- The Journey
- Day by Day
- What's Included
- Not Included
- Captured Moments
- Reserve Your Place
- Your Questions Answered
- Travel Notes
Oaxaca comes alive each year during Día de los Muertos, a time of colour, memory, and devotion. This is more than a festival. It is a profound celebration of life and remembrance, where Indigenous traditions and Catholic rituals intertwine to honour those who came before us.
Experience Highlights
• Create a traditional Día de los Muertos ofrenda
• Experience candlelit cemetery visits with local families
• Visit Mitla, the ancient “City of the Dead”
• Celebrate in marigold fields under the night sky
• Taste mezcal, mole, cacao and the flavours of Oaxaca
Our journey blends respectful participation in these time-honoured traditions with the everyday rhythms of Oaxaca. Along the way we discover the region’s remarkable cuisine, vibrant street life, and deeply rooted artistic culture.
Step into family kitchens to learn the craft of mole, wander streets filled with music and colour, and witness candlelit cemeteries where families gather to honour loved ones. From mezcal tastings to traditional face-painting ceremonies, each moment is an opportunity to experience the stories and rituals that shape Oaxaca’s identity.
Whether you are drawn by colour, culture, or the deeper meaning behind these traditions, you will leave with far more than photographs. You will leave with perspective, gratitude, and perhaps even your own ofrenda to carry the memory forward.
Limited to just 12 travellers to keep the experience intimate.
This journey moves through Oaxaca during Día de los Muertos, a time when the city fills with colour, memory, and ritual. From the first preparations in homes and markets to candlelit evenings in cemeteries, each day offers a deeper connection to the traditions that honour those who came before.
As the experience unfolds, we move between intimate family-led moments and wider community celebrations, discovering the artistry, symbolism, and meaning behind each ritual. The pace allows space for both immersion and reflection, as the festival reveals itself layer by layer.
Our itinerary follows the cultural rhythm of Día de los Muertos, ensuring we are present for both the preparation and the celebration. As with all living traditions, timings may gently adapt to honour local customs and preserve the integrity of each experience.
Itineraries
Day 01 | Oaxaca
Date : 27/10/2026
First Impressions | Flavours of the City
Highlights
Welcome drinks · Santo Domingo cultural complex · Oaxaca markets · Guided food immersion tour
Welcome to Oaxaca, the cultural soul of southern Mexico and the spiritual heartland of Día de los Muertos. After checking into our centrally located guesthouse, take a little time to settle in and absorb the vibrant rhythm of this colourful city.
In the afternoon we gather as a group for our first introduction to Oaxaca through its most defining element: food. Our guided food immersion begins in the lively local markets where stalls overflow with spices, chocolate, fresh tortillas, and simmering pots of mole. As we taste our way through local specialties, our guide shares the culinary traditions that shape everyday life in Oaxaca. Food tours here often combine market visits with cultural storytelling, revealing how the region’s history and identity are expressed through its cuisine.
From the markets we continue on a gentle cultural walk through the historic centre. Our route leads us to the remarkable Santo Domingo complex, one of Oaxaca’s most treasured landmarks. Inside its golden baroque church and surrounding courtyards, centuries of history unfold through art, architecture, and the stories of the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures that shaped this region.
The evening is left intentionally relaxed. Take time to wander the nearby streets, browse artisan shops, or enjoy a quiet drink in one of the city’s rooftop terraces before gathering again for a casual dinner together.
It is a warm and welcoming introduction to Oaxaca, setting the stage for the days of culture, celebration, and remembrance that lie ahead.
Inclusions
Guided food tour · Santo Domingo cultural visit · Guided historic centre walk · Dinner · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 02 | Hierve el Agua
Date : 28/10/2026
Earth and Spirit | Waterfalls, Mezcal and Marigold Light
Highlights
Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls · Mezcal distillery experience · Marigold fields night experience
We begin our day in the Oaxacan countryside, where natural landscapes and living traditions come together.
Our first stop is Hierve el Agua, where mineral rich springs have formed remarkable rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls frozen in time. Perched high above the valley, the site offers sweeping views across the surrounding mountains. Walk along the cliffside paths, dip a hand in the mineral pools, or simply pause to take in the stillness of the landscape.
Later we visit a family run mezcal distillery where the craft of mezcal making has been passed down through generations. Here we learn how agave hearts are roasted, crushed, and distilled using traditional methods. A guided tasting reveals the depth and character of this iconic spirit, connecting the land, the plant, and the people who have shaped this tradition.
As evening falls, we travel just outside the city to glowing marigold fields for a special Día de los Muertos celebration. Local artists guide us through traditional Catrina face painting before a professional photo session captures the moment among candlelit flowers and strings of warm light.
A festive local meal awaits us beneath the marigolds, accompanied by traditional dishes and non alcoholic drinks. Surrounded by colour, music, and the scent of flowers, the night becomes a joyful introduction to the spirit of the days ahead.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Transportation · Entry fees · Mezcal distillery tour and tasting · Marigold Fields Night Experience · Face painting · Professional photos · Festival meal and non alcoholic drinks · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 03 | Mitla
Date : 29/10/2026
Echoes of the Ancestors | Mitla and Pan de Muerto
Highlights
Mitla archaeological site · Pan de Muerto baking workshop
Today we travel beyond Oaxaca into the surrounding valleys to visit Mitla, one of the most sacred Zapotec sites in the region. Known as the “City of the Dead,” Mitla was once an important ceremonial centre connected to ancient beliefs about the underworld and the journey of the soul.
Walking through its stone courtyards and intricate geometric mosaics, we begin to understand how these ancient traditions continue to shape the spirit of Día de los Muertos today. With the guidance of a local cultural expert, the stories of the site unfold slowly, connecting past and present.
Later in the day we take part in a Pan de Muerto baking experience, learning how this symbolic bread is prepared during the days leading up to the festival. Soft, lightly sweet, and decorated with delicate patterns, it is both offering and nourishment.
Together we prepare our own loaves, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rituals that bring families together in remembrance during this sacred season.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Guided visit to Mitla · Festival meal · Pan de Muerto baking experience · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 04 | Oaxaca
Date : 30/10/2026
From Market to Table | Oaxacan Cooking Experience
Highlights
Local market visit · Hands-on cooking class · Shared meal
The day begins in the vibrant markets of Oaxaca, where the colours, aromas, and rhythms of daily life unfold stall by stall. Accompanied by our local cooking instructor, we wander through the aisles learning about the native ingredients that shape Oaxacan cuisine. Chilhuacle chiles, hoja santa, heirloom corn, and freshly ground cacao reveal the depth of the region’s culinary traditions.
From the market we head into the kitchen for a hands on cooking experience inspired by the flavours of Día de los Muertos. Guided step by step, we prepare a traditional meal together, learning techniques and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
By midday the kitchen fills with the scents of simmering sauces and warm tortillas. We gather around the table to share the dishes we have created, enjoying a long and relaxed lunch together.
The afternoon is free to explore Oaxaca at your own pace, allowing time to wander the markets, discover quiet courtyards, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the city as preparations for the celebrations continue.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Market visit · Cooking class and lunch · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 05 | Oaxaca
Date : 31/10/2026
Traditions of Remembrance | Altars, Stories and Candlelight
Highlights
Day of the Dead cultural experience · Altar building · Cemetery visit
This morning is yours to enjoy Oaxaca at a relaxed pace. You may wish to explore the markets, visit a nearby museum, or simply settle into a café as the city prepares for the evening’s observances.
In the late afternoon we gather for a guided cultural experience that offers a deeper understanding of the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos. With the guidance of a local host, we explore the meaning behind the rituals, symbols, and stories that shape this sacred time of remembrance.
Together we take part in building a small altar, learning how flowers, candles, photographs, and offerings are arranged to honour those who have passed. Traditional foods and drinks are shared as we listen to the history and evolution of these customs and the ways they continue to connect families and communities today.
As evening settles, we walk to a nearby pantheon where graves are illuminated by candles and bright marigolds. Families gather here to spend time with loved ones, sharing food, music, and quiet moments of remembrance.
It is a quiet and deeply moving introduction to the spirit of Día de los Muertos.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Guided Day of the Dead cultural experience · Traditional foods and drinks · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 06 | Oaxaca
Date : 01/11/2026
Faces of the Festival | Masks, Colour and Transformation
Highlights
Traditional mask making workshop · Catrina makeup experience · Professional photoshoot
Today we step more fully into the artistic traditions that accompany Día de los Muertos.
Our morning begins with a mask making workshop guided by local artisans. We learn about the history and symbolism behind ceremonial masks used in festival parades and community celebrations throughout Oaxaca. With brushes and colour in hand, we decorate our own masks, drawing inspiration from the patterns, stories, and traditions shared by our teachers.
Later in the afternoon, the spirit of transformation continues with a traditional Catrina makeup experience. Skilled local artists guide us through the process of face painting inspired by the iconic calavera designs that have become a powerful symbol of remembrance and celebration.
Once complete, a professional photographer captures the moment as we step into character, surrounded by the colours and atmosphere of the festival season.
As evening arrives, the city fills with music, candlelight, and marigolds. With painted faces and festival spirit in the air, you are free to wander Oaxaca’s streets, visit altars, and experience the celebrations unfolding throughout the city.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Mask making workshop · Materials · Catrina makeup experience · Professional photoshoot · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 07 | Oaxaca
Date : 02/11/2026
Honouring the Ancestors | A Village Day of the Dead
Highlights
Matatlán village visit · Family altar building · Village pantheon visit
Today we step beyond the city and into village life for one of the most meaningful experiences of the journey.
In the afternoon we travel to Matatlán, a small mezcal producing community where Día de los Muertos is observed with deep family tradition. Here we are welcomed into the home of local mezcaleros who open their doors to share their customs, stories, and hospitality.
Together with our hosts we help prepare a traditional altar, placing fruits, flowers, candles, and offerings that honour the memory of loved ones. Guests are invited to bring a small photograph if they wish to include someone special in this shared act of remembrance.
As evening approaches we gather for a home cooked meal prepared by the family, featuring traditional Oaxacan dishes and mezcal produced in the village itself. Around the table, conversation flows easily as we learn more about how Día de los Muertos is lived and remembered within the community.
Later we walk together to the village pantheon where families gather beside candlelit graves decorated with marigolds and offerings. The atmosphere is quiet and deeply personal, offering a moving glimpse into the heart of this tradition.
In this small village setting, the celebration of memory feels both intimate and profoundly human.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Round trip transportation · Family hosted altar building · Home cooked dinner · Mezcal tasting · Village pantheon visit · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 08 | Oaxaca
Date : 03/11/2026
Living Traditions | Nature, Culture, and Time to Explore
Highlights
Guided visit to Oaxaca Botanical Garden · Cultural insight into local traditions · Time at leisure
This morning, we begin with a guided visit to the Botanical Garden of Oaxaca, a space that brings together the plants, traditions, and cultural history of the region.
Here, we gain a deeper understanding of the ingredients, symbolism, and natural elements that shape both daily life and the traditions of Día de los Muertos. From medicinal plants to those used in ritual offerings, each tells part of a wider story.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to explore Oaxaca’s markets, revisit favourite streets, or simply take time to rest and absorb the atmosphere of the city.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Guided botanical garden visit · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 09 | Oaxaca
Date : 04/11/2026
Renewal and Reflection | Temazcal Ceremony
Highlights
Traditional Temazcal ceremony · Guided ritual experience · Time for rest and reflection
After the vibrant days of celebration, today invites a quieter form of connection.
We travel just outside Oaxaca to take part in a traditional temazcal ceremony, an ancient Mesoamerican practice of purification and renewal. Led by experienced local guides, the ceremony takes place inside a small stone sweat lodge where heat, steam, herbs, and ritual combine to create a deeply grounding experience.
Within the temazcal, chants and traditional practices guide the ceremony, encouraging participants to release what they wish to leave behind and reconnect with a sense of balance and clarity. For many cultures of Mexico, this ritual represents both physical cleansing and spiritual renewal.
Afterwards, we step back into the open air feeling refreshed. Time is set aside to rest, enjoy a simple meal, and absorb the quiet surroundings before returning to Oaxaca later in the afternoon.
It is a gentle moment of reflection after the intensity of the festival, allowing space to integrate the experiences of the journey.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Temazcal ceremony · Lunch · Round trip transportation · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 10 | Oaxaca
Date : 05/11/2026
Flavours of Oaxaca | Cacao, Mole and Mezcal
Highlights
Traditional cacao experience · Mezcal and mole tasting with certified sommelier · Farewell dinner
This morning we explore one of Oaxaca’s most cherished traditions: cacao.
At a local chocolate workshop, we learn how cacao beans are roasted, ground, and transformed into the rich chocolate drinks that have been part of Oaxacan life for centuries. Watching the traditional grinding process and tasting freshly prepared chocolate offers a deeper understanding of how cacao connects food, culture, and ceremony throughout the region.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Oaxaca one last time. You may wish to wander the markets, revisit a favourite café, or simply take in the colours and atmosphere of the city before the journey comes to a close.
In the evening we gather for a special tasting experience that brings together two of Oaxaca’s most iconic flavours: mole and mezcal. Guided by a certified local sommelier, we discover how the deep, layered notes of traditional mole pair with different artisanal mezcals, each reflecting the land and craftsmanship behind it.
After the tasting, we settle in for our farewell dinner together. It is a final moment to share stories, reflect on the journey we have experienced, and raise a glass to the memories that will travel home with us.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Cacao and chocolate experience · Mezcal and mole tasting with certified sommelier · Farewell dinner · Accommodation in Oaxaca
Day 11 | Oaxaca
Date : 06/11/2026
Adiós y Gracias | Until We Meet Again
Highlights
Farewell breakfast and optional shared transfer
After breakfast, we say our farewells and assist with onward travel plans. Shared taxis to the airport or bus station can be arranged depending on your departure time. Though our journey in Oaxaca ends here, the memories, flavours, and stories we’ve shared will travel with you, woven into the rhythm of your return.
This may be the end of our time together, but the warmth of Oaxaca, the scent of marigolds, and the pulse of celebration will linger in your soul. Thank you for walking beside us through this unforgettable journey of colour, culture, and remembrance.
Inclusions
Breakfast
Accommodation and Dining
• 10 nights’ accommodation in Oaxaca
• 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (hand-selected restaurants, local tastings & celebration meals)
• Guided Oaxaca food immersion tour
• Farewell celebration dinner
Signature Oaxaca Experiences
• Visit to the Santo Domingo cultural complex and Oaxaca’s historic centre
• Guided Oaxaca food immersion tour through vibrant local markets
• Visit to Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls
• Mezcal distillery tour and tasting with a local producer
• Marigold Fields Night Experience
• Guided visit to the Zapotec archaeological site of Mitla, the “City of the Dead”
• Pan de Muerto baking experience with a local family or bakery
• Hands on Oaxacan cooking class and market visit
• Guided Day of the Dead altar and cemetery cultural experience
• Traditional mask making workshop with local artisans
• Traditional Catrina face painting and professional photoshoot
• Matatlán village Day of the Dead celebration with a local mezcalero family
• Guided visit to Oaxaca Botanical Garden with cultural insight into local traditions
• Traditional Temazcal purification ceremony
• Traditional cacao and chocolate experience
• Mole and artisanal mezcal tasting led by a certified sommelier
Transport and Logistics
• All transfers included as per itinerary
• Transportation for all scheduled activities
Guidance and Support
• Expert local guides, artisans and hosts
• Experienced English-speaking tour guide throughout
• All gratuities for included activities
Flights and Arrival
• International airfare
• Airport transfers to and from our Oaxaca hotel on arrival and departure days
Travel Requirements
• Travel insurance (required)
• Relevant visas (see Resources section)
Personal and Optional Expenses
• Additional meals, drinks, or personal purchases
• Personally selected activities in free time
We choose boutique hotels and guesthouses that reflect the spirit of the region; stylish, character-filled, and comfortably local.
The rhythm is curated for balance: immersive mornings, long lunches, gentle evenings, and space to follow your own curiosity.
We don’t include international flights, so you have the freedom to fly your way. But we’ll help you find the best routes, prices, and tips to get there. You book your flights - we’ll take care of everything once you land.
Choose to use your travel points, miles or international travel discount
Control your own layovers and choice of airline
Look out for free travel insurance when you purchase your flights via credit card
Bonus option to extend your trip before/after the tour
We’re happy to guide you on routes and timing. Once you land, we take care of everything.
Absolutely. Many guests choose to extend their time in Paris before or after the journey.
We welcome solo guests. We know that travelling alone can be an incredible experience, and that “single person supplements” are less so. Accommodation costs don’t drop much for single occupancy, and unfortunately that’s beyond our control. If you’re happy to share with a fellow adventurer, or want to explore ways to make your solo journey more cost-effective, please reach out to us before booking online.
At checkout, choose what suits you - full payment, monthly installments, or a deposit with the balance due 60 days before departure.
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