ceramics and textiles in
oaxaca
october 4 - 8, 2025 | sold out
december 13 - 17, 2025 | 4 spaces left
February 1 - 5, 2026
June 5 - 9, 2026
November 3 - 7, 2026
November 14 - 18, 2026
December 5 - 9, 2026
REGISTRATION FOR 2026 TRIPS OPENS ON AUG. 10
$3,200 USD PER PERSON
Immerse yourself in the stunning breadth and depth of Oaxaca’s craft culture in this 5-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.
design studios
During this retreat, we will visit talented local designers in Oaxaca and explore how they are innovating traditional techniques.
We'll have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions about inspiration and design, observe their creative processes firsthand, and purchase unique pieces directly from the designers.
natural dyes workshop
Guests will take part in a natural dyeing workshop led by an all-women artisan cooperative in the village of Teotitlán del Valle. During this experience we will use local and seasonal plants, fruits and insects to create natural pigments for coloring fabrics and fibers.
Basket weaving
During this retreat, all guests will have the chance to weave their own basket using carrizo, a locally sourced bamboo-like reed.
Learn directly from the skilled artisans of San Juan Guelavía as they share traditional techniques for working with this versatile fiber.
history + nature
We’ll take in a breathtaking sunset over the Oaxacan valley during a private tour of a renowned archaeological site.
Guests will also have the opportunity to relax and unwind at mineral springs just outside the city, offering stunning views of the Sierra Norte mountain range.
Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Guests will be hosted at the charming boutique hotel Grana Bnb. Located just one block south of Santo Domingo church, and right across the street from a small park, this hotel is the perfect home place to have access to favorite city locations via foot.
ITINERARY
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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. -
Farewell group breakfast.
Private transportation to the airport.
TRIP DETAILS
Dates:
October 4 - 8, 2025
December 13- 17, 2025
February 1 - 5, 2026
June 5 - 9, 2026
November 3 - 7, 2026
November 14 - 18, 2026
December 5 - 9, 2026
Pricing + Payment:
$3,200 (5 days and 4 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 is required in order to reserve your space on this trip. The remaining balance can be made at your convenience on this page at least 60 days prior to the trip.
Custom payment plans are available upon request. Please contact us if this is something you'd like to set up.
When making a reservation, there is the option to Pay it Forward. These contributions are directed exclusively towards our Artisan Exchange Program.
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 or Allianz.
Getting There and Away:
Guests should plan to fly into the Oaxaca City’s Xoxocotlán 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, 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.
Questions? Contact us.
TRIP REVIEWS
“I just returned from my first Thread Caravan trip (Oaxaca: Textiles & Ceramics), and it was wonderful! Everything was thoughtfully done and Johanna did an excellent job behind the scenes arranging the best experiences for us. Our guides--Johanna, Melanie and Goyo--were a delight to be around, as well as first-rate linguistic and cultural translators. It was a fantastic week with some of the most kind and talented artisans you will meet. I would absolutely travel with Thread Caravan again.”
— alexis p.
“I wanted to find an art related trip to celebrate the beginning of my work sabbatical. I signed up for the Oaxaca textiles snd pottery trip. This was a pretty big splurge for me as I’m usually a pretty low key traveller. The whole experience was amazing! The other participants were all creative, as well as the guides. It was so fun to not only learn from the artists we visited but also the group participants. The itinerary was packed with studio visits, making opportunities, shopping and incredible meals. Joanna and Melanie were wonderful guides, as well as their four legged friends! I highly recommend this trip if you are looking for inspiration and a great time.”
— kitt f.
“My experience with Thread Caravan was amazing. The trip that I took to Oaxaca exceeded all of my expectations. The hotel was fantastic and everything went well from beginning to end. They chose special and eclectic restaurants, and I feel that all of my needs were catered to. We were connected to beautiful and local artisans, and got to experience not only their craft talents but were included in family meals so that we were introduced to these people's true essences. I found all of our hosts, (especially the dog Macumba) to be helpful, knowledgeable, down to earth, and kind. The trip was well planned and I chose to go on an artists trip and that is exactly what I experienced and more.I am looking forward to doing another one of their special trips.”
— karen b.
