Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca - National Geographic Expeditions

Celebrate one of Mexico’s most intriguing—and unusual—festivals in the eclectic city of Oaxaca, where indigenous culture holds strong. During Day of the Dead, which takes place at the end of October and early November each year, pre-Hispanic traditions honouring the departed merge with Catholic feasts to create a truly unique holiday. Delve into the bizarre and beautiful spirit of Día de los Muertos, witnessing spectacular street dances, costumes, and altars while discovering the picturesque landscapes and mouthwatering flavours of Oaxaca.

Trip highlights

Monte Albán Tour, 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.

Oaxaca Culinary Experience, Enjoy the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a local host. Stop at a market and a chocolate-grinding mill along the way, and participate in a tortilla-making workshop. Then head to the home of a local family to sit down to a meal together.

Itinerary - 7 Days

Day 1 Oaxaca

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Oaxaca

Take an orientation walk through Oaxaca, known for its colourful crafts, unique cuisine, and vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations. During our walk, we’ll visit two bustling markets selling local foods, ornaments, and many Day of the Dead essentials. Over the course of the week, immerse yourself in the festival’s theatrical parades, watching people dressed in elaborate costumes march to the tune of brass bands; and observe local families gathering at candle-lit altars and graves on visits to the city’s cemeteries.

Day 3 Oaxaca

Set out to explore the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a local host. Learn how chocolate is produced at a grinding mill, and flip your own tortillas at a tortilla-making workshop. Continue to a local family's kitchen to taste an array of delicious Oaxacan dishes and chat with your hosts about traditional cooking methods and Oaxacan food culture. You’ll also have free time to explore the city and its surroundings.

Day 4 Oaxaca

Spend the day experiencing Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead festivities. Attend atmospheric vigils, photograph the boisterous parades, and learn about the spiritual significance of the holiday’s rituals. Opt to travel to Hierve del Agua. This stunning natural formation of mineral pools near the edge of a cliff.

Day 5 Oaxaca

Continue exploring the captivating culture of the Day of the Dead. In your free time, choose to head to the nearby ruins of Mitla for a guided tour. One of Mexico’s best known archaeological sites, it is believed that Mitla was founded as a Zapotec burial ground. Or, wander among the plazas and pyramids of the Monte Albán ruins, a Zapotec site dating to the eighth century BC.

Day 6 Oaxaca

Enjoy the last of the Day of the Dead festivities. You may also opt to visit a nearby artisan community for a look at Oaxaca’s renowned traditional crafts, including pottery and handwoven textiles. Alternatively, learn how to prepare mole, the flavoursome Mexican sauce that comprises a famously inexhaustible list of ingredients.

Day 7 Oaxaca

Depart at any time.

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Price

From £ 1449

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All prices are ‘from’ prices and per person based on double occupancy. If you‘re travelling on your own, we‘ll pair you up with a roommate of the same gender so that you can pay the same rate as other travellers. Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. Arrival transfer, transport between destinations and to/from included activities, and activities as listed in the itinerary are included. Accommodation, meals and further transportation included as per itinerary. All tours are operated by G Adventures Inc.