Join us for a celebration of indigenous culture during Guelaguetza, without the peak tourist crowds.
We’re excited to invite you to a one-of-a-kind experience in your Spanish-learning journey: Raíces y Ritmo, our Guelaguetza Cultural & Spanish Immersion Tour. Scheduled just before the peak tourist dates, this special edition offers a more intimate connection to Oaxaca’s Indigenous traditions, without the overwhelming crowds. In the vibrant weeks leading up to the main stage events, communities fill the streets with music, dance, colorful parades & preparations. You’ll practice Spanish daily while learning directly from artisans, local guides & village families. From live performances to ancestral food, history & art, this tour supports the people and spirit behind one of Mexico’s most powerful celebrations. Read on to learn more & contact us with any questions.
Spending time in a Spanish-speaking country is an incredibly rewarding way to grow your beyond the textbook Spanish comprehension. Our program is crafted to help you not only improve your Spanish by navigating daily activities, immersed in the culture, but also by sharing your experiences along the way with other Spanish language enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Celebrate one of Mexico’s most vibrant traditions through a high-quality cultural immersion during La Guelaguetza.
This all-inclusive journey combines artisan visits, regional flavors, and meaningful activities that highlight the depth of Oaxaca’s Indigenous heritage, without the congestion of peak week. Enjoy a beautiful private home in the heart of downtown Oaxaca, exclusively reserved for our group, creating a comfortable retreat after each day of exploration. Every detail is thoughtfully curated so that you can experience Oaxaca at its most authentic and alive.
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you on Raíces y Ritmo: Guelaguetza 2026:
All meals are included everyday
Kick off the week with a vibrant parade & activities in the decorated city with a local Spanish teacher to practice your Spanish, and learn about indigenous traditions.
Hands-on chocolate-making workshop
Traditional Oaxacan cooking class
Visit Monte Albán, Oaxaca's most important archaeological site
Exclusive fine-dining experience in our house prepared by a talented local chef
Explore the beautiful Jalatlaco neighborhood, historic district and the highlights of the city of Oaxaca
Learn the cultural significance of the famous Tule Tree
Join in a hands-on black pottery class in a pottery studio run by a skilled Zapotec family in San Bartolo Coyotepec
Meet master artisans in San Martín Tilcajete and learn about alebrijes
Participate in Fundación En Vía’s responsible tourism program, supporting women entrepreneurs
All tours, Spanish lessons & cultural activities are led by trusted, experienced local guides & Spanish teachers.
Details
Duration: 7 days Date: July 11 – July 18, 2026
Price: Private Room (1 person): $2,300 | Shared Deluxe Room – 2 Queen Beds: $1,850 per person |. Shared Room – Couple Sharing 1 Bed: $1,700 per person *All fees included
Discount: Group Discount: 3+ people: 10% off ticket price. Contact us for information on our Referral Bonuses. Only one discount can be used per tour.
First Guest to sign-up: As a thank-you for being first, you’ll receive a professionally curated photo book of the trip after the tour.
Group Size: 5 to 8 people
Accommodation: A private luxury home in the heart of Oaxaca, reserved exclusively for our group. Each bedroom features its own private bathroom and locks securely for your comfort and peace of mind. Guests may choose a private room or share a spacious double room (each with its own bathroom) to share with family, a friend, or fellow guest.
Spanish level: Intermediate. You should be at a level to where you can generally handle most of the week in Spanish and all activities are in Spanish. We will be there to help.
Age: 18+ /exceptions are made for older teen Spanish learners when accompanied by an adult.
Fly into: Oaxaca International Airport
Physical Exertion Level: low-moderate: guests should be comfortable walking short to moderate distances, such as to restaurants or during guided tours. However, many activities, like the tour of Monte Albán and the city tour, offer the option to participate at your own pace or choose a seated or alternate activity instead. Please let us know your comfort level, and we’ll gladly adapt the experience to meet your needs.
Inclusions: Local transportation, accommodation, 3 meals a day, and all scheduled tours and activities.
Exclusions: Flights to and from the meeting points, personal expenses, optional activities, extra days, tips for the guides, or anything not outlined here.
About the House
We’ve arranged a beautiful private home in the heart of downtown Oaxaca, exclusively for our group. Each guest enjoys a comfortable bedroom with its own private bathroom and a lockable door for complete comfort and privacy. Rooms are available as private or shared, each with its own bathroom. The double occupancy room is ideal for those traveling with a friend or wishing to share the experience with another guest. The house offers the intimacy of a boutique stay with the privacy and style of a nice hotel. Here you will enjoy a special fine-dining evening prepared in-house by a chef from one of Oaxaca’s acclaimed kitchens. Our house also includes a kitchen, and places to sit, play games, or share experiences with the others in the group.
Key Highlights
Why before the main Guelaguetza week?
Because this is when Oaxaca shines. Streets begin to bloom with color, parades and performances start, but the crowds that make it more difficult to have real connections haven’t peaked. You’ll see artisans preparing for the fair, and you can join in local festivals and parades, while enjoying a more intimate experience with culture not diluted by mass tourism. This schedule ensures you still experience a vibrant taste of Guelaguetza, while keeping the week comfortable and focused on genuine cultural exchange.
Find Your Community with Us
Share rewarding experiences with our group of intermediate to advanced Spanish-language enthusiasts. In today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world, establishing and valuing a sense of community is more important than ever, particularly during the intensive journey of learning a new language. Our tours are designed to foster connections among like-minded individuals, sharing real experiences that focus on the passions that bring us together. Learning a new language is a deeply immersive process that demands a high level of dedication and passion to achieve your ultimate goal. Those embarking on this journey often find that being part of a supportive community of similarly driven individuals offers invaluable encouragement and inspiration. Our mission is to cultivate and nurture these communities, bringing together people eager to support and share their experiences with one another during a rewardingly in touch, ethical and culturally immersive experience.
We have rented a beautiful house in a central location to call home for the week. Here, everyone can enjoy their own private space while benefiting from exclusive access to communal areas. This setup allows us to share experiences, play games in Spanish and participate in fun activities together.
We take care of transportation after your arrival to Oaxaca, as well as accommodation and meals, with planned activities throughout the week. All you need to do is show up and enjoy! It’s the perfect blend of casual relaxation and cultural immersion without the headache of researching, planning and managing the details.
Authentic Experiences Vetted Just for You
Our carefully vetted tours provide high-quality experiences, maximizing your time and investment. We’ve spent time immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca, sampling a number of activities, the good, and bad, to separate out what works and what doesn’t. Our hands-on approach cuts through the noise and our tours are designed to help you avoid the pitfalls of unreliable online reviews as well as to offer you a curated experience that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Explore with us a seamless and enjoyable journey in Oaxaca and discover with us what it has to offer!
About Fundación En Vía
Fundación En Vía is a non-profit that we collaborate with for their invaluable contribution to this immersive experience. They are based in Oaxaca, Mexico, and are dedicated to empowering women in small towns outside of Oaxaca city that don’t often see the revenue from tourism that inflates their cost of living. En Via offers entrepreneurs interest-free loans, ongoing free education and business resources, as well as promoting responsible tourism. By offering these programs, En Vía provides support to six communities in the Tlacolula Valley. This initiative helps women improve their livelihoods, to support their families, and strengthen their communities.
During our Tour, you will spend time meeting their inspiring participants, sharing meals with their community and participating in engaging activities to offer a deeply cultural and authentic experience. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about traditional skills and practice Spanish with local entrepreneurs. This provides a unique glimpse into the lives of these inspiring people, showcasing their businesses, and welcoming communities. Expect to hear personal stories, engage in cultural exchanges, and enjoy authentic Oaxacan cuisine prepared by the entrepreneurs themselves.
For more information on Fundación En Vía and their impactful work, you can visit their official website at envia.org.
Why Visit Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is a captivating tapestry of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From its colorful markets and world-renowned cuisine to its ancient ruins and bustling arts scene, Oaxaca offers a truly unique experience.
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Refund Policy:
Cancellation within 30 days of the initial payment will result in a full refund, excluding any incurred payment processing fees.
Cancellation after the initial 30 days will result in a deduction of 25% of the total price paid, in addition to any payment processing fees, from the refund amount.
Cancellation made less than 60 days before the first day of the purchased tour will not be eligible for a refund.