With Los Amigos del Arte Popular, experience the best of Mexico! From Day of the Dead in Michoacan to the Art of the Charro and Tequilal in Jalisco, we’ll cover a lot of ground! We’ll learn about the distilled spirit that is synonymous with Mexico, learn about the special craft of the “pita” fiber that is used to embellish the saddles, belts of the charro.
We’ll meet the weavers and spend two full days with them, learning about and experiencing their lives and daily rhythms of tending to their sheep, carding, spinning, dying and weaving wool. We’ll also attend the Festival Textil in the Sierra Zongolica.
Join us on a journey to learn about and witness one of nature’s wonders–the monarch butterfly migration. Here, in the fir trees of Michoacan at between 8,000-12,000 feet, the monarch butterflies take rest for the winter months after flying over 3,000 miles. Here, they cluster in groups on the fir trees to stay warm. During the day, they enjoy the sunshine and can be seen flying in massive groups…
We explore the multiple ethnic communities of Oaxaca (and Guerrero) to learn of their cultural and ethnic expressions in dress and textiles. From the Amuzgo in Guerrero to the Mixtec, Huave, Zapotec in Oaxaca we will see how textile traditions and dress are a cultural passport and unique expression of the women (and some men) who live in this region.
In partnership with Wild West Weaving of Silver City, New Mexico, we’ll explore, learn and experience the “magic colors” of Oaxaca! From the caracol purpura on the Coast, the indigo from the Isthmus, to the cochineal of Oaxaca’s Central Valleys, we’ll learn about the ancient and living colors of this singular region. This journey includes a 3-day natural dye workshop! Join us!
Art, Culture & Cuisine!
On this journey of learning and discovery, we explore the history and expressions of Art in Mexico. In order to understand the vision and temperament of Diego and Frida, we will learn of History and Politics of Mexico, that is the only way to contextualize their art and lives. Get ready for your impressions of Mexico City’s Historic Center! Arriving at the grand and vast Zocalo, we’ll see the great clash of cultures in the 16th Century, that forever changed the course of Mexico’s history. We’ll also visit the Pre Hispanic site of Teotihuacan…
On this journey designed for families, we will learn about the ancient Maya and explore their former ceremonial centers, we’ll visit and interact with local Maya communities to learn of their living traditions, we will refresh in the cool blue green water of the cenotes and enjoy a combination of natural wonders, ancient Maya history, local cuisine and music and dancing.
Bogota and Medellin, December 2019
This special travel program is designed around the singular Expoartesanias Colombia, the largest and most important gathering and showcase of Colombia’s artisans and their art. The Expoartesanias handcraft fair, is entering its 27th year and features the finest in Colombia’s diverse traditional and contemporary craft from the entire country.
This trip explores the cultures of Colombia, traveling along the Caribbean Coast. We begin in Cartagena and have an overview of the people, crafts and cultures of Colombia with the fine folks at Artesanias de Colombia. Then we’ll begin exploring! Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Riohacha, Cabo de la Vela in the Guajira Peninsula await.
Maya Textiles and Traditions:
The Guatemala countryside is beautiful and its people are warm. Surrounded by volcanoes, Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful places on earth. On this journey, we’ll travel to regions and communities in the Guatemala Highlands, home to the Maya people. Beginning in Guatemala City, we’ll visit the Ixchel Museum of Maya Textiles and Popol Vuh Museum of History, in order to get our grounding in the country we are about to visit.
Join us on an extraordinary journey to Colombia to learn about the musical heritage & traditions of African Descendants of this South American country. Attending the Petronio Alvarez Music Festival, we’ll learn of the multiple rhythms and influences of Pacific Colombia. From Cali, the epicenter of the marimba sounds, salsa music and dancing, we’ll move to Medellin, this fascinating city in Antioquia to learn about social renewal in this city. We’ll continue dancing and listening to the regional sounds!
Whether it’s Culture & Cuisine, Textile Traditions, Ancient Civilizations, Art History or Festivals, let us take you beyond the beach resorts. Our unique approach combines education with off the path itineraries, designed to build greater understanding of and appreciation for the richness and complexity of Mexico, Colombia and beyond. Read about our travels here:
The best way to receive updates and latest information about our upcoming trips, special offers, and blog updates!
