Food and Folkart in Oaxaca
March 12, 2011 – March 20, 2011

Tentative Itinerary
Program Cost
Registration Form

Visiting some of the finest folk artists in the world in their homes and workshops, in between learning how to prepare some of the famed cuisine of Oaxaca makes for a dream trip to Mexico.  That is exactly what we offer you for a marvelous spring break in 2011.  We will be housed in one of Oaxaca’s best bed-and-breakfasts (and the breakfast is incredible), the Casa de la Bugambilias.  Our cooking classes will be directed by famed chef, Pilar Cabrera, owner of the Casa de los Sabores cooking school and the well-known Oaxacan restaurant, La Olla.  After cooking on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—and indulging in the results—we will visit galleries and shops in the city.  The other days we will be out in the countryside visiting the artists where it is best to encounter them—at home.  All in all, it promises to be one of our best programs ever in over twenty years of taking groups to Mexico.

Tentative Itinerary (back to top)

Saturday, March 12 – arrival in Oaxaca; orientation and welcome reception at the Casa de las Bugambilias, with botanas and drinks prepared by La Olla. 

Sunday, March 13 – guided tour of the incredible archeological site of Monte Alban; demonstration of finest ceramics by Enedina Vásquez Cruz and family in Atzompa; dinner of typical food from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec at La Teca. 

Monday, March 14 – cooking class with Pilar Cabrera at Casa de los Sabores (emphasizing corn)—guided tour of shops and galleries in Oaxaca. 

Tuesday, March 15 – Visit to marvelous Navarro family, award-winning back-strap weavers in Santo Tomás Jalieza; demonstration of wood-carving and use of natural dyes by Jacobo Angeles in San Martín Tiljacete; lunch in rustic restaurant in Ocotlán, followed by visits to the Aguilar sisters (famed ceramacists) and the Rodolfo Morales museum and home. 

Wednesday, March 16 – cooking class with Pilar Cabrera featuring tamales—visits to several art studios and small museums in Oaxaca. 

Thursday, March 17 – Visit to Teotitlán del Valle, the center of the weaving of the coveted Zapotec rugs; demonstration of the process and the use of natural dyes by Jesús Hernández, followed by visits to other weavers; dinner at La Biznaga in Oaxaca city.

Friday, March 18 – Cooking class with Pilar Cabrera featuring black mole; afternoon visit to the museum at the Santo Domingo. 

Saturday, March 19 – Free day for shopping, visiting museums, galleries, markets, etc.  Farewell dinner (despedida) at Los Danzantes in Oaxaca city. 

Sunday, March 20 – Departure after final breakfast at Bugambilias.

Program Cost (back to top)

Total cost of the program is $1,890 (single supplement is $400), which includes eight nights double occupancy in the Casa de las Bugambilias; full breakfast and one major meal daily; cooking classes; all tours and excursions; and pickup and return to the Oaxaca airport.  Price does not include airfare from and return to the United States. 

Enrollment is limited by the size of our delightful bed-and-breakfast.  A $200 non-refundable deposit per person will hold your place.  Full payment is due by January 15, 2011.