Registration is closed – Get on the waitlist for 2023 here.

I'm Xhico, and I want you to see the beauty of Oaxaca, Mexico, through the eyes of a Surface Pattern Designer. I've curated the trip of a lifetime filled with artisan visits, design workshops, and cultural awareness. Join me and discover the art and design of Oaxaca.

Our trip will be filled with visits to the studios of indigenous artisans. We will visit a family that creates dyes from natural resources like plants, fruits, and insects. Here you'll dye your very own garment. We will observe pedal loom rug weavers and women that weave with a backstrap loom – a pre-Hispanic technique still used today. 

We will visit studios of clay and wood sculptors who use techniques passed down from generations, distinct to their region. Don Jose, a blind sculptor, makes life-size figures of red clay. Candelaria, whose love for life is infectious, uses black clay to create playful faces and intricate patterns on pottery. 

Our talents will get a chance to be seen as we open our minds to new techniques in printmaking as we participate in a workshop run by Beatrice and Adrian. 

A trip to Oaxaca wouldn't be complete without delicious food! The region is known for some of the best food in Mexico and possibly the world. Together, we will enjoy fine dining and experience traditional cooking styles. We will taste foods and beverages that have existed since pre-Colombian times. We'll eat tasty things like tlayudas, tacos, salsas, and nieves (famous Oaxacan ice cream). You will sample a variety of rich and complex sauces, known as mole. We will sample many dishes. 

Of course, we will stay hydrated, enjoying freshly made fruit waters, juices, and one of my favorites-drinking chocolate served hot or cold. 

If you require an adult beverage, Mezcal is the go-to. Mezcal is derived from various local agave species, creating an incredibly complex spirit that will invigorate your palate and soul. 

This year we will be in Oaxaca the week leading up to the Day of the Dead holiday. You'll be able to enjoy the festivities of Dia de Los Muertos – one of Mexico's most beautiful and iconic celebrations - during the week throughout the city. 

This is just a preview of what's to come. Every day will be inspiring and eye-opening. You'll nurture your creative spirit and leave with a full heart. 

See the full itinerary below, and don't forget, there will be surprises!

I believe in working with indigenous artisans to bring attention to their designs, arts, and crafts. We compensate all artisans for their time during our visits.

I encourage you to purchase products directly from the artisans we visit. This benefits the artist directly the most. We never take a commission from any of the artisans.

All of our staff in Mexico are paid fairly and given gratuity for their services.

A portion of the profits from this trip will be given to a community organization benefiting the local arts.

We'll stay at Hotel Azul de Oaxaca in Oaxaca's historic center. I've chosen this four-star hotel for you because of its convenient location, attentive staff, and contemporary artistic vibes. 

This hotel maintains the warmth of Mexico while being touched by Oaxacan artists like Francisco Toledo. You'll find some of his artwork in the hotel gallery off the courtyard. In the central courtyard, you'll find a tasty restaurant where we will be eating a delicious breakfast each morning. There is also a second courtyard and terrace to relax.

The hotel is located on Abasolo Street, just a few meters away from the Church of Santo Domingo and only a few blocks from the Zócalo; everything is within walking distance. 

The Boutique Hotel offers 21 rooms. The most famous artists of Oaxaca have participated in its design: Francisco Toledo, Rubén Leyva, José Villalobos, and Luis Zarate.

Learn more about the hotel here: Hotel Website

Staying Longer?

The 6 nights hotel stay includes Monday, October 24 - Sunday, October 30, 2022. 

Suppose you are interested in arriving sooner or staying longer. In that case, I can recommend some hotels or AirBNB. If you come earlier or stay longer, you must pay the hotel for the additional days directly and all other expenses yourself. It is important to make these arrangements ASAP due to room availability during the Day of the Dead.

Your host, Xhico, has worked with Tanya Diaz for several years. They have organized arts & culture events for travelers, artists, and higher education in Mexico City and Oaxaca. They're coming together again to bring you this magical event.

Larimie "Xhico" Garcia, Host

This trip has been curated especially for Surface Designers and Artists by Larimie "Xhico" Garcia of Studio Xhico. He is a Designer, Artist, and Design Educator. He has almost a decade of experience working with indigenous artisans of Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico, and communities in Guatemala. His close relationship with artisans and regional cooks brings you into their world for a close-up look at their lives as artists. Xhico has been a guide for individuals and groups seeking a more profound cultural interaction with local artisans. 

Tanya Diaz, Co-Host

Tanya Diaz is a freelance travel producer and works at a think-tank for higher education. She has been creating art experiences and high-level tours for several years. Her smile and energy keep the groups going. 

The Food

Lots of delicious food is on the menu. Not only am I a designer, but I'm a foodie and I love to cook. So I've spent a lot of time eating in Oaxaca and trying so many tasty meals. Oaxaca has some of the best food in Mexico and possibly in all of the world. Oaxacan food is probably like nothing you've ever had. It is rooted deep in pre-hispanic tradition and uses local ingredients.

We'll be eating at some of the best restaurants in Oaxaca from world-class chefs. More rustic affairs and street food are definitely a must while in this region. Some of our meals will be in traditional kitchens with meals cooked over the fire and made with fresh ingredients and a lot of love.

You'll experience a local Mexican market and be stimulated by many new flavors and aromas. Get ready for tasty tropical fruits, refreshing aguas frescas, drinking chocolate, and of course, mole. Mole is a rich sauce prepared and used in many ways. There are several types of mole and they are made sometimes with 20-30 ingredients. We will definitely be sampling a variety of these complex sauces.

We'll also eat traditional Oaxacan dishes like tlayudas, empandas, tamales, and memelas. Of course, there will be quesillo - Oaxaca's signature cheese. And for the daring, I'll challenge you to try eating a grasshopper. Yes, a grasshopper! You're probably going to like it!

Each morning you'll be eating at the hotel restaurant before we head out for our programming.

Adult Beverages

A trip to Oaxaca wouldn't be complete without tasting Mezcal. Mezcal is a spirit made from the agave plant. Like wine, depending on the type, region, and process, the aromas and flavors can vary greatly. You'll get to taste for yourself. If that's not your thing there are also artisanal beers and cocktails to get you in the celebratory mood.

Special Diet Needs?

Are you vegan? Have allergies? Just don't like something? Let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. Depending on your needs and the scenario, we might not always be able to accommodate you, but we always try our best! After you book your trip, you'll be sent a registration form. There, we'll get the info we need from you.

Our Program will be 6 nights - Arriving Monday, October 24 - Departing Sunday, October 30, 2022.

I have picked these dates because it is the week leading up to Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It is one of the most exciting times in Oaxaca and one of the busiest. You will be able to absorb the vibes of the holiday during the week throughout the city.

The holiday is actually on November 1-2. It is hard to maneuver a large group through the cemeteries on these nights. But it is a beautiful experience. If you are able and interested in staying longer for the holiday, I can provide a suggested itinerary. I can also put you in touch with the hotel for a special rate. Read more in the hotel section below.

June 24th - Last Day to Register

Payment Schedule:

All bookings require a non-refundable booking fee of $997. Your balance will be payable in two payments per the schedule below. If you use a Coupon Code, your discount will be taken off of your final payment.

DUE at time of Booking

Non-Refundable Booking Fee of $997

June 24

Payment 1 - First half of the remaining balance.

August 24

Payment 2 - Remaining balance due.

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

By You. You agree that the Booking Fee is non-refundable in the event you wish to cancel your participation in the Program. A request to cancel your participation in the Program will be considered by the Company if a Notice of Cancellation is provided to Company in writing at studioxhico@gmail.com and if it meets the following deadlines: 

1. If the Notice of Cancellation is received by the Company on or before July 24, 2022, you may receive a refund of seventy-five percent (75%) of the total Program Fee Remaining Balance payments received from you (not including the non-refundable Booking Fee).
   
2. If the Notice of Cancellation is received by the Company on or before August 24, 2022, you may receive a refund of fifty percent (50%) of the total Program Fee Remaining Balance payments received from you (not including the non-refundable Booking Fee).
   
3. If the Notice of Cancellation is received by Company on or after August 25, 2022, there will be no refunds of any amounts issued; no exceptions.

By Company. If the Company is unable to confirm a minimum of five (5) Program participants, then Company reserves the right to cancel the Program and you will be refunded all amounts paid by you to the Company (including the Booking Fee). If the Company needs to cancel the Program, you will be notified by July 30, 2022. If you are purchasing your flight before July 30, 2022, we recommend you book a flexible ticket or secure travel insurance with flight coverage.

Read full TERMS OF SERVICE.

Requirements

• You must be 18 years or older to attend this trip.

• You must purchase Travel Insurance separately. Proof of Travel Insurance is required before the trip.

• You must agree to the Terms of Service and sign the digital document after registration. See Below.
• You must agree to payment terms, payment schedule, and refund policy.
• You must present proof of Covid Vaccine before the trip.

• After you pay your booking fee, you'll need to fill out a registration form. We will send you a link for this.

Read the full Terms of Service for more on the details above.

Terms of Service

To book your trip you must agree to our Terms of Service. In addition to viewing them here, you agree to sign a digital document via HelloSign. A link for this will be sent to you after your registration and is required to be signed for your travel.

Please download and carefully read the full Terms of Service. If you have any questions, please email them to studioxhico@gmail.com

READ FULL TERMS OF SERVICE 

Still, have questions???

Send me an email at studioxhico@gmail.com and I'll get back to you!