Arrival Oaxaca International Airport or officially Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán

Airport pickup any time night or day. 

 Let’s dive right in and learn all about cochineal.

Cochineal was known as Red Gold to the conquering Spanish and trade in this natural dye was a tightly guarded secret for many centuries…. Chemical dyes and demand diminished yet recent interest in natural dyes has led to a resurgence of the bug and cactus cultivation.

We are visiting a small workshop and garden to learn about cochineal production and participate in a workshop to dye a beautiful cotton scarf.

The scarf is a local handweave.

In the afternoon we will take a walk around Centro- the beautiful Old City of Oaxaca to get orientated in this atmospheric place before we share a Welcome dinner together.

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Fundacion Ev Via is a local NGO who specialise in Micro-loans and education to support women developing their entrepreneurial skills.

We plan to spend the day visiting some of these amazing women.

• Angelica – a local seamstress who produces the most amazing, embroidered aprons and party dresses

• Angelina who produces stunning and functional Red Pottery ware. It is so interesting the way that hand build in the Zapotec Indian way, she makes it look easy but that is only because she has such skill and experience.

• Lunch will be memorable

• Rosa and her husband and their silk production business. I was amazed to learn there was silk production in Mexico pre-Spanish invasion

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Travelling across country today through stunning mountains covered in cactus and agave plantations.

We will visit a Mescal artisanal production unit along the way.

We are heading to Tehuantepec, the city is known for its women and their traditional dress, which was adopted by Frida Kahlo. Tehuantepec has a reputation for being a "matriarchal society” Let’s check it out.

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The landscape transforms today as we head up into the mountains of Chiapas and San Cristobel de las Caras a beautiful old town, we move on from culture of Zapotec Indians into the region of Mayan Indians.

You might need a jacket for the cooler air.

Let’s take a walk, if I can drag you away from our stunning hotel, to get a feel for town and have dinner at a fabulous restaurant where all the locals go for a good dinner.

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Exploring town today.

Let's walk down to the Museo Mesoamericano del Jade to discover ancient jade artifacts and their cultural significance -  quite stunning pieces.

Museum- Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya is stunning and well presented.... interesting market spreads all aorund it, San Christobel is a wonderful town to take your time and explore.

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Our plan today is to visit some of the local villages that have a strong and active textile culture.

Amazing local dress, Churches that mingle Christianity and Mayan Traditions and a delicious home cooked lunch.

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A slow start to the day, Isabel will be joining us and teaching us a little of the embroidery you will have noticed at Chamula yesterday.

We will make a small purse with rich embroidery from local wool.

Afternoon is free.

In evening we will visit an extraordinary man Don Sergio moved to the region many years ago and worked in the surrounding Indian villages on community development projects - sanitation, clean water and much more.

Along the way he learnt a lot about local traditions and culture. 

He will lead us through his collection of traditional garments, talk a little of traditions and observations of what he has seen over the years.

Don Sergio runs a free clinic from his home, if you have access to sterile gloves, antiseptic creams etc you might bring them to donate. 

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Our day will start slowly with a free morning, then we will drive to Tuxtla and visit Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Chiapas - fabulous place with history of the Zapatec and Mayan people.

Moving onto the Yucatan today, domestic flight is included.

Be ready for a whole new landscape.

It is tropical here, the jungle tries to cross the roads!

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This morning we will visit The Museum of the Maya will share great insight into Mayan Culture.

Later we will explore the main market area and in the evening join the locals to dance in the town square.

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Today we will make our way to Valladolid via a few small villages.

Some are full of textile studios, one is golden and a real site to see.

Av really interesting day will unfold as we make our way to Valladolid.

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First we will visit the private home Casa de los Venados - the place is full of art and craft.

Then onto the Museo de Ropa Etnica de Mexico. We’ll hear a little of work taken to support Mayan culture, see a stunning collection of costumes and learn A Mayan embroidery stitch that predates Spanish Conquest.

Textiles samples found at an Archaeological site confirm these stitches have a very long local history.

Lunch with our hosts at the Museum.

Afternoon is free.

Lets meet up for dinner.

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Early start and heading off into nature for a day of peaceful wandering.

We are heading to the Lagoon of Rio Lagartos for boating. We’ll see flamingos, crocodiles and lots of birds.

Fresh seafood for lunch, 

A colourful cemetery and an afternoon visit to the Mayan Archaeological site of Ek Balam. 

Wear good walking shoes and be ready to scale the monument for the view and beautiful Mayan carvings on tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tokʼ, a king buried in the side of the largest pyramid

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Heading towards Cancun we will stop off at a community run restaurant and have the opportunity for a dip in a Cenote on the way.

Cancun is tourist central, a big difference to the more local areas we have been, it will be a perfect spot to share a farewell dinner together.

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Departures from Cancun International Airport

We will drop you to meet your flights.

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Physical Fitness for Sightseeing.

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Rely on your host – in some places photography is an absolute NO!

• In other areas, be mindful of people’s privacy – scenery is generally fine

• Taking photos of people – perhaps start with a selfie; say hello, ask, show them, then take a portrait – works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

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Workshops

Stitch

• Needles and basics supplied, though your own needles can be easier on your hands

• Our hosts love seeing sewing kits and anything you’ve made – embroideries especially

Art / Journal / Sketch

• Your tutor will provide a suggested travelling kit before departure

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Food

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Cooking is from scratch using fresh ingredients, so it’s easier to track what you’re eating

• Vegetarian – possible in more touristed areas; more challenging during home visits

• Vegan – similar considerations

• Onion/garlic-free – difficult to manage

• Wheat-free – manageable in Mexico where corn tortillas are available

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Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful backup, exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – not always accepted

• Additional fees may apply where cards are used

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN

Currency

• Mexican Peso

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage and store on the bus

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

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Weather

• Varies by region

• Yucatán – humid and warm

• Oaxaca – warm days, cooler mornings and evenings; a cardigan and socks appreciated

• Chiapas – can be cool; bring a jacket, and a light rain layer

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Power

• 110V

• US-style adaptor plugs

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient – there’s always the opportunity to pick up something along the way

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – stability matters

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the minibus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A few coins for elderly or disabled people is a kind gesture

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Tipping

• If you enjoy a guide’s commentary, a performance, or take someone’s photo, a tip is appreciated

• Set something aside for your translator and driver

• Rough guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Step lightly – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag