Acapulco, Carnaval & Textiles, Costa Chica: Guerrero & Oaxaca, February 2023

Coast of Guerrero & Oaxaca: Textile Traditions & Carnaval!

Acapulco, Carnaval & Textiles Costa Chica: Guerrero & Oaxaca: February 18-23, 2023 (6 Days, 5 Nights)

Note: this trip begins in Acapulco (ACA) and ends in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. (PXM). We can assist with any connections and or extensions to Oaxaca City, Mexico City, Huatulco or other.

 

Summary:

On this journey, we explore the multiple ethnic communities Guerrero and Oaxaca to learn of their cultural and ethnic expressions in dress and textiles. From the Amuzgo in Guerrero to the Mixtec in Oaxaca we’ll see how textile traditions and dress are a cultural passport and unique expression of the people who live in this region. We’ll learn of the fibers, such as coyuche cotton and natural dye sources, such as Purpura Pansa, indigo and cochineal. On this journey, we’ll visit the communities of Xochistlahuaca, Guerrero, Pinotepa de Don Luis and San Juan Colorado, Oaxaca, and others. Our journey begins in Acapulco (yes!) and ends in Puerto Escondido. We have timed this journey to coincide with the incredible Carnaval of the Costa Chica, where regional dance, masks and festivities abound.  Join us!

isthmus

 

Trip Highlights:

  • Explore Old Acapulco and feel the nostalgia of this famed port city
  • Stay in the famed Hotel Las Brisas, remember the pink jeeps?
  • Visit the Museo Fuerte San Diego to learn about the 250 year Manila Galleon Trade between Manila and Acapulco!
  • Learn of Indigenous Textile Traditions of Guerrero & Oaxaca including: Amuzgo, Mixteco
  • Travel to Xochistlahuaca, Guerrero to meet the finest Amuzgo weavers!
  • Stop in Cuajinicuilapa (Cuaji for short) to learn about the African Descendants of Mexico
  • Meet weavers & coops in remote communities of Pinotepa de Don Luis & San Juan Colorado to learn of their unique traditions in weaving and dress.
  • Attend the annual Carnaval in Pinotepa de Don Luis, a Mixtec community, also known for the purple dye
  • Stop in Huazolotitlan and Jamiltepec to see the unique dress (huipiles) of these Mixtec communities
  • Enjoy a lovely stay at Hotel Santa Fe in Puerto Escondido, where we’ll enjoy our farewell dinner overlooking the crashing waves
  • Extend in Puerto Escondido and / or take a short flight to Oaxaca City….let’s keep traveling!

textiles of oaxaca

Trip Includes:

  • Accommodations
  • Expert Guides and/or Academics
  • Comfortable / Secure Transportation
  • Welcome and Farewell Dinners
  • Breakfasts
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Entry Fees

cochinilla

cochinilla

 

Pre-Arrival Day: Friday, February 17,  Come a day early!  Enjoy Acapulco and Hotel Las Brisas!

Day One: Arrival Day: Saturday, February 18, Arrive Acapulco, Welcome dinner included (D)

Arriving to the Acapulco airport (ACA) you will take the airport transportation to our hotel: the famed and legendary Las Brisas. Think pink jeeps! This was the hotel of the movie stars, back in the day, in the 1950’s / 1960’s­. We’ll meet in the lobby to go to dinner at another famed and legendary restaurant, Susana Palazuelos’s Zibu, overlooking the Acapulco Bay.  Our dinner is timed to enjoy the singular sunset setting in Acapulco Bay; one that was painted in its multiple manifestations by Diego Rivera in his later years. Return to Hotel and Overnight Hotel Las Brisas Acapulco, Included: Hotel and Dinner

Day Two: Sunday, February 19, Museo Fuerte San Diego Acapulco, “Old Acapulco”, Transfer to Ometepec (B)

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Museo Fuerte San Diego. Here, we’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Manila Galleon and the trade that transformed Asia and the Americas, plying trade for over 250 years between Manila and Acapulco. Then, we’ll have a very fun excursion to experience the “old” Acapulco, the one that was famous in the 1950’s! Think Johnny Weissmuller! After our touring in Acapulco, we’ll begin our journey along the Coast of Guerrero, making our way to Ometepec, the Municipal Center of the Amuzgo region. We’ll make a stop in Playa Ventura, to enjoy a refreshment and listen to the rhythms of the “son chileno” so famous in this region.  Arriving in Ometepec, we’ll settle in to our hotel, enjoy some tacos and overnight. Overnight Ometepec, Guerrero

Day Three: Monday, February 20, Xochistlahuaca (B, L)

Before we leave Ometepec, we’ll visit the local market. There is no better way to experience local culture than to visit the local and regional markets of the communities. We’ll have breakfast here, meander the food, craft and spice isles, before heading to the epicenter of the Amuzgo people and famed weavers.   Arriving in Xochistlahuaca, we’ll visit our friends and favorite coops, weavers and shops, to learn about and purchase the more beautiful brocade woven huipiles. We’ll enjoy a regional lunch in town. Overnight Ometepec, Guerrero

Day Four: Tuesday, February 21, Pinotepa de Don Luis, San Juan Colorado (B, L) 

Today, we say goodbye to Xochis and continue our journey, traveling towards Oaxaca. En route, we’ll make a quick but important stop at the Afro-Descendent Museum in Cuajicuinilapa, Guerrero, to learn about the history of the African presence in Mexico and in this region. We’ll then visit the two Mixtec towns in Oaxaca: Pinotepa de Don Luis and San Juan Colorado.  In these two communities, we’ll learn about the traditional dress of the region, such as the pozahuanco wrap skirt of caracol purpura, indigo and cochineal stripes. We’ll also see the beautiful native coyuche cotton in these communities. ‘And, it’s Carnaval, so we’ll be immersed in these annual festivities! Overnight Pinotepa Nacional

Day Five: Wednesday, February 22, Huazolotitlan-Jamiltepec-Puerto Escondido (B, D) 

Today, we make our way to Puerto Escondido. We make stops in two communities: Huazolotitlan and Jamiltepec, to learn about their unique textile traditions and styles that identify the women of these communities. Arriving in Puerto Escondido, we’ll check into the Hotel Santa Fe, enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, to walk along the beach, relax at the hotel or visit the Manialtepec Lagoon. We’ll enjoy a fun farewell dinner together. Overnight Hotel Santa Fe Puerto Escondido

Day Six: Thursday, February 23, Extend a day or more in Puerto Escondido or Extend to Oaxaca City (B)

Today, you can extend a day or two (or longer) in Puerto Escondido, or travel by plane or bus to Oaxaca City.

Caracol Purpura Demonstration, Extra Day Extension is CONFIRMED.

Please add $255 / Double Occupancy, $300 Single Occupancy for this extension that includes: Extra Night in Huatulco, Demo by Mixtec Dyer, Rafael Avendano, who will join us from Pinotepa de Don Luis, the “lancha” boat, that takes us to the protected bay of Huatulco. Extra day of Transportation.

 

 

Photos From This Tour

agave

cochinilla

cochinilla2

inking

coloring

staining

explanation

dining

spinning

natural-colors

shopping

fiber

empanadas

extracting

beach

frida

monte-alban

muches

tecas


« | »