Arrival at Cancun International Airport, Cancun, Mexico.

Airport pickup any time night or day. 

After breakfast we are heading out to our base for the next few days - historic Valladolid. 

Dating back to 1545, Valladolid was moved to its current location, built atop a Maya town called Zací by the Spanish Conquerors.

First stop will be the Zací Cenote and lunch [ have your swimmers ready if you want to float in the cenote - life jackets are   provided]

The word "cenote" comes from the Mayan word dz'onot, which means "cavern with water". The term originated in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, where the ancient Maya used cenotes for water and sometimes for sacrificial offerings. These places are incredibly beautiful and a delight to experience.

After lunch we will visit Casa de los Venados – this amazing private collection of folk art is so good, we visit the first day, so you have the chance to come back later again if you wish to soak up more of it.

The Historic Towns of the Yucatan are fabulous for walking: flat, quite small and on a grid system. We will walk in town rather than busing because it is much easier to get around.

Let's share a meal together tonight and celebrate having this adventure together.

B,L D

We visit Museo de Ropa Etnica de Mexico today. 

There is so much to learn about local textile culture, the work of the UN focused on preserving Mayan Culture.

It is recognized that the Huipil [Mayan embroidered blouse or dress] is an integral part of Mayan Culture. It was once a handloom fabric with intricate woven or embroidered motifs… times have changed- the look of the design remains the same but methods of producing the blouse have changed.

There will be a workshop lead by Gillian Travis to enjoy along side women from the Valladolid Embroiders group.

Gillian will be teaching a fabric paintiong workshop based on the floral designs we see on the costumes in the museum and street.

Gillian will teach how to transfer the floral designs to the fabric. She will supply a kit with all your needs, this is a fabulous opportunity to forge a connection with the women of the Valladolid Embroiders Group.

We will be treated to a home cooked lunch at the Museum – Laura is a fabulous local woman who will cater for all of us.

Fun and adventures today – off early to explore the beautiful Rio Lagartos Biosphere. 

It is peaceful, lots of opportunity to spot local wildlife –various birds, crocodiles, maybe a raccoon and flamingos.

Bring your swimmers to take a Mayan mud bath and check out the salt drying ponds.

Fish is on the menu for lunch if you like it.

In the afternoon we will visit Ek Balam Mayan Archaeological Site, bring your walking shoes you can scale the monument for a better look at the Mayan Carvings.

Woman from the Valladolid Embroidery Guild will lead a workshop in Xmanikben Embroidery. 

Archaeological evidence of at the Chichen Itza Monument indicate that these stitches were in use on Mayan garments before the advent of the Spanish.

It is a type of counted thread embroidery, stitching it we are recreating stitches that have been used by Mayan women for many, many centuries.

Lunch with our hosts and a free sfternoon,

B,L

It is recognized that the Huipil [Mayan embroidered blouse or dress] is an integral part of Mayan Culture. It was once a handloom fabric with intricate woven or embroidered motifs… times have changed- the look of the design remains the same but methods of producing the blouse have changed.

There are still some women working in hand embroidery, others have perfected drawing flower motifs with machine. 

We are visiting a family well known for their fine machine embroidery skills today.

The men of the family are treating us to a festive lunch Cochinita Pibil – BBQ Pork cooked in an earth oven, a real treat.  [there will be an alternative provided for vegetarians]

We will check out the Iglesia de la Santísima Cruz Tun – this church has an important place in the Mayan Heart and helped bring about hope during the Caste Wars in the mid 1800’s when the Mayan Indians fought for their survival against Hispanic domination of the Yucatan.

When we arrive back in town, lets take some time with Gillian as she extends the floral workshop techniques to encompass architectural images and motifs. 

B, L

We move on from lovely Valladolid today and weave through a number of small villages as we head to Merida.

Some are busting with embroidery and textiles others are golden and beautiful to wander around. Three very special villages to be experienced.

This evening in Merida there will be music and dancing in the town square- we can soak up local culture with our dinner.

Bring your dancing shoes!

B,L,D

The Museo del Mundo Maya is a wonderful place to learn more about Mayan history and culture, it is on our agenda this morning before we make our way across to the coast, white sand beaches and sunshine.

In your kit you will  find a large block-printed motif [ we excitedly printed these for you during our Indian Textile Adventure😊] 

We thought stitching into them, inspired by some of the hand stitch we have seen would be the perfect reason to sit at a beachside cafe with a cooling drink, the Caribbean Sea in front of you and a leisurley afternoon.

B,L,D

Tulum is renown for the Tulum Archaeological Site on the headland above its white beaches lapped by the Caribbean Sea.

We will start the day with a visit the site then head down beachside.

You could work on your embroidery, textile journal or perhaps sign up for a scuba diving adventure, the choice is yours

Dinner is at a local favourite restaurant tonight- delicious and great margaritas.

B,D

Time for an early morning dip before we work with Gillian on the final presentation of your Mexican project.

The we will head up to Cancun, and a Farewell Dinner.

B,D

Departures from Cancun International Airport, Cancun, Mexico.

Airport drop any time night or day. 

Gillian will supply a kit with all you need

just bring a small pair of sharp scissors.