Oaxaca's Dia de Muertos: Honoring the Ones We Carry With Us

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Overview

Oaxaca's Dia de Muertos: Honoring the Ones We Carry With Us
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oct 30 - Nov 3, 2027
Leah Helmbrecht Offtheclocknurse image
Leah Helmbrecht Offtheclocknurse
$1,990
Deposit: $598

About this trip

Experience the magic of Oaxaca during Día de Muertos, when streets fill with music, marigolds, candlelight, and celebration. This immersive journey invites you beyond the festival and into the heart of one of Mexico's most meaningful traditions.

Together, we'll witness vibrant parades and moving cemetery vigils, explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, visit artisan villages known for black pottery and handwoven textiles, and discover Oaxaca's rich culinary heritage through mole and chocolate making experiences. We'll also embrace the fun and color of the season with lucha libre, traditional Calavera (Skull) Makeup, and unforgettable local experiences.

More than a trip, this is an opportunity to connect with culture, community, and the spirit of remembrance that makes Día de Muertos one of the world's most extraordinary celebrations.

Oct 30-Nov 3, 2027

5 days/4 nights

Arrival: Oaxaca International Airport

Departure: Oaxaca International Airport

Hotel Accommodations:

Hotel Parador Santo Domingo de Guzmán Oaxaca México

Check in: 2pm

Check out: 12pm

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation terms carefully:

  • Your reservation is secured with a deposit. Once the trip reaches the minimum required number of travelers and is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

  • Refunds are based on the cancellation policy established by our local travel partner and are calculated on the total trip price (EXCLUDING the non-refundable deposit):

    -8 months or more before departure: 100% refund of trip payments

    -6–8 months before departure: 90% refund of eligible trip payments

    -5–6 months before departure: 80% refund of eligible trip payments

    -4–5 months before departure: 70% refund of eligible trip payments

    -3–4 months before departure: 60% refund of eligible trip payments

    -Less than 3 months before departure: No refund

  • Deposit Credit Option

    For cancellations made more than 90 days before departure, your non-refundable deposit may be applied as a credit toward a future Off the Clock Nurse experience, to be used within 24 months of the original trip departure date.

  • Within 90 Days of Departure

    Because payments to local vendors, accommodations, transportation providers, and activity operators have been finalized, no refunds or credits will be issued within 90 days of departure, including the deposit.

  • Refund Processing

    Approved refunds will be processed within 30 days of cancellation and may be subject to payment processing fees that are non-recoverable.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is required for this trip. You do not have to purchase through this website, but the insurance I use for my coverage is World Nomads: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101705732-15403748

What's included

4 Nights Accommodations

Airport Transfers

Local Guide

English Speaking

All Local Transportation

Daily Hotel Breakfast

Welcome Dinner

Farewell Dinner

Mole Cooking Class

Monte Alban

San Bartolo Coyotepec

Black Pottery

Teotitlan del Valle

Textiles

Chocolate Workshop

Calavera Face Painting

Professional Skull Face Painting

Oct 30 Celebrations

Jalatlaco, Xochimilco, and Centro Historico

Oct 31 Cemetery Vigil

Nov 1 Celebration

Nov 2 Celebrations

What's not included

International Flights

Travel Insurance

Required

Visas

If Required

Meals Not Mentioned

Other Personal Expenses

Tips/Gratuities

Day 1

Day 1 image

Arrival Day & Día de Muertos Celebrations

Arrive in Oaxaca and enjoy a transfer from the airport to our hotel. After settling in, meet your host, local guide, and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner 6:30pm.

Then, kick off the adventure with an exciting night out to experience the vibrant comparsas celebrations. Together around 8pm, we'll wander through the festive streets of Jalatlaco, Xochimilco, and the Centro Histórico, immersed in music, costumes, dancing, and the unforgettable spirit of Día de Muertos.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Day 2 image

Artisans & Sacred Traditions

Today we'll depart around 8am to explore two of Oaxaca's most renowned artisan communities. First, we'll visit San Bartolo Coyotepec (est. 35 min drive), famous for its distinctive black clay pottery, followed by Teotitlán del Valle (est. 1hr drive), where we'll learn about the traditions of handwoven textiles and natural dyes. In the afternoon, we'll return to Oaxaca (est. 40 min drive).

As evening falls around 6:30pm, we'll experience one of the most moving Día de Muertos traditions with a visit to a cemetery night vigil, where families gather among candlelit graves to honor and remember their loved ones.

Performed every Sunday at 8:30pm, enjoy an exciting evening of Mexican wrestling (Luche Libre) entertainment filled with energy, colorful characters, and local flair.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3

Day 3 image

Ancient History & Sacred Traditions

This morning, we'll explore Monte Albán (est. 25 min drive), the ancient Zapotec capital overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, and discover the rich history of one of Mexico's most important archaeological sites.

Later, we'll participate in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, learning about the cultural significance of cacao and traditional Oaxacan chocolate-making techniques.

Around 7pm, we'll head into the city to witness the unforgettable Día de Muertos celebrations, taking in the energy, beauty, and spirit of Oaxaca's most magical night.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 4

Day 4 image

Dia De Muertos Main Celebration Day

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in Oaxaca's Día de Muertos celebrations as the city comes alive with altars, marigolds, music, and tradition. You'll have free time to explore and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this special day.

Later (around 3pm), we'll gather for a hands-on mole cooking class and farewell dinner, learning the art behind one of Oaxaca's most iconic dishes while sharing our final evening together.

After dinner, we'll experience a professional Día de Muertos face painting before heading out to experience the vibrant comparsas celebrations. We'll head into the city to witness the unforgettable Día de Muertos celebrations (around 7pm), taking in the energy, beauty, and spirit of Oaxaca's most magical night.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner (Mole Cooking Class)

Day 5

Day 5 image

Departure Day

After an unforgettable Día de Muertos experience, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Hotel check out is at 12:00 PM, and airport transfers will be coordinated based on your flight schedule.

If you have a later departure, you're welcome to leave your luggage with the hotel and spend a few final hours exploring Oaxaca, picking up last minute souvenirs, or enjoying one last meal in the city before returning to the hotel for your transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

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1. Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico

About your organizer

Hi, I’m Leah aka offtheclocknurse... nurse by trade, wanderer by heart. Based in Denver but rarely standing still, I caught the travel bug during 7.5 wild years as a Travel Nurse, taking off between contracts to country-hop and chase new adventures. Now I host group trips around the world to meet epic people, dive into new cultures, eat everything in sight, and make memories that don’t fit on postcards. Let’s get lost (in the best way).

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