Discover Mata Ortiz: A Journey into Mexico’s Art and Culture

From: 8 May 2025
To: 11 May 2025
Cost: $750, per person

This 4-day, 3-night immersive tour of Mata Ortiz, nestled just north of the Sierra Madre mountains in Chihuahua, Mexico, offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. Highlights include a guided 2-hour tour of the Paquimé archaeological ruins, a visit to the charming Barrio Por Venir, where you can purchase world-famous Mata Ortiz Pottery directly from local artisans, and a 3-hour discovery of Colonia Juarez, a historic Mormon settlement.

This tour provides an enriching experience, offering a rare opportunity to connect with the artistry, history, and traditions that define Mata Ortiz, often called “The Miracle of Mata Ortiz.”

REGISTER (or Ask Questions): Email to Joy White malto:joywhite@asu.edu

 Tour Highlights

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• The tour starts and ends in Tucson, Arizona.

Day 1: Tucson to Mata Ortiz - Travel day. The approximate travel time from Tucson to Casas Grandes is 6 hrs.

Day 2: Mata Ortiz Village, Barrio Por Venir and Colonia Juarez. Visit the homes and galleries of a few artists and purchase the world-famous Mata Ortiz Pottery.

Day 3: Explore the Paquimé Ruins and Museum

Day 4: Return to Tucson - Travel Day

Price: $750/person. Room assignments will be double occupancy for couples and single rooms for individuals.

• Inclusions:
• Round-trip transportation in a comfortable 15-passenger van
• Boutique Bed and Breakfast at Casa Nopal in Casas Grandes for 3 nights Participants are responsible for their hotel arrangements before Day 1 of departure from Tucson and arrival to Tucson on Day 4.
• All meals are provided for days 2 & 3 (travel days 1 and 4 on your own)

• Guided tour of Mata Ortiz’s five unique Barrios
• Exploration of the Pre-Columbian ruins at Paquimé, along with other local historical and scenic sites.
• Direct access to artists and pottery at cost. Safe, secure packaging for purchased pottery. See samples below of Mata Ortiz Pottery.

Helpful links and more information/samples of Mata Ortiz Pottery:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_Ortiz_pottery
https://www.pinterest.com/lafuenteimports/mata-ortiz-pottery-from-mexico/
https://www.sandiafolk.com/collections/mata-ortiz-pottery-1

•  Space is limited to 6 participants. The deadline to register is April 1, 2025. A $200 deposit is required at the time of registration. This deposit is refundable up to 14 days before the trip. Registered participants will receive an invoice with payment options, including Zelle, check, or credit card.

• Additional future dates will be added depending on interest.
• Our Tour provider is Tortuga Mexico Tours https://www.mataortiztours.com/
• ❖   For questions about the tour and/or register, contact Joy White, joywhite@asu.edu

Joy White

ASURA Travel Committee

Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam

From: October 29, 2025
To: November 17, 2025
Cost: $5,945 - per person

Join your ASU friends and neighbors on this 20-day adventure to Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam beginning October 29^th, 2025.  It is an unbeatable value, traveling at the lowest price and per diems in the industry.

Join your ASU friends and neighbors on this 20-day adventure to Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam beginning October 29th, 2025.  It is an unbeatable value, traveling at the lowest price and per diems in the industry.

We start our adventure in Bangkok, Thailand and end in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. During the trip we will have many people-to-people experiences including giving alms to local Buddhist monks before seeing the daily routines of the Laotian villagers during our A Day in the Life experience, which also includes a visit to a local school on Day 8.

We will have the opportunity to watch traditional Khmer dances performed by local students at the Champey Academy of Arts on Day 11, an organization that few American tour operators visit. We will also meet with locals to discuss issues impacting Southeast Asia, including the Khmer Rouge genocide tribunals. Plus, we will sit down to a special, intimate meal with a local family who lives on the outskirts of Vientiane during a Home-Hosted Dinner on Day 9.

On Day 15 we will visit the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat.

See https://www.oattravel.com/trips/land-adventures/asia/ancient-kingdoms-thailand-laos-vietnam-cambodia/2021/itineraries?year=2025&icid=prnavlk_2025 for details.

To learn more contact Gary Kleemann at gary@asu.edu or 480-399-7704.

We look forward to you traveling with us!