Experience the vibrant artistry of Tlayudona’s Alebrije Painting Workshop nestled in the charming village of Arrazola, renowned for its rich craft traditions. Join the Jiménez family, whose several generations of alebrije carvers have cultivated a deep familial and ancestral pride that shines throughout the experience. During your visit, you’ll witness an informative demonstration of the traditional alebrije crafting process, gaining insight into the techniques passed down through generations, as well as the Jiménez family’s impressive history.

Explore the family’s personal archival museum, filled with treasured artifacts and stories that highlight their heritage and dedication to preserving this vibrant art form. To complete your cultural journey, savor a delicious homemade brunch featuring authentic memelas—thick, flavorful corn tortillas topped with savory ingredients—a true example of local Oaxaca cuisine.

This experience draws you in with its warmth, artistry, and deep-rooted connection to family and tradition, making it a memorable immersion into Oaxaca’s legendary craft heritage. What better way to experience Oaxaca and create your own unique souvenir to remember your trip!

What to Expect

Step One: Write to us and request this experience, telling us how many people are in your small group and what your dates of availability are.

Step Two: Once we’ve found a date that works for our hosts and for your group, we will send you a Paypal request for a deposit for your experience or an invitation to sign up using our website calendar. (Feel free to check our calendar for the experiences we currently have confirmed!)

You can see our refund policy here.

Step Three: We will meet you at Tlayudona, located inside the Plaza San Cristóbal in street M. Bravo 210 local C, Centro. 

Experience Includes

• A tour of Alex’s workshop, where you’ll learn about the traditional process of carving alebrijes from copal wood and the fascinating history behind this craft.
  Personalized instruction from a master artisan from Tilcajete, who will guide you step by step in painting your own alebrije.
• A delicious lunch that will leave you licking your fingers.
• A cozy and creative space, perfect for sharing and learning with friends or family.
• The chance to take home your own hand-painted alebrije as a memorable souvenir of this cultural experience.
• The opportunity to buy additional alebrijes and local crafts directly from the artisan.

Logistics and Cost

Time Involvement – Approximately 6 Hours, Typically 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Transportation – From/to Tlayudona to Tilcajete (Approximately 50 minutes from Oaxaca Centro)

Costs and Minimums – $000.00 MXN pp. 

Discount: If you are a group of 2 and would like to schedule this experience, you are welcome to cover the 3-person minimum, and we will happily refund the cost of the 3rd person to you if more folks sign up!

There is a minimum of 3 people for this experience.

If you are a single person and would like to schedule this experience, you are welcome to fill the two-person minimum or to contact us to put the experience on our calendar so that we can get a small group together