Hidalgo and Its Colorful Folk Art

April 20-28, 2024
Nine Days and Eight Nights

Hidalgo is the state with the most artisan branches, among which the following stand out: basketry, lapidary, weaving and embroidery, wood carving, candle making, confetti, metalwork and saddlery. The purpose of this trip is to get to know this vast production of cultural expression and to meet the artists and learn about their inspirations.

Hidalgo has a strong indigenous presence, including Nahuas, ñhañhus and a Tepehua minority. During the trip we will have the opportunity to listen to their three indigenous languages. Hidalgo is a living and vibrant cultural mosaic and has a vast cultural heritage visible in its religious art, civil, hydraulic, vernacular and popular architecture. Our trip is designed to enjoy every aspect of Hidalgo’s culture.

QUICK LOOK

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP

• • Visiting the incredible archaeological site of Tula, and learning about the Atlantes and the importance of this city since pre-Hispanic times
  • Using all your senses to explore two magical villages in Hidalgo: Huasca de Ocampo and Real del Monte
  • Finding the most extraordinary weavers in Hidalgo, who are preserving their traditions since pre-Hispanic times
  • Enjoying the best culinary experiences in Pachuca
  • Celebrating the most important music in Hidalgo with their particular dances; plenty of color, dances, music and the unique joy of the people to honor life
  • Discovering the best of the mask makers, potters and embroiderers that are in Hidalgo, where artists express with beauty and colors their identity and culture

GALLERY

ITINERARY

.APRIL 20

We will meet at the Benito Juárez airport in México City at 1:45 p.m, then we will take the road to Pachuca. There, we will have our welcome dinner, and we will have the introduction to the trip to Hidalgo.

APRIL 21

We are going to visit the most emblematic place in Pachuca, the Ex-convent of St. Francis of Assisi, which is one of the most interesting examples of Baroque Churrigueresco. Then we are going to visit the Monumental Clock, that helps us to remember the first century of the Independence of México (1910). After, we will visit the Macromural of Pachuca, where more than 209 houses are part of this masterpiece.

APRIL 22

On our way to Ixmiquilpan, an area that is very well known because of their textiles and miniatures (wood ítems inlaid with shell). Ixmiquilpan is the center of the Otomi producer.

Here in Ixmiquilpan we are going to enjoy the wealth of hñähñu folk art. You will appreciate the work carried out by the artisans with skill and precision on the back strap loom, a pre-Hispanic weaving technique used to make blouses, sashes, quechquemitl and shawls, as well as personalized works such as banners and scrolls used for patron saint festivities. Among the variety of figures depicted in the garments, flowers, regional plants, fretwork, crosses and birds stand out. This technique has been preserved over time in the family nucleus.

We will visit with the group, “Las Mendoza”, made up of 8 women who have a history of more than five decades, and their work is internationally recognized thanks to the quality of the pieces they make.

APRIL 23

We are going to visit the Magical Village of Huasca de Ocampo. The first stop will be the famous Hacienda Santa María Regla, with its incredible architecture and famous fortress. We are going to visit the San Juan Bautista Church and the Ex-convent which now is a museum. This day you are going to have a great opportunity to enjoy one of the most interesting places in Hidalgo.

APRIL 24

Today we are going to visit Actopan. Along with visiting this amazing place because of its extraordinary architecture and the murals of the convent, we are going to enjoy the traditional dances of Acatlaxquis.

APRIL 25

Tula, Hidalgo. This archaeological site is very well known for its distinctive architecture and sculpture that came to light in excavations initiated some 70 years ago. Its dense, urban character is evident in excavations at over 22 localities that uncovered complex arrangements of residential compounds. Evidence of craft production includes lithic and ceramic production. Tula possessed a large, densely settled hinterland that apparently encompassed the surrounding región, including most of the Basin of Mexico.

This visit will help us to portray the influence of the different cultural expression since pre-hispanic days to our time and the colorful expression of Folk Art in Hidalgo.

APRIL 26

El Mejay Chilcautla. In this village we are going to visit a group of fantastic weavers. We are going to learn about their techniques, designs and materials. This is going to be an unforgettable experience because we are going to meet two generations of artists that are preserving the tradition.

The most important music in Hidalgo is the huapango, known by the name of “son huasteco”. The dance of this rhythm is performed on a platform. We are going to be delighted with a group of dancers and singers of huapango.

APRIL 27

Today, we will travel to another magical village in Hidalgo, Real del Monte. We will discover the history and flavors of this beautiful town. We will visit the most emblematic places while  enjoying the exquisite local cuisine. Real del Monte has everything and we are going to enjoy it!

APRIL 28

We will take the road to México City, where we will arrive at the Benito Juárez International Airport by 12:30 p.m.

COSTS (USD) & DETAILS

Cost per person (double occupancy only):	$1,880
To reserve your spot:	$940
Balance (due by Mar 1, 2024):	$940

Your trip includes:

• • Accommodations. We are going to use Pachuca as a base and move each day to the different locations.
  • Breakfasts at the hotel.
  • Lunches. We are going to taste the local flavors of Hidalgo, including their delicious pasties (empanadas) and much more!
  • Welcome dinner.
  • Fees and entrances to all the activities described on the Itinerary.
  • Comfortable transportation with A/C.
  • Guide with a focus on archaeology, history, anthropology and folk art.

Not included:

• •  International Flights
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry and personal expenses

This trip was designed for only fourteen travelers.