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Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

7 days, Oaxaca to Oaxaca

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.

7 days - Oaxaca to Oaxaca

From$2199USD
Valid on Oct 28 2025
Trip Code: CMDNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

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.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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Alternative Trips

7 days - Oaxaca to Oaxaca

From$2199USD
Valid on Oct 28 2025
Trip Code: CMDNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 7

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Known as the “land of moles” for its diverse, complex cuisine, Oaxaca has become Mexico’s foremost culinary destination. The region also brims with history, art, and culture.” —Lee Anne Wong, “Oaxaca Hot Spots,” National Geographic Traveler, October, 2011

Map of the route for Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Places visited

Itinerary Notes

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Itinerary

Day 1Oaxaca

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2Oaxaca

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Oaxaca

Set out to explore the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a local host. Learn how chocolate is produced, 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Oaxaca Culinary Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4Oaxaca

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Oaxaca

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Oaxaca

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Oaxaca

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Oaxaca Culinary Experience, Oaxaca
  • Arrival transfer
  • Visits to observe cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns
  • Oaxaca and Etla Valley Day of the Dead parades
  • Orientation walk and market visit in Oaxaca
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (6 nts).

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Allow USD265-345 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

My Own Room - From $1499.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

| 7 days - Oaxaca to Oaxaca - from $2199 USD