weaving workshop in
oaxaca
October 24-30, 2025 | sold out
Trip waitlist below
$2,950 USD per person, shared room
$3,400 USD per person, private room
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.
history + nature
We’ll hike in the picturesque Oaxacan valley to visit the prehistoric caves of Mitla, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.
Guests will also have the chance to explore the unique archaeological site of Mitla, gaining a deeper understanding of Zapotec cosmology and symbolism—elements that continue to inspire local weaving traditions.
natural dyes workshop
Guests will take part in a natural dyeing workshop in the village of Teotitlán del Valle, where they will learn how local artisans transform plants and fruits into vibrant, natural dyes.
Through discussions and hands-on demonstrations, we’ll explore the traditional techniques used by this weaving community. Guests are encouraged to bring their own clothing, fabric, or fibers to experiment with in the dye vats.
weaving workshop
During this retreat, we’ll have the opportunity to weave on a traditional pedal loom.
Guided by the master weavers of Teotitlán del Valle, we’ll explore Zapotec symbology and the village’s weaving techniques. By the end of the week, each guest will complete their own small rug or tapestry.
ARTISAN VISITS
During this retreat, we will visit a backstrap weaver, a beeswax candle studio, and a renowned ceramicist.
We'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about inspiration and design, observe their creative processes firsthand, and purchase unique pieces directly from the artisans.
ITINERARY
*Some details subject to change.
Guests will be notified if any changes occur.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Return to Susi’s home studio to continue working on woven projects.
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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.
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Farewell group breakfast.
Private transportation to the airport.
TRIP
DETAILS
Dates:
October 24-30, 2025
Pricing + Payment:
$2,950 per person, double occupancy room with separate beds
$3,400 per person, private room, 2 available per trip
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 60 days 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, 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 Waitlist
TRIP REVIEWS
“This Thread Caravan trip (my first) was honestly one of the best trips I have ever been on! The level of attention to detail of every aspect was remarkable - this included wonderful food, lovely accommodation, knowledgeable local guides, and careful planning of our daily schedule. The craft immersion (in this case weaving) was an absolute joy. We also had the opportunity to meet other local inspiring artists and craftspeople, including indigenous Oaxacan women who have become successful despite overwhelming odds. The whole Thread Caravan team did an outstanding job. Counting the days now until my next Thread Caravan adventure!”
— katy d.
“As someone who runs community-based trips myself, my conviction that this type of travel experience is truly transformational was reaffirmed on my Thread Caravan Oaxaca weaving trip. Tourism can be a force for good when there’s a tangible benefit to the people and place where trips take place. Each of the artisans we visited had palpably intimate relationships with our guides who were true bridges between us newcomers and the host artisans. In the few days of the trip I was able to learn a new craft and understand the level of skill needed to master natural dying, weaving, ceramics, photography - this allowed me to reach a new level of respect for each of these crafts. The preservation of the bio cultural heritage anywhere requires a love and care for it from its society; this type of experience succeeds at penetrating deeply into a person to achieve this love for craft, people and place. It is Thread Caravan’s dedication and commitment to this territory that allowed me to have such a deep encounter with Oaxaca. My deepest gratitude for this!”
— estefania g.
“For over a year, I had my eyes on and heart set on a Thread Caravan trip. As a textile artist - I need a break from the constant hustle to reconnect with the humanity of the craft. Thread Caravan did just that and more. Caitlin was extremely inviting and you could see how passionate she is about the culture. I made friends that will no doubt be in my life forever and I will continue to go back to Oaxaca for years to come. Next Thread Caravan trip on my bucket list is Morocco!”