Our Philosophy
Bilingual Journeys for Lifelong Learners
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.
We are professors Lydia Gil Keff, Ph.D. (Cuba/Puerto Rico/US) and Sergio A. Macías, Ph.D. (Mexico/US), the founders and creators of Tonalli Cultural Immersions.
As educators, researchers, and scholars, we bring years of experience teaching language, cultural studies, and literature from the Spanish-speaking world to diverse learners in higher education.
We are bilingual and bicultural, experienced and enthusiastic travelers.
Our mission is to offer authentic cultural experiences in safe, welcoming destinations, where you can engage meaningfully with local communities.
At Tonalli, we design bilingual journeys for lifelong learners. Our travel cultural immersions provide you the opportunity to connect in both Spanish and English, allowing you to choose your preferred level of language immersion; and create transformative experiences that honor and respect the traditions of each destination, while enriching participants and local communities alike.
Travel Differently with Tonalli
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.
Founders
Sergio A. 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 at the university level. I’ve also served as advisor and mentor to students going abroad, helping them connect with the Spanish-speaking world in authentic and meaningful ways. 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. I invite you to step into Mexico’s rich culture—not just as a visitor, but as a participant in a shared human experience.
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.