Tlacolula Valley Folk Art Study Tour

Dates

Custom Dates

price

$385
(1-2 people)
$195
(each additional person)

about

Travel beyond Oaxaca City to the villages along the Tlacolula highway to discover the best artisans the valley has to offer, visiting makers in their homes and workshops.

Trip Highlights

This is NOT a “punch my ticket” tour. It’s a private, guided experience to visit local artisans we have spent years developing relationships with. You’ll have an opportunity to buy from these makers directly, although any purchase is purely optional. If you do buy something, every peso goes directly into their pockets to support their families and keep their traditions alive. During this full-day tour (you pick the date), you’ll visit a flying shuttle loom weaver who creates cotton clothing and home goods, a fine wool rug weaver who works exclusively with natural dyes, a women’s co-op that makes leather-trimmed wool bags, and silk weavers who cultivate their own silkworms and use natural dyes.

 

Duration

One day (9am-6pm)

Locations

Villages in the Oaxaca Valley

Physical Activity

Light

Itinerary:

Pick Up

We’ll pick you up at your hotel in Oaxaca City at 9am to visit some of the best artisans we know along the Tlacolula Highway.

Stop 1

El Tule

We’ll visit our favorite flying shuttle loom weaver who specializes in clothing and home goods spun from 100% cotton. At his workshop, you’ll watch him work and learn about the different techniques he uses to create incredible works, some of which are sold at high-end boutiques in the U.S.

Stop 2

Teotitlan del Valle

Known as the rug weaving village, we’ll visit a family who has been weaving wool rugs on the fixed frame pedal loom for four generations. Using only natural dyes like indigo, cochineal, and wild marigold, each family member has their own style, ranging from traditional to modern designs.

Stop 3

Teotitlan del Valle

We’ll wrap up our day by visiting silk weavers who manage the entire process themselves, from cultivating their own silkworms and spinning the raw silk into thread, to weaving various textiles and using natural dyes for color. At the end of the tour, we’ll drop you off at your hotel in Oaxaca City.

What's Included

Lodging

None

Guide

Trilingual guide and translator: English, Spanish, Zapotec

Transport

Private luxury van

Meals

None (you’ll pay for your own lunch)

Activities

Weaving demonstrations and expert explanations

Important Information

Pricing
$385 for one-two people
$195 for each additional person

Activity Level
Light- You should be able to stand for at least 30 minutes at a time and walk up to a mile at a leisurely pace, sometimes on unpaved paths.

We require payment in full to secure your date. This is for a full day tour, from 9am-6pm. When requesting your date, please provide at least two options so we can best accommodate you. Once payment is made, we will send your confirmation and tour details by email.

Tour fee does not include lunch or beverages. You will cover the cost for all in your party, as well as the cost of food and beverage for your tour leader.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel at least five (5) full days before your tour, we will refund 50% of your fee. After that, no refunds will be given. Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.

 

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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

Custom Dates

price

$385
(1-2 people)
$195
(each additional person)

Dates

Custom Dates
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