Itinerary

Day 1: USA / OAXACA, MEXICO

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Upon individual arrivals, transfer to the Hostal de la Noria, a hotel set in a charming historic building located near the zócalo, or town square. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA (view website)

Day 2: OAXACA CITY

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Following breakfast and an orientation meeting, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the historical center of Oaxaca. Oaxaca’s zócalo is considered one of the prettiest main plazas in all of Mexico. A white, wrought iron gazebo in the center and several fountains set in tree-filled gardens make this a delightful place to sit and watch the daily life of the Oaxaquenos. As you tour the city, special attention is given to the variety of decorated altars found in shops and public buildings in honor of the Day of the Dead. A stop will be made at the Basilica of La Soledad, with entrance to its museum. Following lunch, visit the local cacao mill to see the traditional way that chocolate is made. This evening, gather for our welcome dinner. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA (view website)

Day 3: OCOTLÁN / SANTO TOMAS JALIEZA / SAN MARTĺN TILCAJETE / SAN BARTOLO COYOTEPEC

Friday, October 30, 2009

Today we visit several of Oaxaca’s surrounding villages. In Ocotlán, we meet the Aguilar sisters, the town’s most famous potters, in their home workshops. Their colorful work includes humorous figures of daily life. While in Ocotlán, we will be able to browse their weekly market. Continue to Santo Tomas Jalieza to watch the women and young girls weave belts on back strap looms in the town’s zócalo. Next visit San Martίn Tilcajete, a woodcarving village where families create fantastical representations of animals. Visit several homes of artisans to see them at work and make purchases directly from the source. Today’s last stop is San Bartolo Coyotepec, a town well known for its black pottery. A local woman, Doña Rosa, developed the technique of smoking the pottery during firing to make it black and rubbing the pieces with quartz to make them shine. Watch a demonstration by her son who carries on the tradition. This afternoon, visit the Panteón General San Miguel, Oaxaca’s main cemetery, to view its elaborate altars. (B,L)

Accommodation: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA (view website)

Day 4: OAXACA MARKET / XOXOCOTLÁN

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Explore Oaxaca’s authentic Saturday market this morning. Stroll among the stalls piled high with agricultural products and crafts as Indians from the surrounding villages come to town to sell and shop. Intricate baskets, mounds of dried chilies and herbs and carefully stacked vegetables make a walk through the market a multi-sensory experience. Observe the villagers purchasing the necessary supplies for the decoration of their altars and offerings to the dead. The scene is timeless and colorful. This evening, gather for dinner followed by a visit to the cemetery in the nearby town of Xoxocotlán to observe the ways in which the locals welcome back their family and friends from the dead. (B,D)

Accommodation: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA (view website)

Day 5: TLACOCHAHUAYA / TEOTITLAN DEL VALLE / MITLA

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Visit the 16th-century Dominican church in Tlacochahuaya, an architectural blend of Spanish and Zapotec design. Our next stop is Teotitlán del Valle, where many families continue the practice of weaving rugs using wooden pedal looms introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century. Some weavers follow ancient geometric patterns and use wool in earth tones and others have adopted more contemporary designs and colors. After lunch at a restaurant specializing in authentic local cuisine, explore the nearby archaeological site of Mitla, which was built by the Zapotecs around 500 B.C. and taken over by the Mixtecs in the late 10th century. The mesmerizing geometrical patterns of the stone reliefs are still found today in the artwork produced in the surrounding villages. On our way back to Oaxaca, stop by the village cemetery of Santa Maria del Tule to see how families decorate the tombs of their loved ones. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA (view website)

Day 6: MONTE ALBÁN

Monday, November 02, 2009

This morning, archaeologist Robert Markens lectures on his excavations in the Valley of Oaxaca. He will then accompany us on our visit to Monte Albán, the religious, political and commercial center of the Zapotec culture for over 1,200 years beginning around 500 B.C. The city was built on a flattened hilltop overlooking the lush Oaxaca Valley. A tour of the archaeological site includes the grassy Great Plaza, ball court, the building of the dancers and the maze of temples and palaces of the Northern Platform. Return to Oaxaca for a free afternoon to explore the many cafes and shops in the area. This evening, watch the Folkloric Ballet Company of Oaxaca’s dramatic performance in front of Santo Domingo for the culmination of the Day of the Dead celebration. (B,L)

Accommodation: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA (view website)

Day 7: OAXACA CITY

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

This morning visit the Regional Museum, which houses the incredible gold treasures found in 1932 in Tomb 7 at Monte Albán, as well as a Day of the Dead exhibition. Continue to Santo Domingo, one of the most lavish baroque churches in Mexico known for its gilded rosary. This evening, gather for our farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA (view website)

Day 8: OAXACA / USA

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Transfer to the airport this morning for individual flights home. Arrangements can be made for those who want to spend a few days in Mexico City exploring its museums, or relaxing at a resort on the coast. (B)