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Upgraded Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
From
Price on request
Duration
7 days
Countries
Mexico
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
Immerse yourself in the festivities of Mexico's Day of the Dead in culture-rich Oaxaca. A mixture of pre-hispanic indigenous and Catholic traditions, this annual celebration to honour the dead comes together in spectacular fashion. Take in the colourful street parades and costumes, observe candlelit vigils, and devour some of Oaxaca's mouthwatering cuisine like mole. Take advantage of free time to take a cooking class, explore ruins outside of the city or sip mezcal with the locals. This unique experience is a delight for all of the senses.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
7 days
Route
Oaxaca → Oaxaca
Countries
Mexico
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History, Festivals & Events, Food & Drink
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Mexico
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalEl 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.
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.
Day 2Take an orientation walk through Oaxaca…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.
OaxacaTake 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.
Day 3Head out on a culinary experience of Oaxaca…
OaxacaHead 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.
Day 4Spend the day experiencing Oaxaca’s Day…
OaxacaSpend 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.
Day 5Spend another day immersed in the Day…
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.
Day 6Enjoy a last of the Day…Oaxaca
OaxacaEnjoy 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.
Day 7Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Mexico
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
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