Lily, the Zapotec traveler, is a remarkable individual who has journeyed across the globe, exploring new cultures and discovering hidden gems. Born into the Zapotec community in Oaxaca, Mexico, Lily developed a love for travel early in life. Let us delve into the fascinating story of Lily the Zapotec Traveler and follow her on her adventures.
Exploring the world with Lily the Zapotec Traveler
Liliana Palma Santos is not your typical tour guide. She is an Indigenous Zapotec woman passionate about sharing her culture and traditions with travelers who want to experience the real Oaxaca. She founded Zapotec Travel by Lily, a tour company that offers sustainable and intimate experiences to 100% of small Indigenous-owned businesses outside Oaxaca City. Also, she is the owner of an Airbnb and the co-founder of a Zapotec restaurant called Criollito. Through her work, she is empowering her community and preserving her heritage.
Lily the Zapotec Traveler – Why should you choose Lily as your travel guide?
Lily’s tours are different from other tours because they are based on a system of reciprocity and barter. She does not charge a commission for the artisans’ sales but instead pays them a fair price for their service and time. She also asks travelers to pay a workshop fee directly to the artisans. This way, she ensures that everyone benefits from the exchange and that no one is exploited or undervalued. She also educates travelers about the history, meaning, and significance of each craft, cuisine, or activity they encounter.
Lily’s Travel and Leisure Mexico
Travel and leisure are two main reasons people visit Mexico, a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. But for Lily, a Zapotec traveler from Oaxaca, Mexico is more than a destination. It is a place where she can explore her roots, learn from other indigenous communities and share her stories with the world.
Mexico City
One of Lily’s favorite destinations is Mexico City, Mexico’s capital and largest city. She enjoys visiting museums, monuments, and markets and exploring diverse neighborhoods and cuisines there. She also loves discovering the city’s hidden gems, such as the canals of Xochimilco, the murals of Coyoacán, and the pyramids of Teotihuacan.
Chiapas
Another place that Lily loves to visit is Chiapas, a state in southern Mexico that borders Guatemala. Chiapas is home to many indigenous groups, such as the Maya, the Tzotzil, and the Tzeltal. Lily has traveled to several communities in Chiapas, where she has learned about their traditions, languages, and struggles. She has also witnessed the beauty and diversity of the region’s landscapes, from jungles and waterfalls to mountains and lakes.
Is Oaxaca the best city in Mexico?
Why travel to Oaxaca Mexico? Oaxaca is a rich cultural and natural diversity state in southern Mexico. It is home to the Zapotec people, one of the country’s oldest and most influential indigenous groups. Oaxaca offers travelers a chance to explore its history, traditions, cuisine, art, and landscapes with the help of local guides who can share their knowledge and passion.
If you want an exceptional experience and an authentic way to explore Oaxaca, you might want to join Lily the Zapotec Traveler on one of her tours. Lily’s tours are unique tourist activities. They are immersive and intimate experiences connecting you with the real Oaxaca.
- You will visit remote villages to meet local artisans who make pottery, textiles, woodcarving, and more.
- You will taste delicious dishes made from the mountains and valleys with fresh ingredients.
- You will learn about the Zapotec language, cosmology, and spirituality
- You will also have fun and make new friends along the way
Lily, the Zapotec Traveler, is more than just a guide. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a leader, and a friend. She will show you Oaxaca from her perspective, which is rich in history, culture, and beauty.
What is the best time to visit Oaxaca?
Visiting Oaxaca with Lily during the dry season, which spans from October to April, is ideal as the weather is agreeable and sunny. This is also when some of the most important festivals and celebrations occur, such as the Day of the Dead in November, Christmas in December, and Guelaguetza in July. You can experience these events with Lily and her Zapotec friends and family, who will welcome you into their homes and communities.
Best Oaxaca coast travel guide
If you are looking for a special and authentic way to explore the Oaxaca Coast, you might want to join Lily the Zapotec Traveler on one of her tours. Lily has a passion for sharing her culture and heritage with visitors. She will take you to hidden gems that most tourists never see, such as traditional pottery workshops, organic coffee farms, ancient ruins, and local markets. You will also taste the delicious cuisine of the Oaxaca Coast, influenced by the rich diversity of its people and environment. You will also taste the delicious cuisine of the Oaxaca Coast, influenced by the rich diversity of its people and environment.
Whether you want to unwind on a pristine beach, surf some waves, hike in the mountains, or learn about the history and traditions of the Zapotec people, Lily will customize your tour according to your interests and preferences. She will also teach you some words and phrases in Zapotec, so you can communicate with the locals and appreciate their hospitality. Lily’s tours are more than just sightseeing trips; they are immersive experiences that enrich your understanding and appreciation of the Oaxaca Coast and its people.
Travel to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido means “hidden port” in Spanish and lives up to its name. This undiscovered treasure provides a range of activities to suit all types of travelers. Whether you are looking for surfing, diving, fishing, hiking, or relaxing, you will find something to suit your taste. Visiting Puerto Escondido between November and March would suit the ideal warm and arid climate and surf conditions.
Zicatela Beach
Zicatela Beach is one of the most famous surf spots in the world. You can take lessons from a local instructor and learn how to ride powerful waves that can reach up to 10 meters high. There you will experience an exhilarating and challenging experience you will never forget. Also, you can enjoy watching professional surfers compete in international tournaments every year.
Dive at Puerto Angelito Beach
Puerto Angelito Beach is a spot where you can see colorful coral reefs and marine life. It is like entering a different world, full of beauty and wonder. You can also visit the Manialtepec Lagoon. It is a bioluminescent lagoon that glows in the dark due to the presence of microorganisms.
Cultural and historical aspects of Puerto Escondido
You can visit the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures to gain knowledge about the history and traditions of the indigenous people of Oaxaca. You can also attend the Guelaguetza festival, which celebrates the diversity and unity of Oaxaca’s ethnic groups. It is a colorful and festive event showcasing Oaxaca’s music, dance, costumes, and cuisine.
Puerto Escondido is a place that offers something for every traveler, and it is a great way to experience the authentic and diverse culture of Oaxaca. Anyone who loves Puerto Escondido travel and leisure should visit this fantastic spot and discover its hidden treasures.
Conclusion
Lily’s story is one of Indigenous empowerment and cultural preservation. She is showing travelers the real Oaxaca through her eyes and her heart. She also shows them there is more to Mexico than stereotypes and clichés. Lily the Zapotec traveler is an inspiring figure whose love for exploration has taken her to all corners of the world.
