From Oaxaca: Zapotec Roots Mezcal & Textiles Zapotec Roots: Mezcal and Textiles

Explore Zapotec traditions in two of their most authentic expressions: mezcal and textiles. Meet the master mezcal makers and weavers who keep their ancestral traditions alive.
Discover the roots of an ancient culture and immerse yourself in the heart of Oaxaca with the Zapotec Roots: Mezcal and Textiles tour, a unique experience that will connect you with the essence of a people through its flavors, colors and ancestral traditions.
The tour begins in the city of Oaxaca, where an expert tour guide in Zapotec culture will welcome you and share with you a historical context about the Zapotecs, one of the oldest indigenous peoples. This people have kept their traditions alive throughout the centuries, expressing them in their textile handicrafts and mezcal production.

The first destination is a mezcal factory in the Central Valleys, a region deeply linked to Zapotec history. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a master mezcal maker, who will explain how this sacred drink has been a fundamental part of the life and ceremonies of his people for generations.
You will be able to observe up close the traditional process of mezcal making, from the selection of the agave, the cooking in stone ovens underground, the grinding with tahona (a stone wheel pulled by horses), to fermentation and distillation. Throughout the visit, you will learn about the spiritual importance of mezcal for the Zapotecs and how each stage of the process respects the teachings of their ancestors.

At the end of the tour, you will participate in a guided tasting, where you will learn to distinguish the unique flavors and aromas of different types of mezcal, appreciating how the land and the ancestral knowledge are combined in each drink.

The tour continues to Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec town internationally recognized for its textiles. Upon arrival, you will visit a family workshop where generations of weavers have preserved and perfected the techniques of weaving on a pedal loom. They will explain how each design and color used in their tapestries and rugs has a special meaning, representing elements of nature, mythological stories and Zapotec symbols.
You will observe how the threads are prepared, which are dyed with natural dyes extracted from plants and insects such as cochineal, and how the patterns are created on the looms. The artisans will share with you the stories that inspire their creations, revealing how their work is not only an art, but a way to preserve and honor their Zapotec identity.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.