Oaxaca: Paint Tortillas with Natural Plant Dyes Oaxaca: Paint Tortillas with Natural Plant-Based Dyes

Turn a tortilla into a canvas in a small-group workshop led by a local nixtamal expert. Grind corn on a metate, extract natural dyes in a molcajete, and paint with roots, leaves, and fruits.
Turn a tortilla into your canvas in this small-group workshop that combines an ancient culinary process with the creative discipline of drawing. We welcome you with seasonal atole — one of the first corn-based drinks, from the Nahuatl atolli — and take you on a guided journey in five stages, all with natural materials.

Start with the theory of nixtamal: what it is, why it was created, and how the grain, flavor, size, and texture define the final result. Continue with the grinding system, starting with the metate — its history, shape, and use — and then work with the volcanic stone mill and understand how the dough achieves the ideal malleability, moisture, and structure to become a tortilla.

With your tortilla canvas ready (you'll shape 3 to 6 pieces in the dimensions of your choice), extract your own inks in a molcajete: legumes, roots, and leaves turned into pigments with different textures, densities, and colors. Then, draw freely, with guided exercises for those who want a nudge, in a stress-free space designed for introspection and creativity.

The workshop ends with a group exhibition of the pieces and a tasting of artisanal tepache, a pre-Hispanic corn-based drink — a moment to share the experience and connect.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.