We believe that the Oaxaca Day of the Dead experience provides a profound connection with Mexican culture, bursting with ancient rituals. The series of events curated for this week-long tour is designed to provide an immersive and meaningful exploration of the rich customs surrounding this iconic festival. Your knowledgeable and passionate expert in Oaxacan culture and Day of the Dead customs, will be your guide throughout this journey. From the vibrant marigold fields to the intimate candlelit vigils, each day unfolds a new layer of understanding, connecting you deeply to the local traditions and their symbolic significance. Participate in local crafts, learn the culinary secrets of the region, and connect with the ancestral spirit of the Day of the Dead. Experience the profound connection between the living and the departed, as you immerse yourself in the colorful, spirited, and reverential atmosphere of this extraordinary celebration.
This is not just a tour, but a life-changing cultural experience. With the expertise of our Tour Leader, you’ll leave with a profound understanding of the connection Mexicans share with the afterlife, and to the traditions and celebrations of the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
*Space is limited! – This is an exclusive event in Oaxaca and only happens once a year.
Due to the high interest, low inventory and strict supplier terms and conditions, the following deposit, payment and refundability schedule is necessary.
Payment Schedule
Registration & Deposit $600
Remaining Balance May 27, 2025
Refund/Cancellation Schedule
$600 Registration/Deposit at registration - see breakdown below:
$100 Registration fee to Alt Esc is due at registration refundable for two weeks after registration to allow time to get vacation approval, pet coverage, etc. Two weeks after registration, the $100 registration fee is not longer refundable.
$500 Deposit to supplier is due at registration and refundable until April 27, 2025.
Any payments made after May 27, 2025 are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Specially trained Oaxacan English-speaking host
Private air conditioned van as listed in the itinerary.
Daily breakfast at Casa Juarez, 3 Lunches & 3 Dinners.
Authentic professional 'Day of the Dead' themed Face Painting for professional photo shoot.
As listed in the itinerary. to be emailed to you after editing is done bythe photographer – approximately 3-4 weeks after the event.
Flights in & out of Oaxaca are not included.
Local guides, drivers, guides.
Not specified in the itinerary.
Unless specified in an itinerary.
Day of the Dead face-painting on days not mentioned in the itinerary.
Some events are walking distance and others may need a short taxi ride that Alt Esc will arrange.
Drinks, souvenirs, free-time activities, additional activities not noted, etc.
Many travelers prefer to book their own international flights. Some want to use miles or credits and others want to control their departure and arrival times - possibly adding a pre or post trip to this adventure.
Our activities begin with dinner on Oct 27 - you will want to arrive prior to 3:00pm on Oct 27 so you have time to settle in and join the Group Dinner.
There are direct flights from LA, Dallas & Houston allowing you to do immigration, etc. in a much smaller airport then Mexico City. If passing through Mexico City, be sure to allow 2-3 hours to get through immigration, transfer bags, etc.
Some flights depart overnight Oct 26-27. Example: 1:00AM on Oct 27 for approximately 8:00AM arrival in Oaxaca.
Arrive in Oaxaca City, Mexico, and settle into our Casa Juarez. We will be staying in a 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom authentic Mexican home walkable to Centro Oaxaca historic district. Our casa comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen, pool, Wi-Fi, television, washing machine, indoor & outdoor dining areas and spacious living space. Our hosts will provide daily breakfast and possibly a few dinners if we want.
Take the afternoon to relax and acclimate to your surroundings and get to know your fellow group members.
Approximately 6:00PM, we will join our guide for a warm and inviting welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy a selection of traditional Oaxacan dishes to start your journey on a delicious note. Following dinner, have a brief Oaxaca Ghost Walk, seeing some historic areas in Oaxaca, while learning about some of the ghost stories from around Mexico.
Included Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Oaxaca Inn Reforma
Begin our day by diving into the world of Oaxacan artisans and their renowned marionette statues. Engage in a workshop dedicated to painting Day of the Dead paper mâché masks, where local artists will guide you through the painting process, sharing stories of their craft. Explore the themes of mythology and cultural symbolism as you paint your own mask, gaining insight into its role in local celebrations. This personalized creation will be a unique souvenir and a gateway to local parades.
In the afternoon, participate in a centuries-old cleansing ritual with multigenerational Temazcal shamans in a tranquil village just outside Oaxaca City. This special Day of the Dead-themed ceremony is a chance to release negative energy, reconnect with your own spirit, and honor the traditions of those who came before us. Ideal before or after visiting Oaxaca's cemeteries during the festivities, the Temazcal offers a sacred space to reflect, heal, and celebrate life.
In this group ceremony, you’ll enter a traditional Mexican sweat lodge guided by experienced shamans who carry the knowledge of countless generations. Through a combination of heat, herbal steam, chants, and rituals, the temazcal is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. Tapping into practices rooted in ancestral wisdom, this experience becomes a profound way to connect with the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Day of the Dead.
Timing: Approximately 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Oaxaca Inn Reforma
The group members start makeup sessions in the morning, in turns (set times). Immerse yourself in the artistry of Catrine/Catrina makeup, a symbolic expression of the Day of the Dead. Select a design and let professional artists transform you, integrating you into the local culture. Then you will be the stars of a photoshoot in the picturesque Jalatlaco, adorned with murals and cobblestone streets. Capture your transformed look in a setting that breathes history and art. After everyone is painted, and had some time to wander the streets, we will meet in the later afternoon for a scenic drive to the lush marigold fields. These vibrant blooms are a staple in Day of the Dead altars, symbolizing the fragility of life. Amid golden petals, the professional photoshoot continues, capturing the essence of the tradition and the beauty of the landscape. We will be here at dusk, when the marigold fields light up, for a contrast of both day and night photos and witnessing the beauty of the marigold fields transform from day to night.
Before we head back into Oaxaca, we will enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant/food market.
Receive beautifully edited photos as a lasting keepsake within 3-4 weeks of the shoot.
Timing: Individual morning appointments with approximately 5:00PM-9:00PM tour.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Oaxaca Inn Reforma
After breakfast at Casa Juarez, we will depart for Mitla (approximately an hour drive) to visit the archaeological wonder of Mitla, and understand its historical ties to the Day of the Dead. Wander through ancient Zapotec ruins and learn about their deep connection to ancestral spirits. Then, participate in an exclusive bakery workshop where you’ll engage in the art of decorating Pan de Muertos, a traditional bread. This interactive experience offers an authentic glimpse into the culinary customs that honor the departed.
NOTE: Please be sure to wear either sneakers or comfortable strapped sandals (no flip flops, no high heels).
Timing: Approximately 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Oaxaca Inn Reforma
The way to Oaxaca’s heart is through your stomach. Experience a culinary journey at a local market. Discover exotic ingredients and local produce, essential to the Day of the Dead cuisine. Then, ascend to Muro for an immersive cooking class. Under the guidance of Chef Eduardo Vera’s team, learn to create traditional dishes in a setting focused on culinary empowerment. This hands-on experience enhances your cooking skills and deepens your understanding of Oaxacan food traditions, especially around the Day of the Dead.
Timing: Approximately 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Oaxaca Inn Reforma
Take the day to explore Oaxaca at your own pace. Visit local shops showcasing handcrafted decorations and altars built for Day of the Dead, reflecting traditions passed down through generations. Admire the detailed murals that line the streets and stumble upon Calendas and Muerteadas—impromptu parades filled with music, dance, and celebration.
Give the Botanical Gardens a go, which have set times for both English and Spanish tours, that are only bookable at the front desk. Or take a peek at one of the many museums, art galleries etc. all over the city. Even just wandering (and eating your way through) the city would be awesome use of your time!
Taste Oaxaca’s renowned cuisine, from mole negro and mezcal to fresh pan de muerto. Wander through markets and artisan shops, where you can find unique souvenirs like painted alebrijes or handmade textiles. Let the energy of the city guide you as you experience its traditions, flavors, and creativity. In the evening, we meet again to participate in the lively tradition of the Muerteada, a nighttime parade in the historic Jalatlaco neighborhood. This centuries-old procession is marked by brass bands, costumed participants, and mezcal toasts, weaving through the illuminated streets of one of Oaxaca’s most charming areas. Participants are encouraged to wear their Day of the Dead masks or opt for face paint, widely available from local artists around the city, especially near Santo Domingo Church. The Muerteada is a blend of celebration and remembrance, honoring the departed through dance, music, and collective joy. While the parade is festive, it is deeply rooted in local traditions. Please join us with respect for the customs and the communities who share this unique experience.
Timing: Approximately 6:00PM - 8:00PM(ish - some people may want to stay longer)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Oaxaca Inn Reforma
Partake in a poignant visit to the Pantheon San Felipe del Agua. Your experience begins with a profound history talk, delving into the traditions and stories behind the Day of the Dead. Engage in an authentic local food tasting, and participate in an intimate altar-building session, a practice of remembrance and respect. Witness the transformation of the cemetery around dusk, a time for reflection, connection, and honoring those who have passed.
Timing: Approximately 5:30PM - 9:30PM(ish - some people may want to stay longer)
Included Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Oaxaca Inn Reforma
There are no planned activities for today. Guests may choose to stay longer in Oaxaca, travel onwards to other parts of Mexico, or head to the airport for their flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
