We started off by visiting an arts co-op and hearing how one family is carrying on the traditional weaving skills, 5th generation, by selling their textiles through this co-op. The co-op also offered pottery, wooden crafts, jewelry and honey. The father explained the process of creating wool thread, and how they use a small Cochineal bug to create dye. We’ve seen this bug and explanation before in Peru, but it remains fascinating as they crush the bug and it oozes a red pigment. They add baking soda and it turns orange. They add vinegar and it turns purple. And so on. The pride shown by this family was fantastic!

Next, we visited the largest church in Huatulco, Iglesia de la Crucecita, which had a wonderful mural of the Virgin Mary on the ceiling. The colors were so brilliant, though I’m not sure my photos captured that.

While it was only 10am in the morning, our next stop was El Buen Tequila and Mezcal shop, for a tasting. This quaint tasting room barely fit us all, and it was very warm. We settled in for a comprehensive tutorial on the tequila and mezcal distilling process. We learned that tequila is distilled using steam, while mezcal is distilled using an agave wood fire, underground, which gives it that smokey taste. Soon, the communion cups came out and we were tasting. I’m not sure Marsh liked any of them but he was a good sport. The 20-year old Mezcal that we tasted was our favorite. We both loved how they served the tastings with lemon and orange slices, sprinkled with a seasoned salt.

As we drove and walked around the town, we were so impressed with the friendliness of the people and the cleanliness of the streets. We enjoyed a nice lunch at restaurant Ve El Mar, with a great view of the beach and the Island Princess.

Next stop in 2 days: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico