CONNECTION + EXCHANGE
This trip is an opportunity for you to connect directly with Oaxacans in a respectful and reciprocal way and to share life-changing experiences with an intimate group of like-minded individuals.
Each day we will meet and learn from local guides, artisans, healers, farmers, chefs and more. Being able to get to know Oaxaca through those who know it best will lend to deeper understanding and a more authentic experience. All cross-cultural exchanges will be translated from Spanish to English, so while you will have lots of opportunity to practice your Spanish, no knowledge of the language is required.
On our trips, we strive to create a safe and inclusive container for people from all backgrounds. As a principal value, we honor diversity in all its forms including but not limited to sexual orientation, gender identity (or non-identity), race, size, culture, age and beyond. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we love you and want you with us!
FOOD + DRINK
The cuisine of Oaxaca is truly some of the best in all of Mexico. From moles and tamales to tlayudas and memelas, the local foods burst with flavor and vibrance. We will explore the cuisine through the eyes of locals, with a guided market tour and participating in a traditional Oaxacan cooking class, both led by local 4th generation chef Lalo. From the bustling markets and street food stalls, to the best upscale restaurants in Oaxaca, we’ve created a well-rounded food itinerary, so you’ll get to enjoy the diverse flavors of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca is the home to more than 70% of Mexico’s mezcal production. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant that has been produced in Oaxaca since the pre-hispanic era. We will visit a distillery where Shai will teach us how mezcal is traditionally made, lead us in a tasting to explore the different varieties and flavors, and finish the experience with a sunset dinner overlooking the agave fields.
ART + CULTURE
Oaxaca is culturally rich and known for its vibrant art scene, from pre-hispanic handcrafts to modern art. We will be exploring many aspects of Oaxacan art and culture through connecting with artisans, exploring art museums, architecture and traditional markets.
The trip will begin with a guided tour of indigenous heritage sites to learn about the rich history of Oaxaca and how it has influenced modern Oaxacan culture.
We will spend a day with Ludivina, a master of weaving and natural dyes, where we will learn the processes and techniques and each create a beautiful piece to take home. You’ll get to visit the family home of expert candle makers and learn about the traditional art form as well as have an opportunity to support their work by purchasing their beautiful products.
One of the most unique cultural experiences in Oaxaca is the traditional temezcal, a sweat lodge practiced with hot stones, local herbs and sacred songs. We will learn about and participate in this special ceremony led by Laura, accompanied with a yoga class for a day of connection and rejuvenation.
NATURE + ADVENTURE
There will be ample time to move your body and get into nature, while learning about the local ecosystem. We will hike through a protected natural area to ancient cave paintings, learning about the local flora and fauna along the way. You’ll get to see the sunrise over the famed Hierve de Agua rock formations, with a chance to take in expansive views during a more active hike, followed by a refreshing dip in natural pools. For those who desire a more restorative experience, alternative activities will be offered.
We will connect deeper to Oaxaca through an exploration of its native plants and the way they have shaped the local culture. Through visiting the place where corn was first cultivated, participating in a floral arrangement workshop with endemic flowers, using local herbs in a sweat lodge, discovering the process of making mezcal and cooking traditional dishes, you will experience first-hand the magic of Oaxaca’s botany.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
8:00 – 9:00am Breakfast at Grana
9:30 – 12:30pm Natural dying workshop with Ludivina
12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch at Isabel’s
2:00 – 4:00pm Market tour + shopping
5:00 – 7:00pm Free time
7:30 – 9:30pm Dinner at Criollo
Other activities will include: visit to candle-making workshop, Oaxacan cooking class, heritage site visits, traditional temezcal, mezcal farm and distillery tour with sunset dinner, hike and mineral springs, cacao ceremony and more!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included:
• 6 nights/7 days accommodation at Grana B+B in Oaxaca Centro
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners (excluding market visits) – we will do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions and preferences.
• All group-led tours and activities, including cultural site visits, artisan craft and floral design workshops, cooking class, cacao ceremony, farm tours, mezcal tasting, yoga class, sound healing and traditional temezcal, etc.
• Transportation to and from the airport and Grana B+B
• All transportation to activities outside the city
Not included:
• Airfare: Flights from the US typically range from $200 – $800 depending on where you’re traveling from
• Travel Insurance: We have a strict (no-refunds) cancellation policy, so we strongly recommend that everyone gets personal travel insurance. Things come up, emergencies happen. This will cover things like illness/injury, flight cancellations, theft, etc.. Insuremytrip.com offers a variety of policies that will protect your investment. By purchasing your spot on one of our trips, you agree to our no-refunds, strict cancellation policy. If you elect not to buy travel insurance, you are responsible for selling/gifting your space to a friend or someone in your network.
• Personal Shopping Expenses + Alcohol: There will be a couple lunches during mercado visits that will not be covered, so we recommend carrying cash for this and for shopping for artisan goods. Alcoholic drinks at dinners/lunches will be your own expense.
ACCOMODATIONS
Set in an 18th century mansion renovated and decorated with traditional touches, Grana is a love declaration to Oaxaca. Named after the famous “grana cochinilla” that was once the gold of Oaxaca, the botanical elements of this pre-hispanic dye inspire the architecture and decoration of the rooms and common spaces. Grana has a charming breakfast room, an inner courtyard featuring an antique fountain and hammocks hanging between green cantera columns, a multipurpose room for your morning routines, as well as a romantic rooftop with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the famous Oaxacan sunsets.
ROOMS + INVESTMENT:
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- DELUXE SHARED: Deluxe rooms are the most spacious accommodations with king-size bed, private bathroom with walk-in shower and feature views of the city. They feature AC, a workstation, WiFi, safe deposit box, flat screen LED TV, and organic and artisanal amenities. —— $3,500 per person x2 people (must be traveling together). When registering for a shared room, ONLY ONE PERSON needs to purchase initially to reserve the room. Select DELUXE SHARED when registering (please note: shared price is per person). Once you secure your space and get confirmation of purchase, please email info@wuhaus.com and cc’ the person you will be traveling with. We will then send you and your travel partner a private link where that person can purchase their space separately. Your travel partner should only register via the private link, not on the main page.
- QUEEN: Queen rooms offer comfort and minimal luxury with a queen-size bed and private bath. They feature AC, a workstation, WiFi, safe deposit box, flat screen LED TV, and organic and artisanal amenities. —— $4,200
- KING: King rooms offer a luxurious stay in a spacious room with city views, a king-size bed, private bathroom with deep soaking tub + standing shower. They feature AC, a workstation, WiFi, safe deposit box, flat screen LED TV, and organic and artisanal amenities. —— $4,600
- DELUXE: Deluxe rooms are the most spacious accommodations with king-size bed, private bathroom with walk-in shower and feature views of the city. They feature AC, a workstation, WiFi, safe deposit box, flat screen LED TV, and organic and artisanal amenities. —— $5,000
TRAVEL INFORMATION
TESTIMONIALS
“I’ve now been on 2 trips with Hannah and Ali and can say that they have both been truly life-changing experiences. Ali and Hannah put together the most beautifully curated experiences full of unique, educational and fun activities all led by the most passionate and inspiring locals. I left both trips feeling so enriched and grateful for each experience—and with a handful of new friends.”
“My favorite part was the curation. I loved meeting locals, exploring hidden private studious and gardens, and learning about Oaxaca from natives was my favorite. I especially enjoyed our sunset comida in agave fields. I’ll never forget how beautiful and delicious it was.”
“I want to thank you again for this fabulous introduction to Oaxaca. The experience is so well put together and balanced that I admit it is borderline spiritual. To experience Mexico through the lens of deep admiration and respect is genuinely unforgettable. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for an absolutely incredible trip. The care and consideration you and Hannah put into every aspect of the trip was so deliberate and intentional (not to mention absolutely stunning). I’m walking away with a renewed sense of energy, clarity, and creativity (three things I haven’t felt in awhile), and with the love from so many incredible women. Nothing can compare.”
“One of the things that I wasn’t really expecting was how much I would genuinely like our whole group. It was an incredible group of women that I now consider friends and I have you to thank. The caliber of the group speaks volumes on the type of people you attract and what you inspire in them.”
“The curation of every moment made it clear how much time you and Hannah took. Please charge the next group a ton more cause it’s worth so much more. Can I even say it was actually “priceless” without it feeling like a MasterCard Dumb and Dumber moment? Either way, it was a priceless trip. Thank you.”
“Thank you for cultivating such an incredible group of women and curating a trip of a lifetime! I can’t put into words how special this experience was. After a very difficult year+, this trip was a sanctuary of happiness, light and connection.”
