Jardín de Palabras: A Literary Translation Retreat

San Andrés Huayapam, Oaxaca

7–14 June 2026

Immerse yourself in literature and the Spanish language on this week-long literary translation retreat with translator Ellen Jones in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Juárez.

This retreat is aimed at prose translators at different stages in their careers. Perhaps you have just finished your degree and are interested in getting started in literary translation, perhaps you are an established interpreter or a translator of legal texts looking to move into the literary sphere, or perhaps you are an experienced literary translator and simply need some time away to immerse yourself in Spanish and receive feedback on an ongoing project.

The retreat will be held in the picturesque village of San Andrés Huayapam, just twenty minutes from the historical centre of Oaxaca de Juárez. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Juárez, Huayapam has wonderful access to nature as well as a thriving gastronomical scene. In addition to daily translation workshops, during your week here you will meet members of the Oaxaca literary scene such as writers, translators, and editors, and be offered a range of optional cultural and outdoor activities such as coffee and mezcal tastings, hikes and biking excursions.

Find out more about the retreat here.

My teaching experience

I have designed and delivered literary translation and creative writing courses at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (in Mexico City and in San Antonio, Texas), and have taught literature to undergraduates and masters students at Goldsmiths, University of London and Queen Mary University of London.

If you are an organisation, institution or university looking to book a literary translation workshop, please get in touch through the contact form. I can design a workshop suitable for different group sizes, experience levels, and backgrounds.

Mentoring

I also offer online one-to-one mentoring for literary translators starting out in the field and translating from any language. Please get in touch through the contact form if you are interested in finding out more.