A day to get our bearings. We’ll start at the local mercado - eating and drinking all manner of strange and wonderful foods , learning about local handicrafts and end with lunch at a local hot spot. Afternoon to relax poolside or explore more. Late afternoon we visit a magnificent beach with a turtle release sanctuary and learn about conservation efforts. 

We leave bright and early on our way to Pinotepa Nacional our home base for the next five days  En route we stop in Tututupec, a town that has been continuously inhabited for a couple of thousand years. We visit the tiny community museum which houses many important artifacts from this ancient culture. Later a young man, working to revive his towns traditions, gives us our fist introduction to  natural dyes and traditional clothing. Learn about the huipil, the pazuhuanco  and the falda. Evening in Pinotepa Nacional. 

Today we delve deeper into the story of cotton visiting with permaculture farmers reviving the ancient tradition of growing cotton without chemicals. We’ll also visit an innovative weaving cooperativa and learn about native cotton and natural dyes. The day ends with a visit to the village maskmaker and most likely a dip in the pool back at our hotel. 

Another deep dive into slow fashion when we visit Pinotepa de Don Luis famous for the purple dye they extract from the purpura shell. The mollusk is endangered and we learn about their efforts to save it while also practicing  their weaving traditions. We also learn about gourd carving and how it functions in town traditions. The lively market and town church round out our visit. Late afternoon we visit one of the last potters at her humble home and workshop in the village of San Pedro Jicayan. 

We check back in with our favorite family in Don Luis.  All the daughters weave, the men (and one daughter) carve gourds and they have a side gig as performing acrobats (can’t make that up). We never know what’s in store when we visit. We are overhwelmed with their generosity in sharing their culture 

We have a more relaxing day today stilling, nibbling and shopping our way through the Pinotepa market.  Afternoon we head to the coast for sun and fun  and learn more about AfroMexican culture. Time to integrate. Evening in Pinotepa.

We return to the coast today but first we stop at the Mixtec village of Huazalotitlan. We are honored to meet with a  group of town elders who carry on the traditions of their ancestors. This town is known more for embroidery than weaving and we learn the story of the two headed eagle. Plus a chance to meet with woodcarvers and learn some more local legends. Always a special stop and one rarely visited by tourists. 

Back at the Santa Fe, time to relax poolside, get a massage or do last minute shopping. Optional deep sea fishing or swimming with dolohins for early risers. Early afternoon we head out to Manialtepec Lagoon for some world

class birdwatching and a sunset dinner on the beach. We’ll raise a glass to us and our magnificent journey and the wonderful people we have met along the way. 

Relaxed and renewed. You thought you were coming to learn about village life and indigenous clothing and textiles, instead your faith in humanity is restored and you did learn a little something about slow fashion. 

Alison Albrecht & I first traveled together in 2017 on an R & D trip during which we navigated language and bovines and many many curvy roads exploring the backroads of Tlaxiaco and the coast. We learned so much, made friends and had so much fun - I am delighted she continues to join me as person who keeps the boat afloat, purveyor of happiness and my personal live Your best life coach as we travel together down many a goat path.