Oaxaca Textiles, Craft, & Culture Tour with Taos Wools

Dates

January 8 - 15, 2026

price

$3,525
(double occupancy)
$4,095
(single occupancy)

about

Immerse yourself in the world of Oaxacan textiles. We pair artisan visits and a stroll through a vibrant market with hands-on spinning, weaving, and natural dye workshops for a full sensory experience. Learn, discover, and create!

Trip Highlights

For this textile-lover’s experience, we’re partnering with Joseph Barry of Taos Wools—a yarn shop, contemporary weaving gallery, and classroom in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico. You’ll visit artisan studios in Teotitlan del Valle, wander the expansive Tlacolula Market, spin sheep’s wool up in the mountains, and create your very own textile with two hands-on workshops.

Get your hands dirty (literally) by mixing a variety of plant-based natural dyes to color 15 wool skeins, which you’ll use on the frame loom for your three-day weaving workshop. No prior weaving or dyeing experience is necessary. All levels of fiber artists and fiber enthusiasts are welcome!

Duration

8 days, 7 nights

Locations

Oaxaca City, small towns and villages

Physical Activity

Moderate

Itinerary:

Day 1

Teotitlan del Valle Arrival

Travel to Teotitlan del Valle on your own (we’ll provide directions from the airport via secure taxi). This will be your base for the next few days, so settle into your accommodations before enjoying a no-host dinner at a local comedor. Rest up for a big day ahead! Meals included: none.

Day 2

Introduction, Artisan Visits, and Natural Dye Workshop

Over breakfast, we’ll introduce you to Oaxaca’s textile world with a presentation about community, traditions, and local culture. That will lay the foundation for visits to two local co-ops who specialize in tapestries, clothing, and handbags. After lunch we’ll meet at the dye studio right here in Teotitlan to begin the process of mixing and dying wool skeins. Bring a notebook and pen to take notes. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Day 3

Natural Dye Workshop

We’ll resume the natural dye workshop, exploring locally-sourced indigo, pomegranate, wild marigold, and cochineal. Dye chemistry, preparation, techniques for over-dyeing, and more will be covered. After a boxed lunch at the studio, we’ll visit a studio that grows silkworms, spins their own thread, and weaves the silk into fine garments. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Day 4

Tlacolula Market, Artisan Visit, & Weaving Workshop

After breakfast we’ll spend most of the day at the bustling Tlacolula Market—a Sunday tianguis (indigenous, open-air market) that sells anything and everything needed to run a household in Oaxaca. We’ll have lunch at a local comedor, then visit a famous red pottery studio in San Marcos Tlapazola. Back in Teotitlan, we’ll start the weaving workshop by learning about warping frame looms. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Day 5

Hand-Spinning Demonstration & Weaving Workshop

After breakfast we’ll head to the mountain village of Chichicapam to meet a family of spinners who work with only the finest quality Churro sheep wool. After the demonstration, try your hand at spinning with the malacate (drop-spindle) and buy some handspun yarn—if you so choose. We’ll stop for lunch on the way back to Teotitlan, then continue our weaving workshop. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Day 6

Weaving Workshop

Fill up on breakfast—you’ve got a full day of weaving in front of you! We’ll work on the frame loom to produce a sampler or wall hanging using the yarn prepared in the natural dye workshop. We’ll break for lunch at the studio, then finish up around 4pm so you can spend the rest of the day as you choose. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Day 7

Weaving Workshop

We’ll finish up our projects during the last day of the weaving workshop. After a box lunch at the studio, we’ll head to Oaxaca City… but not before a stop to visit an outstanding flying shuttle loom weaver in El Tule! Our final dinner will be at a popular Oaxaca restaurant. Overnight in Oaxaca City. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 8

Depart

After reminiscing about the trip over breakfast, we’ll help you arrange taxi transportation back to the Oaxaca airport. Or, stay in Oaxaca and join one of our extensions. Meals included: breakfast.

What's Included

Lodging

7 nights (6 nights in Teotitlan, 1 night in Oaxaca City)

Guide

Trilingual guide and translator: English, Spanish, Zapotec

Transport

Private luxury van

Meals

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 1 grand finale gala dinner (see itinerary for details)

Activities

Natural dye, weaving, and spinning workshops; artisan demonstrations; market tour

Important Information

Pricing
Double Occupancy: $3,525/person (Double room with a private bathroom)
Single Occupancy: $4,095/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 two miles 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 is required to reserve your spot, then the balance is due in two equal payments (8/15/25 and 11/1/25). If you cancel on or before November 1, 2025 we will refund 50% of what you paid, minus the $500 deposit. After that, there are no refunds unless we need to cancel the trip, in which case you’ll receive a full 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 15
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 16
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.

 

What Other Travelers Are Saying

FAQs

Do you have
more questions?

How many people are on each tour?

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.

Airfare, airport transfers, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, tips, and some meals (see the tour itinerary for what’s included).
There are several options here and we can offer suggestions after you register.
Absolutely not! Anyone who is interested in art, culture, history, traditions, and personally connecting with artisans is welcome.
No. Our mission is to help these artisans support their families and keep their traditions alive. 100% of any purchase you make (you’re not obligated to buy anything) goes directly into their pocket.
Absolutely! Our tours are a great way to meet other like-minded travelers and solo travelers often join us. Our tour prices are noted in both double and single occupancy. We welcome solo travelers and those who want to share a room.
After you register for your tour we can provide hotel contact information to arrive early or extend your stay. We also offer day tours and workshops you can add onto the beginning or end of any tour.

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.

There is an ATM at the Oaxaca International Airport and many throughout Oaxaca City. Airport transportation options accept credit cards, but some restaurants and shops are cash only.

We’ll provide a suggested packing list as your tour date approaches.

Dates

January 8 - 15, 2026

price

$3,525
(double occupancy)
$4,095
(single occupancy)

Dates

January 8 - 15, 2026
Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!