Oaxaca is art

Depart the colonial city of Puebla de Zaragoza (135 km), which houses some of the most important examples of Mexican civil and colonial architecture that span periods from the Renaissance to the Neoclassical Baroque. For this reason, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival we will make a panoramic visit to the most emblematic places, such as the Plaza de Armas, its Cathedral, the Chapel of the Rosary, The House of the Dolls, the Barrio de los Sapos and the Mercado del Parián. After the visit, check in and free time until lunch, where we will enjoy a tasting meal of Puebla food, with special attention to mole poblano and its contrasts of flavors. Free afternoon and accommodation.

Departure at the indicated time to the city of Oaxaca (340 km). Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour through the historic center of the city, where we will find the Zocalo Square with the Government Palace, whose colorful murals illustrate the history of the region, the Alameda de León square where the cathedral of Oaxaca and the Temple of Santo Domingo, one of the clearest expressions of New Spain's baroque. Then we will go to the Market to be able to taste the popular food and make gastronomic purchases. Transfer to the hotel, check in and rest of free time. Accommodation.

After breakfast, we will go to the archaeological site of Monte Albán, a city founded in 500 BC that became one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica. Built on the top of a mountain in the center of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, it functioned as the capital of the Zapotecs from the beginning of our era until 800 AD. Its original name was Ocelotepec (place of jaguars) but it was the Spanish who changed the name to Monte Albán due to its great resemblance to the Albanian Mountains in Italy. We will visit the Central Plaza, the Plaza de los Danzantes, the Stelas area, the Ball Games, etc. Free time for lunch. Return to the hotel and free time to prepare for a dinner tasting Oaxacan food in a restaurant that combines the traditions of the region to merge them with more innovative proposals. Accommodation.

After breakfast we will move to the archaeological zone of Mitla (50km) to see this important center of political and religious power for the Zapotecs of the valley after the disappearance of Monte Albán as the main city. Then we will make a stop in Teotitlán del Valle, famous for the artisanal elaboration of rugs. We will visit a rug workshop to learn about the technique of dyeing and weaving and then we will go to a local house to roast, grind and make chocolate to delight ourselves with this deeply rooted tradition in Oaxaca. Back to the hotel. Accommodation.

Early we will go to know the Ocotlán Market (only on Friday), when the peoples of the valley gather in the community, filling the center and the surrounding streets with products, handicrafts, tepache, mezcal, textiles and gastronomy. The “donkey belly” hats and the huarachería are typical since it is the only place in Oaxaca where they are made in an artisanal way until today. Then we will continue to know the colors of the state through the artisans of wooden figures in the form of Alebrijes in the workshop of Jacobo and María, internationally recognized for their exquisite works and the precious work they do, as well as their didactic work. Through artistic residencies they foster contribution networks between creators, which contribute to the reciprocity of ideas and knowledge for the benefit of the community. On the way back to Oaxaca we will visit Coyotepec, famous for its expert craftsmen in the work of black clay. Arrival in Oaxaca and free time. Accommodation.

After breakfast, return to Mexico City (465 km). End of our services.

* The order of the visits may vary in order to adapt to the needs of the itinerary.

** Alternatively, a visit to one of the most important museums in Oaxaca may be offered, such as the Textile Museum, or the San Agustín Arts Center (CaSa) or the Francisco Toledo Paper Factory, currently closed due to the pandemic, either by adding one more day to the tour or substituting it for another from the program.

CaSa is an art school, created by the plastic artist Francisco Toledo and is located in the town of San Agustín Etla, 17 kilometers from the capital of the state of Oaxaca. It is built in what used to be the former La Soledad Yarn and Fabric factory, founded in 1883. In 2000, Toledo acquired it and was remodeled by the architect Claudina López Morales, which is why CaSa currently functions as a school, an exhibition center, a place of workshops and residence of artists. It is a benchmark in the region and serves as a catalyst for the talent of young artists from across the state.