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October 28-November 2 2027

Oaxaca

Día de Muertos

Discover the heart and soul of Oaxaca on a
six-day journey through its vibrant culture, ancient history, and world-renowned cuisine. All during one of the most meaningful celebrations in Mexico.

Explore Monte Albán, master the art of mole negro, meet local artisans in Teotitlán del
Valle, and taste the region’s finest mezcal.

A celebration of Memory

Each year in early November, Oaxaca’s streets fill with marigold, copal smoke, and candlelight as families welcome their departed loved ones home for Día de Muertos.

From its ancient Zapotec roots to its modern creative spirit, Oaxaca invites you to experience the true heart of México. Over the coming days, you’ll take part in this living tradition alongside the communities who keep it, from market altars and village cemeteries to the kitchens and workshops where the celebration is made by hand.

Itinerary

Day 1

¡Bienvenidos a Oaxaca!
Arrive at your own pace, check in to our hotel, and settle into the rhythm of the city. Depending on when you land, you’ll have some free time to wander the colorful streets of the historic center before we come together for our first welcome dinner. It’s a chance to meet the group, toast to the days ahead, and get your first real taste of Oaxacan cuisine. Meals included: dinner

Our biggest day on the road takes us east through the Tlacolula Valley, past fields of agave and mountain villages, to some of the most striking scenery in the state. We’ll set out early to reach the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua before the crowds arrive, giving us the mineral pools and sweeping valley views at their most peaceful. From there, we continue to Mitla for a guided tour of this ancient archaeological site, known for its intricate stone mosaics. After lunch in the community, we visit a family of Zapotec weavers in Teotitlán del Valle, who will show us how they create natural dyes and weave their beautiful tapestries by hand. Our final stop is with the Mujeres del Barro Rojo, a collective of women potters, for a demonstration and a chance to shape your own piece from red clay. After a quick shopping stop, we return to Oaxaca City for dinner. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

DAY 2

Today is all about the flavors of Oaxaca. We start early at the Tlacolula market, where we’ll shop alongside our host family for the day’s ingredients. From there, we head to an outdoor smoke kitchen for a hands-on rainbow tortilla and mole negro experience, spending a few hours learning to prepare (and, of course, taste) some of the region’s most celebrated dishes. After lunch, we visit a family-run mezcal palenque, where our hosts will walk us through every step of the traditional process. We’ll even harvest our own agave before ending with a full tasting. We return to Oaxaca City for dinner to close out the evening. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

DAY 3

This morning we drive out to a woodworking community famous for its alebrijes, the vibrant hand-carved figures Oaxaca is known for. Our host family will welcome us with breakfast in their home and share how this craft has been passed down through generations. The artisans will show us how each piece is carved and painted, and you’ll have the chance to paint one of your own to take home. We return to the city for a free afternoon to shop and explore. In the evening, we reunite with our host family to visit their altar and accompany them to the cemetery, an intimate and meaningful way to experience how Oaxacan families honor their loved ones. Meals included: breakfast and dinner (lunch on your own)


Day 4

Today is yours to explore Oaxaca however you’d like. The city will be alive with celebrations, from decorated altars and marigold-lined streets to music and gatherings in the plazas. Wander the markets, revisit a favorite spot, pick up last-minute gifts, or simply soak in the festivities. Meals included: breakfast

DAY 5

After an early breakfast, we drive up to Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital perched high above the valley. We’ll walk through the site and learn about its more than 2,000 years of history while taking in some of the best views in Oaxaca. Afterward, we return to the city for a bit of final free time and a quick lunch together before it’s time to say goodbye! Airport shuttles begin departing around 1:00 p.m., and transfers can be arranged around individual flight times. Meals included: breakfast and lunch

DAY 6

What to Expect