Trip to Tolantongo

An educational trip to a resort operated as a democratic worker co-op
By Bob Stone, Research Associate, Center for Global Justice
O.K. so neo-liberal capitalism is dying. What’s the alternative? A possible answer will be explored on an educational group trip to Las Grutas de Tolantongo starting Monday morning, August 9, returning Thursday afternoon, August 12. This will be the second 3-day trip to Tolantongo sponsored by the Center for Global Justice.
Tolantongo is an unpretentious resort situated in a breathtakingly beautiful canyon 4.5 hours van ride from San Miguel. It is also a successful “cooperativa ejidal” - a worker cooperative owned and run democratically by 127 heads of family. The co-op was started by an “ejido” - a pre-conquest land tenure form combining communal ownership with individual use that was renewed by the Mexican revolution.

A thermal river flows from the foot of a tall mountain at the closed end of the canyon at Tolantongo. Emerging, its warm blue water pools in a sheltered grotto. This natural steam bath includes underwater “chairs” sculpted by centuries of flow. On cool mornings steam rises as the river courses down the canyon floor and out of sight.

Equally appealing are thermal springs that flow into a dozen infinity pools on the steep sides of the 1-kilometer-deep canyon, located in an isolated part of Hidalgo state. The group will stay at the hotel and restaurant near these springs, plausibly named El Paraiso. Virtually empty mid-week, El Paraiso makes a great conference site. Sparsely furnished but comfortable rooms, all with bath, have amazing views. Traditional Mexican dishes are served. Please note that stays at Tolantongo are classed as “adventure” vacations due to a zip line, hiking trails, some stairs and slippery spots.

Dismissals are easy. We sometimes hear: “An economy run with democratic workplaces will never work.” Facing Tolantongo’s reality is harder. Trip participants will learn how its history reflects Mexico’s, how earnings and jobs are divided up, how leaders are chosen, how new construction is financed. And that’s just part of this unique resort experience. Housekeepers may be owners. “Socios” are fiercely proud of their accomplishment. No single factor – not even its beauty - explains Tolantongo’s success, a topic participants will explore in daily discussion sessions.

Theme of the trip is “The Tolantongo Co-op: Fulfillment of the Mexican Revolution?” Through lectures by the co-op’s leaders, interactions with owner-worker hosts, and talks by the group’s leaders, visitors will learn Tolantongo’s astonishing history, structure, philosophy and keys to success. Culminating the visit will be a group assessment of the challenge it represents today.

The Center for Global Justice (www.globaljusticecenter.org) is an international network for “research and learning for a better world.” Founded in 2004 in San Miguel, it offers web-publishing, educational internships & tours, co-op networking, and two lectures/film series. This opportunity for learning more about Mexico in a relaxing setting is part of the Center’s mission.

After returning from the Center’s March trip, Peggy Bell wrote: “They have accomplished so much, from the road to the thermal pools and they have some fabulous ideas. My only question is: when do we go again?”

To answer Peggy: the Center’s second educational visit to Tolantongo will be Monday August 9 to Thursday, August 12. To be assured of a place in the van we urge reservations be made now. For information, terms, price and to hold a place in the van, email or call Center Program Director Iliana Lanuza at 415-150-0025 or "admin" admin@globaljusticecenter.org





"Center for Global Justice Trip, Visit to Las Grutas de Tolantongo, Mon-Thu, Aug 9-12, departs 9 am, Meets at Center for Global Justice, Calzada de la Luz 43, 3600 pesos, admin@globaljusticecenter.org."