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Join Luisa in Oaxaca for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and learn more about:

•  Indigenous Zapotec culture.
• Traditional Oaxacan Cuisine
• Magical Surrounding Towns

Details:  This boutique trip is designed to be an intimate and submersive cultural experience. Luisa values each and every relationship she has developed with locals in Oaxaca and she will be introducing you to many people in her community who she considers like family.  If you want an authentic look into Oaxaca and you love artisan craft, food, culture, and adventure then this is the trip for you.

About Luisa: Luisa is a Mexican-American journalist who has worked for both national and local news stations. She left the news world to launch her own company, Mexico In My Pocket. Mexico In My Pocket's mission is to show people a side of Mexico often overlooked in the media world. By the end of this trip, you're guaranteed to fall in love with Mexico and you'll want to start planning your next adventure to this amazing part of the world.

Trip Dates & Pricing:

DATES | February 2-9, 2024

TRIP PRICE | Starting at $3500 per person
Double Occupancy = $3500 per person | $1750 DEPOSIT DUE TODAY
Single Occupancy = $4000 | $2000 DEPOSIT DUE TODAY

HOW TO JOIN | To join this trip, you must submit an application and be approved. Once you are approved, pay the non-refundable deposit and send us back the signed Terms & Conditions agreement. To select your accommodation (single or double occupancy), navigate using the drop down menu.

The remaining payment is due on November 31, 2023. Up until November 31, 2023 you can give up your trip spot at any time; however, you will forfeit the non-refundable deposit.

 Itinerary & Overview: 

DAY 1: WELCOME TO OAXACA CITY. Since we'll all be arriving to Oaxaca city this day, the first half of the day will start as a free day. Take this opportunity to do sightseeing, visit the market, textile museum, and/or Santo Domingo. In the evening, we'll have dinner at one of our favorite Oaxacan restaurants. Get ready to savor mole, fresh corn tortillas on a comal, and a chocolatito de agua.

DAY 2: WELCOME TO TEOTITLAN DEL VALLE. We're headed to the village which is famous for its Zapotec rugs and floral candles. We'll meet the artisans and learn more about both of these beautiful crafts. Dinner: Tlayudas at one of our favorite local spots!

DAY 3: MOLE COOKING CLASS WITH TRADITIONAL OAXACAN COOK FEATURED IN VOGUE MAGAZINE Head to Etla for a mole cooking class with Luisa's friend Mimi and her son Charlie. Mimi is a traditional Oaxacan cook who will teach us recipes which have been passed down four generations.

DAY 4: WELCOME TO SAN MARTIN TILCAJETE We'll head to the land of the alebrijes (Oaxacan spirit animals) where local artisans will conduct a reading and tell you exactly which spirit animal you are. Make sure to pack pesos! 

DAY 5: WELCOME TO OCOTLAN & SAN ANTONINO We'll head to Ocotlan early in the morning and explore the local market and have a delicious breakfast with Betty Gomez also known as "La Frida." Visit world famous Master Artisan Sculptor Jose Antonio Garcia. Also known as “Manos Que Ven” (Hands That See). Antonio lost his eyesight in his fifties due to cataracts. In spite of going blind, he continues to create life-sized sculptures of mermaids and statues of his wife and muse, Maestra Santa Reyna Teresita.

DAY 6: MOLE & MEZCAL TASTING We'll head to Xagaa to meet with master artisan and palenquero Fernando Lucas. Fernando will give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a genuine, true mezcal from Oaxaca. Plus, we'll get to sample 7 different types of mezcal, including his special flavors: cempasuchil, chocolate, passion fruit, and more! After, we'll head over to Luisa's friend's house, Catalina Lucas, for a special mole tasting, including Luisa's favorite - mole coloradito!  

DAY 7: FREE DAY & GOODBYE DINNER. You're officially ready to explore Oaxaca on your own! Today is the perfect day to check out el barrio de Jalatlaco, famous for Day of the Dead street art and colorful papel picado flags, or you can visit Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Santo Domingo, the Botanical Gardens, or Oaxaca's Textile Museum. Plus, don't forget to stop in to do some shopping in the boutique stores. In the evening, we'll share a mezcal toast and goodbye dinner at one of our favorite local spots.

Note: The trip itinerary starts at 6 p.m. local time on February 2nd.

What the Trip Includes:

• 7 nights at Boutique Hotel in Oaxaca (For more details, send an email to luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com).
• Transportation to and from airport.
• Meal at world-renowned restaurant.
• Majority of meals. Unless noted otherwise.
• Activities mentioned on Itinerary.
• Spanish & English Translation.
• Private Driver to surrounding areas. 
• Mezcal palenque visit + tasting with mezcal expert.
• Visit artisan studios and learn about the craft.
• Tips for all meals, hotels, drivers, and activity guides.
• Cooking class with traditional Oaxacan cook.
• Sorpresas I can't share on here with you, but that you'll enjoy!

What the Trip Does Not Include:

• Alcoholic beverages.
• Airfare and/or other means of travel to/from Oaxaca
• Packing materials
• Incidental expenses
• Required travel insurance
• Meals not listed in itinerary
• Extra excursions or events you plan on free day

REVIEWS:

"A week in Oaxaca with Luisa and Mexico In My Pocket was the best way to dive deep into the soul of the region. She connects the group with the spirit of Oaxaca by granting access to homes, shops, and stories of local artisans and chefs. Luisa has carefully taken the time to cultivate relationships with so many locals, which in turn opens the door to experiences for her groups that would be difficult to access without her." - Erica Connolly, Dallas Texas.

"On our trip to Oaxaca, I could tell that Luisa really put her heart and soul into showing the city and people she loves so much. She put together an incredible trip that felt so personally connected to the land and culture. Not only was it an honor to join on my first trip to Mexico, but it was so moving to witness American Mexicanas connect to their own roots. Luisa is truly creating such a unique and beautiful space that I haven't seen offered anywhere else." - Brit Alveno, Northfield, Minnesota

"My trip with Luisa and Mexico In My Pocket was nothing short of magical. I am a seasoned solo traveler and there is no way I could have created this experience on my own. The relationships Luisa has cultivated and the effort she puts into her planning is analogous to the artisans she highlights. The through-line is passion. The food I experienced, the beauty I witnessed, and the people I met were extraordinary. I'm leaving Mexico with a full heart." - Shannon Velasco, New York City

"Luisa, words can't explain how much I appreciate the experience you curated for all of us. I have traveled a lot, especially to Latin American countries, but never have I ever felt so immersed in a culture. Because of you, I got to meet so many inspiring local artisans and powerful girls in our group. I admire how you, using your own actions and words, help create a more holistic and colorful picture of a highly stigmatized country like Mexico. Now I can proudly and wholeheartedly say, Mexico is also in my pocket." - Stella Sun, China

"I always heard that Oaxaca is the heartbeat of Mexico. As a Mexican-American, I needed to visit this magical place. As a non adventurous person, traveling to Oaxaca, on my own was not happening. Then comes Luisa / Mexico In My Pocket and plans this immersive, stress free trip and it was finally my chance! This trip, was exactly that! I don't know how she did it, but she brought together a group of strangers on the trip of a lifetime! This trip was filled with a deep understanding of Oaxacan culture, food, and art, in a safe, stress free environment. The bonus, unexpected friendships, a lifetime of memories and a deeper understanding of myself. Can't wait to join her on the next adventure!" - Rosie Fregozo, San Mateo, California

"Memorable doesn't even begin to describe my trip with Luisa to Oaxaca. She created a trip that allowed me to experience the beautiful artisans and culture of this region. I'm so happy to share this experience with the people that went with us. I cannot thank Mexico In My Pocket enough for this moment in my life." - Anna Bass, Houston, Texas

INQUIRIES:

For more details, including our hotel accommodations, cancellation policy, terms and conditions, please email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com.