Nahua People Cultural Exchange in Mexico
11-Day Guided Program in Cuetzalan with Community-driven Project
In partnership since 2003
High in the Sierra Norte region of the state of Puebla in Mexico lies the market town of Cuetzalan. Cobble-stoned streets, colorful handicrafts, and the aroma of street tacos abound. This pueblo mágico is known for the cultural influence of Nahua people, descendants of the Aztecs and the largest indigenous group in present-day Mexico. Xperitas partners with an organization that brings together 100 indigenous Nahua women from six communities in the municipality of Cuetzalan and operates an eco-lodge with the mission of sustaining the organization, protecting indigenous culture and the environment. Students will experience the rich culture and tradition of the Nahua people as they work alongside them in a community-driven project
The order of this itinerary is subject to change.
Nahua People Cultural Immersion with Service Project
Overview
Nahua Cultural Immersion and Service
Pricing*Additional gateway cities are available: contact us for pricing.
Welcome to Mexico! Your Xperitas Team Leader will greet you at the airport in Puebla. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy your first group dinner and team meeting.
Included Meals: Dinner
Take a scenic ride from Puebla to Cuetzalan. Check in at an eco-lodge run by an indigenous women’s cooperative. Meet the Nahua women behind this impressive social enterprise and reflect on the day in a team meeting.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Under the leadership of the Nahua women’s cooperative, collaborate on a community project in one of their home communities in the outskirts of Cuetzalan such as classroom construction, painting, or renovation at a local school. Build relationships with community members by working alongside them on the project. Deepen your understanding of Nahua culture by experiencing a traditional sweat lodge (temazcal), exploring the Pre-Columbian Yohualichan ruins, marveling at the Danza de los Voladores ceremony, and participating in a Nahua weaving class. You’ll also visit the Cuetzalan market and take a dip in a nearby waterfall! Participate in additional community events by invitation, depending on the timing of your visit, such as soccer games with local youth or learning how to make typical foods. In the evenings, reflect on your experiences in team meetings and the group journal. On your last day, have a final celebration with community members.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends at the eco-lodge and transfer to Puebla. Explore Puebla before your team farewell dinner and final team meeting.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Puebla for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
“I will be forever grateful to the people of Xiloxochico for accepting us with open arms and showing us their culture. I have learned so much from the conversations and the interactions over the past 5 days and I can't wait to take what I have learned here and share it.” - Student
“I wanted to learn about an indigenous culture and language and people and I feel like I accomplished that, especially through talking to Doña Juanita about the history of the women’s cooperative.” - Student
“My personal goals were to use my Spanish and be more confident with it as well as being immersed in the culture. I was successful with both!” - Student
