Home / Day of the Dead
Cultural Expedition

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca

Mexico's most colorful festivity and a journey of a lifetime. Experience the way Mexico embraces life and death as part of the natural life cycle and honors beloved ancestors. Joining our Día de los Muertos journey means taking part in a celebration full of lively music, vibrant colors, beautiful flowers, and delicious food. Join us on our 7-day journey full of new impressions and memories that will last forever.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bienvenidos a Mexico! Airport transfer to our hotel in Oaxaca City. Welcome meeting and first dinner. +

Bienvenidos a Mexico! Airport transfer to our hotel in Oaxaca City. Welcome meeting and first dinner. Overnight in Oaxaca.

Day 2 Guided walk through the historic center, a market visit with authentic Oaxacan lunch, and a chocolate tasting experience. +

In the morning enjoy a guided walk in the historic center to get the feeling of the celebration. Join us for a market visit and try some of the many flavors of the delicious Oaxacan cuisine. Enjoy an authentic lunch in the market and finish with a chocolate experience. Optional dinner. Overnight in Oaxaca.

Day 3 Early visit to the Monte Albán archaeological site, followed by an Alebrije workshop in Tilcajete. +

Early visit to Monte Albán, a Zapotec archaeological site on top of a hill just outside the city. Learn about its importance and history during a guided tour. Afterwards we will visit an Alebrije workshop in the town of Tilcajete. In the evening you can stroll the town and immerse yourself in the unique ambience of the endless colors and happenings. Overnight in Oaxaca.

Day 4 Free time to explore Oaxaca's museums and markets; evening visit to the Atzompa cemetery for Día de los Muertos. +

In the morning you have time to take in the plentiful decorations of the city center, with the option to visit the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca to admire the treasures of Tomb 7 of Monte Albán. Stroll around the Ethnobotanical Gardens or immerse yourself in the fascinating markets. In the evening we will visit together the cemetery of Atzompa, where you can experience the spirituality of Día de los Muertos. Overnight in Oaxaca.

Day 5 Free morning, optional face painting, then join the street parade in the Jalatlaco neighborhood at night. +

This morning is for you to enjoy at your own leisure. If you'd like to get your face painted, this is the right moment as we are getting ready for the street celebration. At night we will stroll the neighborhood of Jalatlaco and join the street parade with music and dancing. Overnight in Oaxaca.

Day 6 Free day for an optional trip to Hierve el Agua, a pottery visit, or a mezcal distillery. Included farewell dinner. +

The villages in the different valleys around Oaxaca have a lot to offer. On today's free day, you can decide for a day trip to Hierve el Agua, to learn about pottery, or to visit a mezcal distillery. In the evening we celebrate a week full of new memories during our included farewell dinner.

Day 7 Departure day. +

Departure day. Fly anytime or extend your adventure.

What's Included

7-day trip
Airport pick-up upon arrival (OAX)
6 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
Visit of a traditional cemetery
Bilingual tour leader throughout the trip
Chocolate experience
Oaxaca market tour
Monte Albán guided visit
Alebrije workshop
Build our own ofrenda to remember loved ones
Celebration at the barrio mágico Jalatlaco
Transportation to included activities & all applicable taxes

Small Group Experience

Maximum group size: 14 guests

Our small-group format creates a more personal experience, greater flexibility, meaningful interactions, and closer access to local traditions.

What's Not Included +
— International airfare
— Lunches and dinners not listed above
— Personal travel insurance
— Souvenirs and personal expenses
— Gratuities for guides and drivers

Oaxaca has an international airport — it's a good idea to book your flights months in advance, as this is a very busy week.

from
$2,480 USD

Double occupancy, tax included. $680 USD single supplement (upon request and availability).

Book This Trip
Departure Dates
October 28 – November 3, 2027
Traveler Reviews

“It's hard to imagine a more colorful and festive holiday… Day of the Dead is my new favorite holiday.”

Carolyn S. · TripAdvisor

“What an experience and an action-packed week! The highlight was most definitely the multi-day celebrations in Oaxaca.”

Glbtrttr72 · TripAdvisor

Why travel with Explora Latin America?

Explora Latin America is a leading specialist for Day of the Dead tours in Oaxaca, offering expertly guided small-group journeys into one of Mexico's most moving and colorful traditions. It is an unique experience to immerse oneself in the candlelit cemetery vigils, vibrant street celebrations, and the warmth of Oaxacan culture up close. Our small group tours and personal care make sure we respect the local customs and create a personal ambience in which everyone can experience this special tradition in a meaningful way.

As an owner-operated company, we focus on small groups, personalized service, authentic experiences, and exceptional customer care. If you have additional questions, please contact us directly.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions about our Day of the Dead Journey

When does the Day of the Dead tour take place? +

Our tour runs October 28 – November 3, timed to the peak of the Día de los Muertos celebrations in Oaxaca, including the candlelit cemetery vigils and street festivities.

Is this trip physically demanding? +

No. The pace is relaxed, with guided walks through the city center and markets, and free time built into most days. Nevertheless, you will walk a significant amount including on uneven ground. The Day of the Dead experience is suitable for most fitness levels.

What is included in the tour price? +

Airport transfers, accommodation, most meals, guided visits to Monte Albán and an Alebrije workshop, a chocolate experience, a traditional cemetery visit, and a bilingual tour leader throughout.

How large are the tour groups? +

This tour is limited to a maximum of 10 guests, creating a more personal experience and closer access to local traditions and communities.

Is it safe to travel to Oaxaca? +

Yes. We have extensive local knowledge and close relationships with communities, hotels, and guides in Oaxaca. Thousands of travelers visit for Día de los Muertos every year without incident.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies? +

Yes, we regularly host guests with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs — just let us know during booking.

How do I book a Day of the Dead Tour? +

Complete the booking form on our Join a Tour page. As this is a very busy week in Oaxaca, we recommend booking flights and reserving your spot well in advance.

Important: The itinerary may vary depending on the local Day of the Dead festivities and current situation at the destination. As always, we will do everything possible to create the best experience for every guest.

Ready to experience Mexico differently?
Join a small group tour with Explora Latin America!

Book This Trip

Join a Tour