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. Each experience takes place against the vibrant backdrop of a national or local holiday, providing you with the perfect occasion to learn about the community while actively joining in on the festivities with the locals. 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 La Costa Chica. 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: 

Love learning about global Black culture 

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

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 
• All Meals 
• A celebratory authentic Mexican welcome dinner to kick off our trip
• The I Got Your Black 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 morning meditation
• Visit to Manzanillo Beach
• 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 
• Visit "El Farro" Punta Maldonado Beach
• 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. If 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. 

I Got Your Black plans immersive, mindful and diasporic trips and provides experiences around the world. This international travel policy is intended to promote the health, safety, and security of all attendees of I Got Your Black trips/experience while traveling abroad and domestically.

Policy

This International Travel Policy outlines the requirements with regard to: (A) travel abroad insurance; and (B) cancellation and refund policy.

(A) Travel Abroad Health Insurance

All I Got Your Black LLC trip attendees are NOT covered under any health, life, liability insurance policy paid for by I Got Your Black LLC 

All individuals traveling on Haitian Nomad LLC trips are required to have travel abroad insurance coverage from an insurance carrier of your choice. Travel insurance ensures your trip is protected in the event of an unexpected cancellation OR in the event of a medical emergency overseas. 

Verification of Health Insurance & Acknowledgment of Release 

I represent and warrant that I have appropriate medical, health and personal injury insurance. As such, is relying on my representations and warranties, and neither the I Got Your Black LLC will be liable or required to provide me with insurance coverage. I am further aware that any medical, health and/ or personal injury costs resulting from or relating to the activities undertaken pursuant to this Program will be my sole responsibility.

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 shuttle service, 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 

- Check in and settle in 

- Welcome dinner 

Travel to the Oaxaca Guerrero Border for the celebration. 

Today we have an early rising, as we'll be going deeper into La Costa Chica. Our first stop is the municipality of Caujinicuilapa. "Cuaji" as the locals call it, has one of the highest concentrations of Afro-Mexicans in the country. Upon arrival in Cuaji we'll check in to our hotel and after a brief check-in we'll head to breakfast. 

Exploring Art In Cuaji: The Museum of Mestizo Culture & Gallery Visit

Our first stop is The Vicente Guerrero Saldaña Museum of Afro-Mestizo Culture, one of the only museums in Mexico focused on Afro-Indigenous culture. Our guide will share the history of the various works of art and how the museum came to be. While at the museum we'll learn a traditional Afro-Mexican dance. These newfound dance skills will come in handy as we'll have the exciting opportunity to showcase them in community and celebration. After our museum visit we'll head to the home of famous local artist for a deep dive into her work.

Celebrate in Community 

Each experience is set against the lively backdrop of a national or local holiday,. We'll spend the day learn about rich traditions through captivating performances, lively dancing, and savoring the delectable meals prepared for joyful occasions.

Daily Summary:  

- Travel to the Cuajinicuilapa 

- Check in to hotel number two

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

- Learn a Traditional dance class 

- Visit the home and gallery of a local artist

- Learn in celebration 

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

- Enjoy traditional Afro-Mexican Food 

- Listen to live Afro-Mexican Music 

Breakfast   

The day begins with a delicious breakfast in Pinotepa Nacional. We'll start with a traditional Costeña (coastal) meal and will try our hand at making a tortilla, empanada, sope or two. During breakfast, we'll enjoy the presence of an elder who will share the history of La Costa Chica. 

Historic Afro-Mexican Home  

After breakfast we'll head south to a small town called Tecoyame to see one of the last standing Redondo Negro's, a traditional Afro-Mexican home. This Redondo Negro is one of the only Afro-Indigenous homes still in its original form, so you'll get a glimpse of how the community lived centuries ago. 

Afternoon at Punta Maldonado Beach 

From Tecoyame, we'll head to Punta Maldonado or "El Farro'' as the locals call it. El Farro is a local favorite and also happens to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Costa Chica area. Enjoy lunch at one of the Afro-Indigenous-owned restaurants on the beach and spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying its calm waters. 

Dinner at Cuaji's most famous restaurant 

After a day on the beach we'll head back to our hotel and relax before having dinner at one of the most famous restaurants in the Cuajinicuilapa. The fair we'll still be happening so we might get to enjoy some nightlife activities if you're up to it. 

Daily Summary: 

- Breakfast & cooking class 

- Visit a traditional Afro-Mexican Home 

- Visit El Farro punta Maldonado 

- Dinner at the most famous restaurant in Cuajinicuilapa  

Early Morning Beach Meditation

Today we travel back to Puerto Escondido. For breakfast, you can choose a vetted restaurant from the I Got Your Black Costa Chica Guide or another destination of your liking. 

Experience Oaxaca Culture with A Walking Food Tour 

It's the late afternoon and your stomach is growling. The timing is perfect because the rest of the day is all about exploring Puerto Escondido through food. We'll take a walking tour, giving you a chance to support and enjoy 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 morning meditation 

- Visit one of Puerto Escondido's most beautiful beaches  

- Walking food tour 

- Learn about Oaxacan culture through food 

- Learn about Puerto Escondido businesses 

- Mezcal tasting 

Tour Chacahua Nation Park Led by an Afro-Indigenous Guide 

Today we'll take a day trip to Lagunas de Chacahua, a national park an hour outside Puerto Escondido. As we explore the first of many Afro-indigenous communities in La Costa Chica, we'll be led by a local guide of Afro-Mexican descent who will share his experience and expertise.

Explore Nature by Boat

By boat, we'll visit five lagoons, a maze of mangroves, a bird sanctuary, and Corral Island. You'll have an opportunity to swim and learn about all that lives in Chacahua from the wildlife and nature to the Afro and Indigenous community. 

Sunset With A View 

At sunset, we'll stop by a lighthouse, giving you a moment to take in an aerial view of the park. This is the perfect moment to add even more Instagramable photos to the pictures you've taken today. 

Party in La Punta 

 La Punta is thee destination for nightlife in Puerto Escondido. After a day of exploring let your down even more with good music and great vibes. 

Daily Summary: 

- Visit Lagunas de Chacahua by boat  

-  Explore a maze of mangroves 

- Five lagoons with an opportunity to swim 

- Corral Island 

- Bird sanctuary  

- Tour crocodile farm 

- Lighthouse at sunset for an aerial view of the park 

Free Day to Explore Puerto Escondido 

Today we say goodbye to Cuaji and head back to Puerto Escondido. Once you're back in Puerto you'll have free day to explore as you please.  You'll have your digital guide to La Costa Chica and the I Got Your Black team for guidance and recommendations, but how you spend this day is entirely up to you. You may want to rest, go on an excursion with one of our vetted partners, revisit one of the places you loved during the "Made in Oaxaca Food Tour," or this could be the perfect time to buy souvenirs. Later today we'll share our final meal together at the farewell dinner.  

Farewell Dinner

You came, you saw, you connected, and now it's time to say goodbye at our farewell dinner. As you enjoy this final supper and exchange contact info with fellow travelers that have become friends, all you can think to yourself is, "I'm so happy I booked this trip." 

Daily Summary: 

- Free day in Puerto Escondido (use it to buy souvenirs, go on that excursion you've had your eye on) 

- Opportunity to use your digital guide to navigate La Costa Chica 

- Farewell dinner 

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 

- Airport transfer to PXM