Ceramic Artist Camp, Tlalpujahua, March 22-26, 2027 Ages 12-18 

Daily hands on ceramics workshops with renowned artist Gustavo Bernal
Learn the full process, from gathering river clay to sifting, kneading, and shaping finished pieces
Explore the historic Dos Estrellas mine, once one of the richest silver mines in Mexico
Visit Presa Brockman, a scenic lake and wetland near Tlalpujahua
Browse Tlalpujahua's famous artisan markets, known worldwide for handcrafted ornaments
Stay together in a house in Tlalpujahua for the week
Join us for a five day immersion in one of Mexico's most beautiful mountain pueblos. Tlalpujahua, Michoacan is a Pueblo Magico known for its silver mining history and its artisan tradition of handcrafted ornaments. Each morning, campers will work directly with world renowned ceramics artist Gustavo Bernal, who gathers clay from local riverbeds, sifts and kneads it by hand, and shapes it into some of the most beautiful pieces made in central Mexico. Afternoons are filled with excursions to nearby lakes, historic mines, and local markets. We leave San Miguel de Allende Monday morning and return Friday by dinnertime.
 
Tlalpujahua - Tlalpujahua, Michoacán, Mexico

Itinerary

Day 1, Monday March 22
Depart San Miguel de Allende at 7:30 AM from City Market
Arrive in Tlalpujahua by lunchtime
Settle into the house and orientation
Afternoon excursion to Presa Brockman
 
Day 2, Tuesday March 23
Morning ceramics workshop with Gustavo Bernal
Afternoon excursion to the Dos Estrellas mine
 
Day 3, Wednesday March 24
Morning ceramics workshop with Gustavo Bernal
Afternoon excursion to Tlalpujahua's artisan markets
 
Day 4, Thursday March 25
Morning ceramics workshop with Gustavo Bernal
Afternoon free exploration and final piece finishing
 
Day 5, Friday March 26
Final morning ceramics workshop with Gustavo Bernal
Pack up and depart Tlalpujahua
Return to San Miguel de Allende by dinnertime
 
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors. Safety is our top priority, and we'll communicate any changes promptly.
 

Pickup

7:30 AM Monday, March 22 at City Market, San Miguel de Allende. Teens coming from out of town who need to arrive the day before can make arrangements with us for accommodations with other early arrivals.

Drop Off

Back in San Miguel de Allende by dinnertime on Friday, March 26. Teens who need to head home the following day can also make arrangements with us for accommodations.

Things To Bring

Clothing:
Comfortable clothes that can get messy (ceramics work!)
Closed toe shoes for the mine visit
Layers, mornings and evenings can be cool
Light jacket
Rain jacket, just in case
Pajamas
Comfortable walking shoes
 
Gear:
Backpack or daypack
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal toiletries
Towel
Camera
 
Don't Forget:
Valid ID
Any necessary medications
Spending money for the artisan markets and snacks
NO PHONES

Inclusions

Transportation to and from Tlalpujahua from San Miguel de Allende
Five days, four nights house accommodation
All meals
Daily ceramics workshops with Gustavo Bernal
Guided excursions to the mine, lake, and markets
Experienced camp leaders

Exclusions

Spending money for the markets and souvenirs
Optional additional activities
Extra accommodations for early arrival or late departure (available on request)

Check-In

 
Participants should arrive at City Market in San Miguel de Allende by 7:30 AM on Monday, March 22. Our team will check everyone in and go over the week's plans before departure.

Additional Info

This camp is open to teens ages 12 to 18. A local discount is available, contact Kirsten for details. Teens needing to arrive the day before or leave the day after can make arrangements with us. Questions can be directed to Kirsten via WhatsApp: 1-469-595-6422.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
 
There are 3 steps to apply:
 
1. Book a call with us to see if this camp is a good fit for you and to ask any questions you may have.
2. Fill out the registration form on the top right of this page.
3. Make your payment.
 
Your application and registration is not finished until you have completed all 3 steps. You may complete them in any order you wish. If you pay first and for some reason on our call we decide it's not a good fit, you will be refunded everything but the processing fees. We are excited to have you join us!

Cancellation Policy

Cancel 3 or more weeks before the trip start date: 50% refund
Cancel less than 3 weeks before the trip start date: no refund