OAXACA

weaving workshop


October 25 - 31, 2024

$3,200 USD

Join us in Oaxaca for an intimate weeklong weaving-centric workshop where guests will learn from and work alongside accomplished textile artist instructors.

This trip begins with a visit to historic caves and 2,000-year-old Zapotec archaeological site to gain awareness of the emblematic motifs at the heart of the Central Valley’s Indigenous designs. With ample time on the heddle loom, guests will have the chance to sharpen their weaving skills or deepen their existing practice to create memorable works.

Accommodation for this trip is at a historic home in Mitla, about 1 hour outside of Oaxaca City. This more rural experience offers a slower pace, allowing guests to engage with local communities and craft practices more intentionally. Space is limited to 8 guests.

ITINERARY

*Some details subject to change.
Guests will be notified if any changes occur.

  • Arrive to Oaxaca.

    Private transportation from airport to Oaxaca City.

    Optional visit to the textile museum.

    Meet and greet, orientation and welcome dinner with the group and Thread Caravan team at one of our favorite restaurants in the city.

    Private transportation to our Home for the week.

  • Visits to historic caves and 2000 year old archaeologic site, led by local historian.

    Learn about the history of the region and the greca designs in the stone fretwork.

  • Visit a talented local weaver to learn from and work alongside him in his home studio.

    Create 2-3 dye vats using local, natural ingredients to color fabrics and thread.

  • Visit weaving instructor Susi in the neighboring town of Teotitlan del Valle.

    Begin weaving a textile of your own on a heddle loom.

    Evening rooftop mezcal tasting.

  • Return to Susi’s home studio to continue working on woven projects.

  • Put final touches on textile projects, and say bye to Susi and her family.

    Visit a traditional beeswax candle studio,

    Optional visit to Hierve el Agua mineral springs.

  • Farewell group breakfast.

    Private transportation to the airport.

TRIP
DETAILS

Dates:

October 25 - 31, 2024

Pricing + Payment:

$3,200

*Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodation.

A non-refundable deposit it required in order to reserve your space on this trip. The remaining balance can be made at your convenience on this page at least two months prior to the trip.

When making a reservation, there is the option to Pay it Forward. These contributions are directed exclusively towards our Artisan Exchange Program, in which we invite our indigenous craft collaborators to participate in retreats in other regions, thus weaving a larger web of this global artisan community.

Cost Includes:

  • In-Country Transportation: Thread Caravan covers all in-country transportation within our scheduled workshop dates.
    *Airport transfers are only included if you are arriving within the workshop dates. If you choose to spend extra days in Oaxaca, you will be responsible for transportation to and from the airport.

  • All Meals: This experience incorporates meals at some of Oaxaca City’s most renowned restaurants, and home-cooked meals with artisan families using local and seasonal ingredients.

  • Payment to Artisan Partners: Artisan instructors receive compensation for their time offering demonstrations and workshops. This payment also covers costs for all craft materials in the case of hands-on workshops.

  • Double Occupancy Accommodation: Our group will be staying at a rural Bed and Breakfast located in the town of Mitla, about 1 hour outside of Oaxaca. The home has a large drought-conscious garden, a large open palapa area, and a pool.
    All rooms have two beds. Guests may reserve individually, or with someone else, but all rooms are shared.

  • Support: We will have at least two local guides accompanying the group at all times, offering participants their combined knowledge of Oaxaca, while making sure everything runs smoothly. In addition, Thread Caravan staff is available to answer questions and assist with trip preparations prior to the experience.

  • Carbon Emissions Offset: We’ve plant 50 tress on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel to Mexico.

Additional Expenses:

  • Alcoholic Drinks: Thread Caravan does not cover the cost of alcoholic beverages (*except during our scheduled mezcal tasting)

  • Airfare: To and from Oaxaca

  • Personal Spending Money: For personal shopping and any activities in free time.

  • Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel insurance. This will cover things like illness, trip and/or flight cancellations, theft, etc. If this is your first time purchasing travel insurance, we recommend World Nomads or Allianz.

Getting There and Away:

Guests should plan to fly into the Oaxaca City’s Xoxocotlan International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, our team of drivers will pick you up to bring you to the city where you’ll meet the group. Here we’ll have an early dinner before heading to our accommodation for the week.

We ask that all travelers arrive before 4pm on the first day of our trip to ensure attendance at our group welcome dinner and the private transportation to our accommodation.

Other Info:

  • Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations, Covid, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are suggested by the Center for Disease Control. If you are traveling from a country with Yellow Fever, it is required that you have a Yellow Fever vaccination. 

  • VISA: A VISA is not required for citizens of the United States if traveling to Mexico for under 180 days. If you are a citizen of another country you can check VISA requirements here. 

  • Passport Validity: In order to enter Mexico, your passport must be valid for at least 90 days following your departure date. You must also have at least one blank page in your passport.

Preguntas? Contact us.

"I had one of the best trips of my life with Thread Caravan! I really felt like I was able to participate in authentic cultural experiences and see parts of Mexico that I never would have found myself. The whole group was open-hearted and friendly, which made the whole experience magical. I can't recommend Thread Caravan enough for seeing the world in a new and special way."

Michelle Norris

“I’ve been on three Thread Caravan trips at this point, and it has completely changed the way I travel! Caitlin & her collaborators put a lot of thought and effort into curating an experience that is informative, creative, and unforgettable. It’s been so meaningful to meet artisans and explore their crafts in such an intimate way, and to visit parts of a country I wouldn’t have known how to access myself. An added bonus is always the wonderful group of people I’ve been able to travel with, who I keep in touch with to this day! I am always checking to see when I can hop on to another TC trip and can’t wait for my next one!”

Jenner Wells

“I participated in the Oaxaca weaving trip and I could not be more impressed with the quality of experience curated by Caitlin and the Thread Caravan. The activities and itineraries were selected with thoughtfulness and kindness. The weaving itself, hosted by the women's collective Vida Vueva, was an unforgettable and rewarding experience. And last but not least every single meal was SO VERY delicious. I look forward to signing up for another adventure!”

Sarah Jules

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