Experience the vibrant artistry of Tlayudona’s Alebrije Painting Workshop in San Martín Tilcajete, a village famous for its rich artisan traditions. Spend the day with Alex, a skilled artist whose family has been carving and painting alebrijes for generations. Their deep sense of pride and heritage shines through every part of the experience. During your visit, you’ll enjoy an engaging demonstration of the traditional alebrije-making process and learn about the time-honored techniques and family history behind this craft.

You’ll also get to explore the family’s personal archive and mini-museum, filled with meaningful pieces and stories that highlight their roots and dedication to preserving this colorful art form. To round out your cultural experience, savor a delicious homemade brunch—a true taste of Oaxaca.

Warm, artistic, and deeply connected to family and tradition, this workshop offers an unforgettable immersion into Oaxaca’s legendary craftsmanship. It’s the perfect way to experience the region—and create a unique keepsake 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 – $2310.00 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