Celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Upon landing, you’ll be greeted by our friendly driver and whisked away to the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel, ideally located in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic downtown. Take some time to settle in, unpack, and refresh after your journey.

In the afternoon join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink and snacks at the hotel. Leticia, your trip leader and Día de los Muertos enthusiast, will introduce you to the vibrant traditions of the celebration. Leticia will guide you in crafting your own beautiful, personalized headdress, a key element of tonight’s festivities. She’ll also help you perfect your look with the right attire and makeup, ensuring you’re ready for the evening ahead.

Next, we’ll set out on an exciting journey to explore the cultural significance of Cempasúchil, or marigold fields. These bright, golden flowers are at the heart of Día de los Muertos celebrations. As we wander through the fields, you’ll learn about their deep symbolism and how they are used to honor the souls of the departed. The evening culminates in a special dinner hosted by a local family right in the heart of the marigold fields, where you’ll experience authentic Oaxacan cuisine while surrounded by the beauty of the flowers.

After this unforgettable evening, return to your hotel, reflecting on the culture, connections, and magic of Día de los Muertos. With a full heart and new memories, rest up for another exciting day ahead.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santo Domingo. Built in 1585, this architectural gem features ornate baroque details and houses a museum brimming with treasures that tell Oaxaca’s story.

Next, we’ll stroll through the vibrant heart of Oaxaca City, admiring its colorful colonial buildings and exploring the cobblestone streets of Barrio de Jalatlaco. One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, this district bursts with murals and artistry, offering a visual feast at every turn.

Lunch will be at the renowned Casa Oaxaca, where you’ll savor some of the region’s best flavors. Don’t miss their salsa—it’s crafted table-side and is unforgettable. After lunch, enjoy some free time to shop for local crafts, explore at your own pace, or simply relax and soak in Oaxaca’s ambiance.

After dinner, we’ll head to San Agustín de Etla, where Day of the Dead parades and celebrations light up the streets. Locals in intricate costumes and painted faces parade to the sounds of brass bands and traditional music. Sip Mezcal, delight in street food, and revel in the vibrant atmosphere that carries deep into the night.

Today, we’ll explore the vibrant world of Oaxacan artistry, with a focus on the region’s rich weaving traditions and craftsmanship.

In the morning Sleep in a bit today—you’ve earned it! After a relaxed morning, we’ll head to Florecita, a charming market nearby, for a traditional Mexican breakfast. Savor rich hot chocolate, and if you're feeling adventurous, try the chapulinas (grasshoppers)—they’re a crunchy treat that pair perfectly with your morning tortilla and pack an extra punch of protein. Then we’ll travel to Teotitlán del Valle, a town renowned for its extraordinary handwoven rugs. Our first stop is the Bulmaro Pérez family workshop and gallery, where we’ll see firsthand the intricate process of creating these stunning textiles. Bulmaro, one of Teotitlán's premier weavers, will guide us through a hands-on demonstration of the natural dyes used in the weaving process, showcasing the traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations.

Next, we’ll visit the Norma's Vida Nueva weaving collective, where we’ll learn about the cooperative’s efforts to preserve and promote the art of weaving, empowering local women in the process.

For lunch, we’ll indulge in the mouth watering flavors of traditional Oaxacan food at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local candle workshop, where you’ll see the craftsmanship behind the stunning, hand-carved candles used for the celebrations. These candles are an essential part of the altars and offerings created to honor the ancestors.

Later, we’ll immerse ourselves in the Día de los Muertos festivities, starting with visits to local altars and community displays. We’ll then head to the cemetery, where you’ll witness families gathered to honor their loved ones, lighting candles and offering food and flowers to invite the spirits back to the world of the living. This deeply moving experience will give you a chance to fully understand and appreciate the beauty of the holiday.

The evening we will have a late dinner at Tlayudas El Negro, where we’ll feast on crispy, delicious tlayudas. These tortillas, layered with beans, cheese, meats, and more, are a comforting, quintessential Oaxacan dish, often called a Mexican pizza. It’s the perfect end to a day filled with cultural exploration and celebration.

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of Oaxacan cuisine, celebrated for its bold flavors and rich traditions. While Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s poorer states economically, its cultural wealth is unmatched, shaped by the diverse indigenous communities that call this region home.

Our morning takes us to the charming home of a local chef and her son, where they’ve created a stunning outdoor kitchen. Under their guidance, you’ll roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of Oaxacan cooking. From pressing homemade tortillas to crafting memelitas and other traditional dishes, it’s a hands-on experience that connects you to the heart of this cuisine. Afterward, we’ll gather to savor the delicious meal we’ve prepared together.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Rest at the hotel, shop for local crafts, or visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and Oaxaca Cultures, housed in a beautiful colonial-era building in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic district.

After some downtime at the hotel, we’ll dine at Lucina Cocina de Humo, an elevated restaurant led by a talented female chef. Known for her creative use of heirloom tomatoes—often smoked and beautifully displayed—her food is a true culinary masterpiece. 

We’ll start the day with an in-depth, hands-on tour of the artisanal Mezcal production process, venturing outside the city to explore this iconic Mexican tradition. Even if you think Mezcal isn’t your thing, prepare to have your mind changed. Our guide, one of the most respected Mezcal experts in Mexico and a Mezcal producer himself, will take us through the traditional methods—from the agave fields to the distillation process. Along the way, we’ll taste various Mezcals, each with its own unique flavor profile, and learn about the history and cultural significance of this beloved spirit.

Next, we’ll visit a lively market for a late lunch. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample some of Oaxaca’s best street food, with flavors that will leave you craving more.

The afternoon is yours to unwind and explore at your own pace. You might want to take a restful nap after the late nights or dive into the vibrant shops around central Oaxaca City, where you can find everything from handcrafted textiles to artisanal jewelry.

For dinner, we’ll indulge in a memorable tasting menu experience at Tikaaya, one of Oaxaca’s premier dining spots. Known for its exceptional fusion of traditional Oaxacan ingredients and contemporary culinary techniques, Tikaaya offers an unforgettable culinary journey. Each dish is a delicate masterpiece, thoughtfully crafted to highlight the region's rich flavors and innovative cooking.

As our unforgettable Day of the Dead journey comes to an end, we'll arrange your transport to the Oaxaca airport for those heading home, allowing you to relax and reflect on the incredible memories made.

For those continuing on the trip extension, Puerto Escondido offers a peaceful retreat by the beach, providing the perfect place to unwind.

The memories from this journey—celebrating life, honoring tradition, and forming lifelong connections—will stay with you long after we part ways. From the vibrant festivals to quiet moments of reflection, it’s been about more than just sights. It’s been about the friendships formed, the laughter shared, and the stories we’ll all carry with us.