Additional Extensions from Oaxaca City

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec

This is an area, across the Sierra Madre to the Southern-most part of the State of Oaxaca and the narrowest part of Mexico between both oceans. This is the world famous region of the Tehuanas, as the native Zapotec women are known. Emblematically they wear a colorful huipil internationally known, as it was used by Frida Kahlo in several of her self portraits. The Isthmus also has always been in the spotlight of modern Mexico due to a strong & unique matriarchal social structure that prevails to today as well as because of a unique homosexual acceptance. Birthplace of Andres Henestrosa & Francisco Toledo, this region also originates it’s own popular music in their native tongue, poetry and today some of the finest contemporary art of Oaxaca.

Programs are tailored to concur with “velas” or grand village fiestas in the spring, to visit villages that manufacture the amazing huipils, colorful market towns, famous gold filigree artisans and the ancient zapotec fortress of Giengola.