OUR TOP 10 What did we miss?When in the Maya Heartland (on the hunt for supplies and inspiration for an old camp) you take Ruta de las Artesanas – the Craft Trail. We went off the grid before the 2025 season starts.We showed up blind to the generations of experience behind the crafts made here and came back humbled by the patience & soul it takes to create what we take for granted.No.1: VISITLOG FURNITURE The home-based carpentry studios in FRANCISCO UH MAY (look for cooperatives working with indigenous artisans). These families specialize and teach the next generation their craft.No.2: HUNTWOVEN RUGS In the bazaar for local crafts in TULUM (from other regions like Oaxaca) woven on pedal looms with natural wool, dyed with ingredients like indigo & marigold.No.3: DRIVETINY SHOPS The road from Tulum to Coba, look for artisans homes with attached workshops, open-air porches where they make & sell their textiles, like embroidered blouses (huipiles).No.4: TOURCLAY COOKWAREThe roadside tiny shops in MACARIO GOMEZ- Barro for traditional dishes (handmade without molds)No.5: SEEBRUSH LETTERED SIGNS In Coba near the ruins & lagoons – sign painting rotulacion (youll find walls covered, from barber shops to juice stands, a craft often inherited from a family member).No.6: LOOK UP WOOD BEAM CEILINGS The Mayan style cottages with thatched roofs, found in small villages. Vigas – commonly red cedar or pine – are hand-hewn.No.7: SUPPORTSEED BEAD CRAFTS Beach vendors. Woven by Maya women who work from home making bracelets. (We have seed bead looms in our craft cabin).No.8: FINDHANDICRAFT MARKETS For leather goods. I picked up some huaraches. No nails or glue, just leather, skill, and stitching. 12 hours to make 1pair! No.9: SHOPPOTTERY The makers at Taller Maya- pottery, ceramics using traditional techniques. On the hunt for a maker for clay pots for our craft cabin.No.10: HIKING PATHSFINDPaths enroute to swimming at Playa Xpu-Ha (our brambles are nothing compared to the jungle).Next trip, we are continuing our huntARCHERY CLUB, saw that theres one in Quintana Roo? FISHING SHOP, know of one?

March 29, 2025 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram