Thurs, May 13       Fly to Oaxaca

Today you fly from your home to Oaxaca.  We will be happy to help you arrange your flights.  Upon arrival, you will transfer on your own by taxi to the charming 4 Star hotel, Parador San Miguel.  This hotel is a colonial-era home that has been transformed into a lovely hotel.  With only 19 rooms and filled with Old World details, a tranquil leafy inner patio, stained glass and an elegant restaurant, it is an oasis in the city.  Overnight at Parador San Miguel.  (Meals on flights)

Friday, May 14      Oaxaca City

Today you have a free day to explore this fascinating city at your leisure.  Oaxaca City literally overflows with handicrafts. There are a variety of colorful native markets which are considered the city’s heart and soul. The Mercado de Artisianías is often considered a mecca for textiles and woven masterpieces.  You might also wish to visit the cathedral, museums and enjoy its fine restaurants.  Overnight at Parador San Miguel.  (No meals included)

Sat, May 15          To  Valley of Oaxaca

After a leisurely morning in Oaxaca City, we will be picked up by our private driver and driven into the Valley of Oaxaca. This mountain-rimmed patchwork of fertile fields, rivers and streams located within the Sierra Madre Mountains, was home to the Zapotec civilization, one of the earliest complex societies in Mesoamerica. This area is a beautiful treasury of colorful markets, bucolic handicrafts villages, and ancient archeological sites; some of which we may choose to explore. East, west, and south of the city lies countless artistic wonders.  East is known as the Textile Route; west is the Archeological Route while the south is the Crafts Route. 

     Our destination today is Teotitlán del Valle, which means “Place of the Gods” and is world famous for its weavings.  Weaving in this village dates back to 500BC. Currently there are more than 100 weaving workshops here.  Our host will be Demetrio Bautista Lazo, master weaver and part of a family that has been weaving for generations.  We will stay at his B&B, right next to our weaving studio.  La Cúpula is a quaint Moorish-style villa with incredible views of the Sierra Juarez Mountains and will be our home for the next six nights while we weave and explore.  (No meals included)               www.teotitlan.com 

Sun – Thurs, May 16 - 20

Weaving Workshop with Demetrio

We will spend five glorious days weaving in this incredible setting. Working on two and four heddle looms, Demetrio will teach us the Zapotec style of weaving tapetes.  Using Demtrio’s naturally dyed wool, we will each create a piece of our own.  Each morning and afternoon we will be treated to a delicious breakfast and lunch prepared by Demetrio’s wife.  She is an amazing chef and teaches cooking classes featuring traditional Zapotec dishes. The rest of the day is ours to weave.  We will have a kitchen at our disposal to cook our own dinners if so desired.  We might wish to venture out to some of the local eating establishments as well.

     Some days might include an opportunity to visit some of the colorful local sites (optional, additional cost).  Right in our backyard, nearly every Teotitlán house is a mini-factory where the families card, spin and dye wool.  We can visit a local coorperative shop, Mujeres Que Tejan (Women Who Weave) which features the work of 28 women weavers.  La Union is one of the three villages known for their woodcarving. Mitlan and Mount Albán are considered two “must-see” archeological sites in Oaxaca.  Mitla (“Place of the Dead” in Zapotec) features five ruins clusters and was at its height at AD 1350.  Mount Albán ranks among Mesoamerica’s most regally magnificent ruined cities and reigned from 500 BC – 750 BC.  On Thursday we will visit the Market in Zaachila considered unbeatable for its intensely colorful ambiance, exotic fruits and foods.  Thousands of Zapotec-speaking people flood the town to fill up with their favorite delicacies. Nearby is a Cochineal Farm which is restoring life into the ancient Oaxaca tradition of cochineal dye. Each night is spent at La Cupula.  (B,L daily)

Friday, May 21    Ocotlán and More

On our way back to Oaxaca City we have a variety of treats in store en route.  The biggest attraction is the huge Friday Market at Ocotolán where a riot of color, hordes of merchandise a symphony of Zapotec language surrounds us.  From here we will visit San Antonia Castillo Velasco which is famous for its lovely embroidery.  A stop at San Martín Tilcajete introduces us to alebrijes, the prime source for fanciful wooden creatures found the world over.  San Bartolo Coyotepec is renowned for its black pottery (barro negro) which is sold throughout Mexico.  In the evening we will return to Oaxaca City and Parador San Miguel, where we may enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight accommodations.  (B, L)

Sat, May 22                    Flights Home

This morning, we will transfer on our own via taxi to the airport for our flights home.

About Our Weaving Mentor,

Demetrio Bautista Lazo…

One of the most renowned weavers of Zapotec rugs, Demetrio, like most of the younger weavers of the community, grew up at his parents’ knees weaving rugs. While this weaver looks forward with his designs, he is looking back generations for the rich hues and dying techniques of his ancestors. The results are rugs that seem to embrace both the future and the past.  For Demetrio the process of making a rug begins far above the village. It is in the high meadowlands that he gathers the flowers and herbs that he uses to make many of the dyes he employs in the gorgeous tapetes that are earning this young weaver an international reputation and clientele.

Secure your spot now… Limited to only 8 weavers! 

Call 800-369-3033

Trip Cost  $1185 per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement:  $225

Prior weaving experience a plus, but not a requirement.  

Trip options for non-weavers with alternate activites. Call for details.

Trip Includes…

v  9 Nights Accommodation

v  Most Breakfasts & Lunches

v  All Weaving Materials and Use of Loom

v  5 Days of Weaving with a Master

Not  Included…

v  Airfare (we can help you with arrangements)

v  Some meals

v  Optional afternoon excursions