Oaxaca

Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca is one of the most meaningful cultural celebrations in the world - where memory, artistry, food, and community come together in a way that is both deeply personal and profoundly joyful. In Oaxaca, the holiday is not about mourning, but about honoring loved ones through music, ritual, storytelling, and shared meals. Altars glow with candles and marigolds, families gather in candlelit cemeteries, and the streets come alive with color, procession, and celebration.

Throughout our time together, we’ll connect with the people and traditions that give Oaxaca its spirit - visiting Zapotec weaving communities, learning the symbolism behind alebrijes, and spending time in mezcal villages where generations have preserved their craft. We’ll explore vibrant markets, gather ingredients for an altar and cooking experience, and share meals that highlight the richness of Oaxacan cuisine.

As the celebrations unfold, we’ll take part in the living traditions of Día de los Muertos - building an altar, joining a muerteada through the streets, and witnessing candlelit cemetery vigils where families gather to honor their ancestors.

By the end of our journey, Oaxaca will have offered more than beautiful moments - it will leave us with a deeper appreciation for remembrance, connection, and the traditions that keep memory alive.

Price from

$3,749.00

Oct 28-Nov 2, 2027

Per person based on double occupancy. Solo Rooms available.

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Picture Yourself

  • Joining a vibrant muerteada procession before visiting candlelit cemetery celebrations
  • Building your own traditional Día de los Muertos ofrenda with candles, marigolds, and offerings
  • Tasting small-batch mezcal at a rare women-run palenque in Matatlán
  • Swimming in the mineral pools and hiking the cliffs at Hierve el Agua
  • Learning traditional Zapotec weaving techniques with the women of Teotitlán del Valle

Day by Day

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Day 1: Arrivals

Bienvenidos a Oaxaca during this sacred season of Día de los Muertos, when remembrance, ritual, and community take center stage. You'll be greeted at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel, a thoughtfully designed boutique property in the heart of one of the city's most emblematic neighborhoods, Jalatlaco.

We’ll gather in the evening for a welcome dinner at a Michelin Green Star restaurant, recognized for its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. The night unfolds at an easy pace as we explore the rich flavors of Oaxaca, share a beautiful meal together, and begin immersing ourselves in the spirit and meaning of Día de los Muertos.

Meals: D

Hotel: Hotel Tabaá

Day 2: Oaxaca City + Markets

We'll begin our day with a guided walking tour through the historic center of Oaxaca. As we explore its plazas, churches, and vibrant streets, our local guide will share insight into the city’s Indigenous foundations and the living traditions that shape Día de los Muertos today.

We’ll continue to Mercado 20 de Noviembre for a local lunch and wander its maze of lively stalls, gathering ingredients for our evening cooking class and the altar we’ll create together. Along the way, we’ll explore the meaning of the ofrenda and the symbolism behind marigolds, candles, copal, favorite foods, and photographs.

After time to rest and reset with a siesta, we’ll gather for a hands on cooking class and dinner. Guided by local cooks, we’ll prepare traditional dishes and share a meal together, connecting food, memory, and celebration in an intimate setting.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Hotel Tabaá

Day 3: Hierve el Agua + Sunset Mezcal Dinner

We'll begin our day in the Zapotec community of Teotitlán del Valle with the Vida Nueva Women’s Cooperative. During a textile demonstration and mini workshop, you’ll learn about natural dyes, backstrap and pedal loom techniques, and the symbolism woven into each design. This is an opportunity for direct exchange with the women preserving these ancestral practices, understanding weaving not only as craft, but as cultural continuity.

From there, we travel to Hierve el Agua for time to walk the trails, take in sweeping mountain views, and swim in the mineral pools. We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch surrounded by one of Oaxaca’s most striking landscapes.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the region’s few women-run mezcal palenques, where you’ll learn about the mezcal-making process from agave harvest to distillation, followed by a guided tasting. As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather for a family-style dinner with our host and her loved ones - an intimate evening of conversation, storytelling, and connection rooted in tradition.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Hotel Tabaá

Day 4: Temezcals + Altar Building + Cemetery Visit

We begin the day with a traditional temazcal ceremony, guided by a local healer. Inside the steam lodge, we learn more about this ancestral purification ritual rooted in reflection, intention, and renewal. It's the perfect way to connect body, spirit, and the natural elements for the day ahead.

After a light lunch, we'll have a hands-on workshop learning about alebrijes, from wood carving to natural pigments and the Zapotec symbolism woven into each piece.

Following time to rest, we gather to build our own altar before sharing a private ceremony and dinner together. Later that evening, we visit a local cemetery where families gather beside candlelit graves for music, storytelling, and remembrance during Día de los Muertos.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Hotel Tabaá

Day 5: Dia de Los Muertos

Enjoy a free morning in Oaxaca to rest, explore nearby cafés and artisan shops, or simply take in the city as it prepares for the evening’s celebrations.

Later, we’ll gather for face painting and flower crown making, learning the symbolism behind traditional calavera designs and marigold adornments as we prepare to participate in the festivities.

As night falls, we join a muerteada through the streets of Oaxaca de Juárez, moving alongside brass bands, neighbors, and families in a lively procession that honors the dead through music, color, and community.

We conclude with a farewell dinner, gathering one final time to reflect on the connections made, the stories shared, and the ancestors honored throughout our journey together.

Meals: B, D

Hotel: Hotel Tabaá

Day 6: Departures

As our time together comes to a close, we say goodbye with gratitude for the memories, traditions, and connections shared throughout Día de los Muertos.

When it’s time to depart, we’ll coordinate all airport transfers to ensure a smooth and easy farewell.

Meals: B

  • Trip Length

    6 days / 5 nights

  • Activity Level

    Low

  • Perfect For

    Culture Immersion + Food Lovers

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Oaxaca

Oaxaca

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Spaces on tours are sold per person. Deposits are non-refundable. Ensure your payment option is as desired before checkout. If paying deposit only, remaining payments can be made via client portal until 60 days before departure. See our cancellation policy for details.

Love this tour but can’t make the dates? Click here to make this tour private.

Includes

  • Accommodation (shared or solo, in premium boutique property)
  • Private Airport Transfers
  • All Entrance Fees & Activities
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Meals listed on itinerary
  • Gratuity for Damesly leader

Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Meals not listed
  • Gratuities for local guides
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

Meet Your Trip Leader

Jessica Blaylock

Jessica is a salty traveler with thousands of miles in her boots, often exploring overland by foot. She’s visited 23 countries across 5 continents and often gravitates towards destinations with great scuba diving, healing arts traditions, long walks, and delicious food. 

She is the founder of a healing arts center in...

Read More

Additional Information

Flights: You'll fly into and out of Oaxaca City (OAX). Arrive anytime on Day 1 arrival day, and depart after 12 noon on departure day.

Want us to advise on flights? Email us at info@damesly.com

Weather: Late October and early November are a beautiful time to visit Oaxaca. Expect warm, sunny days in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cooler mornings and evenings in the 50s–60s°F. Rain is uncommon this time of year, and the crisp evenings make the candlelit Día de los Muertos celebrations especially magical.

Packing: Think comfortable, relaxed travel style. Bring good walking shoes for cobblestone streets, markets, and neighborhood explorations. Lightweight clothing works well during the day, with a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Many experiences take place outdoors or in markets and villages, so breathable fabrics are ideal. A small daypack or crossbody bag, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and something festive or colorful for the Día de los Muertos celebrations are also great additions.

For entry into Mexico, you'll need:

  • Passport (valid for 6+ months)

At Damesly, our goal is to connect women through beautifully curated travel experiences. 

Our trips feature a high level of customer support and a focus on cultural interaction and experiences. We’re dames who work hard, and travel often. So when you use your coveted PTO days, we want you to have the best trip possible! To do this, we hand-select boutique hotels based on location and service. We look for unique properties that we think of as hidden gems, which may or may not be 5-stars. Our itineraries offer a mix of adventure and relaxation. We’re not afraid to get a little dirty to have the most fun experiences, but if there’s an infinity pool or a great spa afterwards — we’ll meet you there!

Traveling the world comes with rewards and challenges. Our traveler is someone who is easy-going and open minded to new experiences and cultures, ready to get out of their comfort zone and understands that travel leads to personal growth, even on its toughest days. Join us if you’re adventurous, kind, open-minded and ready for the trip of a lifetime. 

On our Oaxaca Día de los Muertos tour, you can expect vibrant markets, incredible food, meaningful cultural exchanges, and a deep dive into one of Mexico’s most powerful traditions. From visiting Zapotec weaving communities and swimming in the mineral pools of Hierve el Agua to learning about mezcal at a family-run palenque and participating in Día de los Muertos rituals like building an ofrenda and joining a festive muerteada procession, this itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Oaxaca in a thoughtful, immersive way.

That said, Día de los Muertos is a living tradition, and the rhythm of the celebrations is guided by local families and communities. Timing, traffic, and festivities may occasionally shift, and flexibility is part of the experience. We encourage travelers to arrive with curiosity, respect, and an open mind—often the most meaningful moments are the ones you don’t plan for.

You'll receive an email from WeTravel after you book to set up your account and make payments according to your personal situation.

Email us at info@damesly.com if you'd like us to create a payment schedule for you. This is the easiest way to smooth out trip payments.

Tours must be paid in full 60 days before departure. See our cancellation policy here.

Will you match me?
Of course! If you choose a space in a shared room but you're traveling solo, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate. Roommates are matched based on arrival time and perceived compatibility. Sharing a room is a great way to save costs, and make a new friend! However, we ask you to approach the situation with an open mind, some grace, and maybe a little humor.

While 99% our travelers are amazing, we can't guarantee that you'll hit it off with your roommate, or that your sleeping styles will be compatible.

Is sharing right for you?
If you are a light sleeper, get easily irritated or just know that you need your own space, sharing a room might not be for you. Likewise, if you know that you snore, sleep with a CPAP machine or have other health conditions, sharing a room might not be the best fit.

What if I don't get along with my roommate?
If you've tried but you absolutely can't get along with your roommate and need to separate, your trip leader will either swap things around, or, attempt to get you your own room. If the latter, additional charges will incur.

What if I book a double room, and you can't match me?
We book a certain amount of hotel rooms before any tour, and are bound by their rules. In the event that we cannot find a roommate for you before the tour, and your room converts to a single room, there may be additional charges.

Small group trips require at least 4 people to run. We will confirm as soon as possible when the trip has met its minimum; up to 60 days before departure. For this reason, we recommend waiting until after a trip has been confirmed to purchase airfare. Any tour can be converted to a private departure when a trip does not meet its minimum. Additional costs may incur. Alternatively, apply your credit to any small-group tour departing within 12 months. 

Still have questions? See our FAQ or Contact Us.

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