maria josé ruelas

OAXACA TRIP LEADER
OAXACA, MEXICO

Meet Maria, our fabulous trip leader for our Oaxaca Group Trips!

Originally from Los Mochis, in Sinaloa, Mexico, Maria knew from an early age that her curiosity about the world’s diversity would be the driving force of her life. She moved to Mexico City at 18 to study International Relations at Universidad Iberoamericana, before beginning her career in human rights. After years working with migrant families in US-Mexico border towns, she furthered her education at the International Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands, focusing her master’s research on women and violence.

In 2020, Maria moved to Oaxaca to work with a local women’s rights activist, which gave her the incredible privilege of learning directly from Oaxacans about their rich cultural traditions and ways of life. Gradually, her work bloomed into a passion for connecting visitors from all over the globe with the heart of Oaxaca. As a bridge between travelers and locals, she seeks to foster understanding, empathy, and a sense of shared humanity—values driven by her constant commitment to creating a more just world.

When she’s not leading trips, you’ll find Maria exploring the world’s endless space for learning and growth – whether through a book, a conversation, or a new destination. Ask her about her favorite memories traveling everywhere from Vietnam to Beirut to the Amazon and more!