Published on Feb, 2024
The first and most memorable stop on our tour was to the workshop of the Vasquez family of master weavers in Teotitlan del Valle. We were treated to a thorough tour of the entire process of weaving, from carding and spinning the wool, through the dyeing process, and finally weaving rugs and other items using the same ancient patterns and dyes the Zapotec people originated thousands of years ago. Everyone was so welcoming and eager to share their expertise with us. Next, our excellent guide, Jeshua, took us to Hierve el Agua, to see the fascinating petrified waterfalls and wander around the pools, although we didn't go swimming. Since Jeshua wasn't allowed to accompany us to the waterfalls, it would have been nice if there had been someone else there to tell us more about the origin and the stories surrounding these interesting mineral formations, but we enjoyed seeing them nonetheless. We then made a brief stop at a mezcal distillery for an interesting tour and tasting. Overall this was a great day trip and we enjoyed spending time with our very personable and knowledgeable guide, although there was one brief hiccup at the start of the day, when a non-English-speaking guide showed up at our airbnb to pick us up. The confusion was quickly resolved when Jeshua called us and arranged to meet at a nearby pickup location.