"I was looking for an authentic travel experience, in depth learning about culture and history, finding off the path experiences and an understanding of what made the region unique. From the site visits, to the meals, guides and transportation, everything was seamlessly planned and exceeded my expectations. Thank you Jen and team!" - Regan (Art Collection Tour 2025)
DATES DURATION DIFFICULTY GROUP SIZE BEGINS & ENDS MEALS
Nov 5-Nov 15 10 Nights Easy 8 Max San Cristobal de las Casas 20 (9B / 6L / 5D)
TOUR OVERVIEW
Join us in San Cristóbal de las Casas for an immersive journey into the rich textile traditions of the Maya communities of the Chiapas highlands. This unique cultural experience will take us into remote villages where we will study traditional weaving techniques, regional motifs, and distinctive textile styles that have been preserved for generations. Every detail on these textiles is part of a pre-Hispanic conceptual universe, with anthropomorphic, zoomorphic and floral motifs that carry specific cosmological significance. The colours – red, yellow, blue, green, white – are tied to Maya conceptions of the cosmos and its creation. Each community palette and motif vocabulary is distinct and recognizable for the trained eye. Participants will enjoy hands-on learning through personal loom workshops, gaining firsthand experience in the art of back-strap weaving. We will also take part in a special natural dye workshop led by a celebrated Maya elder renowned for her deep knowledge of indigenous pigments and traditional dyeing processes. Throughout the tour, we will travel with expert local guides and textile scholar Eustaquia Ruiz, Curator of the Textile Museum in San Cristóbal de las Casas, whose expertise will provide invaluable cultural and historical insight. The program also includes two engaging presentations: one focused on Chiapas textiles and another exploring the history and impact of the Zapatista uprising. A special highlight of the journey will be a visit with Sergio Castro to view his remarkable private textile collection. Accommodations will be at the award-winning Bela’s B&B, where guests will enjoy daily home-cooked breakfasts and five traditional local dinners lovingly prepared by Manuela, offering an authentic taste of Chiapas hospitality and cuisine. This tour offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect deeply with Maya textile traditions, indigenous culture, and the living artistry of the Chiapas highlands.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
LOGISTICS
11 Days Duration
10 Nights Duration
9 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
5 Dinners
Drinks are not included unless specified
Private Transportation
10 Days with Expert Guides
Donation to Sergio Castro
Donation to Ecolife (Stoves)
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES
2 Presentations
Small Personal loom to keep
Weaving workshop with Maya women
Dye workshop with Maya elder
Wool workshop with Maya women
Visit weavers in remote communities in the highlands for direct purchasing
Visit the Textile Museum
Visit Sergio Castro's private textile collection
Visit the Church of San Juan Chamula
Enjoy one free day in San Cristobal de las Casas
5 SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
1
LEARN FROM EXPERT WEAVER, EDUCATOR & CURATOR
Eustaquia Ruiz of Oventic, Chiapas
We will spend 6 full days + one evening under the guidance of Doña Eustaquia Ruiz, who will lead our tours to the remote villages surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas. Please take the time to read her biography to better understand what a great honour this is. CENTRO DE TEXTILES DEL MUNDO MAYA Eustaquia Ruiz Gómez Master Weaver · Room Custodian · Cultural Educator ORIGINS & EARLY LIFE Eustaquia Ruiz Gómez was born in the late 1970s in the paraje of Oventic, in the municipality of San Andrés Larrainzar, Chiapas — a Tzotzil Maya highland community with a rich weaving tradition. She grew up surrounded by textiles, learning the art of weaving as a child through play at her mother's loom and by watching her grandmother work. This intergenerational transmission of knowledge — mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter — is the living foundation of Tzotzil textile culture, and it is precisely the tradition that Eustaquia embodies and carries forward. POLITICAL AWAKENING As a teenager, Eustaquia became part of the Zapatista movement — an experience that deeply shaped her political consciousness and her sense of Indigenous identity and rights. This participation placed her within one of the most significant social movements in modern Mexican history, one that has long advocated for the autonomy and dignity of Indigenous peoples in Chiapas. That early commitment to justice and community is woven into her approach to her work to this day. A LIVING ARCHIVE AT THE CENTRO DE TEXTILES Eustaquia has lived in San Cristóbal de las Casas for over a decade and has been a central presence at the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya, housed in the historic Ex Convent of Santo Domingo. Working as a room custodian and master weaving instructor, she became — in practice — an indispensable living archive of the collection. Her knowledge surpasses what any catalogue can capture. By simply observing a textile piece, she can identify whether threads were dyed with natural or industrial dyes, whether designs were formed with supplementary weft or embroidery, and distinguish hand-spun cotton from synthetic fibres. She knows the Tzotzil names of each type of weaving, and she carries the stories behind the historic pieces in the collection — textiles she encountered as a child in her community, long before they entered any museum. Perhaps most remarkably, Eustaquia can identify the authorship of a piece at a glance. When a ceremonial huipil from her home community arrived at the Centre — a winner of the FONART Prize 2013 — she looked at it and said simply: "Ah, that one is Andrea's." She explained that among weavers, they know how each one works. This capacity to read textiles as personal signatures reflects a depth of cultural literacy that no formal training can replicate. RECOGNITION & LEGACY Eustaquia is herself a winner of the FONART Prize, Mexico's national award for folk art and craftsmanship — a recognition of the exceptional quality of her own weaving. As the Centro grew, she became a teacher, passing her knowledge on to new generations of visitors, researchers, and fellow weavers. Her only daughter, Leticia, weaves and speaks Tzotzil despite having grown up in the city — a testament to Eustaquia's commitment to transmitting her culture beyond the boundaries of her original community. For Eustaquia, textiles are not objects. They are documents, written in a language she learned as a child playing beside her mother's loom, a language that Tzotzil women have used for centuries to tell a profound and feminine history. Source: Ojinaga Zapata, B.C. (2024). Oral history sessions at the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya.
2
LEARN ABOUT ANCIENT DYE TECHNIQUES
In San Andrés Larrainzár, Chiapas
Respected Maya elder Rosa Hernandez is a master weaver and expert on natural pigments and ancient dye techniques. We are elated to be spending the day with her, learning about the plants, barks and berries of her community's dye traditions.
3
PROCESS WOOL WITH MAYA WEAVERS
In San Juan Chamula
Spend some time with Maya women in San Juan Chamula, which is famous for black wool skirts. We will have the chance to clean & card wool, as well as attempting to spin it using traditional drop-spindles. We will also learn about the black dye technique that has been documented since the 16th Century.
4
OBSERVE TEXTILES IN THEIR HOME ENVIRONMENT
For an expansive understanding
The textile traditions of the Chiapas Highlands are remarkably diverse, with each Maya community expressing its own identity through color, weaving structure, embroidery, materials, and silhouette. In the Tsotsil communities of Oventic, Chenalhó, Pantelhó, San Andrés Larráinzar, Aldama, San Juan Chamula, and Zinacantán, wool often plays an important role due to the cooler mountain climate. Chamula is especially known for its dramatic black wool skirts with long shaggy fibers, while Pantelhó and Chenalhó favor darker, earthier palettes and layered garments. Zinacantán is recognized for vibrant floral embroidery in purples, pinks, and bright colors, whereas San Andrés Larráinzar and Aldama are admired for highly refined brocade weaving and intricate geometric symbolism. The Tseltal communities of Oxchuc, San Juan Cancuc, and Aguacatenango each possess very distinct textile identities. Oxchuc weaving is characterized by dense geometric brocade work and rich magentas, reds, and purples woven directly into heavily textured garments. San Juan Cancuc textiles tend to feel more sculptural and layered, often featuring dramatic blue and purple garments with strong ceremonial presence. Aguacatenango, by contrast, is celebrated for exuberant floral embroidery, empire-waist blouses, and increasingly innovative stitching techniques such as French knots, reflecting a vibrant contemporary evolution in style and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Venustiano Carranza stands apart from the Highland traditions entirely. Although the community is Tsotsil Maya, its warmer tropical climate has shaped a much lighter style of weaving with airy open-weave garments and elegant dresses that differ dramatically from the heavier wool and dense brocade work of the Highlands. These museum-quality textiles are often woven only by master artisans and can take many months to complete. Together, these communities demonstrate how Maya textiles function not simply as clothing, but as visual languages of geography, climate, identity, ceremony, and cultural memory across Chiapas.
5
MEET THE LEGENDARY SERGIO CASTRO
San Cristobal de las Casas
Sergio Castro Martínez is one of the most respected humanitarian figures in Chiapas and the founder of the Museo de Trajes Regionales in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Originally trained as an agronomist and veterinarian, Castro dedicated much of his life to working alongside Tsotsil and Tseltal Maya communities throughout the Chiapas Highlands. Over the course of several decades, he became widely known for his humanitarian efforts, helping establish schools and water systems, providing medical care—particularly for burn victims—and offering assistance to families in remote Indigenous communities. Fluent in several Maya languages, Castro built deep and lasting relationships throughout the region, earning the trust and admiration of many communities. In gratitude for his work, Indigenous families gifted Castro ceremonial garments, antique huipiles, masks, ritual objects, and regional attire that together became one of the most extraordinary private textile collections in Chiapas. Housed within his intimate Museo de Trajes Regionales, the collection preserves rare examples of ceremonial and everyday dress from across the Maya Highlands, many of which were never intended for sale or tourism markets. More than simply a museum, Castro’s home became a gathering place, humanitarian clinic, and cultural archive dedicated to preserving the living traditions, artistry, and cultural memory of Indigenous Chiapas.
3 REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH US
1
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
8 Maximum
This group is limited to 8 Guests due to our workshops and weaving classes. This makes for a wonderful, intimate setting and means we can stay at Bela's B&B in the heart of San Cristobal de las Casa.
2
CHARITY WORK
Giving Back to Local Communities
We are pleased to now be supporting conservation biologist Bill Toone, founder of ECOLIFE Conservation, an organization developed with colleagues including Eric Hallstein and Tom Hanscom. Recognizing that successful conservation must benefit both people and wildlife, ECOLIFE introduced the Patsari stove program to communities surrounding the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. These fuel-efficient cookstoves use significantly less firewood than traditional open-fire cooking methods, helping to reduce pressure on the oyamel fir forests that provide critical overwintering habitat for monarch butterflies. The benefits extend far beyond forest conservation. Traditional indoor cooking fires expose families to dangerous smoke and place women and children at risk of burns and respiratory illness. Patsari stoves are elevated above ground, enclosed for safety, and vent smoke outside through a chimney, dramatically improving indoor air quality. Since the program began, thousands of stoves have been installed in communities around the reserve, reducing household smoke, improving family health, and saving substantial amounts of firewood each year. The project has become an internationally recognized example of how community well-being and environmental conservation can work hand in hand.
3
ENJOY 5 HOME COOKED MEALS
By Manuela of Bela's B&B
After being out for a full day of activities, it's wonderful to retreat to our hotel with a home cooked meal! Manuela has been working for Bela's B&B for many years, and her home-cooking is legendary. She will make us Drunken Chicken, Chile Relleno, Chicken with Mole served with the most incredible Maya stew and more.
TO CONFIRM YOUR TOUR
This tour is priced at $58,908 per person for 8 guests. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm your tour. We accept payments through Wise or traditional bank transfer. If you would like to use a credit card, we charge an extra 5% to cover their processing fees. You may choose to pay the deposit or full trip amount on your credit card by clicking on the appropriate button below. ALL TOURS ARE PRICED IN MEXICAN PESOS. YOUR BANK WILL CONVERT THE AMOUNT FOR YOU. If you would like to use a payment plan, we can invoice you monthly, The balance must be paid in full by the start of the trip. If you are paying the balance through a bank transfer or by credit card, it is due 2 weeks prior to our tour commencement. Otherwise, you may pay the balance with cash upon arrival. Please purchase Travel Insurance to cover any emergencies that could cause you to cancel your trip.
LET'S HIT THE ROAD!
DAY
1
BIENVENIDOS
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
AFTERNOON: Please arrive at the Tuxtla Gutiérrez airport today and transfer to Bela’s B&B in San Cristóbal de las Casas. If you would like us to arrange an airport pick-up, please let us know when making your reservation. We are fortunate to be staying at Bela’s B&B, where Manuela, who manages the kitchen, is an exceptional cook. After a long day, there is nothing more relaxing than unwinding in the garden and enjoying a delicious meal without having to head back out for dinner. Manuela will prepare several meals for us during our stay, and we will also dine out at a few local restaurants. EVENING: Our opening dinner will be served at 6:00 PM. Tonight, Manuela is preparing Drunken Chicken, a traditional chicken stew made with Pox, the distinctive sugar-cane spirit of Chiapas. During dinner, we will make introductions, including to Doña Estaquia, who will be leading our visits in the villages. Later in the evening, Jaime and Doña Estaquia will offer a brief presentation about our route, along with fascinating insights into the Zapatista uprising and the ways resistance continues to shape some of the communities we will visit — including Oventic, the village where Doña Estaquia is from. MEALS: Dinner included.
DAY
2
THERE'S A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: We will enjoy breakfast at 8:00 AM before departing along the winding rural roads that lead to the small Tsotsil Maya village of Oventic. There, we will meet Doña Estaquia’s family, receive our small looms, and begin our first weaving project with an introductory lesson in traditional backstrap loom weaving techniques. While we are working on our projects, guests who are interested in learning some introductory expressions in the Tsotsil language will be happy to know that our hosts speak Tsotsil as a first language. The more we approach these communities with simple formalities in their language, the more respect we demonstrate. AFTERNOON: Our weaving class will take place from approximately 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with a midday break for lunch prepared by Doña Estaquia’s family. Upon returning to San Cristóbal de las Casas, we will visit Sergio Castro Martínez and his remarkable Museo de Trajes Regionales, an extraordinary private collection of Indigenous Maya textiles and ceremonial dress from across Chiapas. Originally trained as an agronomist and veterinarian, Sergio Castro devoted decades of his life to working in Tsotsil and Tseltal Maya communities, helping establish schools, water systems, and medical assistance programs while caring for thousands of Indigenous residents, particularly burn victims and families in remote villages. Over the years, many communities gifted him ceremonial garments and heirloom textiles in gratitude for his humanitarian work, resulting in a deeply personal collection that reflects not only the artistry of Maya weaving traditions, but also the trust and relationships he built throughout the Highlands. It is a tremendous privilege to visit this intimate and fascinating museum, which even includes an intricately ornamented deck of playing cards hand-embroidered by his mother. EVENING: This evening, Manuela will prepare dinner for us. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy—whether exploring the night market, relaxing, or continuing work on your weaving project. MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
DAY
3
MARKET OF OXCHUC
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: This morning we will depart by 6:30 AM with yogurt, pastries, fresh fruit, granola bars, and coffee in hand for a truly unique experience. On Saturday mornings, the small Tseltal Maya village of Oxchuc comes to life as vendors from remote surrounding communities gather in the central plaza to sell textiles, produce, and a wide variety of local goods. The drive will take approximately 90 minutes, giving us time to relax, enjoy breakfast, or catch a bit more sleep along the way. Arriving around 8:00 AM places us at the market just as it opens and is at its liveliest. The market is most active in the early morning hours and typically begins to wind down by 10:00 AM. AFTERNOON: About an hour further along the road lies the small Tseltal Maya village of San Juan Cancuc. Doña Estaquia will be arranging our visit there, and we will share additional details once the tour is underway. Very few foreign visitors travel to either Oxchuc or San Juan Cancuc, making this a rare and deeply authentic experience. The garments and textiles seen throughout the region are created for local use and community markets rather than for international tourism, offering a genuine glimpse into everyday Maya life and tradition. We hope you will forgive the early departure in exchange for such an extraordinary opportunity. Today we will provide a packed lunch, as some guests may feel more comfortable avoiding meals prepared in traditional kitchens that have not been specifically adapted for tourism. Once your tour is confirmed, we will send a questionnaire with several lunch options to choose from. We expect to return to San Cristóbal de las Casas at approximately 4:30 PM. EVENING: This evening, Manuela will prepare dinner for us, to be served at 6:00 PM. MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY
4
A DREAM OF A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: Breakfast is served daily between 8:00–10:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, we will make our way to the Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo, home to the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya (Center for Textiles of the Maya World). Doña Estaquia serves as curator of this remarkable museum, though she will likely be enjoying her day off today. During our visit, we will watch a short introductory film and discuss the connections between the ancient Maya world and the textile traditions that continue throughout Chiapas and the greater Maya region today. The museum’s collection is extraordinary, featuring dozens of drawers filled with vintage huipiles and woven garments from across the Maya world. Downstairs, you will also see ancient textile fragments and archaeological examples of early weaving traditions. We will provide an introductory overview of the collection before concluding our morning tour, after which those wishing to remain and study the antique textiles in greater depth are welcome to do so. Others may prefer to explore the city independently, visit additional museums, or browse the lively handicraft market just outside the doors of the Santo Domingo convent. AFTERNOON: We are intentionally leaving the afternoon unscheduled, as Sundays in Mexico are traditionally considered Family Day, and many guests appreciate a slower pace and some free time to relax. You may wish to spend the afternoon people-watching in the plaza, strolling along the pedestrian streets, or enjoying one of the city’s cafés or bakeries. San Cristóbal de las Casas offers several fascinating museums, including the Jade Museum, Kakaw Museum, Amber Museum, and Na Bolom. There are also numerous historic churches, boutique galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and local street vendors throughout the historic center. If you are uncomfortable exploring the city on your own and would like to visit somewhere specific, please let us know and we would be happy to accompany you. Likewise, if the group prefers to continue touring together this afternoon, we are happy to arrange additional activities—we simply recognize that many guests value having some unstructured time during the journey. EVENING: This evening we will enjoy dinner at Comal Cocina de Barro, known for its exceptional regional cuisine and warm atmosphere. MEALS: Breakfast included. All other meals are separate.
DAY
5
TEXTILES & MONUMENT
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: This morning we will enjoy breakfast at 8:00 AM before departing at 9:00 AM for the Tsotsil Maya community of Chenalhó. The drive takes just over an hour, and we expect to arrive around 10:15 AM to meet with local weavers and learn about their distinctive textile traditions and techniques. AFTERNOON: This afternoon we will continue north to the small Tsotsil Maya community of Pantelhó, where woven garments are often created from wool and feature rich, earthy color palettes characteristic of the Tsotsil Highlands. Along the way, we will pass through the community of Acteal, site of the Acteal Massacre, where 45 civilians were killed in a tragic paramilitary attack while gathered in prayer at a church in 1997. We will pause to pay our respects at the memorial and view some of the murals commemorating the community’s resilience and remembrance. Doña Estaquia is arranging the details of today’s visit, so we will confirm lunch plans closer to the date. Depending on local arrangements, we may either enjoy a meal in the community or bring a packed baguette lunch with us. EVENING: We expect to return to San Cristóbal de las Casas at approximately 5:30 PM. Dinner prepared by Manuela will be served at 7:00 PM. MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY
6
WISDOM OF THE ELDERS
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: We will have breakfast this morning at 8:00 AM, departing by 9:00 AM for the Tsotsil Maya village of San Andres Larrainzár. Our focus today lies in exploring natural dyes, from their harvest to how pigments are rendered through manual process. Doña Rosa Hernandez is a deeply respected Tsotsil elder and master dye expert. It is a wonderful honour, to spend time learning directly from Doña Rosa. AFTERNOON: This afternoon we are off to visit the Tsotsil Maya village of Aldama, sometimes called Magdalenas, which is celebrated for having some of the most intricate weaving of our time. The huipils we see today are reminiscent of one worn by Lady Xoc of ancient Yaxchilan, representing the sun rising in the east, setting in the west, surrounded by the universe. These pieces are highly prized among serious collectors. EVENING: We will enjoy and elegant dinner at Tarumba this evening. Located in the Sombra del Agua hotel, Tarumba is a local favourite. Chef Jorge Gordillo’s interpretation of regional cuisine is mouth-watering, with flavours your palette will long remember. MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch included. Dinner is separate
DAY
7
BAA BAA, BLACK SHEEP
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: Please join us for breakfast at 8:00 AM before our 9:00 AM departure to the Tsotsil Maya town of San Juan Chamula. While many visitors come only to experience the famous church of Chamula, we are fortunate that Doña Estaquia has connected us with a local family of Chamulan women who not only weave the iconic black wool skirts for which Chamula is so well known, but are also willing to share aspects of their process with us firsthand. Our morning will begin with the preparation of raw wool, including removing straw and debris by hand before carding and spinning it using traditional drop spindles. No one is expected to master the technique, but there will no doubt be plenty of laughter as we try our hand at this centuries-old practice together. Along the way, we will learn about the evolution of Chamulan weaving traditions and the distinctive shag-like black wool skirts that have become emblematic of the community. Interestingly, the longest and most dramatic fibers are often considered the most desirable and command the highest prices at market. AFTERNOON: While in Chamula, we will also visit the extraordinary church of Iglesia de San Juan Bautista. We do wish to prepare guests in advance, as this is perhaps the most syncretic church in Chiapas, blending Catholic imagery with deeply rooted Maya cosmology and ceremonial traditions, including spiritual cleansing rituals that may involve the sacrifice of chickens. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the church, including the use of cameras and cell phones. Guests are asked to keep all devices concealed, as violations can result in serious penalties. Upon entering, we encourage everyone to observe quietly, respectfully, and attentively. Please avoid stopping to watch individuals engaged in prayer or ceremony, as this would be considered highly intrusive. The atmosphere inside the church is powerful and unforgettable—from the pine-covered floors and flickering candlelight to the scent of copal incense, the colorful saints, and the richly symbolic interior. From San Juan Chamula, we will continue to the nearby town of Zinacantán, located approximately fifteen minutes away. The weaving traditions here are undergoing a fascinating transformation, particularly among younger artisans interested in modernizing local fashion. While backstrap loom weaving remains important, many contemporary textiles now incorporate ornamentation stitched on manual sewing machines rather than entirely hand-embroidered. During our visit, we will learn how to distinguish between these techniques and revisit examples from Don Sergio Castro’s collection, including a remarkable series of four children’s huipiles that demonstrate how Zinacantán embroidery styles have evolved across generations. EVENING: This evening we will head to an Italian restaurant for dinner. MEALS: Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner is separate.
DAY
8
RECLAIMING OLD KNOWLEDGE
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: This morning we will depart at 7:00 AM with granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee to-go as we make our way to the Tseltal Maya village of Tenejapa. Much like the market in Oxchuc, Tenejapa offers a traditional and largely ungentrified market experience that remains oriented toward local community life rather than tourism. Here we will encounter the community’s striking textile traditions, particularly the distinctive huipiles characterized by vivid red and white palettes. We will also discuss the differences between woven and embroidered garments, as handwoven pieces are generally more labor-intensive and therefore command significantly higher prices than embroidered examples. AFTERNOON: This afternoon we are arranging a special demonstration, details of which we will share once plans have been finalized. Doña Estaquia is organizing a meeting with two remarkable artists who have devoted themselves to reclaiming and preserving a nearly lost artistic tradition deeply connected to ancient Maya knowledge and cultural heritage. EVENING: Upon returning to San Cristóbal de las Casas, we will enjoy dinner at Cocoliche, one of our favorite local restaurants, known for its eclectic menu, excellent cocktails, warm ambiance, and attentive service. MEALS: Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner is separate.
DAY
9
LIFE IN THE HOT LANDS
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
MORNING: We will meet for breakfast at 8:00 AM before departing at 9:00 AM for the Tsotsil community of Venustiano Carranza, located in the warmer lowlands of Chiapas. We have intentionally included this village in our journey for the striking contrast it offers: although the community is Tsotsil Maya, the weaving traditions here reflect the region’s tropical climate and differ dramatically from the heavier wool garments of the Highlands. For those interested in acquiring a truly collectible textile piece, this may be the highlight of the tour. We will visit the home of Carmen and Gabriela Fuentes to view their extraordinary collection of handwoven blouses and dresses. Gabriela will provide a weaving demonstration so guests can observe how this distinctive loose-weave technique is achieved. The garments created here are exceptional works of textile art, with dresses often ranging between $1,500–$2,000 USD. These museum-quality pieces require many months to complete and are woven only by master artisans possessing years of experience, extraordinary patience, and a deep commitment to intricacy and precision. AFTERNOON: This afternoon we will continue to the Tseltal community of Aguacatenango, whose artists are renowned for their vibrant embroidery featuring large floral motifs on elegant blouses and dresses, often designed with empire waists. The village is also celebrated for its delicate white-on-white embroidery, creating garments with an understated yet sophisticated bohemian aesthetic. Over the past decade, artisans from Aguacatenango have led a remarkable renaissance in embroidery style, color, and technique. Many artists now incorporate intricate French knots into their work—a relatively recent influence requiring considerably more patience, thread, and technical skill. We will visit our friend Francisca Hernández, an award-winning embroidery artist whose exquisite designs are stitched into mesmerizing patterns with color combinations unlike anything we have encountered among Indigenous textile traditions elsewhere in Mexico. We hope you will enjoy viewing her collection and perhaps discovering a special treasure to take home. From Aguacatenango, we will continue to the neighboring Tseltal village of Amatenango del Valle to visit the galleries of Paulina Jiménez and Juana Gómez Ramírez. Juana is considered one of Mexico’s most celebrated ceramic artists and is affectionately known as the “Woman of the Jaguar” for her extraordinary life-sized feline sculptures, each filled with movement, personality, and remarkable realism. From Amatenango, we will return to San Cristóbal de las Casas at approximately 6:00 PM. EVENING: Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM, and Manuela is preparing a true feast for us this evening. While Sopa de Pan (Bread Soup) may sound deceptively simple, its fragrant herbs and delicate flavors make it one of the beloved comfort dishes of Chiapas. Manuela typically serves it alongside her rich chicken mole and rice—and you may very well find yourself returning for seconds. MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner included
DAY
10
A DAY OF LEISURE
San Cristobal de las Casas
ALL DAY: Today is a free day for guests to relax and explore on your own. If you would like to visit Canyon del Sumidero, El Chiflon etc, please contact us for assistance with tours. If enough of you would like to go somewhere together, we can also talk to our driver Julio, for a quote. MEALS: Breakfast. All other meals are separate.
DAY
11
FAREWELL TO THE DEARLY DEPARTING
Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport
MORNING: We are sad to see you go, and hope you carry a suitcase full of treasures to remember the magic of this tour by. Thank you so much for joining our tour - we truly hope you will come again!
“I spent all night weaving a poem for you to wear. You look so beautiful when you wear my light."
- Kamand Kojouri
LOGISTICS & OTHER INFO
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will stay at Bela's B&B in San Cristobal de Las Casas for the full duration of our tour. Centrally located, this cozy B&B is a home away from home, complete with a lovely dining room where fires are lit on cool mornings and evenings.
BANKING
We recommend contacting your bank to inform them you will be travelling out of country. ATM machines are easily accessible in San Cristobal de las Casas, just a few blocks from our B&B. You may use credit cards in select restaurants, but we recommend leaving the tip in cash. Not all international ATM's work in restaurants or stores, but you will be able to withdraw cash from the bank machines. IMPORTANT INFO FOR TAKING CASH OUT OF THE ATM: While you must always accept the "service fee" for using the ATM's, some Mexican banks will also offer you a conversion rate. ALWAYS HIT DECLINE. You will still receive your cash, but your own bank will give you a much better conversion rate.
CLIMATE & ALTITUDE
Located at 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) elevation, San Cristobal de las Casas has a much cooler and wetter climate than many expect of Mexico. If you suffer from COPD or have a history of altitude sickness, please contact us for more information. Early November mark the tail end of the rainy season, so it is likely we will still experience a few light showers while you are here. Daytime highs reach around 24 C (75 F) with pleasant mornings and warm afternoons. The nighttime lows can reach 9 C (48 F), which many will find chilly. Please check our suggested packing list below regarding layered clothing and rain gear.
MEDICAL INSURANCE & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Please purchase medical insurance before you come and send us contact information for your insurance provider AND an emergency contact, in case you are unable to communicate with us. Please send our contact information to a family member or friend in case someone at home cannot get a hold of you.
MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This tour does not involve a lot of hiking or anything physically strenuous. That said, San Cristobal de las Casas has sidewalks that can get slick when wet, and some sidewalks have large steps. We recommend bringing a collapsable walking stick if you have issues with your hips, knees or balance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Throughout the years, we have endured many cancellations for various emergencies, which has forced us to change our booking policy. Please purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancellation in the event that you suffer a medical emergency, bereavement, climate event etc.
WHAT TO BRING
These are some recommendations for items you may wish to bring for your trip. * Rain poncho or compact umbrella * Walking Stick * Layered clothing for warm and cold weather * 2 Pairs of comfortable shoes * Hand Sanitizer * An open mind!
FAQ'S
1
HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD I BRING?
If you are looking for anything specific while here, please let us know so we can better advise you on what to expect. Textiles here range from $250-$30,000 MXN, depending on what you are purchasing. Good news is that many artists who sell high-end work can accept a bank transfer, which we can do on-site with a smart phone. It is also helpful that we will be in San Cristobal de las Casas each night, which means you have the option of withdrawing cash at your leisure from one of the many ATM's downtown.
2
WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO PURCHASE ANYTHING?
When we visit the collectives, you are not obligated to purchase anything. Artisans are well aware that many guests will not buy, so please do not feel embarrassed or pressured to purchases pieces you don't truly desire.
3
ARE WE ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTOS IN THE VILLAGES?
Where photography is concerned, each situation is unique and should be approached with care. Doña Estaquia will guide us on local protocols around photography, informing us most specifically when we are not permitted to take photos (such as in the Church of San Juan Chamula). In most cases, if you ask permission, it will be granted.
4
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
Bela's B&B has a filtration system built into the kitchen tap water, so when you are at the hotel, you can safely fill your water bottle from the kitchen sink. Please ask us for assistance, because it is not the same tap as the regular tap. Elsewhere, you should not drink any tap water, but you do not need to be worried about ice in your drinks. In the 1990's and earlier, it was often recommended to remove ice from your drinks. That is no longer necessary, as restaurants and bars use purified water for making their ice. Very few locals drink the water, so when ordering aqua Fresca, the water is purified.
5
WHAT IS THE STANDARD TIPPING AMOUNT?
We generally recommend tipping your driver around $40-$50 MXN per day, while doubling that for your team leaders, depending on their service. For your hotel or housekeeper, if you ask for cleaning services, we recommend $40-$50 MXN per service. If you are purchasing groceries and someone bags them for you, the average payment is 5 MXN per bag. Our drivers and guides establish their own rates, but tipping is still customary in Mexico, particularly in tourism-based professions. In restaurants, the standard tipping among foreigners is 15-20%. Please do not worry about tipping for meals that are included, as we will cover that! We also encourage our guests to pay all tips in cash whenever possible, as some restaurants do not allow tips to go through on credit or debit cards.
