December is a perfect time to visit the Oaxaca coast. The weather is at its best, and the Pacific Ocean promises stunning views and abundant seafood. Here, we go deep and also cover a lot of territory. We give you an intimate, connecting experience. We spend time learning about the culture. You will meet artisans in their homes and workshops, enjoy local cuisine, dip your hands in an indigo dye bath, and travel to remote villages where you may never get to independently.
This entire study tour is focused on exploring the textiles of Oaxaca’s Costa Chica. You arrive to and leave from Puerto Escondido (PXM), connecting through Mexico City or Oaxaca. You might like to read about why on the Oaxaca coast, it’s about the cloth, not the cut.
Villages along the coast and neighboring mountains were able to preserve their traditional weaving culture because of their isolation. The Spanish could not get into those villages until the late 18th century. Much is now the same as it was then. Stunning cotton is spun and woven into lengths of cloth connected with intricate needlework to form amazing garments. Beauty and poverty are twin sisters here.
9 days, 8 nights
Oaxaca State: Puerto Escondido, Manialtepec, Pinotepa Nacional, Pinotepa de Don Luis, San Juan Colorado. Guerrero State: Ometepec, Xochistlahuaca, Zacualpan
Moderate
Day 1
Tuesday, December 2
Day 2
Wednesday, December 3
Day 3
Thursday, December 4
Day 4
Friday, December 5
Day 5
Saturday, December 6
Day 6
Sunday, December 7
Day 7
Monday, December 8
Day 8
Tuesday, December 9
Day 9
Wednesday, December 10
8 nights (3 nights in Puerto Escondido, 2 nights in Ometepec, 3 night in Pinotepa Nacional)
2 Bilingual guides and translators: English and Spanish
Private Mecedez Benz luxury van
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners (see itinerary for details)
Boat guided ride through lagoon and turtle release; weaving, and spinning studio visits; artisan demonstrations
Pricing
Double Occupancy: $3,775/person (Double room with a private bathroom)
Single Occupancy: $4,625/person (Single room with a private bathroom)
Activity Level
Moderate- You should be able to stand for at least an hour and walk up to one mile on flat surfaces, unpaved paths, and small inclines.
The tour does NOT include airfare, taxes, tips, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, local transportation, and meals outside of what’s noted in the itinerary. We reserve the right to substitute artisan guides and alter the program as needed.
A $500 non-refundable deposit will guarantee your place. The balance is due in two equal payments. The second payment of 50% of the balance is due on or before July 1, 2025. The third payment, 50% balance, is due on or before October 1, 2025. After October 1, 2025, there are no refunds. If you cancel on or before October 1, 2025, we will refund 50% of your deposit received to date (less the $500 non-refundable deposit). After that, there are no refunds UNLESS we cancel for any reason. If we cancel, you will receive a full 100% refund.
You are required to carry your own international accident/health insurance that includes $50,000+ of emergency evacuation insurance. Some travel insurance options are here.
All documentation for plane reservations, travel insurance, and personal health issues must be received 45 days before the program starts or we reserve the right to cancel your registration without reimbursement.
Optional Tour Extensions
January 12
½-Day Oaxaca City Walking Tour to visit textile artisans and galleries. $145/person (we need a minimum of two people to run this). Does not include meals or lodging. More details here.
January 13
1-Day Ocotlan Highway Tour to visit villages, woodcarvers, ceramic artists, and embroiderers. Includes lunch and transportation from Oaxaca City. $195/person (we need a minimum of two people to run this). Does not include breakfast or lodging. More details here.
For private, custom date tours, you choose the number of people. Please refer to the tour details for any restrictions. Our group tours are usually 8-12 people, but no more than 15. We intentionally keep groups small for a more intimate experience – like a local friend showing you around their favorite places.
No, you are responsible for getting yourself to and from the airport, but once you register for a tour, we’ll recommend a few safe and reliable options.
We’ll provide a suggested packing list as your tour date approaches.