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Upgraded Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
7 days, Oaxaca to Oaxaca
Itinerary
Day 1Oaxaca
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
El Día de los Muertos is a holiday in Mexico to honour and pray for loved ones who’ve departed. During this period in Oaxaca – centre-stage for Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico – cemetery vigils and street parades are not to be missed.
Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting. You will meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
This is a very popular tour which runs over 1 specific week every year, as a result, we have multiple groups at the same time enjoying this itinerary but each with their own CEO leading them. There may be other G Adventures groups in the same hotel and you will be sure to see them at the various festivities over the week.
We use various different hotels in Oaxaca over this week, the one listed is just an example. Closer to time of departure you will receive a notification confirming which hotel you will be staying at for the duration of the trip.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2Oaxaca
Take an orientation walk through Oaxaca with the CEO to get a feel for the city, visiting local markets as well as two different cemeteries. Soak in the sights and sounds of the city as it gears up for a week of processions, parades, music, and costumes in the traditions of the Day of the Dead.
Take an orientation walk around Oaxaca with your CEO. Visit two massive markets located just off the “zócalo” (main square), here you'll find many local foods, ornaments, and Day of the Dead essentials for local families.
This tour includes visits to cemeteries in both Xoxocotlan and Atzompa to view the altars and families gathering as dusk turns to dark. The many candles placed around the altars and graves add to the ambiance. In addition, you'll view Day of the Dead parades in both Oaxaca and the Etla Valley. Participants in these parades dress in elaborate costumes and are serenaded by brass bands. Mezcal, served in small plastic cups, is frequently passed out to those watching the parades.
Day of the Dead takes place between October 31 and November 2 and is a celebration and remembrance of the deceased. Families will build private altars and bring large feasts to cemeteries, to be with the souls of the departed. It is believed that the souls will come back to visit and take part in the celebrations. Some of the “ofrendas” (altars) are very elaborate and include sugar skulls and marigold flowers. In most regions, the souls of infants and children are honoured on November 1. Adults are remembered on November 2. It is generally a festive rather than somber gathering.
The Oaxaca area is well known for its many artisans who make everything from pottery, to elaborate weavings, and mezcal (tequila's cousin). The group can also take an optional visit to a couple of the the nearby communities to see the artisans at work.
The schedule for this tour is very flexible. It allows the CEO to make the best use of your time and is based on the events and activities of the day. The CEO will go over the schedule with you.
Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
An expert CEO will lead the way on an amazing journey through Oaxaca and this festive tradition. The schedule is based on what is happening that day. There are also various included experiences like an orientation walks through the city, visits to cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns, and the Oaxaca and Etla Valley Day of the Dead parades.
Free Time
In your free time, you can opt to experience Oaxaca's other great offerings. Visit the nearby ruins of Monte Alban or Mitla, take part in cooking classes to learn about the mouth-watering food of the area, or relax in a cafe in the city's main square, we think there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Mezcal Factory Tour
The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Mole Cooking Class
1200MXN per personTake a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Oaxaca
Head out on a culinary experience of Oaxaca with a local guide and chef. Learn how chocolate is produced and participate in a tortilla-making workshop before visiting a local family to taste the local delicacies and learn about the unique cooking methods and traditions of the region. The rest of the day is free to explore the city and surroundings.
The schedule of this tour is very flexible allowing for the CEO to make the most of your time. The CEO will go over the schedule with you.
Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
An expert CEO will lead the way on an amazing journey through Oaxaca and this festive tradition. The schedule is based on what is happening that day. There are also various included experiences like an orientation walks through the city, visits to cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns, and the Oaxaca and Etla Valley Day of the Dead parades.
Oaxaca Culinary Experience
Explore the culinary delights of Oaxaca with this immersive foodie experience. Visit the local market with a local guide to see the chocolate grinding mills and tortilla-making workshop. Then visit the home of a local family and taste an array of local cuisine, learn traditional cooking methods, and discuss the food culture in Oaxaca.
Free Time
In your free time, you can opt to experience Oaxaca's other great offerings. Visit the nearby ruins of Monte Alban or Mitla, attend cooking classes to learn about the mouth-watering mole of the area, or just relax in a cafe in the city's main square, we think there's something for everyone here.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Mezcal Factory Tour
The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Mole Cooking Class
1200MXN per personTake a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Oaxaca
Spend the day experiencing Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead festivities, with its colourful parades and cemetery vigils. During free time, opt for a tour of a mezcal factory or take a cooking class.
The schedule for this tour is very flexible. It allows your CEO to make the most of your time in Mexico. The schedule is based around the events of the day. The CEO will go over the schedule with you locally.
Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
An expert CEO will lead the way on an amazing journey through Oaxaca and this festive tradition. The schedule is based on what is happening that day. There are also various included experiences like an orientation walks through the city, visits to cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns, and the Oaxaca and Etla Valley Day of the Dead parades.
Free Time
In your free time, you can opt to experience Oaxaca's other great offerings. Visit the nearby ruins of Monte Alban or Mitla, take part in cooking classes to learn about the mouth-watering food of the area, or relax in a cafe in the city's main square, we think there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Mezcal Factory Tour
The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Mole Cooking Class
1200MXN per personTake a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Oaxaca
Spend another day immersed in the Day of the Dead experience. Choose to visit nearby archaeological sites like Monte Albán and Mitla, or sip mezcal in one of the city's many local watering holes.
The schedule for this tour is very flexible. It allows for the CEO to make the most of your time in Mexico. The schedule is based around the events and activities of the day. The CEO will go over the schedule with you locally.
Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
An expert CEO will lead the way on an amazing journey through Oaxaca and this festive tradition. The schedule is based on what is happening that day. There are also various included experiences like an orientation walks through the city, visits to cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns, and the Oaxaca and Etla Valley Day of the Dead parades.
Free Time
In your free time, you can opt to experience Oaxaca's other great offerings. Visit the nearby ruins of Monte Alban or Mitla, take part in cooking classes to learn about the mouth-watering food of the area, or relax in a cafe in the city's main square, we think there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Mezcal Factory Tour
The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Mole Cooking Class
1200MXN per personTake a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Oaxaca
Enjoy a last of the Day of the Dead celebrations. Squeeze in any last optional activities like a visit to a nearby artisan community or learn how to prepare mole, the iconic and delicious dish typical to Oaxaca.
The schedule of this tour is very flexible allowing for the CEO to make the best of our time based on events and activities on a day-by-day basis. The CEO will go over the schedule with you locally.
Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
An expert CEO will lead the way on an amazing journey through Oaxaca and this festive tradition. The schedule is based on what is happening that day. There are also various included experiences like an orientation walks through the city, visits to cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns, and the Oaxaca and Etla Valley Day of the Dead parades.
Free Time
In your free time, you can opt to experience Oaxaca's other great offerings. Visit the nearby ruins of Monte Alban or Mitla, take part in cooking classes to learn about the mouth-watering food of the area, or relax in a cafe in the city's main square, we think there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Monte Albán Tour
950MXN per personThe Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Mezcal Factory Tour
The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that's coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit
950MXN per personThe UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Mole Cooking Class
1200MXN per personTake a cooking class and learn that there's more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Oaxaca
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.