Oaxaca Situated in a valley in southern Mexico, Oaxaca is known for its colonial architecture, its nearby archeological sites, and its many different ethnic groups with their distinctive crafts, foods, and festivals. March 16-24

Our flight takes us to Houston and then on to Oaxaca

The name "Oaxaca" stems from the náhuatl word Huaxyacac, meaning "on the nose of the gourds". We do a walking tour of the history, culture and architecture.

On Day 1, we explore the central market place A sensory delight with music, movement, colour, crafts, vegetables, smells, woven items, pottery, flowers,and people

We see a performance of Oaxacan folk dancing Festivals are often seen in this cultural centre

Tuesday cooking lesson

Instituto Cultural Oaxaca

Pyramid temple at Monte Alban, Mexico Day 3: We visit Monte Alban, the largest archaeological site in Mesoamerica

Oa There is also Famous Oaxacan Black Pottery

Friday we visit the Black Pottery village and see what you can make with a Back-strap Loom.

On Saturday our tour takes us to these historic and spectacular waterfalls and natural warm springs. The water is full of minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium. As the water flows off the edge of the cliff, a petrified waterfall (with yellow sulphur accents) is created. There are only two such sites in the world, the other one is in Turkey.

Hierve el Agua

Folk Art Wooden animal carvings from Oaxaca are very popular

Masks from Oaxaca

The art form is known as “Alebrijes”, a word which means, basically: “a difficult tangled thing, shaped in confusing or fantastic figures.”

There are over 200 woodcarving families concentrated in the villages San Antonio Arrazola, San Martin Tilcajete, La Union Tejalapa, and San Pedro Cajonos.

R. Cuilapan L. Santo Domingo

We dance the Salsa and Meringue on Monday, the last day of our trip to Oaxaca

Oaxaca Oaxaca, a vibrant place to experience a fusion of local, ancient and contemporary cultures. March Ms. Donna Sheh Ms. Bambi Roy Mr. Richard Keleher