Preparing for Your Journey
The Crafts of Oaxaca with Embroidery + Print Making Workshops
March 4-10
Oaxaca City, Mexico
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU! Please read this doc carefully.
We are so excited to spend time with you in Oaxaca City, Mexico as we learn about the many crafts of the region. Please take a moment to read through this document in full as it contains important information related to your Ace Camps Travel Trip. The purpose of this document is to help you prepare for your trip.
Your Ace Camps Travel Trip will connect you to an incredible community where you’ll meet and form bonds with many wonderful individuals. Given the small-group nature of Ace Camps Travel Trips, the health, safety, and well being of you, other guests, the instructors and workshop hosts, and the local communities are a key priority for us.
YOUR ACE CAMPS TRAVEL HOST
We want every aspect of your trip to be an amazing experience. To help us do that, you will have the support of an Ace Camps Travel Host who travels with the group. Your Ace Camps Travel Host will be there to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. While they are not a local guide, they will assist you in answering questions you may have along the way. We will send you the contact info for your Ace Camps Travel Host closer to the Trip start date. If you have questions between now and then, please continue to email us at hello@acecampstravel.com.
ON-THE-GROUND COMMUNICATION with WHATSAPP
While on the ground in Oaxaca, we will be using WhatsApp to communicate. Before you arrive in Oaxaca, please make sure you have the most up-to-date version of WhatsApp downloaded, installed, and an account set up and working on your mobile device. Your Ace Camps Travel Host will use WhatsApp to send you daily reminders, updates, and any other important information during the course of your trip. In addition to one-on-one communication with your Ace Camps Travel Host, we’ll be creating a group chat with all registered guests where we will send updates that affect the entire group while on the trip. We encourage everyone to engage on the group chat, as it’s a great place to get to know the rest of your new Ace Camps Travel friends, discuss travel plans and ideas, and share trip photos.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
In the case of an emergency, the local emergency number to dial in Mexico is 911 for police, fire and medical aid.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your departure and at least 2 blank pages.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION | MARCH 4, 2025
You will need to arrive by March 4, 2025 in Oaxaca City. Xoxocotlán International Airport (Airport Code OAX) is the international airport located in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico. The airport has only one terminal that handles both domestic and international air traffic. Gentle Reminder: Please fill out the Arrival and Departure Form so we have the information we need to schedule your pick up.
Ground Transportation and Getting to the Hotel: The best way to get to our hotel is by taxi. You can buy a taxi ticket at the official airport taxi window. Helpful Tip: If you decide to take a taxi, make sure you go to the official taxi line to get a taxi (don’t be fooled by the entrepreneurial folks who approach you in the terminal or at baggage claim).
Hotel check in time is 3:00 pm on March 4. If you arrive earlier than 3:00pm, you can drop off your luggage at the front desk and they will store it for you until your room is ready. The hotel rooms are preassigned. If you are in a shared room, you will meet your roommate when they check in. As a reminder to guests staying in shared rooms, the bathroom may be separated by a heavy curtain not a door.
WELCOME DINNER | MARCH 4, 2025
Once we’re all settled in at the hotel in Oaxaca, we’ll be hosting a casual meet + greet welcome dinner so you can get to know your group. Please plan to arrive at our hotel no later than 4:00 pm on March 4, 2024 if you want to join the welcome dinner. This will give you enough time to check in and get settled before dinner. We’ll share more specific details about when and where to meet for dinner a few days before the Trip start date. If you arrive late and can’t join the welcome dinner, your Ace Camps Travel Host will be in touch with you to make sure you have all the information you need to join the group the next morning.
DEPARTURE INFORMATION | MARCH 10, 2025
There are no scheduled activities today and you can depart at any time.
For guests departing from Oaxaca Airport on March 10, the hotel can help you arrange an airport taxi.
Check out time at the hotel is 12:00pm. If you depart later than 12:00pm, you can drop off your luggage at the front desk and they will store it for you until you are ready to depart.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is not included with meals. If you would like to have alcohol during your trip, you will pay for this separately.
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
We do our best to keep to the itinerary on the Trip Details page of the Ace Camps Travel website. However, sometimes things happen. For example, we may need to make changes to the itinerary due to inclement weather, timetable changes, or circumstances beyond our control. While we do our best to plan ahead and prevent this from happening, it may be unavoidable. It can also happen with little notice, so please bear with us if we have to make modifications to the itinerary on the fly.
ABOUT YOUR STAY AT HOTEL AZUL
HOTEL AZUL
Abasolo 313 Centro,
Colonia Centro 68000 Oaxaca, Mexico
+52 951 501 0016
Hotel Azul Oaxaca is an intimate, boutique hotel in the heart of Oaxaca. It is renowned for its focus on local artists. The rooms have been designed by master artists, featuring their work and unique design perspectives. Here you’ll find a unique blend of contemporary comfort and vibrant cultural expression.
Hotel Azul also features Campante Bar, with a rooftop view overlooking the city, Cocina Azul de Oaxaca restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner and Pabilo Cafe offering coffee and pastries, Oaxacan choices and light snacks. The hotel is centrally located, within easy walking distance to the historic center of Oaxaca.
CASH + CREDIT CARDS
The national currency in Mexico is Mexican Pesos (MXN). ATM’s are generally widespread in Mexico and there is one a few blocks from our hotel. They are almost always open and will provide you with Mexican pesos to anyone with a card connected to one of the global networks. ATMs are by far the quickest and most efficient way to get access to local currency in Mexico. There can be times when an ATM is out of money or has trouble with your card but there is usually another option not too far away that you can try.
You will need to get your pesos prior to any group outings so as not to hold up the group activities. Most rural locations (shops, markets, restaurants) usually operate on a cash-only basis but credit cards may be accepted in larger shops and restaurants.
GRATUITIES
Tips and gratuities for your guides, workshop hosts, group drivers and group meals are taken care of by Ace Camps Travel. If at the end of your stay if you choose to, you may leave a small tip in an envelope for housekeeping or anyone at the hotel you would like to. The tipping standard in Mexico is usually 15% of the bill. It is customary to tip all service providers such as drivers, servers and porters.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is required for all guests that includes: trip cancellation/disruption insurance; travel medical insurance; and medical evacuation insurance. Ace Camps Travel does not sell travel insurance. If you have questions, we suggest you discuss concerns about your coverage directly with a local travel insurance provider.
WEATHER
March is generally warm in Oaxaca and we hope to see mostly dry weather during this time. Occasional rain showers are always a possibility. While the daily temperatures are typically in the mid-80s (~ 29-30°C), it can get into the mid to high-90s (~ 35-37°C). In the evening it is cooler, dropping to the mid to low-50s (~ 11-12°C). A sweater, shawl or light jacket are recommended.
HEALTH + SAFETY
Illness (including COVID)
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we make the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Please keep in mind while traveling with a group, you may need to take additional precautions.
In the days leading up to and during your Ace Camps Travel Trip, thoroughly washing your hands, wearing a KN95 mask if you feel ill or if you display symptoms of illness, and keeping a safe distance from others who exhibit signs of illness are small, but impactful, things you can do to keep the trip safe for everyone. Please make sure you bring KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, and a few COVID tests on the trip in case you or those around you start to have symptoms of an illness.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, please alert your Ace Camps Travel Host immediately, wear a mask, and keep a safe distance from others until we know more about your situation. If you exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, viral nature of your illness, and where we are staying, there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the Ace Camps Travel Host with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority.
Per the Ace Camps Travel Terms and Conditions, you are responsible for any additional costs if, due to illness, including COVID, you have to leave a trip early as determined by a health care provider or the Ace Camps Travel Host. This is one of the many reasons we require you to purchase travel insurance.
Medications and Vaccines
You should consult with your doctor and a specialized travel doctor at least five weeks before the date of your departure for any necessary vaccinations and specialty prescriptions. You may want to ask about a wide spectrum antibiotic in case of gastrointestinal or other infections. The CDC has several vaccine, prescription and over the counter recommendations for travel to Vietnam and a travel doctor will be able to assist you in confirming what you need for this region. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with your doctor.
We encourage you to travel with medications that can help you if you encounter any health issues. Here are a few common concerns you may want to consider bringing medications for, though what you choose to travel with is up to you and/or you and your doctor
Nausea, indigestion or an upset stomach
Motion sickness, if car or boat rides affects you
Diarrhea/Dysentery
Constipation
Minor aches and pains
Minor and severe allergies
Cold/flu symptoms
Bug repellant/spray
Minor cuts and bruises
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is present in Mexico and it is possible to contract it from mosquito bites. We suggest wearing EPA-registered mosquito repellent such as DEET at all times. You may also consider wearing light-weight long sleeves and pants.
Stomach Issues
Stomach issues can occur when traveling and eating new types of cuisine. We strongly recommend bringing various medications to ensure if you have any issues, you are able to manage them and continue enjoying your trip.
If you are already taking prescription medication make sure you bring enough with you to cover your time in Oaxaca and then some. When you pack, make certain that you have all your required and important medication in your carry-on luggage.
Eye Glasses + Contact Lenses
If you wear eyeglasses, it is advisable to carry an extra pair on the trip. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to take an extra pair of back-up regular glasses.
General Fitness
To take full advantage of your trip to Oaxaca it is best to be in good health. Sightseeing, particularly in warm weather, can be tiring.
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink in Oaxaca. Please bring a refillable water bottle of your own. Our hotel has a provides each bedroom with bottled water. When otherwise necessary only drink bottled water which is available in shops and restaurants.
Helpful tip: Avoid brushing your teeth with tap water, and avoid opening your mouth while showering/bathing.
WHAT TO BRING
Now onto the fun stuff - what should you bring?!? Below are some suggestions, based on our experiences. While Mexico has many of the common resources you’re likely used to at home, some things may be limited (and sometimes nonexistent) so please keep this in mind when you’re planning and packing. We also recommend leaving your expensive jewelry at home.
Consider packing these items:
PASSPORT (make sure it has at least six months on it) and consider bringing a photocopy and/or passport photos. In the (hopefully!) unlikely event your passport gets lost or stolen, an extra set of passport photos can make it easier for you to get a replacement)
Layering pieces, including a scarf or shawl, for cool mornings and evenings, with much hotter daytime temperatures
Light rain shell or small umbrella (rain showers are always a possibility!)
Scarf/Shawl - needed to cover head and shoulders in certain locations
Comfortable, supportive walking shoes you don’t mind getting messy
Comfortable workshop clothing
Glasses and/or sunglasses
Earplugs (if you are a light sleeper)
Toiletries kit - including your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, if you are particular or there are certain brands you prefer to use while traveling
Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and lip balm with sunscreen
A day pack and/or a small-ish bag you can safely carry around each day
Bathing suit (if you feel like a dip, the villa does have a pool)
Travel plug adapters, depending on the country you are traveling from
Hand sanitizer
KN95 masks–in an effort to keep our group as safe as possible, you may be asked to wear a mask
Personal supply of COVID Rapid Tests–you may be asked to take a COVID test at any point during your Ace Camp in an effort to keep our group as safe as possible
Small Kleenex packets
Planning to shop? Leave room or bring an extra bag. If you think you are going to buy things in Vietnam, bring an extra duffle bag or suitcase, or leave plenty of space in your luggage.
Footwear
Please bring comfortable and supportive footwear you feel comfortable walking in for moderate distances and on a variety of terrain. As you think about what to bring, keep these situations in mind: this Ace Camp Travel trip includes walking tours where the ground may be uneven or poorly maintained, could involve gravel or dirt, and you may be on your feet for a few hours at a time.
GROUP TRAVEL ETIQUETTE
Please remember this is a small-group travel experience. It is important for you to join us with compassion, patience, and respect for everyone you interface with during your Trip. For example, if you asked to meet at a certain time, please be on time to avoid keeping the rest of the group waiting. If you choose to skip any activities or meals, please confirm your absence with the Ace Camps Travel Host directly so we’re not worried about your location or well being.
SMOKING, ILLEGAL DRUG USE, and ALCOHOL
Ace Camps Travel Trips are 100% smoke free and we do not tolerate any kind of illegal drug use. We require responsible alcohol consumption. Alcohol is not included with meals. If you would like to have alcoholic beverages during your trip, you will need to pay for these separately.
SOCIAL MEDIA
If you are taking photos and would like to share them as a part of our trip story please tag your posts and/or stories on Instagram with @acecampstravel or hashtag #acecampstravel
MOBILE PHONE USAGE + OTHER HELPFUL APPS
Here are a few other resources you may find helpful when traveling:
Using an ‘e-sim’ app to have data on your phone while you travel (depending on your phone model). There are several companies offering e-sims that can save money instead of roaming through your network provider. Companies like Airalo offer various Vietnam options to choose from. Note: While e-sims are great, they do take some time to set up and install so be sure to spend some time before you leave your home country setting it up so you can just turn it on once you land (while we love to help where we can, our Ace Camps Travel Hosts aren’t tech support specialists).
Help manage jet lag with Timeshifter.
Translate words on-the-go with Google Translate.
THANK YOU AND SEE YOU SOON!
Thank you for taking the time to review this information, we hope these details help with your travel planning and prepare you for your time exploring Oaxaca. If you have questions between now and then, please continue to email us at hello@acecampstravel.com. See you in Oaxaca!