Let’s go to Atzompa, a community where its people are artists, in this immersive and practical experience with clay, you’ll learn about the pottery traditions and techniques that have forged Oaxacan culture. Our experts will guide you step by step through the process of transforming raw clay into unique ceramic pieces, using techniques transmitted from generation to generation.

You will meet “Los Ardillas”, an artisan family that is 100% dedicated to working the clay, each member of the family has a different technique, you’ll have the opportunity to observe all of them and try the one that catches your attention the most!

They will explain where they get the clay, how they should mix it to be able to handle it, how and when it should be decorated, the types of lathes where any piece can be made, the drying and baking process. Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced potter, this workshop is for everyone. Feel the earth between your fingers, create as many pieces as you want and explore new methods while connecting with the deep roots of this ancestral art.

Once finished, your piece will be allowed to dry for 5 to 7 days so that it dehydrates evenly and does not crack. The next time the family bakes their pieces, we can send them back to Tlayudona to be picked up. (Schedule your clay experience at the beginning of your trip so we can deliver your finished piece before you leave! If the pieces are baked prematurely, they will crack or may even explode in the oven). We also handle shipments, with the cost on your own.

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!) *

*Your experience will be open to additional folks to join unless your group is composed of 6+ people or you reserve a private experience at an additional cost.

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

• Transportation. Leaving from/returning to Tlayudona
• Visit to our host’s home studio in Atzompa
• Talk given by our clay experts
• Personalized instruction on how to create art out of pottery, catered to your level of experience
• All materials necessary to create your pieces
• Traditional meal made by our host family
• Translation from Spanish to English if/when necessary
• Firing of your pieces, their delivery to Tlayudona within 15 days of your experience*

*We are not responsible for accidents or pieces breaking in the kiln. Nature is at play here and there is a factor of chance, as well as weather and other influences. Our hosts will guide you on how to create pieces that will be most likely to dry and cook without cracking. Your hosts are responsible for delivering your pieces to Tlayudona for pick-up. If your group does not have 15 days of travel to guarantee your pieces’ arrival, we can arrange to ship your pieces to you at your own expense. You are also welcome to take your pieces “as-is” (to be kept as a souvenir or fired for greater durability at a later point at your home location.

Logistics and Cost

Time Involvement – Approximately 4 or 5 hours

Schedule: 10:00 am -3:00 pm

Transportation –From / To Tlayudona

Costs and Minimums – 2,150 MXN pp

Children – Are invited to participate at same cost due to materials.

There is a minimum of 3 people required to schedule this experience.