OPTIONAL TOURS AND EXCURSIONS
We do not accept reservations for tours without the Basic Packages. Such requests will be put on waitlist until September 1, 2007 and confirmed pending availability at that time.

CULTURAL WALKING TOUR

A friendly, relaxed and thorough introduction to our city's history and culture. This overview of Oaxaca’s many attractions will prepare you to explore even further, if you choose. Starting at the five centuries old Santo Domingo church, our guide will walk with you through the exciting historic area of our city explaining the significance and telling the stories of the various sites along the way. $20.00/pp

Sunday, October 28, 2007. 10:00 am- 12:00 pm

GUELAGUETZA Dinner and Performance
at the Camino Real Hotel

Don’t miss this most spectacular presentation of the traditional dances of the Guelaguetza-- a magnificent selection from the seven regions of Oaxaca. Held in the beautiful 16th century chapel, offering a sumptuous Oaxacan buffet, 20 regional dancers in glorious costumes and a 14 piece village brass band. An exhilarating evening of rich folkloric tradition in a majestic setting. $35.00/pp

Two performances available during the holidays:
To be announced

CRAFT VILLAGE TOUR

We’ll visit San Bartolo Coyotepec, a village famous for its tradition of making black pottery in the technique preserved by the inheritors of this Zapotec craft. You will be welcome to view the process of making pots on the inverted saucers known as the “Zapotec wheel”.

And then to San Martin Tilcajete to visit the famous wood carvers who create extraordinary polychrome wood carvings in the shape of animals and mythical beasts. The artisan families work together as a unit, yet each person maintains his own brand of skill and ingenuity.

PRIVATE TOUR & RECEPTION at the
Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art

The vast collection of archeological pieces from the Meso-American cultures that this Oaxacan artist, Rufino Tamayo, collected over the years was donated to the people of Oaxaca and today forms the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-hispanic Art. We'll have a private tour, followed by reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres in the museum's lovely patio. $30.00/pp

Monday, October 29, 2007. 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

TRADITIONAL ZAPOTEC WEAVING VILLAGE of Teotítlan del Valle

Don't miss this tour to the ancient Zapotec weaving village of Teotitlan de Valle. The Zapotec weavers of Teotitlan are justly famous for their carpets. For centuries families have handed down the weaving tradition to their children with many families going back six and seven generations. You will see the plants that produce indigo blue dye, and the nopal cactus where weavers cultivate cochinilla bugs to produce the handsome red color (cochineal dye). You’ll also see a spinning, dying and weaving demonstration, and have the opportunity to purchase some of the magnificent, richly colored rugs produced in the village. (approx. 3 1/2 hours) $20.00/pp

Tuesday, October 30, 2007. 10:00 am- 1:00 pm

MONTE ALBAN TOUR

Guided tour to Monte Albán archeological site: Just ten kilometers (6 miles) from the city of Oaxaca lies Monte Albán, one of the very first cities in the new world. Founded approximately 500 years before the birth of Christ, the city grew and dominated the valleys of Oaxaca up to 750 a.d. It was the capital of the ‘cloud people’, the Zapotecs, for over a millennium. Monte Albán, served as a holy center for 40,000 of Zapotec ancestors 2500 years ago, was the epicenter of their culture and a place of divine worship. $25.00/pp

Wednesday, October 31, 2007. 9:00 am - 12:30 pm