About this trip
This is our most off the beaten path tour where we go down many a goat trail in the mountain regions of coastal Oaxaca. We explore the coast of Oaxaca north from Puerto Escondido which is rich with mangrove lagoons, bioluminescent waters, world class birding and turtle nesting grounds. Its also rich with indigenous culture and traditions going back millenia before the Spanish arrived. We visit with people who still practice the ways of their ancestors including potters, bakers, weavers, spinners & mask makers in 5 different communities. In each town, we have local guides as cultural ambassadors. They also serve to translate as many of the people we visit speak only their indigenous language. Most rarely host tourists. A special focus of this trip are the deep weaving traditions and we visit with masters of the craft and have the opportunity to learn and buy maker direct from some of the finest weavers in all of Mexico.
The traditions are old, the coconuts fresh, the tortillas delicious and the people are, sometimes shy, but mostly incredibly generous, charming and fun. Grateful to be guests on their land.
Lodging
Our four star hotel in Puerto Escondido has two pools and an on site delicious vegetarian restaurant. The lodgings in Pinotepa are basic and clean with a pool which you will love at the end of a hot humid day. This trip is for intrepid travelers - high end dining and luxury hotels are not the goals. Authentic cross cultural experience are. In fact we rarely if ever see tourists once we leave the coast.
Food
You’ll be hard pressed to find a trip advisor restaurant review for many of the places we visit, but the street side stands and home cooking we encounter make for a very deep dive into regional cooking and slow food. Sesame cookies, fresh coconut, bone broth stew, fermented pineapple drinks, nixtmalized corn, banana leaf tamales, candied papaya and homemade hooch all make appearances. Truly a local cuisine.
Textiles & Artisans
This may be ground zero for slow fashion. We visit communities that have been raising cotton for thousands of years and still wear clothes they make from hand spinning. We’ll see the five colors of native cotton and hear from farmers raising cotton as part of their milpa tradition. We also learn about the tiny mollusk “milked” to make a colorfast purple dye We have many opportunities to buy maker direct from some of the finest traditional weavers in all of Mexico. Each community has its distinct look and we will take a deep dive into indigenous fashion.
Terms & Conditions
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS
Your $500 deposit is non refundable and holds your place. Final non refundable payment is due 30 days before the start of the trip. Please be committed to this trip Failure to make your final payment in 30 days before the trip may forfeit your deposit and your place. We only offer refunds if the tour is cancelled because of government imposed restrictions and or lockdowns in which case there there will be a full refund This is the rare exception to our no refund policy. We feel we have to offer this as planning travel under Corona has uncertainties.
INSURANCE -
Medical Travel insurance will be required for this trip as we will be in a remote location. We also recommend trip cancellation insurance as well for your own peace of mind. Lots of people like https://www.travelinsure.com and they cover both.
What’s included
- MealsAll meals are included. Once we leave Puerto, it’s local food stalls, fresh coconuts and home cooking.
- GuidesWe have a bilingual licensed guide with us at all times. In each village we hire 8ne or more people to be our cultural ambassadors and also to translate into the native languages.
- Complimentary MassageBecause your trip should be both stimulating and relaxing
- LodgingPrice is based on double occupancy. Single supplement charges apply. We can try to find you a roomate but if that’s not possible the single supplement applies. P
What’s not included
- AirfareYou will need to purchase tickets to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca Mexico. Taxis to take you to our hotel are plentiful.
- Personal ShoppingWe recommend budgeting in spending money for textiles, masks, pottery and other artisan goods,. Typically we see tour goers spending between $500 to $2,000. Supporting local artisans is the best!
- LaundryHappy to arrange as needed
- Alcohol
- Travel InsuranceINSURANCE - Medical Travel insurance will be required for this trip as we will be in a remote location. We also recommend trip cancellation insurance.We recommend travelinsure.com
Available Packages
Available options
All rooms are shared unless you opt
for single supplement. We are happy to pair you with another single If possible.
Itinerary
We’ll enjoy a beach sunset welcome dinner and get to know one another and set our intentions for the trip and review our itinerary. Plan on arriving at our hotel in Puerto Escondido (which is about 30 minutes from the airport) by 6 pm. Please note, our itinerary is subject to change.