Experience the essence and diversity of Oaxaca’s art, culture, architecture,
cuisine and history by joining us on a tour led by Marcia Lucas, owner of El
Interior.
Come discover the enchanting spirit of
Oaxacan hospitality with us! With the soul of an ancient heritage,
nurtured in a landscape of exceptional beauty, Oaxaca is a place of such
warm-heartedness and vitality that you will instantly feel welcome.
Based in the colonial gem of Oaxaca
City, this tour will give you a profoundly intimate look into
village life that remains rooted to the traditions of the land.
Meet folk artists that Marcia has
worked with for three decades; explore pre-Columbian and colonial
treasures
& savor the unique tastes & music of Oaxaca.
| “OAXACA, the southern Mexican city with Zapotec roots and a Spanish colonial
gloss, simmers with a passionate spirit and zeal. You'll feel it in the buzzing
markets, see it in the wealth of colorful crafts, and taste it in the culinary
specialty: mole. Come and you'll experience the city in its full glory." <travel.nytimes.com
11/25/2007> |
We will stay at the enchanting Casa de las Bugambilas. This B&B is beautifully appointed and each
room is uniquely decorated with fabulous Oaxacan folk art reflecting a
fabulous sense of place. You will see paintings by some of Oaxaca's
finest painters and eat delicious breakfasts set within visually
stunning table settings. Its location is convenient to the Zocalo
(town square), plus our favorite restaurant—La
Olla—is right in front of Las Bugambilias. It also offers free internet and free
long-distance US calls. Website for Casa de las Bugambilias is
www.lasbugambilias.com
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 COLONIAL SPLENDOR
Join us for an outstanding walking tour of the ethno-botanical gardens
and museum of the Templo de Santo Domingo cathedral. The
cathedral boasts one of the most
elaborately decorated chapels in Mexico--a Baroque masterpiece
in
gold leaf and plaster.
Explore the village churches of
Tlacochahuaya and Teotitlan del Valle and
experience cultures still
connected to their ancient Zapotec roots.
Majestic
examples of Spanish architecture surround
lively Zocalo (town square) and
you will find art galleries and museums are in
abundance in the UNESCO-protected city of Oaxaca.
FOLK ARTISTS
Oaxacan folk art draws its strength from ancient Indigenous culture. It
is
suffused with enchanting art forms that have captivated collectors &
enthusiasts worldwide.
For those interested in folk art, we will
visit the homes of Mexico’s internationally-renowned artisans featuring:
wood carvers; black pottery ceramists; the famous potteries of Santa
Maria Atzompa; the Aguilar sisters in Ocotlan; and
exceptional rug weavers of Teotitlan del Valle, plus more.
Participants will have ample time to shop
the abundance of folk art in the city or buy directly from artisans.
 PRECOLUMBIAN TREASURES
We will have a unique interpretative presentation of Zapotec ruins led by
a U.S.
University-trained archaeologist who is actively involved with
excavations in the area.
 
MUSIC
There are constant cultural celebrations filled with music and dance
that will keep your soul stirred.
Enjoy nightly concerts and paseos
in Oaxaca’s famous Zócalo, over local mescal and Mexico’s richest chocolate or
coffee.
COOKING SCHOOL
One full day is set aside to learn Oaxaca’s traditional and famous molés
from teaching chef, Pilar Cabrera. As owner of
the internationally-acclaimed La Olla, Pilar has elevated organic and
traditional Oaxacan cuisine to new standards of excellence.
In addition, we will visit
a local mescal distillery and see Mexico’s richest chocolate processed.
| Optional Activities: TEMAZCAL: The Indigenous
Herbal Steam Bath
Enjoy an unforgetable indigeous experience in this ancient
ritual Temazcal. A unique holistic therapy for
cleansing, detoxifying and purifying your body, mind and
spirit.
The Temazcal (traditional Mexican sweat bath)
is a healing and relaxing practice preserved in indigenous
medicine. The practice of inducing sweat has long been known
to have health benefits and the Temazcal, because of its
special methods, is widely appreciated. |
COST
$1,975* Includes lodging, breakfasts, fees to all sites, guides and
interpretations, transport to and from the airport and local ground
transport and one cooking class fee. An initial deposit of $500 per
person (check or money order preferred) is required to secure a spot by October
25, 2010; An additional $500 per person is due by
November 15, 2010; Full payment is due by December 10th. Please make
checks or money orders out to Marcia Lucas.
Tour costs include double lodging (single supplement is available) and
hot breakfasts. Other food costs are borne by individuals. Typical "comidas"
(meals) normally cost less than $10-$15 per person (alcoholic drinks are
extra, and comparable with US restaurant costs).
|
*Price is per person based on
double occupancy. Ground transportation provided to events will be listed on the
details of itinerary. Listed activities may be changed due to unforeseen
events. Transportation to and from Oaxaca is not included. Tips are not
included. Personal items including: alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry,
telephone calls, and gratuities for guides are not included. Our small tours
allow for personal attention and hands-on participation. |
Please note unique
requirements: Participants must have a valid US Passport. All
rooms are non-smoking.
The tour will require vigorous strolling and some step-climbing
abilities. Please call with specific questions.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Marcia Lucas is the owner and founder of El Interior, celebrating 30
years. She spends about two months in Oaxaca every year and has come to love its people and culture. This
tour offers an opportunity to experience and appreciate the
diversity of Oaxaca. Come enjoy winter in the tropics, listen to great music,
savor Oaxacan cuisine, and meet our friends!
Please contact Amy Morrow at El Interior 512-474-8680 or
amy@elinterior.com for
more details and reservations.
CLICK HERE TO
VIEW PHOTOS FROM LAST TOUR TO OAXACA
Itinerary
February 11th - February 19th 2011
"Oaxaca: An Intimate Experience with Culture,
Folk Art & Food"
Led by Marcia Lucas, owner of El Interior
We will start each morning with a delicious breakfast. The main
meal of the day in Oaxaca (comida) is normally served between 2:30-3:00
PM, so travelers should think about bringing snack foods such as dried
fruit and nuts if requiring special diets.
Day 1| Friday, February 11
Day 2 | Saturday, February 12
Day 3 | Sunday, February 13
-
AM: Travel to Teotitlan
del Valle, the famous rug-weaving village, and have lunch. Stop and visit the famous Tule Tree.
-
Guided tour of an
ancient Zapotec ceremonial site famous for its pre-Columbian
Mesoamerican buildings.
Day 4 | Monday, February 14
-
AM: Guided tour of La Union de Tejalapan, Etla. We will visit this
somewhat remote village of famed wood carvers with a demonstration
by a master folk artist.
-
Stopover in Atzompa, the pottery village famous for traditional
green pottery.
Day 5 | Tuesday, February 15
-
AM: Cooking Class or
Free Day. Experienced chef
and owner of La Olla, Pilar Cabrera, offers an opportunity to learn,
hands-on, the complex cuisine of Oaxaca. Pilar´s cooking classes,
held in La Casa de Los Sabores, are set in her spacious, newly
remodeled traditionally styled Oaxacan kitchen. In a warm and
inviting atmosphere, you will learn to create the traditional
Oaxacan dishes famous throughout Mexico and spreading worldwide.
After class, we will all enjoy the 5-course meal we have prepared. Pilar
will teach her family´s generations-old cooking secrets so you can
learn and enjoy a Oaxacan culinary legacy.
Day 6 | Wednesday, February 16
-
AM: Visit the black
pottery-making village of San Bartolo Coyotepec and the world
renowned wood carving community of San Martin Tilcajate.
-
PM: Danzon on
the Zolcalo--see beautiful, traditional dancing in the town square.
Not to be missed!
Day 7 | Thursday, February 17
-
AM: Visit the ancient
village of Tlacochahuaya, Imposing in its solitude, the 16th century
Church of San Jeronimo (patron saint of Tlacochahuaya), erected over
a pre-Hispanic temple, seems to slumber in the remote past with its
pre-Hispanic relics. Unique 16th century frescoes painted by the
indigenous population, splendid retablos flanked by sculptures and
an altarpiece honoring the image of San Jeronimo make an immediate
and lasting impression.
-
Stopover at mescal
distillery and tasting room.
-
PM: Music on the
Zocalo.
Day 8 | Friday, February 18
-
AM: Guided tour to
Ocotlán to visit the weekly Indian market and the Aguilar
sisters—Concepcion, Guillermina, Irene and Josefina.
-
PM: Farewell cocktails
and Marcia
will treat to a farewell dinner (despedido) this evening.
Day 9 | Saturday, February 19
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