Oaxaca
6 nights
Journeys: Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
7 daysMexico
Journeys: Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is a 7-day guided tour with National Geographic Expeditions through Mexico. 1 departure is open on Oct 28, 2027. The lowest current price is $2,599 per person (twin share), for the Oct 28, 2027 departure. Included: Accommodation: Hotels (6 nts), Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Altar Preparation, Oaxaca, Your G for Good Moment: Oaxaca Culinary Experience, Oaxaca, Your G for Good Moment: Market Tour & Chocolate Workshop, Oaxaca and 8 more.
Celebrate one of Mexico’s most intriguing 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 beautiful spirit of Día de los Muertos, witnessing spectacular street dances, costumes, and altars while discovering the picturesque landscapes and mouthwatering flavours of Oaxaca.
- Length
- 7 days
- Starts and ends
- Oaxaca
- Meals
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Price basis
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Trip type
- Journeys
- Activity level
- Light-Moderate
- Service level
- Casual
- Operated by
- G Adventures
Watch this price
Itinerary
Day 1OaxacaOaxaca
Arrive before 3pm. Arrival transfer is included. Meet your Expedition Leader and group at a welcome meeting before enjoying dinner together.
- Welcome Dinner
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2OaxacaOaxaca
In Oaxaca City, where colourful crafts spill from market stalls and the scent of mole drifts through cobbled streets, spend the week immersed in culture, cuisine, and the electrifying spirit of Day of the Dead. Experience the festival’s theatrical processions as elaborately costumed revelers march to the rhythm of brass bands, and witness the quieter beauty of candle-lit cemetery visits where families gather to honour loved ones. Savour Oaxaca’s celebrated cuisine with a hands-on tortilla workshop before stepping into a local family’s kitchen to taste traditional dishes and learn the stories behind time-honoured cooking methods. Journey beyond the city with your Expedition Leader to the brilliant cempasúchil, or marigold, fields and discover how these iconic flowers are harvested and woven into the festivities. You will also take part in preparing a Day of the Dead altar, gaining insight into the symbolism behind each meaningful element as you contribute to its creation. Explore Oaxaca's culinary traditions with a market tour and hands-on chocolate class led by a community organization supported by G Adventures that believes in using food as a tool for connection and cultural exchange. Meet a cooperative of women potters from southeastern Mexico and take part in a workshop that offers a closer look at their craft and their work to preserve the beauty and heritage of ancient traditions. Between atmospheric vigils and vibrant street celebrations, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps wander lively plazas or visit the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, where sweeping valley views and centuries-old pyramids connect you to the region’s deep past.
- Orientation With Expedition Leader
- Altar Preparation
- Cempasuchil Fields Visit
- Oaxaca Culinary Experience
- Barro Negro
- Market Tour & Chocolate Workshop
- Free Time
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
Day 3OaxacaOaxaca
Further immerse yourself in the defining elements of the celebration as the week’s experiences continue. From hands-on traditions to street celebrations, each moment contributes to a deeper understanding of this meaningful holiday.
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
Day 4OaxacaOaxaca
Your journey continues as the week’s featured experiences unfold. Each day offers a different lens on Oaxaca’s vibrant Day of the Dead traditions.
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
Day 5OaxacaOaxaca
As the celebration continues, the week’s experiences build in richness and depth, offering further insight into the traditions and spirit of Day of the Dead.
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
Day 6OaxacaOaxaca
As the journey nears its close, enjoy the remaining highlights of the week’s experiences. Each element reflects the colour, culture, and significance of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations
Day 7OaxacaOaxaca
Depart at any time.
- Departure Day
Hotels
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation: Hotels (6 nts).
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Altar Preparation, Oaxaca
- Your G for Good Moment: Oaxaca Culinary Experience, Oaxaca
- Your G for Good Moment: Market Tour & Chocolate Workshop, Oaxaca
- Your Hands-On Moment: Barro Negro, Oaxaca
- Arrival transfer
- Visits to observe cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead procession
- Orientation walk and market visit in Oaxaca
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Transport: Private vehicle, walking.
Not included
- Airfare to and from destination
- Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
- Any activity not described in What's Included
- Meals on your own
- Gratuities
Optional experiences
Monte Albán Tour
Paid on tour
Dates and prices
Per person, twin share
Questions about Journeys: Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
How much does Journeys: Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca cost?
The lowest current price is $2,599 per person (Oct 28, 2027 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.
When does Journeys: Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca depart?
1 departure is open in October 2027. Departures marked "On request" are confirmed by an advisor.
What is included?
Accommodation: Hotels (6 nts), Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Altar Preparation, Oaxaca, Your G for Good Moment: Oaxaca Culinary Experience, Oaxaca, Your G for Good Moment: Market Tour & Chocolate Workshop, Oaxaca, Your Hands-On Moment: Barro Negro, Oaxaca, Arrival transfer, Visits to observe cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns, Oaxaca Day of the Dead procession, Orientation walk and market visit in Oaxaca, All transport between destinations and to/from included activities and 2 more. Not included: Airfare to and from destination, Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance, Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance, Visas, Any activity not described in What's Included, Meals on your own and Gratuities.
Where does Journeys: Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca go?
The 7-day itinerary visits Oaxaca.
Where do you stay?
Hotels on this tour: Hotel Marques del Valle, Oaxaca.
How do I book Journeys: Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?
Send a request and an advisor confirms the current fare and availability and books it for you. You do not pay on the website. Prices are read from the supplier and shown only while they are less than 14 days old, so a price on this page is never older than that. The final price is confirmed when you book.