Handmade in Oaxaca: A Journey Through Oaxaca's Most Beautiful Artisan Towns

Our newest boutique experience will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful artisan towns in Oaxaca. If you’re interested in learning more about Oaxaca’s craft heritage and artisan techniques including pottery, weaving, embroidery, natural dyes, floral beeswax candles, chocolate-making, mezcal, and more, then you should join us this February! This itinerary was inspired by Luisa’s forthcoming book Handmade in Mexico. During this trip, you’ll get to meet some of Luisa’s favorite artisans, learn more about their centuries-old crafts, and you’ll also get to shop directly from them. If you're curious about artisan craft, food, culture, and the stories behind handmade traditions, then this experience is for you. Rather than trying to see everything, Handmade in Oaxaca invites you to slow down and spend meaningful time with the people preserving Oaxaca's extraordinary craft traditions. PHOTOS BY: ERICA CONNOLLY About Luisa (your host + guide): Luisa is a Mexican-American journalist who has worked for both national and local news stations. She left the news world to launch Mexico In My Pocket, a company rooted in her mission to show a side of Mexico often overlooked in mainstream media. Through journalism, storytelling, relationships, and community-centered travel, Luisa creates experiences that connect travelers to the heart of Mexico. Over the past several years, she has built lasting relationships with many of the artisans you'll meet throughout the week. By the end of this trip, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Oaxaca and the beauty of artisan craft traditions. Trip Dates & Pricing DATES | February 2-8, 2027 TRIP PRICE | Starting at $3,750 per person Double Occupancy Room (shared room) = $3750 per person | $750 DEPOSIT DUE TODAY Single Occupancy Room (private room for singles) = $4,500 per person | $1000 DEPOSIT DUE TODAY Founding Launch Pricing: To celebrate the launch of this new group experience Handmade in Oaxaca, we're offering $200 off to the first 6 guests who reserve their spot. Once the first six spots have been reserved, regular pricing will apply. PAYMENT: To secure your spot, you'll need to submit your deposit via Zelle (free of fees) or credit card (3% processing fee). We also offer monthly payment plans, thanks to our partnership with Affirm. For more details on payment plans, email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com. SPOTS AVAILABLE | 11 spots only. 5 shared rooms (10 guests) 1 private room Payment Details To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit is required. Details listed above. Payment Schedule: Second payment due October 1, 2026 Final payment due December 1, 2026 Payment options: Zelle (no processing fees) Credit card (3% processing fee) Monthly payment plans available via Affirm For payment plan details, email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com. Please Note: Because this is a small-group experience with limited availability and advance commitments made on behalf of guests, all payments are non-refundable. If we are able to refill your space, a partial refund or future trip credit may be considered at our discretion, minus any unrecoverable costs already incurred. DAY 1: Welcome to Oaxaca City Since we'll all be arriving to Oaxaca City this day, the first half of the day will start as a free day. Take this opportunity to do sightseeing, visit the market, textile museum, and/or Santo Domingo. In the evening, we'll have dinner at one of our favorite Oaxacan restaurants. Get ready to savor mole, fresh corn tortillas on a comal, and a chocolatito de agua. We recommend scheduling a flight that arrives no later than mid-afternoon so you have enough time to settle in for dinner. Meals included: Dinner DAY 2: Threads + Floral Candles We're headed to Teotitlán del Valley, the village which is famous for its Zapotec rugs and floral candles. We'll meet the artisans and learn more about both of these beautiful crafts including Zapotec weaving, wool preparation, natural dyes, and a chocolate tasting! Plus, fun surprises we can't tell you about yet. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included DAY 3: Embroidery, Markets, & Hands That See We're headed to the town known for Luisa's favorite style of embroidery—bordado de pensamientos. We’ll sit down for a conversation with the artisans and learn their stories, the meaning behind the craft, and what it takes to produce this style of work. We’ll also head to a local market and taste a regional dish—empanadas de amarillo, which are made using a giant corn tortilla and stuffed with chicken and yellow mole. Afterwards, we’ll travel to Ocotlán to meet master artisan José García Antonio, affectionately known as “Hands That See.” After losing his eyesight due to cataracts, José continues sculpting life-size figures of mermaids, people, and animals. He often creates figures of a woman featuring a mole in the center of her forehead. These particular sculptures are inspired by his wife and muse, Maestra Santa Reyna Teresita. During our visit, we'll spend time with José and his family and hear firsthand how his resilience continues to inspire his work today. Then, we’ll head to one of Luisa’s favorite lunch spots in Oaxaca. Where you’ll get to experience an outdoor kitchen in a magical secret garden filled with clay crafts from various different regions in Oaxaca. Get ready to savor enchiladas, memelas, quesadillas, café de olla, chocolate, different salsas, and more. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included DAY 4: Ancient Cities & Clay Traditions We're headed to Monte Albán to learn more about the ancient capital of the Zapotec people. During our visit, you’ll learn why this city is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Mexico. Afterwards, we’ll head over to a local town that features three distinct ceramic traditions, including green glazed pottery, black clay, and Atzompa's delicate filigree-style ceramics decorated with intricate floral motifs. For lunch, we'll visit a traditional Oaxacan kitchen located in a private home. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included DAY 5: Mujeres de Barro Rojo We're headed to one of Luisa’s favorite artisan towns, San Marcos Tlapazola––where the potters are all women. We’ll hear directly from them, their stories, and you’ll also get to bring some pieces home if you’re interested! We’ll head back early this day so you can spend one of your final days exploring Oaxaca City. Luisa will also share her list of favorite local shops, including places you can purchase beautiful embroidered tops and dresses. Meals included: Breakfast only DAY 6: Free Day + Farewell Dinner Today, you’ll have the morning and afternoon to explore Oaxaca City at your own pace. Luisa will share a list of personal recommendations. For our final evening together, we’ll host a private mezcal tasting lead by Master Palenquero Fernando Lucas. Guests will get to sample traditional mezcales and flavored ones including: chocolate, coffee, mandarin and more. We'll step inside a private home for a five-course tasting menu at one of Luisa's favorite restaurants in Oaxaca. Recognized among The World's 50 Best, this unforgettable dining experience is the perfect way to share our final night together. Meals: Dinner included DAY 7: Departures Hasta Pronto! One final breakfast before departures from Oaxaca City. Some of you will extend your trip (for an additional charge), while others will head back to your casitas. The choice is yours! Meals: Breakfast included Our itineraries are intentionally curated. Every artisan visit, meal, and experience has been thoughtfully selected to support the story of the day and to honor the time generously shared with us by the families we visit. Because of this, we generally do not make additional shopping stops or unscheduled detours during our excursions. What the Trip Includes Accommodations 6 nights at a boutique B&B in Oaxaca City including a small rooftop pool *For accommodation details, please email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com Meals Daily breakfast 3 group lunches 1 welcome dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant 1 farewell dinner at World's-50-Best-recognized restaurant This schedule also allows for free time to explore Oaxaca City independently. A curated restaurant and shopping guide will be shared ahead of the trip. Transportation Round-trip airport transportation to and from Oaxaca City International Airport (only applicable for the official start and end dates). Private driver for excursions to surrounding towns Transportation for all included activities Experiences Zapotec weaving & natural dyes Floral beeswax candles Chocolate tasting Embroidery artisans José García Antonio Monte Albán Santa María Atzompa pottery Mujeres de Barro Rojo Private mezcal tasting Support & Extras Tips for all included meals, drivers, and activity guides Thoughtful surprises along the way On-the-ground coordination throughout the trip Professional photography throughout the week Shared digital photo gallery after the trip Spanish & English translation throughout the trip What the Trip Does Not Include Alcoholic beverages Airfare or transportation to/from Oaxaca Packing materials Incidental expenses Required travel insurance Meals not listed in the itinerary Extra excursions or events selected on free days Any meals or activities not explicitly listed above Reviews “Luisa really put her heart and soul into showing the city and people she loves so much. The trip felt personally connected to the land and culture, and it was incredibly moving to witness American Mexicanas connect to their roots.” — Brit Alveno, Northfield, Minnesota “My trip with Luisa and Mexico In My Pocket was nothing short of magical. I’m leaving Mexico with a full heart.” — Shannon Velasco, New York City “Luisa created a deeply immersive, stress-free experience that allowed us to connect with local artisans, the culture, and each other. The unexpected friendships were the bonus.” — Rosie Fregozo, San Mateo, California “Memorable doesn’t even begin to describe this trip. I’m so grateful to Mexico In My Pocket for this moment in my life.” — Anna Bass, Houston, Texas Inquiries For more details, including accommodations, cancellation policy, terms, and conditions, please email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com. Important Booking Terms: All payments are non-refundable. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and trip interruption coverage is required. Full Terms & Conditions apply and must be signed prior to travel.