O A X A C A

ceramics + textiles

May 8 - 12, 2024 | SOLD OUT
August 11 - 16, 2024
November 16 - 20, 2024
December 11 - 16, 2024

$3,200 USD (5 day)
$3,650 USD (6 day)

Immerse yourself in the stunning breadth and depth of Oaxca’s craft culture in this 5 and 6-day Thread Caravan experience. Travel through the Central Valleys of Oaxaca to meet and practice alongside communities of artisans, partners, and friends, while exploring the boundaries of contemporary design practice in the region. 

We’ll stay in the heart of el Centro at Grana Hotel, a gorgeous 18th century home turned boutique hotel. Days will be spent visiting design studios, experimenting with natural dyes, weaving reed baskets, and meeting artisans across the craft disciplines in Oaxaca, all the while eating our way around Oaxaca’s most notable restaurants and home kitchens. 

ITINERARY

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

  • Arrive to Oaxaca.
    Private transportation from airport to Grana Hotel in Oaxaca City.
    Meet and greet, orientation and welcome dinner with the group and Thread Caravan team.

  • Guided walk around the city to visit some of our favorite design studios.
    Afternoon visit with a family of potters. Learn about the practice, and build a piece of your own.
    Enjoy the sunset at Monte Alban archaeological site.

  • Visit a historical weaving town to meet two families of weavers and designers — learn about the traditions of the town, and how these artists are innovating.
    Farm to table lunch with a chef who specializes fermenting corn.
    We will participate in a natural dyes workshop, creating 2-3 dye baths. We will also visit a candle making studio.
    Group dinner in the garden of one of our favorite textile studios.

  • Visit with advanced weaver Arturo, known for his high quality woven home goods.
    Reed basket weaving workshop guided by local artisans.
    Visit and private dinner at TEXERE textile studio.

  • Optional visit Hierve el Agua mineral springs.
    Afternoon traditional firing of ceramics pieces we created on the first day of our trip.
    Farewell dinner with the group at a renowned restaurant in the city.

  • Farewell group breakfast.

    Private transportation to the airport.

TRIP DETAILS

Dates:

May 8 - 12, 2024
August 11 - 16, 2024
November 16 - 20, 2024
December 11 - 16, 2024

Pricing + Payment:

$3,200 (5 days and 4 nights)

$3,650 (6 days and 5 nights)

Pricing is based on single-occupancy accommodation. If you are booking with someone you know and would like to share a king size bed, and receive a shared-room discount, please email us to request a discount code.

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 transportation within Oaxaca city, as soon as you arrive at the airport until you depart. We'll be taking a mix of shuttles and taxis.
    *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.

  • Single Occupancy Accommodation: Our group will be staying at centrally-located boutique hotel, Grana. All rooms each have one bed, and are therefore single occupancy. If you're traveling with someone you know and would like to share a bed, please email us to let us know.

  • 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 partnered with Trees for the Future to 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 where noted in itinerary)

  • Airfare: We've found that flights from the U.S. to Oaxaca range from approximately $350 - $700 depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.

  • 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.

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 hotel.

We ask that all travelers arrive before 5pm on the first day of our trip to ensure attendance at our group welcome dinner and orientation.

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 came across Thread Caravan while planning a trip to Mexico and am so thankful that I did. The Oaxaca ceramic workshop was a perfect opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of clay after university. Receiving the Thread Caravan Inclusivity Grant made it possible to not only learn these new methods but allowed for me to connect with my Mexican ancestry. The landscape and culture of Oaxaca is like a dream, and the experience is one I will never forget.”

Spencer Bautista

“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

Reserve Here


Oaxaca Ceramics + Textiles 2024 | Non-Refundable Deposit
$900.00
Trip Dates:
Quantity:
Book Now
Pay It Forward | Contribution to Artisan Exchange Program
from $100.00
Amount:
Quantity:
Contribute

Learn more about this program here.