Tour Description: The excavation and restoration of the archeological site on the mountaintop in Atzompa was begun in 2005 and continues to this day. The site was opened to the public in 2015. The ruins include two impressive palaces, a ball court and the temple of the altars.

After exploring the ruins, we will visit several ceramic artist families, that can include: Angelica Vasquez Cruz who will welcome us to her home and studio where she will demonstrate her craft while talking about her family and how she became an artist; the Coatlicue pottery workshop to see the unique pieces that the Alarzon Hernandez family have been producing for four generations; the family of the late Dolores Porras who produce excellent examples of the style their parents innovated: a two-step firing process resulting in multiple colors for decorating planters, vases, candleholders and platters; the Blanco family where three generations continue making mostly decorative

pottery following the work of Teodora whose form of decoration, called “pastillaje,” was an innovation for the area’s pottery and consists of small pieces of clay added onto the main surfaces; and Los Tepalcates, the workshop founded in the early 1990s by sisters Asunción and Laura Enriquez Chávez.

Finally, if there is time, we will visit the Atzompa cooperative where visitors can view and purchase the work of numerous other artists.

NOTE: Be forewarned that there are some steep slopes and many stairs. People with mobility issues should not attempt this tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and use sunscreen.

Lunch: Como en el Pueblo local restaurant. Expect to pay about 250 pesos for food

and beverage.

Additional costs: Cost of lunch; any items bought from artists

This tour will depart on time at 9:00am  from Calle Los Libres behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.

Online ticket sales end at 7 pm the day before the tour. If the tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.

No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.