A Two-Day Immersion in Teotitlán del Valle

Teotitlán del Valle is a hidden gem and Luis Mendoza is its crowning jewel! As an enthusiastic ambassador, Luis guided us on a two-day immersive cultural experience.

We wanted authentic food and cooking experiences as part of our cultural tour and boy did he deliver. Foraging for local herbs, he identified every plant, flower and fruit we came across. We then returned to the home and studio of Oscar Pérez and his wife Lis to cook a seasonal dish in their beautiful outdoor kitchen using traditional foods, tools and methods. Sitting down to the shared meal with the whole family, complete with a toast of mezcal and some crispy chapulines, was a delicious delight and a very special treat.

A trip to Teotitlán wouldn't be complete without learning about the local weaving tradition and Oscar educated us on yarn making, creating his beautiful vibrant colors with all natural dyes, and of course a display of his incredible rugs and other woven products. The gorgeous, colorful rug I purchased adorns my wall and reminds me of these extraordinary people, their country, culture and extended family every day.

Luis' love of life and narration of the history and rich culture of the indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples was fascinating as he guided us through local markets and his favorite palenque, took us to local restaurants, arranged for accommodations of the highest quality and made sure our every need was met.

Highly recommend Luis and Teotitlán Tours! Five Stars.