We Are a Group Travel Company for Women Focused on Learning Vacations. Vacations with Fun and Captivating Workshops. MexicaChica Getaways is dedicated to providing inspiring, high-quality tours that incorporate fun and interesting workshops to help women reawaken their passions.

Day 1- Welcome!

MexicaChica Getaways takes you to Merida, Yucatan, also known as The White City. From ancient Maya temples to charming haciendas full of history, we celebrate the diversity that this region has to offer. This is a state rich in natural wonders and exciting adventures.

Join MexicaChica Getaways for a 7 day, 6 night trip that embraces the exuberant tapestry of Mexico. You will be met at the airport by a private transfer and will be taken directly to a five star boutique hotel known for its impeccable service, beautiful courtyard and famous gift shop and bakery. This will serve as our home base for the week as we delve into our creative activities and explorations of the area.

Once at the hotel, we will be greeted with welcome cocktails and appetizers followed by a brief orientation with Claudette. You will have time to explore before and after our delicious dinner in a beautiful Merida restaurant. Our timely arrival could not be better orchestrated since that night we will play witness to one big authentic Mexican fiesta featuring live music, folkloric dances from various regions of Mexico, food and local crafts. Take the time to explore the city by night on one of the charming horse drawn carriages found only steps away from our hotel.

Meals- Welcome Drinks and appetizers, Dinner

Day Two-Haciendas, Legends and Mayans oh my!

We start our day with a delicious breakfast at the famous Tala Restaurant and Bakery in our hotel. We soon head off to Hacienda Yaxcopoil (YASH-coh-poh-EEL). This hacienda was an important Yucatan plantation dating back to the 17th century. The name Yaxcopoil means "the place of the green alamo trees" in Mayan and was named after the Mayan ruins nearby. This stunning place will serve as our backdrop as we commence our journey into our legends that will inspire our works of art.

Our second spot for inspiration will be nothing short of phenomenal. We will be visiting the famed Uxmal (Oosh-mahl) Mayan archeological site. Uxmal, enveloped by legends, myths and anecdotes, poetic by name and by nature, is situated within a series of hills. The name was later given to describe the architectural style of the region.

A professional storyteller will narrate a magical tale told by the Mayas to describe their culture. We will perform scenes from the story among ourselves and document the reenactment with photographs. These will be essential for constructing our collages back in the studio. A guided tour of the site will follow. A very special chef prepared gourmet picnic lunch will be served on site.

Upon our return to Merida, the evening will be yours to explore as you wish. Plenty of useful suggestions for dining and sight seeing will be made.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch

Day Three-Lets Create!

A hearty breakfast at the hotel will be followed by a full morning of creation at the studio. You will be selecting and printing your favorite photos from our previous day's journey. These will be used in your unique collages. We will begin to develop ideas and discuss the definitions of the elements of composition used in this visual art.

A delicious lunch of Mexican favorites will be presented by our chef in the studio followed by some free time to rest or enjoy the city on your own. We will finish the composition stage and begin to apply color, texture and life to our pieces during our afternoon session.

You will have the evening to yourself to explore some more or dine in any of the helpful suggestions we will provide.

Meals-Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and refreshments during our studio time.

Day 4-Studio Time and The City of Three Cultures

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will continue with our works of art during our morning session in the studio. Another delicious lunch of chef prepared specialties will be enjoyed in the studio before breaking for an afternoon siesta.

Our late afternoon activities will be very special as we head out of the city to a magical little town about 45 minutes away. Izamal, the city of three cultures, brings together elements of the prehispanic, colonial and contemporary eras. The town is known for its distinct  yellow color that decorates a large portion of the town,  creating a very charming and unique effect. Numerous prehispanic constructions, some currently under restoration, are located within the city, providing a contrast next to the remains of the colonial era.

This evening's activities include a wonderful dinner under a palm thatched room restaurant boasting some of the best authentic Yucatecan food in the region. Among the many attractions is the Franciscan monastery, whose construction was completed in 1562. It is still recognized as a destination for many believers who come in pilgrimage to pray at the feet of our Lady of Izamal. We will enjoy a wonderful light and sound show on the convent grounds after our dinner.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack and refreshments during our studio time.

Day 5-Inspiration abounds!

Our search for inspiration never stops! Merida is known for its many museums, art galleries and cultural events. Today we will be visiting the museum of popular art known for its impressive collections of modern art featuring work from artists all over the world.The next stop is the MACAY museum (Museum of Contemporary Art) that sits directly next to the oldest cathedral on the American continent, San Idelfonso cathedral. The space between the two buildings is used as an outdoor venue to display sculptural works of art for the community to enjoy.  Our visit will include the outdoor space and a walk within the gallery space.

Free time will be provided to enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own before joining up again for an afternoon session of fun in the studio. A delicious dinner will be provided in the studio's own open air courtyard.

Meals- Breakfast, Dinner , Snacks and refreshments during our studio time.

Day 6-Morning class, City Bus Tour and Farewell Dinner Party

Our morning studio session will be used to add finishing touches to our masterpieces. They will then be mounted and prepared for exhibit and transport. Take the afternoon off for a long lunch in any one of the city´s famous cafes and explore some more or opt for a relaxing and refreshing dip in the hotel pool.

Our group reunites to embark on a city wide tour on a charming colorful open bus known as the gua gua. The gua gua will take us on a delightful tour of the city´s most important avenues where we will be able to appreciate the finest examples of French, Spanish and Moorish architecture this colonial city is famous for.

Our evening festivities will commence upon our return to the Nahualli studio where a memorable and delicious dinner party has been planned. This will be a time to share our learned experiences and toast to our most recent accomplishments. Live acoustic music of traditional Yucatecan trova will add a magical touch on this evening of celebration.

Meals- Breakfast and a very special Dinner

Day 7-Adios!

The time has come to say goodbye. You will be provided private transporation to the Merida airport. Buen viaje!

Meals- Breakfast

The word collage derives from the French word "coller" meaning glue. This term was coined by both Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso in the beginning of the 20th century when the artform experienced a resurgence in popularity. Collage is a work of formal art, made from an assemblage of different forms, thus creating a new whole.  It may include newspaper clippings, ribbons, bits of colored papers, photographs and found object glued to a canvas, wood or paper.

The results are stunning!

Meet your Instructors

MELVA MEDINA

Sculptor, Painter and Workshop Leader

Her work as an artist and educator at El Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey is noteworthy. Her work has been exhibited in more than forty expositions in different museums and galleries in Mexico. Today, her pieces are part of collections from around the world, especially those in the United States and Canada.

Her work speaks to us through the women she portrays who communicate their feelings, how they live and what they contribute to the events of their lives.  Interwoven with elements of mysticism and contemporary poetry, the imagery found in her art derives from her latina culture and prehispanic roots.  Distinctive for themes that move beyond the commonplace, her iconography reflects the themes of seduction, eroticism, and the metaphysical, and attempts to include visual representations of literary metaphor.  She has an unusual ability to convey in great detail the elements that comprise her work while demonstrating at the same time a superb mastery of technique and an extraordinary power to captivate the viewer.

ABEL VASQUEZ

Scuptor, Painter and Workshop Leader

Abel is a gifted and accomplished sculptor and painter from Oaxaca state in Mexico. His mastery in technique and joy for sharing knowledge prove invaluable during our guided explorations in art with Abel. He studied art at La Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado, La Esmeralda, an affiliate of El Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.

As a child, he learned cabinetmaking from his father, then went on to study sculpture and graduate from the most important school of art in Mexico.  He is a multifaceted professional and has made significant inroads into various areas of the visual arts, producing pieces that range in scale from small to monumental.  As a sculptor, he has worked in bronze, stone, and iron and continues to explore multiple technical variations of resins.  He is a masterful painter whose natural gift for color is especially evident in his work with acrylics and watercolors.  He has experimented with printmaking, drawing and photography with interesting results.

As a child, he learned cabinetmaking from his father, then went on to study sculpture and graduate from the most important school of art in Mexico.  He is a multifaceted professional and has made significant inroads into various areas of the visual arts, producing pieces that range in scale from small to monumental.  As a sculptor, he has worked in bronze, stone, and iron and continues to explore multiple technical variations of resins.  He is a masterful painter whose natural gift for color is especially evident in his work with acrylics and watercolors.  He has experimented with printmaking, drawing and photography with interesting results.

His artwork is part of national and international collections.  It has been exhibited in prestigious museums in Mexico City. Abel's work has been shown on numerous occasions in Chicago, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami in the United States and can be found in galleries and private collections around the world.  Presently he lives in Mérida, Yucatan, where he is an integral participant in state-sponsored cultural events and exhibits his most recent work in his private gallery, Nahualli, la casa de los artistas.

TERESA CUEVAS

Guest Speaker and Mayan Culture Guide

Teresa is our resident Mayan Culture expert. She will be leading us on our excursions to various archeological sites, as well as educating us through her informative talks on this fascinating subject. Her boisterous personality, contagious smile and deep knowledge of Mayan iconography perfectly combine to make for an intriguing and captivating exursion everytime.

Her background includes a popourri of interests that serve us well on our journey in the arts.She offers courses on Mayan culture, sketching and designs workshops where music, rhythm and scribbling promote creativity. She continues to study art, and has found in NAHUALLI, casa de los artistas, the ideal place for exploring and learning about sculpture.

For her, Mayan culture is an inexhaustible source of learning; using their cosmology and geometry of the Mayan house, she has produced many watercolors that reflect their ways of being, thinking and drawing. Teresa has 28 years experience as an Architect and has a Masters Degree in Educational Innovation.

HALEY JO HONEMAN

Actress

Haley combines her enthusiasm, non-stop energy, and passion for her most recent role to create a fun, dynamic learning environment that energizes and inspires our guests. She will be leading us on a journey through a past where Mayan legends come alive and serve as  our key inspiration during our collage workshops.

Haley interest and talents include Slacklining, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Ballet, Eating with chopsticks, Theater Games, Theater of the Oppressed.

Dialects: Minnesotan, English

A few acting roles in Haley's repertoire include:

• Romeo and Juliet
  Prince’s Assistant
  Four Humors Theatre Company
• Vagina Monologues
  Coochi Snorcher
  MPIRG
• The Pope and the Witch
  Friar/Drug Addict
  University Of Minnesota
• Frankenstein in Love
  Creature
  Xperimental Theatre
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  Snug
  University of Minnesota
• Cinderella
  Joy
  A Center for the Arts
• Songs from the Tall Grass
  Vinnie Ream/Chorus
  A Center for the Arts

Our Inspiring Location

Mérida is the Grande Dame and cultural center of the Yucatan state in Mexico. Renowned as the most peaceful and safest city in Mexico, Mérida is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan beauty with theaters, concerts, museums, parks and numerous cultural events occurring throughout each week. The historical center is preserved for it’s architectural legacy of Spanish and French colonial styles. Mérida is only 30 minutes to the Gulf coast beaches of Progreso and sits at the top of the peninsula making for a short international flight from the US.

It is a city of about one million people and is a wonderful mixture of colonial city and a cosmopolitan destination. With Mérida as our home base, we will visit cathedrals, Mayan archaeological sites and historical haciendas. This region has traditionally been isolated from the rest of the country by geography, creating and preserving its unique traditions. Yucatan is a cultural delight with year round warm sub tropical weather and is a truly inspirational destination for our fun week long workshops.

Be sure to view the brief video below to sample the essence of the Yucatan. Video courtesy of the Tourism Board of Mexico.

About the Art Studio

In the heart of the historical center of the city of Merida, Yucatan in Mexico, is Nahualli, La Casa de los Artistas. It is a place where the solemn elegance of the colonial architecture is a beautiful contrast to the contemporary artworks displayed within. The artwork that is displayed in this space is luminous, unique and of the highest quality.

The artists, creators and curators are Abel Vázquez and Melva Medina, whose years of experience in the art world at a national and international level in Mexico has led them to propose a new form of seeing, enjoying and acquiring works of art. With their studio, they attempt to give the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the creative process and together be witness to the birth of their new works.

La Casa de Los Artistas has been the scene of many cultural events, musical performances, poetry readings. Writers and others from various disciplines have enriched the space with their presence. Our workshops are held in its gorgeous outdoor studio. It is here that new artists are introduced to the joy and adventure of creation.

About Accommodations

Hotel Casa San Angel is a place designed to rest and to indulge in the best of what Yucatan has to offer. Unique in its design, you will find a seductive environment, hand crafts, books, excellent food, home bakery, the best coffee in town and as always, a smile. Allow yourself to be pampered with its plush amenities, modern comforts and excellent service.

Casa San Angel sits at the base of the city´s most stunning and important avenue said to be a recreation of Paris´ Champs Elysee.
The hotel is a beautifully and carefully restored historical building that once was the home to a notable mathematician. Today Hotel Casa San Angel is home to 15 beautiful rooms that offer soothing comfort to our guests. You will also find two exclusive gift shops with the finest Mexican handcrafts from all parts of Mexico in one, and uniquely decorated elegant silk accessories in the other. Wake up and get ready for your day of adventures with the delicious breakfasts served in the Tala Bistro.

The hotel offers a cozy and quiet respite from the bustling city just outside its doors. There are several common areas to relax and unwind. Among the Hotel's facilities and amenities, guests can find a serene pool, wi-fi internet, high quality mattresses, mini split air conditioners, a safety deposit box and a hammock in each room. Each guest room has water filtered through three different methods.

2011 Travel Dates and Rates

Jan. 29th-Feb. 4th  $2,100

Aug.  20th-26th  $2,100

Nov.  5th-11th  $2,100

¨My Own Room Supplement¨ +$350

Traveling Solo? You go girl!

Embarking on a trip by yourself does not mean you have to be alone. Plenty of our travelers join our trips solo. With MexicaChica Getaways you have two options:

No Single Supplement- You can be paired with another fabulous gal to share a room with. This means you save money.

'My Own Room' Option- Sometimes, its just more comfortable to have your own room. Look for the 'My Own Room' option in the chart above and in the in the reservation form. You can choose to pay to guarantee yourself a single room.