Oaxaca: Dia De Los Muertos

Day 1 – Arrival in the Heart of Mexico

Arrive in Mexico City and take time to rest and recharge in preparation for your journey to Oaxaca and the unforgettable Day of the Dead celebration ahead. Accommodations: Hotel Marquis Reforma.

Day 2 – Journey to Oaxaca

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we head on to Oaxaca, a region renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and historical depth. Guests arrive at Hotel Fortin, where they are greeted with a welcome drink to kick off their cultural journey. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner at the hotel. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet fellow travelers and begin soaking in the spirit of Oaxaca. The hotel’s ambiance and hospitality set the tone for an unforgettable experience immersed in local tradition and celebration.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 3 – Exploring Oaxaca

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a guided walking tour through Oaxaca’s historic city center. Cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and lively markets set the scene as a knowledgeable local guide shares cultural insights and stories behind landmarks like the Santo Domingo Church and the Zocalo. Guests enjoy lunch on their own at a bustling local market, with the opportunity to sample Oaxacan favorites such as tlayudas, memelas, and fresh juices. In the afternoon, we visit an artisan workshop dedicated to the creation of alebrijes, Oaxaca’s fantastical wood-carved creatures. Guests learn about the craft’s history and symbolism before painting their own unique piece to take home. Following a restful siesta, the evening opens with a deeply moving altar-building experience, guided by local artisans who share the heart and soul behind this sacred tradition. Participants contribute to a traditional ofrenda with marigolds, candles, food, and personal touches that honor loved ones who have passed. This is followed by a warm, family-style Oaxacan dinner, shared in community and reflection. The night concludes with a magical guided visit to Pante6n Viejo in Xoxocotlan, one of Oaxaca’s most iconic cemeteries. Illuminated by candles and filled with marigolds, music, and memory, this sacred space offers a moving glimpse into the heart of Dia de los Muertos, where families gather to honor their ancestors in joy and reverence.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 4 – Agave Plantation & Mezcal Production, Tule Tree, & Day of the Dead Celebrations

We depart for an immersive journey into the heart of Oaxaca’s most iconic spirit beginning with visits to two artisanal distilleries and an agave plantation. Guided by a certified maestro mezcalero, they learn the traditional step-by-step process of mezcal production and enjoy a curated tasting of up to 34 varieties at an open mezcal bar. The experience also includes a visit to the legendary Tule Tree, an ancient Montezuma cypress that stands as a majestic symbol of endurance and natural wonder, and a local textile workshop, where artisans demonstrate traditional Zapotec weaving techniques. A delicious Oaxacan lunch rounds out the afternoon. As evening falls, the Dia de los Muertos festivities begin with traditional face painting. Local artists create intricate, skull-inspired designs that honor lost loved ones and connect guests to the spirit of the holiday. After dinner, the celebration continues with vibrant comparsa parades where music, dancing, giant puppets, and elaborate costumes fill the streets in a joyful fusion of ancestral ritual and modern revelry.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Cempasuchil Fields, Mitla, & Hierve el Agua

The day begins with a serene visit to the golden cempasuchil fields, where guests discover the spiritual significance of these marigolds, believed to guide the spirits of the departed home during Dfa de los Muertos. From there, we journey to the ancient Zapotec site of Mitla, renowned for its ceremonial importance and intricate geometric stone mosaics that tell stories of a rich pre-Hispanic past. In the afternoon, we continue to Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder where mineral-rich springs have created striking petrified waterfalls. Guests can hike the surrounding trails, take in panoramic views, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural cliffside pools. The evening concludes with a return to the hotel, a well-deserved dinner, and time to unwind and reflect on a day filled with beauty, history, and cultural connection.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Monte Alban

Today we embark on a guided tour of Monte Alban, the ancient Zapotec capital. Set high above the valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features pyramids, tombs, and ball courts. The tour provides deep insight into Mesoamerican cosmology and ritual life. Guests return to the city for lunch on their own in Oaxaca’s vibrant Centro Hist6rico. The afternoon offers an opportunity for rest or for optional self-guided activities, visit local art galleries, sip traditional hot chocolate, shop for handicrafts, or climb Cerro del Fortin for panoramic views. You can also enjoy live music and street performances at the Zocalo. The evening wraps with a farewell dinner, a final toast to new friends and unforgettable memories made during this culturally rich journey.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 7 – Oaxaca to Mexico City

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before you depart for Mexico City. Take with you the warmth of Oaxaca, the vivid imagery of Dia de los Muertos, and the spiritual depth of a once­ in-a-lifetime cultural immersion.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 8 – Adios

As you head home from Mexico City, take with you the warmth, color, and meaning of your time in Mexico.

Meals included: (B)