Global Citizens Network (GCN) Project Site:
Xiloxochico, MEXICO
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A Nahua Village
High in the Sierra Norte region of the state of Puebla in Mexico lies the market town of Cuetzalan. Located about 185 kilometers north of the city of Puebla, the area is a lush, humid, mountainous area where coffee, vanilla, macadamia and cinnamon trees grow. Outside of Cuetzalan about 20 minutes by local minibus is the village of Xiloxochico(pronounced Shi-lo-sho-chee-ko). This is a Nahua community. The Nahua are an indigenous group descended from the Aztecs that have maintained their customs and their language. The primary occupation is agriculture, although some of the people work in the town of Cuetzalan. Some homes have electricity, but most people live simply with few modern amenities. The surrounding area is famous for its caves, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore a series of underground tunnels. A few kilometers away are the Aztec ruins of Yohualichan, which date from the period 200-900 A.D. Situated at more than 3,000 feet, Cuetzalan’s climate is mild with frequent rains.
Establishing a Women’s Community Building
A women’s group in the village, named Sital Siwame (Star Women) has organized to work on issues of common concerns to all. They have begun making handicrafts, e.g. embroidery, for sale. The majority of village homes are spread throughout the hills, with several key community buildings located in the central village. The women have secured a piece of land in the center of town, on which to build a casita, small (work) house. The casita serves as a communal place to work on their artesania collectively, store their goods, and serve as a meeting place. In 2005 Sital Siwame invited GCN to assist them with the building of the casita, which will be a two-story building. If desired, GCN team members can also assist in the schools during the afternoon by providing English instruction, or become a part of the larger community in many number of other ways.
Travel Itinerary
Upon arrival in Mexico City, the group will travel together directly to the city of Puebla, a two hour bus ride from the airport. Puebla offers a lively zocalo, or central plaza, as well as terrific restaurants and shops to explore. The next day the team will travel by bus approximately three hours to Cuetzalan. The team will arrive in Cuetzalan by Saturday evening, and may meet the villagers of Xiloxochico the next day. Sunday is market day in Cuetzalan, and there will be time to explore one of the largest indigenous markets in the region during the afternoon. Project work generally takes place from Monday through Thursday, with Friday being an optional day of work. At the end of the trip the team will go by bus directly to Mexico City, a journey of 5-6 hours.
Accommodation and Meals
In Puebla, the team will stay in a local hotel near the main plaza on the first night. Home stays in Xiloxochico may become available. Otherwise, team members will stay In Cuetzalan at Taselotzin, a cooperative eco-hotel run by Nahua women. Participants who wish private rooms may be able to arrange these for an additional cost. Breakfast will be provided at Taseltozin. The hotel has indoor plumbing, hot water, and electricity, although an electrical adapter will be necessary. The team will ride local transportation to Xiloxochico each day, and share the afternoon meal with the community members. Meals will be simple, traditional fare – rice, beans, tortilla and vegetables, maybe occasional chicken. Bottled water for drinking and cooking will be provided. Upon return to Mexico City, the team will stay at a hotel located near the city center.
Time to Explore
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area as a day trip. The area offers caves, waterfalls and the ruins of Yohualichan for exploring. There are two beautiful old cathedrals in Cuetzalan, as well as a lively Thursday market. After the team returns to the Mexico City on Saturday, the evening is free to take in the sites.
Health Issues
There are many steep hills in this region; participants are required to be in good health . Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand.
The risk of disease is minimal, but take sensible precautions. Consult your doctor before the trip, and we suggest that you contact your local health department or the Center for Disease Control for specific information. Emergency medical care is available in Cuetazlan.
Costs
The program cost for this ten day trip is $1,575. Program costs covers on-site accommodations (lodging and meals), in-country travel, training materials, donation to the project, emergency medical and evacuation insurance, t-shirt, and a portion of the team leader’s expenses.
Airfare to Mexico, and costs relating to activities outside of the village, are additional and the responsibility of the individual participant.
All trip related costs are tax-deductible in the U.S.
Discounts available (one per person/group)
For further information contact us
Global Citizens Network
130 N. Howell St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-0960 or (800) 644-9292
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