the zocalo around 11 pm followed by fireworks.

Wednesday, September 16  (B,L)

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Mitla, an archaeological site famous for its intricate mosaic geometric designs that continue to inspire local weavers. From there, you’ll visit the workshop of Arturo Hernández to see traditional backstrap and fly‑shuttle loom weaving. The artisans here create an array of cotton textiles, including bedspreads, rebozos, runners, placemats, and tea towels. Lunch will be served along the way and have the opportunity to tour a mezcal distillery and sample several varieties of this iconic regional spirit.

Thursday, September 17      (B,L)     

The day begins with breakfast before you set out to explore the Southern Valley. Your first stop is Ocotlán, where you’ll visit a beautiful church and a museum featuring Rodolfo Morales’ collages and painted pillars. From there, you’ll continue to San Martín Tilcajete to see the region’s wood‑carving traditions. Lunch will be at a roadside restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll visit San Tomás Jalieza, where you can wander the outdoor textile market and watch weavers create placemats, table runners, handbags, and belts on the pre‑Hispanic backstrap loom.

Friday, September 18   (B,D)

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of free time to explore Oaxaca however you wish. You might return to the Benito Juarez market or downtown shops for your last minute purchases, visit the Textile Museum of Oaxaca, browse the galleries, or simply relax in the Zócalo. In the evening, the group will gather for a final dinner together.

Saturday, September 19      (B)

After breakfast, group transportation will take you to the airport for your flight back to the United States.