Art.Play.Nature.
Unleash Your Creativity: 8-Day Art Retreat in Oaxaca
Welcome to our immersive art retreat nestled in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Immerse yourself in a variety of unique workshops, including artisanal paper-making, paper jewelry crafting, and hands-on sessions exploring natural colors and sustainable processes.
Artisanal Paper Art.
Explore the enchanting world of artisanal paper-making in San Agustin Etla, a hidden gem celebrated for its spirited workshops. Thanks to the vision of revered Mexican artist Francisco Toledo, visitors can immerse themselves in a hands-on experience, learning the art of crafting eco-friendly paper and paper art.
At our workshop, discover the beauty of sustainable practices as we utilize paper pulp sourced exclusively from renewable local resources. From banana leaves to corn husks, and even discarded agave leaves from the mezcal industry, every aspect of our process is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Oaxacan culture and tradition.
Cozy Places.
Stay in charming accommodations, starting with a quaint hotel in San Agustin Etla, situated near the renowned art center, then concluding your retreat at “Hotel con Corazón” in Oaxaca City, both offering comfort and style.
Vibrant Art Scene.
Discover the vibrant street art scene of Oaxaca City, where creativity knows no bounds. From stunning murals to graphic art, Oaxaca’s urban landscape depicts a history of diversity, uprising and resistance.
Oaxaca brims with creativity, boasting a rich tapestry of talent. Esteemed artists like Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Morales, and Francisco Toledo have played pivotal roles in shaping Oaxaca’s vibrant art scene. Beyond their artistic contributions, they’ve established various art institutions hosting events, exhibitions, and workshops for both emerging and established talents.
Cultural Immersion.
Enhance your art retreat experience with our exciting additional tour options, offering a deeper immersion into the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Oaxaca: Hiking Tour to Hierve el Agua; traditional market visit with cooking class, and a tour to the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán with Alebrije painting workshop.
ITINERARY
8-Day Art Retreat
Next date: February 6th to 13th, 2025
Price: From 1,600 USD (early bird until September 20)
Group size: 5 to 10 people
Day 1: Arrival in San Agustin Etla
- Airport pickup from Oaxaca City included
- Settling in at Hotel Casa Maria
- Welcome Dinner with the group
Day 2: San Agustin Art Center + Paper Making Workshop
- After breakfast, we visit the famous Art Center (Centro de las Artes de San Agustin)
- From there we go on a hike (about an hour) through wild forest along a river to Edurado’s paper making workshop
- After a local lunch, we start making paper the artisanal way
Day 3: Natural dyes and paper jewelry workshop
- After breakfast, we visit a nearby cochineal farm to learn everything about this natural red dye
- After lunch, we will be back at Eduardo’s paper workshop to dive deeper into natural dyes and printing
- In the afternoon, our host Paula will lead a paper jewelry workshop
Oysters / Veggie / Ginger
Day 4: Traditional Market in Etla + cooking class (optional)
- After breakfast, we head to the traditional market in Villa de Etla to buy some of the ingredients for our cooking class
- With the help of our traditional chef Angeles, we will prepare traditional snacks from the comal and dive deep into Oaxacas famous cuisine
Day 5: Street Art Tour Oaxaca City
- After breakfast, we are heading to Oaxaca City
- 11 am Street Art Walking Tour with Margaux (about 4 hours)
- Afternoon free
Day 6: Hierve el agua full day hiking tour (optional)
- 7 am hotel pick up by Zapotrek
- Local breakfast in the town of Tlacolula
- After a 3 km hike swimming in the Secret Waterfall of Las Salinas
- After another 6 km hike arriving in the town of San Isidro Roaguia to have lunch
- Enjoying the petrified waterfalls Hierve el Agua
- Back in Oaxaca City by 7 pm
Day 7: Monte Alban + Alebrijes painting workshop (optional)
- After breakfast, we head to the archeological Zapotec site Monte Albán
- After a 2-hours tour we hike the ancient trails down to the Alebrije village San Antonio Arrazola (about an hour)
- On the way we stop at an artisanal Mezcal distillery
- Lunch at the artisan families house, where we take an Alebrijes painting workshop
- Around 6 pm we will be back in Oaxaca City
Day 8: Departure
This Retreat includes:
- Accomodation in charming small and locally owned hotels including breakfast
- Transportation to all activities
- All art related tours and workshops (Guided tour San Agustin Art Center, paper making workshop with Eduardo, paper jewelry workshop with Paula, cochineal farm, Street Art Tour Oaxaca City)
- Meals during the activities
- Welcome dinner in San Agustin Etla
- Not included: Flights & optional tours
Meet your Hosts.
Join us on a creative journey in Oaxaca, led by a dynamic team passionate about art, culture, and sustainable practices.
Paula Hartmann – Artist (www.papapom.com):
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Paula is a self-taught mobile maker and crafter. In her home studio she creates different styles of mobiles, kinetic sculptures, whimsical installations and jewelry pieces, which are partly inspired by East European and indigenous craft traditions.
Eduardo (Lalo) Santiago Gijón – Artisan Paper Maker (ManoSucia Ediciones):
Born and raised in San Agustin Etla, Lalo is our esteemed artisan paper maker and eco-friendly pioneer. After five years of experience in the craft, Lalo founded his own workshop in 2020, where he continues to create exquisite paper using ancient and sustainable methods. Lalo’s deep connection to his craft, nature, and his community offers our participants a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca.
Katrin Schrimpf – Cultural Ambassador:
Residing in Oaxaca since 2018, Katrin Schrimpf is our local expert and enthusiastic guide to the hidden treasures of the region. With a wealth of knowledge spanning various local crafts and cultural insights, Katrin is dedicated to sharing the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca with others. Her passion for exploration and her deep appreciation for the beauty of the region make her an invaluable asset to our art retreat. Katrin is also the founder of Lakaan Travel, the organizing force behind the retreat, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned for an unforgettable experience.
Together we invite you to join us for an unforgettable art retreat experience, where creativity flourishes, cultural connections are forged, and memories are made to last a lifetime.
Save 30% and secure the early bird price of 1,600 USD (without additional tours) until September 20! After that, the price rises to 2,080 USD.
Reservation & Contact
Please fill out the Google Form to book your spot. For questions or further information, please write an email to hello@laakan-travel.com or send a WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Oaxaca City experiences mild and pleasant weather during February, with average temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It’s typically a dry month with clear skies, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s cultural attractions and outdoor activities.
We recommend packing comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, any personal medications, and any specific art supplies you prefer. We’ll provide a detailed packing list closer to the retreat date.
No prior art experience is required to join the retreat. Our workshops cater to participants of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. Our expert instructors will provide guidance and support tailored to individual needs.
Yes, transportation from the airport to the accommodation venue will be arranged for participants arriving on specified arrival dates. Further details regarding transportation logistics will be provided closer to the retreat date.
Yes, we strive to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies when registering for the retreat, and our team will make arrangements accordingly.
Yes, there will be scheduled free time during the retreat for participants to explore Oaxaca independently, relax, or engage in optional activities. Our team can also provide recommendations for local attractions and activities.
After the retreat, if you’d like to extend your stay in Mexico, Lakaan Travel can assist you in planning additional experiences such as heading to the beach or staying in Oaxaca to celebrate the vibrant Day of the Dead festivities (Oct 31st to Nov 2nd), as the retreat ends on October 30th.