Experience Local Culture Through the Eyes of Its Artisans

Small group tours and experiences offer rare access to indigenous communities and centuries-old handcraft techniques.

Intimate Artisan & Textile Tours

Artisans are the keepers and protectors of cultural traditions, using techniques that have been passed down for hundreds or even thousands of years. We’ll visit their homes and workshops to watch them create extraordinary works of art while learning about their local practices and community life. Many are village leaders and distinguished award winners. All are revered for preserving their heritage.

  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9

Stay Connected

Receive updates on tours, posts, and special offers. Sign up to get notified. 

a group shot of norma with visitors in front of casa de artisana

People Love Traveling With Us

More than 100 5-Star Reviews on TripAdvisor… and counting!

a TripAdvisor badge for the travelers choices awards, as well as the New York Times logo

Why Choose Us

Exclusive Access

The artisans you’ll visit are cherished friends who graciously invite us into their homes and workshops because of the relationships we’ve built over the years.

Trusted Experts

Tours are organized by a textile expert and led by a fourth-generation Zapotec rug weaver from the Oaxaca valley. We've been operating since 2007.

Small Groups

Tour numbers are capped to keep it personal - it’s like having a local friend show you around their favorite places, introducing you to the people they admire.

Community Impact

Your participation directly supports the people and communities we visit, improving their standard of living and preserving their cultural traditions.

a woman sitting on a chair, removing seeds from raw cotton by hand, a time-consuming process that yields stronger, higher-quality yarn with fewer broken fibers
Caracol purpura (a marine mollusk found in the coastal waters of Oaxaca) is used to dye yarn purple. Each snail produces a small amount of dye, making it incredibly precious.
A women is kneeling down and working on organic cotton ready to be beaten with wood sticks. This process allows the fibers to align prior to the spinning process. No carding tools are used here.

Hover over images to learn more

Cultural Appreciation & Sustainability

We are dedicated to preserving cultural integrity, supporting economic development, and expanding opportunities for artisans to share their work. By traveling with us, you gain a deeper understanding of their culture and appreciation for their craft. More importantly, you have a direct and positive impact on their livelihood while helping to sustain indigenous artisanry. Our mission is to give these artisans the respect and recognition they deserve so their traditions live on.


Norma's Blog

First image

New Website Coming Soon!

Hello friends,We have been working behind the scenes to improve Oaxaca Cultural Navigator and have a few big updates to share. First, after we go live on or around April 15, notices will be coming...
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6

Shop Handmade

Everything in our shop is made by hand using traditional methods. We buy directly from small family businesses and co-ops we trust, paying what they ask because their work is exceptional. Some pieces take weeks or even months to complete. Each purchase supports these artisans and keeps their traditions alive.

Stay Connected

Receive updates on tours, posts, and special offers. Sign up to get notified. 

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!