ZAZI &
Woven Women
Oaxaca
Women’s Retreat
October 1-6, 2026
$4,400 - $6,800 usd per person
Join ZAZI and Woven Women for a special, female-led retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico. Over the course of a 6-day immersive journey, you will experience a deep connection to the traditional craftsmanship, vibrant culture, and natural landscape of the region.
There is a particular kind of magic that lives in the hands of the women who preserve these traditions. You can feel it in the threads of a loom passed from mother to daughter, in the rich depths of a natural dye pot, and in the quiet reverence before a local curandera begins to speak.
Based at the beautiful Maison Gallot, nourishment is at the very heart of this retreat. Throughout the week, you will engage in hands-on creative workshops – including a natural dyes workshop with the Vida Nueva women's cooperative, textile weaving at an intimate home studio, and artisanal candle making at TEXERE.
Your days will be filled with farm-to-table organic meals, a guided visit to the sacred archaeological site of Monte Albán, and a medicinal plant and tincture workshop at Tierra del Sol. You will also experience a traditional temezcal ceremony guided by a local curandera, with plenty of free time remaining for massage therapy, relaxation, and personal exploration.
Sense of place
We'll begin this trip by grounding ourselves in the land. Through experiences centered on Zapotec traditions and ecology, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape that continues to influence the artisans and communities we'll visit throughout the journey.
Our first evening begins with a sunset visit to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital overlooking the Oaxaca Valley. As we explore the archaeological site, we'll learn about Zapotec history, cosmology, and the symbols that continue to appear in the region's artistic traditions today.
Later in the trip, we'll spend a day at Tierra del Sol, a regenerative permaculture farm dedicated to preserving the biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge of Oaxaca. Guided by an expert herbalist, we'll explore the medicinal plants of the region and learn how they are used in regional healing practices. We'll conclude the day with a traditional temazcal ceremony — a Mesoamerican sweat lodge experience that has long been used for physical, mental, and spiritual cleansing, offering a meaningful opportunity for reflection and connection.
Craft as ceremony
Throughout this journey, we'll be invited into a series of creative practices that reflect Oaxaca's deep relationship with the natural world and its living traditions.
We’ll be guided by the women of the indigenous-led Vida Nueva cooperative, to gather around dye pots to transform plants, insects, and minerals into vibrant color.
We'll spend time with an expert herbalist, discovering the medicinal plants that have long cared for the people of this region.
We'll explore textiles as a language of self-expression, as the threads we weave tell stories, preserve memory, and create something uniquely our own.
As our week comes to a close, we'll make beeswax candles by hand before gathering one final time around a candlelit table. We'll share a meal illuminated by the light we've created ourselves, accompanied by live music and dancing.
May these experiences remind you that creativity is a way of moving through the world with curiosity and intention.
Where We’ll Stay
During your time in Oaxaca, you'll be staying at Maison Gallot, a thoughtfully restored boutique guesthouse located in the heart of the city. Nestled beside Mercado de la Merced and just a short five-minute walk from the colorful neighborhood of Jalatlaco and the city's pedestrian district, it offers easy access to cafés, galleries, markets, and many of Oaxaca's most beloved landmarks, while providing a peaceful retreat away from the busiest streets.
The house is a celebration of timeless design, blending French Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco influences with contemporary Mexican craftsmanship. Each room is individually designed around a different artist or creative figure, while original artworks, vintage furnishings, and handcrafted textiles create a space that feels both curated and welcoming.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the home's shared spaces, including a tranquil courtyard filled with greenery, a separate secluded courtyard with a small swimming pool, comfortable sitting areas, and a historic chapel at the heart of the property that has stood for over a century.
Whether you're relaxing for a morning journaling practice, or unwinding after a day of exploring Oaxaca, Maison Gallot offers many quiet corners to enjoy during your stay.
Meet Your Host,
Adriana Quiroz
Adriana Quiroz is a textile designer, artist, and researcher based in Oaxaca, Mexico. She studied Textile Design at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City before returning to Oaxaca, where her work has become deeply rooted in the state's rich textile traditions.
Adriana collaborates with artisan communities throughout Oaxaca to create contemporary garments and textiles that honor traditional embroidery, weaving, and handcraft techniques. Her work is rooted in long-term relationships with artisans, combining thoughtful design with a deep respect for cultural heritage and the stories embedded within each textile.
Adriana brings a rare combination of artistic vision, technical expertise, and deep cultural knowledge to her teaching. Throughout this journey, she will share not only the techniques behind Oaxacan textiles, but also the history, symbolism, and community relationships that make them such a vital expression of the region's living culture.
ITINERARY
Details subject to change.
Guests will be notified if any changes occur.
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Arrive to Oaxaca.
Private transportation from airport to our home in Oaxaca, Maison Gallot.
Optional visit to the textile museum.
Group welcome dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs and her daughter.
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Morning journal session followed by group breakfast.
Natural pigment workshop led by Pastora of Vida Nueva Cooperative.
Farm-to-table lunch prepared by chef Imelda and her family.
Free time to enjoy the city at your leisure. We can share suggestions or help you coordinate a massage with our favorite therapist.
Guided sunset tour of Monte Alban archaeological site.
Independent dinner.
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Morning journal session.
Open morning to relax or explore at your leisure.
Spend the afternoon and evening at Adriana’s home. Here we’ll gather for a picnic lunch in her textile garden, followed by a weaving workshop to practice self expression through textiles.
Independent dinner.
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Morning journal session followed by group breakfast.
Venture to Tierra del Sol permaculture farm. Spend the morning learning about medicinal plants in a tincture workshop led by an expert herbalist.
Farm-to-table lunch.
Afternoon temazcal session guided by an indigenous curandera. This as an opportunity for cleaning and expression. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing dip in the farm’s natural pool.
Nourishing group dinner at the farm.
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Morning journal session followed by group breakfast.
Open morning to relax or explore at your leisure. Independent lunch.
Afternoon visit to the TEXERE textile studio. Here, participate in a beeswax candle-making workshop. Afterwards, enjoy a candlelit dinner with live music, followed by dancing and celebration.
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Morning journal session followed by group breakfast.
Private transportation to the airport.
TRIP
DETAILS
Dates:
October 1-6, 2026
Pricing + Payment:
$3,050 per person, double occupancy room with separate beds
$3,950 per person, private room, 1 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: All in-country transportation as pertaining to our specific itinerary inclusions.
*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.Most Meals: This experience highlights the food heritage of Oaxaca, emphasizing locally-sourced, homemade meals, prepared by some of the region’s best female chefs.
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 or Double Occupancy Accommodation: Our group will be staying at boutique home located in the city center.
All rooms have two beds. Guests may reserve individually, or with someone else, but all rooms are shared.Support: This trip will be hosted by two local hosts, Adriana from Casa de Yaka and Caitlin from Thread Caravan, as well as Jeanne and Janne from ZAZI and Woven Women. Hosts will offer 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 planted trees on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel to Mexico.
Additional Expenses:
Select Meals: As noted in the itinerary.
Free Time Activities: We've intentionally left portions of the itinerary unscheduled, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the trip at your own pace. These moments of free time create space for rest and quiet reflection between our shared group experiences. If you'd like recommendations, our team is always happy to share our favorite cafés, galleries, shops, and cultural sites, or help arrange a massage or other services.
Alcoholic Drinks
Airfare: To and from Oaxaca
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 our home for the week.
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:
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
“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!”
— maggie p.
