The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is Mexico´s smallest landmass in between 2 large bodies of water, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. It is a fascinating place with one of the only matriarchal societies in Mexico where many traditions still flourish and where food plays an important role in upholding them.

This tour is an unusual look into the matriarchal society of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in particular, the Muxes of Juchitán de las Flores. This group of men, called Muxes, from a rather young age, decide they want to live their lives as women and are encouraged to do so. They age to be prominent women figures in the society, with jobs in politics, education, and esthetics, and are accepted by many walks of life.

Velas are big dances or balls that are held every year in the month of May by the people of Juchitan. The "Intrepids Seeking Danger" is a group of Muxes that have been giving their own Vela in the month of November for over 20 years. The Vela consists of a Catholic mass to start off in the morning, followed by a big breakfast at the annual hostess house, then the big ball (Vela) Saturday night in cocktail dress. Sunday is the Lavado de Olla, or potwash party, when all the Muxes wear traditional regional dress and pass the mayordomia over to the next year´s hostess.

In this tour, we visit many of my friends in The Isthmus of Tehuantepec. We have cooking demonstrations and classes, visit craft villages, have the opportunity to know and learn from the Muxes of Juchitán about their lives, and to experience an incredible fiesta. We will rent trajes or the regional costumes for all participants.

The last day is spent cooking under a thatched roof palapa on a tranquil, pristine beach before we return to Bahías de Huatulco, where this tour begins and ends.