Join us on an extraordinary journey to learn of the African descendants in Mexico. From the Colonial Era to present, we learn how the people and communities of African descent helped shaped Mexico's past and continue to express traditions in art, dance, music and food that reflect their heritage. Few people know about the African descendants in Mexico,as their history has been little studied and told. This, however is changing as UNESCO, community activists and academics increasingly give voice to the people and communities of African descent in Mexico. Most importantly, through organizations such as Mexico Negro, A.C.,the communities are enjoying a revival and are strengthening their own sense of identity as they explore their roots and unique traditions in an effort to carve out a stronger future. Join us to learn of the past and present history and initiatives of the vibrant people, their music, dance and art in Veracruz and the Costa Chica.

• Learn about the History of African Descendants in Mexico
• Enjoy Lectures by Mexico's leading Historians to learn about the African experience in Mexico during the Colonial period
• Learn about the Mexican Muralism movement at the Antiguo Colegio San Idelfonso and The Palace of Fine Arts where we see how Rivera, Siqueiros, Orozco and others used public, monumental and political art to communicate to the Mexican populous in post-Revolutionary Mexico
• Learn about Regional & Period Art & Casta Paintings; one used to describe time and place, the other to 'organize' society
• Travel to Veracruz to Learn about the Historical importance of the Port of Veracruz, the San Juan Ulua Prison and to learn about Yanga
• Visit and share with the vibrant Costa Chica communities on Mexico's Pacific Coast to see their creative energies and revival of dance, music and art
• Experience Day of the Dead in Collantes!

Download Complete Itinerary (PDF)

• Day One: Arrive Mexico City: Museum of Anthropology, You will be met at the Airport: Welcome to Mexico City! We transfer to Museo Nacional de Antropologia to learn about the Gulf Coast & other pre-Hispanic Civilizations of Mexico. Later, we enjoy a fun Welcome Dinner at our Hotel so we can get to know our fellow travelers! (D)
• Day Two: Mexico City: National History Museum, Antiguo Collegio San Idelfonso, Palace of Fine Arts. After Breakfast we visit the National History Museum located in the Chapultepec Castle, where we learn of Mexico's Colonial Era and see Caste Paintings of the period. From here, we visit the Antiguo Colegio San Idelfonso hosted by curator,Ery Camera. Here we learn of the beginnings of Mexican Muralism. After lunch at famed El Cardenal, we see Rivera, Siqueiros and Orozco later murals at the Palace of Fine Arts Our evening is at leisure. (B,L)
• Day Three: Mexico City: Lecture, Historic Center, Zocalo, Cathedral, Templo Mayor, National Palace Morning Lecture: The African Descendants in Mexico: the Colonial Period by Dr. Maria Elisa Velazquez a leading historian. From here, we visit Mexico City's Historic Center, including the massive Zocalo square, the Main Cathedral,the ancient and former capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitilan and the famed Diego Rivera murals at the National Palace. Our Evening is at leisure. (B,L)
• Day Four: Xalapa, Veracruz Today we transfer to Xalapa, Veracruz where we visit the Xalapa Museum of Anthropology to learn about Olmec Art and Theories of Ethnographic/Geographic Origin of the Olmec Culture and People. We enjoy a lunch of Regional Cuisine and overnight in Xalapa, a charming town. (B,L)
• Day Five: Veracruz, Veracruz Today we take a short ride to Veracruz to learn about this important Gulf Coast port city and the important role it played as a port of entry for African slaves and trade during the Colonial period. We visit the imposing Fort and later, Prison of San Juan de Ulua. We enjoy free time in Veracruz to explore the tropical city or go to the beach before a fun night of dancing to the famed Son Jarocho Music. We overnight in this vibrant tropical city. (B,L)
• Day Six: Veracruz-Puebla Today we depart for Puebla and make important stops en Route at Yanga, to see the statue in honor of Gaspar Yanga, the leader in Mexico's slave rebellion. Stopping in Orizaba we visit the jewel,Museum of the State: Regional Art, to see some of the finest expressions of Traveler Art and an impressive collection of Diego Rivera paintings that span his lifetime. Arriving in Puebla, we enjoy a late lunch or comida of mole, pipian and other regional dishes, followed by a brief walking tour of colonial Puebla,where we will spend the night.(B,L)
• Day Seven: Transfer to Copala Today we have a longer drive as we travel from Puebla to the pacific Coast. We will make stops along the way and enjoy our scenic journey. Upon arrival in La Costa Chica, we will be met by the local community of Playa Ventura and enjoy a fabulous dinner of local fish and dancing under the stars to the sounds of the Son Chilenas so famous in the region. We overnight on Playa Ventura at Hotel Villa Tortuga, hosted by Rene and staff(B,D)
• Day Eight: Costa Chica: Cuajinicuilapa & San Nicolas, Guerrero We begin our trek into the Guerrero side of the Costa Chica and visit Cuajinicuilapa's Museum of Afro-Mestizo History and Culture, where we will enjoy a Guided Visit. From here, we visit the community of San Nicolas to learn of the Youth Revival of the Baile de Artesa dance, with roots in African rhythms. We overnight in Ometepec, Hotel San Carlos (B,L)
• Day Nine: Costa Chica: El Ciruelo y El Collantes, Oaxaca Day two in the Costa Chica takes us to El Ciruelo to see the extraordinary talent of the artists at the Graphic Arts Workshop: founded by Father Glyn Jemmott. We will enjoy an exhibition/Sale and Meet the Artists. After lunch in Pinotepa Nacional, we travel deeper into the region to Collantes: where we see and learn of the La Danza de Los Diablos and Celebration of Day of the Dead. We are special invited guests for this occasion! Once again, we overnight Ometepec. (B,L)
• Day Ten: Transfer to Acapulco Today is designed to relax & enjoy the beach in Acapulco.Excursions to the Fuerte San Diego or other points of interest in Historic/Old Acapulco, are available upon Request. We enjoy a sad but festive Farewell Dinner in Acapulco (B,D)
• Day Eleven: Morning transfer to Mexico City Airport for our Departing Flights (B)