OUR ARTISANS
Each Acanela trip is designed around an artisan(s) in a foreign nation. Our artisans include women with families who are battling against poverty, men who have faced challenges of disaster or disease, and individuals who have never had the opportunity to receive a formal education. Our artisans have incredible talents and abilities in diverse areas such as culinary arts, outdoor & adventure, art & design - but lack the resources to share those talents with the world. Our mission is to discover these men and women, help them develop as individuals & leaders, and empower them to build their own sustainable business enterprises. All our boutique expeditions incorporate instructional classes and experiences from our local artisans, giving them a further means to monetize their skills.
Travel with us and make an impact for good.
Read Their Stories
You might have noticed that Kylie (@kytrisha) wears dresses in a lot of her photos. The dresses she wears are made by incredibly talented female artisans in Indonesia. The people of Indonesia are some of the kindest people, especially the ladies that are artisans. Everyone works so hard and they always wear the most beautiful textiles.
The nation of Turkey is known for its hot air balloon rides, fantastic history, and delicious food. It is also home to many skilled artisans who create gorgeous goods that will stun your family and friends back home. When you travel to Turkey, make sure to sit down with one of these artisans and learn about their craft! You’ll walk away with a beautiful souvenir, a new friend, and knowledge on art forms you may have never seen before.
Ethiopia is a gorgeous East African nation with layers of history and beautiful artwork. If you’ve been considering traveling on our Ethiopia Expedition or Ethiopian Cultural Adventure, and are wondering what amazing artisans you may come in contact with, read on!
Traveling to Italy is a culturally immersive experience. Everywhere you turn, your eyes feast on magnificent architecture, you can hear the beautiful language, and your mouth waters with every bite of pappardelle. While you could spend your days soaking up the Italian sun and licking gelato, you may crave a more local experience. After you’ve toured the Colosseum and visited a vineyard, you can (and should!) connect with artisans and learn from their expertise.
If you’re eager to learn as much about Japan as you possibly can, here are a few unforgettable artisan experiences that you can enjoy in the Land of the Rising Sun.
To visit Sri Lanka and not learn about its culture would be a huge disservice to the locals, whose way of life is absolutely fascinating. Acanela emphasizes human connection, and our artisans add the touch of humanity to make any trip unforgettable. Here are just a few of the incredible artisan experiences you’ll enjoy on our Sri Lanka expedition.
At Acanela Expeditions, we work with artisans in dozens of countries around the world, making our travel experiences both immersive and transformative. Our talented artisans have taught us about culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, and community — but before our guests arrive to their destination, they’re not always certain what an artisan does.
Today I want to introduce you to one of the most incredible women I have ever met, her name is Haju and she is a nomad in the Desert of Morocco!
I am in Bukit Luang with my friend Lillix, the man who talks to monkeys. Lillix grew up in a small village in the jungles of Indonesia, and from a young age, learned to love the jungle. Ever since he was six years old his father would take him to explore the most remote parts of the jungle to help him develop an appreciation for its beauty and importance.
One of our core values here at Acanela Expeditions is ‘Impact’. We have the opportunity to create a positive impact as we travel the world and immerse ourselves into cultures and experiences as we work with local artisans. Meet our artisan and friend, Shashi!