Oaxaca is famous for food, it’s stunning pacific coastline and, Day of the dead, or “Día de Muertos” which occurs on the 2nd November is a celebration that takes place in all over Mexico, Oaxaca is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in several days of celebration. This is a joyful celebration where family and friends gather to pay respects to those who aren’t with us anymore. Pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic feasts occur over several days and even weeks.
Today you arrive at the airport and be transferred to your hotel in central Oaxaca. In Oaxaca, the end of October/beginning of November the peak of the festivity so this is when we would book this for you.
Oaxaca lights up at this time of year and streets are decorated with flowers, and all establishments place altars (ofrendas) to commemorate the departed. Simply walking around the colourful streets you will be memorised.
Oaxaca is known for its culinary delights. Should you like you can take a food tour where you will taste the many mole sauces and mezcals this region has to offer. You also have the option to select fresh produce with a local chef and cook your own meal.
Today you will visit Hierve el Agua which are petrified waterfalls set on the edge of a cliff overlooking the mountainous landscape. Later you return to Oaxaca to continue the celebrations and watch the streets light up.
For days, you can hear firecrackers, see calendas along the streets of Oaxaca, people visiting cemeteries to leave their offerings and many parades taking place. You can experience fiestas where the living to remember the many beautiful moments they shared with the departed.
In Oaxaca you can visit San Miguel Cemetery (Oaxaca’s General Cemetery) and near Oaxaca Centro, the Cemetery of San Felipe.
If you are someone who likes to get off the beaten track, we can’t promise you that it won’t be busy – which is why we suggest booking early – but you will certainly get the authentic experience. You can take a tour led by an expert in the history and mysticism surrounding this event.
People gather in cemeteries (pantheons) as part of the beautiful and sacred traditions honoring our deceased and you will be able to respectfully witness this and ask questions. You tour guide will take you to one of these cemetery’s: the Panteón Viejo and Panteón Nuevo in Xoxocotlan, the Panteon at San Agustin Etla and the Panteón at Santa Maria Atzompa.
The celebrations will still take place for a few days families. Whilst Dia de Muertos is taking place new street art will start to appear and this t is a great opportunity to take a look at all of the new beautiful art that now adorns the streets.
Today you may like to visit the a pre-Columbian archaeological site Monte Alban and then you’ll have an afternoon to continue to explore the beautiful streets of Oaxaca.
Today you will return home full of memories and stories. Should you like you can continue to the pacific coast at one of our handpicked boutique hotels.
Accommodation on B&B basis
Private Transfers (air-conditioned vehicle)
All entrance fees with service of English-speaking guide for excursions
Local Taxes
All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully
Do you fancy having a chat about Day of the Dead in Oaxaca? Personally, it's one of our favourite things to talk about.