Shopping Tour in Southern Oaxaca

Explore the vibrant artisan scene of Southern Oaxaca with this 8-hour shopping tour in Oaxaca City, Mexico, priced at $139.07 per person. The experience begins with a warm cup of Oaxacan coffee, setting the scene for a day filled with craftsmanship and cultural insights. The tour is designed for those interested in authentic local products, from silver jewelry to wooden animals, and offers a chance to meet local artisans, learn their crafts, and even pick up a unique souvenir.

With a small group limit of 8 travelers, this tour balances personalized attention with a relaxed pace. It features visits to family-run workshops, a traditional family-style lunch in a garden setting, and a hands-on hat-making experience. The entire day is conveniently organized with a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is centrally located in Oaxaca City. While the tour emphasizes cultural authenticity and craftsmanship, participants should be prepared for walking and some demonstration-based activities.

Key Points

• Authentic artisan experiences with local families and workshops in Oaxaca.
• Visit to Salgados family for silver jewelry designed over three generations.
• Women-led Alebrije workshop in San Martin Tilcajete showcasing carved and painted wooden animals.
• Traditional family-style lunch at Almuu, a garden restaurant offering local cuisine.
• Learn hat-making from a maestro sombrerero in Ocotlan and find a special sombrero.
• Small-group size of up to 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

Starting the Day with Oaxacan Coffee in Oaxaca City

The tour kicks off at the meeting point in Oaxaca City, where you’re greeted with a delicious specialty coffee native to the region. This energizing start sets the tone for a day dedicated to exploring local craftsmanship. The guide provides a warm introduction to the itinerary, emphasizing the authenticity and cultural significance of each workshop.

After coffee, you board a van for about 40 minutes of scenic drive toward Xoxocotlan. This relaxed pace allows ample time to settle in before the first stop, and the small group size helps create an intimate atmosphere for the day’s explorations.

Visiting the Salgados Family Silver Jewelry Workshop in Xoxocotlan

The first highlight is the Salgados family workshop in Xoxocotlan, where silver jewelry crafted over three generations takes center stage. Here, the family welcomes visitors into their workshop, revealing how they elevate Oaxacan jewelry design to a national level.

Visitors observe the crafting process, from melting silver to detailed handmade pieces. The Salgados family shares stories of their legacy, giving insight into the tradition of silversmithing in Oaxaca. This stop offers a chance to purchase unique jewelry pieces directly from the artisan family, making it a perfect spot for souvenirs.

Exploring Alebrije Art in San Martin Tilcajete

Next, the tour heads further down the road to San Martin Tilcajete, home to the only workshop in Oaxaca where women lead the crafting of Alebrijes. These carved and painted wooden animals are instantly recognizable symbols of Mexican folk art.

The women artisans demonstrate their process of carving, painting, and detailing Alebrijes, offering a rare glimpse into a female-led creative space. This stop not only highlights artistic skills but also shares the story of women making their mark in a traditionally male-dominated field. Visitors have the opportunity to ask questions and purchase handmade Alebrijes directly from these talented women.

Enjoying a Traditional Family-Style Lunch at Almuu

After exploring the workshops, the group visits Almuu, a cozy comedor set in a lush garden. Here, a family-style lunch awaits, featuring regional dishes served amidst greenery and natural surroundings.

This meal provides a relaxed break, allowing guests to savor local flavors and reflect on the morning’s craftsmanship. The setting’s tranquil environment enhances the experience, making lunch a highlight of the day for those appreciating authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

Discovering Hat-Making in Ocotlan with a Maestro Sombrerero

The final stop is in Ocotlan, where a skilled maestro sombrerero offers a hands-on hat-making demonstration. Participants learn the traditional craft of sombrero creation, from shaping to decoration, and can try making their own.

This activity provides an interactive element, giving insight into a perennial local craft. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase a sombrero tailored to their style, making it a practical and memorable souvenir. The stop is brief but engaging, rounding out the day with a tangible connection to regional craftsmanship.

Practical Details and Logistics

The meeting point for the tour is conveniently located at Dr. Liceaga 119-local 2, Centro, in Oaxaca City. The entire experience is designed for a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and engaging environment. The tour includes transportation via van and is organized with a mobile ticket for easy access.

Participants should be prepared for some walking and standing during demonstrations and workshops. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. It runs approximately 8 hours, making it a full but comfortably paced day to explore Oaxaca’s artisan culture.

Why Choose This Shopping Tour in Southern Oaxaca?

This tour offers a rich blend of crafts, culture, and gastronomy in a single day. Its focus on family-run workshops and female-led artisans highlights the region’s vibrant creative scene. The small group size ensures personalized attention and meaningful interactions, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic, hands-on experience.

The inclusion of a local lunch and opportunities to purchase artisan products directly from creators add value beyond typical sightseeing. However, travelers should note that pace and physical activity levels are moderate, and the focus is primarily on craft demonstrations and shopping rather than sightseeing landmarks.

The Sum Up on the Southern Oaxaca Shopping Tour

This 8-hour tour offers a well-rounded look at Oaxacan craftsmanship, from silver jewelry to wooden Alebrijes and traditional sombreros. It provides a personalized experience with visits to family workshops, enabling direct interactions with artisans, especially women leading Alebrije creation.

While the schedule is full, the pace remains relaxed, and the activities are engaging and educational. The small group size makes for an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those eager to learn about local traditions and purchase authentic handmade products.

The tour’s strength lies in its authenticity and focus on cultural storytelling behind each craft. It suits art lovers, craft enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Oaxacan culture. For travelers seeking a hands-on, artisan-focused day that combines shopping, culture, and a taste of regional cuisine, this tour delivers a meaningful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $139.07 per person for approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Dr. Liceaga 119-local 2, Centro, Oaxaca City and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts around 8 hours, including all visits and activities.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, participants travel in a van between the stops, with pickup at the meeting point.

Are children or special needs participants welcome?
Most travelers can participate; specific accessibility details are not provided, but physical activity is moderate.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to purchase jewelry, Alebrijes, and sombreros directly from artisans.

What kind of lunch is included?
A family-style, regional lunch is served at Almuu, set in a garden environment.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size makes it ideal for solo travelers seeking a personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who is the experience provider?
The tour is operated by Yesi Rojas, who provides expert guidance throughout the day.