Sunset over the ocean with clouds in the sky and gentle waves crashing on the sandy beach.

Derived from the Nahuatl word Tonalli — meaning the sun, energy, and life force — our name reflects our belief in the vital and transformative power of travel.

Our Philosophy

As university professors, researchers, and scholars, we bring decades of experience teaching language, cultural studies, and literature from across the Spanish-speaking world to diverse learners. Bilingual, bicultural, and passionate travelers, we believe deeply in the transformative power of authentic cultural exchange.

At Tonalli, our mission is to design bilingual journeys for lifelong learners: authentic, immersive experiences in safe, welcoming destinations where you can engage meaningfully with local communities, connect in Spanish or English, and experience local traditions with respect and depth.

Travel Differently with Tonalli

Meet Your Guides and Founders

A woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a patterned sleeveless top and silver dangling earrings, smiling indoors with a blurred background.
A smiling man with dark hair and a beard taking a selfie outdoors, with a beach, sand, and ocean in the background.
Logo for Tonicalli Cultural Immersions with stylized sun icon replacing the letter 'O' in 'Tonicalli'

Sergio Macías

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and raised between the U.S. and Mexico, which has given me a deep appreciation for the intersections of history, identity, and cultural exchange. With a Ph.D. in Latin American Literature, I’ve spent over a decade teaching courses on Mexican cinema, folklore, oral traditions, and Latin American cultures. I’ve also served as advisor and mentor to students going abroad. In my free time, I’m an avid painter—it helps me make sense of the world around me and express what’s within. As an artist, I believe that hands-on experiences are essential for learning and transformation. I co-founded Tonalli as a platform to weave my passion for art, culture, the Spanish language, and storytelling into programs that foster meaningful interactions with local communities and traditions.

Lydia Gil Keff

I was born and raised in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, in the heart of a Cuban family. Early on, I developed a deep appreciation for cultural connections, which has shaped my journey ever since. With advanced degrees in Comparative Literature and a PhD in Spanish, I’ve spent over two decades teaching at the university-level, where I’ve had the opportunity to lead immersive travel courses in Latin America. As a bilingual children’s writer and avid traveler, I’ve learned to see the world through multiple lenses—an approach that enriches how I guide others in meaningful cultural experiences. I co-founded Tonalli because it is my Ikigai—where passion, profession, mission, and vocation meet. I invite you to travel with curiosity, connect deeply, and return transformed.