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Oaxaca with Heath Ceramics
March 4 - 10, 2025 | October 13 - 19, 2025
The Many Faces of Oaxaca
A creative journey through the artistic heart of Mexico
Multiple Dates
| March 4-10, 2025 | Join Waitlist |
| October 13-19, 2025 | Available - 3 spots left! |
“Our MO/AD guide seemed to be sharing his friends with us, he knew every artisan and family we visited.”
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
$6,000
Per person based on double occupancy
Oaxaca with Rosalie Wild and Tung Chiang of Heath Ceramics
You’ve heard the legends about Oaxacan hospitality, yet you’re still unprepared for what comes next. You’re in the home studio of a master artisan, and she’s insisted on sitting down for lunch as her workshop fills with notes of chili pepper, chocolate and fresh herbs. It’s your first bite of mole negro—just one of the region’s seven moles, refined over centuries, and you immediately taste the tradition in both the recipe and the vessel itself. It’s been this way all week—from visiting the studios of renowned weavers to witnessing the living history of indigenous ceramics—every waking hour has roused your senses and ignited your imagination. This is Oaxaca, a city in love with innovation yet rooted in tradition, a banquet for the senses and a sanctuary for the soul.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Heath partners, Madda Studio
- Experience Monte Albán
- Artisanal glass workshop
- Farm to Table cooking lesson
- Potter's studio demonstration
- Market & street food immersion
- Homecooked meals with local families
- Visit Teotitlan del Valle
Heath Ceramics
What started as a small-scale pottery in 1948 has turned into an American icon. Heath produces some of the world's most highly regarded ceramic home goods, believing in quality craft and timeless design, celebrating the process, materials, and people and places behind their products. For decades, they've been inspired by Oaxaca's rich craft traditions that span from clay to textiles—this trip will dig in and explore a range of traditional crafts and how they are evolving and intersecting with design today.
Our Hosts in Oaxaca
In March, we’ll be traveling alongside Rosalie Wild, and in October will be the distinguished guests of Tung Chiang. Both of these artists are drawn to the creative energy of Oaxaca and we are so fortunate to travel beside them and meet the movers, makers and shakers who are shaping the zeitgeist today.
Tung Chiang
Director of Heath Ceramics Clay Studio
In October 2025, we travel to Oaxaca with Tung Chiang. A gifted designer and ceramist, Tung's career spans graphic design, advertising and industrial design and ceramics. He's constantly moving toward a fusion of thinking, designing and making.
Rosalie Wild
Design Director, Heath Ceramics
In March 2025 we travel with Rosalie Wild. Heath's design director has spent more than a decade immersing herself in every aspect of the creative process. Her nuanced understanding of color and materiality, and her passion for design history, makes her an invaluable steward of the institution's legacy. A former design student at Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe in Oaxaca, Rosalie's connection to the region is at once personal and profound.
Day by Day
*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.
Day 1: Oaxaca City
Bienvenidos a Mexico! In the afternoon, we’ll meet up with our tastemaker and get oriented with one of Latin America’s great colonial wonders: Oaxaca City. We’ll get to know the cobblestone streets and bookmark a few sites to explore before settling in for a welcome cocktail hour.
We’ll toast the start of our adventure, then walk to dinner overlooking Oaxaca’s flood-lit cathedral for an inspired meal together under the stars.
Tastemaker Moment: Our tastemaker will share Heath's connection to Oaxaca and toast to the road ahead
Day 2: Teotitlan del Valle
Today we head into the mountains, where villages devoted to arts and crafts lurk in valley shadows. We’ll stop at the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, a weaving village with about 5,000 people (and 2,000 looms).
We’ll meet a local Zapotec weaving family, who’ll demonstrate their intricate craft using natural fibers for dyes (and even a grounded insect for the bright reds), just as they have for the past 14 generations. A hands-on and home-cooked Zapotec lunch awaits us, where we’ll learn the hows and whys behind Nixtamalization.
Afterwards we return to the city, where the late afternoon and evening is yours to embellish on your own.
Day 3: Monte Albán
We begin this epic day at the hilltop ruin of Monte Albán, a vast complex of pyramids and shrines dating from 500 BC—and easily one of Mesoamerica’s grandest sites. We’ll explore its monumental scale and the intricate carvings of bas relief sculptures as one of Mexico’s great colonial cities sprawls below us.
We’ll carry that history with us when we make our way to the home studio of a master artisan of Oaxacan folk art. After a private pottery tour, she’ll host us for a homemade lunch featuring one of the region’s famed seven moles.
Dinner tonight is on your own.
Tastemaker Moment: Our tastemaker will lead a demonstration beside the local artist
Day 4: Oaxaca City
Our day in Oaxaca begins with a visit to CASA – Centro de las Artes San Agustin, where we explore the fascinating Natural Paper Factory founded by Oaxacan legend, Francisco Toledo.
Next, we immerse ourselves in contemporary art at the studio of ceramic artist Adan Paredes before visiting an artisanal glass workshop where we’ll witness a staggering commitment to sustainability and renewable energy that is unrivaled in the glass world.
After a savory tradtional lunch, our artistic journey continues with a hands-on printmaking class at the Special Graphic Art Studio, led by the renowned painter Enrique Flores.
The day concludes with one of the staples of the lively Oaxacan food scene.
Tastemaker Moment: Our tastemaker will speak about the intersection of glass and ceramics
Day 5: Yanhuitlan
Our day begins with a visit to Madda Studio, where owner Maddalena Forcella blends her Itailian design sensibility with Oaxcan tradition to produce some of the most stunning textiles in the region.
From there, we travel to the Mixtec Mountains, where the picturesque town of Yanhuitlan awaits. This historic town is home to one of the earliest churches in the Americas, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Next, we visit the home of artist Manuel Reyes and his family. Manuel, a master ceramicist, has created a unique style of decorative traditional folk pottery that we’ll have the privilege to observe.
After enjoying a delightful home-cooked lunch with the Reyes family, we return to the hotel for some well-deserved free time. The evening is yours to explore Oaxaca’s vibrant culinary scene, with dinner on your own.
Tastemaker Moment: Our tastemaker will introduce us to Heath partners, Madda Studio
Day 6: Oaxaca City
Our final day in Oaxaca offers a free morning to immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic art scene. Wander through the myriad of art museums and galleries, discovering contemporary masterpieces and traditional works that reflect Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage. Take the opportunity to buy unique souvenirs, each piece a tangible memory of this vibrant city.
As the day transitions, we will gather for a farewell dinner at the historic Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe. Set in the lush agricultural fields of San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, this property has witnessed over 250 years of Oaxacan history. Once a working farm held by the Dominican order, it now stands as a beautifully remodeled space blending traditional techniques with modern design.
Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Central Valleys, it provides the perfect backdrop for our final evening together. We will enjoy a sumptuous meal, reflecting on our adventures and the new friendships we’ve forged in this captivating region.
Tastemaker Moment: Our tastemaker will lead a round of farewell toasts
Day 7: Departures
All great things come to an end, alas. We’ll bid farewell to Oaxaca, and head out to the airport for our flights home. Buen viaje!
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I loved eating goat just after it was lifted from the pit, sipping on a mezcal.
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This is more than just a trip. It’s authentic and joyful, and a powerful reminder of why we travel.
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The meals made for us in local homes were just heavenly.
Where We Sleep
A peaceful oasis in Oaxaca City—our accommodations are small-scale and boutique, the ideal ways to get acquainted with Oaxaca life.
El Callejón
Oaxaca CityOff a central side street, a few blocks from the zocalo and central shops and eateries, a street gate opens into a breathtaking oasis that’s our Oaxaca City home: a boutique hotel with a dozen spacious rooms blending the city’s distinctive styles. Serenity reigns in its thoughtful garden spaces, with palm trees, covered walkways and an outdoor patio bar.
Book Oaxaca with Heath Ceramics
Make It Private
We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.
Start HereQuestions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.
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What does the price include?
Six nights at unique 4-star boutique accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; arrival and departure airport transfers; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals.
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What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
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Where does the trip start and end?
Our adventure begins at Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), where we’ll transfer to El Callejón Hotel in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Our last day is in Oaxaca City. On our final day, Modern Adventure will organize a complimentary transfer to OAX for all guests who’s flight home departs at 1pm or later from OAX airport.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Mexico for stays up to 180 days. The only requirement is a valid passport. We recommend that your passport is valid for 6 calendar months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. On arrival at the airport, you will be issued a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). Not a US citizen? Please check with the Mexican Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $1,000 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are extremely limited; we recommend booking early to secure single accommodations.
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Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
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What is the cancellation policy?
For group departures booked on or after January 1, 2025, you may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
For group departures booked before January 1, 2025, you may cancel more than 90 days before departure and receive a full refund minus a $500 per person service fee. If you cancel on or after 90 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 45 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.