Community Tourism in Mexico

By A. Kay Herrmann

Sixteen communities participate in the tourist Yu'u (Zapotec for house) program in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. The brightly painted houses are the only "touristy" thing about the tourist Yu'u. Once visitors arrive in the communities--third class buses and hitchhiking are the only ways in and out--they're on their own. The administrators, who are elected by their communities and trained by Oaxaca's state tourism office, Secretaria de Desarrollo Turístico (SEDETUR), are available to help. They have some knowledge of English; however, almost all communication is in Spanish. Even more helpful is the following site in English: oaxaca-travel.com/guide/ecotourism.php?section=ecotourism&lang=us.

At $5 per night, you won't find a better deal in Mexico. The Yu'us, which were built by members of the community with direction from the state, include comfortable beds, kitchens, and bathroom facilities with hot water. For a small fee, the administrators offer guided tours and hikes. However, the most rewarding part of the tourist Yu'u experience is getting to know the people--you enter into their world.

Tourist Yu'us offer communities a way to attract extra income without compromising livelihoods--most of the communities are not dependent on tourism. All the money that visitors spend remains in the community. In Benito Juarez, dollars from the Yu'u have meant a new school, road maintenance, and potable water. Benito Juarez has even established a small bank that offers low-interest microloans.

Cost per night: $5 per person ($3 for students) and $20 per family (up to six members).

Reservations: SEDETUR, Tel. (011) 52-951/6-0984 ; sedetur3@oaxaca-travel.gob.mex.

Getting there: Once you're in the city of Oaxaca, you can find the Central Camionera de Segunda Clase (the second-class bus station) near the Abastos market, where people from outlying areas come to buy and sell.

What to bring: Nothing more than you can carry on your back; however, warm clothing for high-altitude areas is a must.

Locations of Tourist Yu'us: Abasolo, Benito Juárez, Hierve el Agua, Papalutla, El Mogote, Quialana, San Martín Huamelulpan, San Francisco Yosocuta, San Miguel Tequixtepec, San Pedro Juchatengo, San Sebastián de las Grutas, Santa Ana del Valle, Santiago Apoala, Teotitlán del Valle, Tlacolula, Tlapazola.

A. KAY HERRMANN is a writer and photographer. She writes from Indianapolis, Indiana.