Journeys: Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
From AUD $2399 Was AUD $2999
Small Group
Light
Rating
(4 reviews)
Journeys: Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
7 days
Small Group
Moderate
Light
English
Experience Overview
Celebrate one of Mexico’s most intriguing festivals in the eclectic city of Oaxaca, where indigenous culture holds strong.
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.
Highlights
- Take part in the Day of the Dead festival
- Explore Mexico's artistic heartland
- Experience the culinary delights and traditional cooking methods of this region
- Visit the ruins of Monte Albán or Mitla
Trip Details
7 days
Private vehicle, walking.
Small Group
English
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca, Mexico
Moderate
National Geographic Journey
Light
Itinerary
Day 1: Oaxaca
El Día de los Muertos is a holiday in Mexico to honour and pray for loved ones who've departed. During this period in Oaxaca – centre-stage for Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico – cemetery vigils and street parades are not to be missed.
Day 2: Oaxaca
Today's tour includes visits to cemeteries in Atzompa to view the altars and families gathering as dusk turns to dark. The many candles placed around the altars and graves add to the ambiance. In addition, you'll view Day of the Dead parades in both Oaxaca and the Etla Valley. Participants in these parades dress in elaborate costumes and are serenaded by brass bands. Mezcal, served in small plastic cups, is frequently passed out to those watching the parades.
Day of the Dead takes place between October 31 and November 2 and is a celebration and remembrance of the deceased. Families will build private altars and bring large feasts to cemeteries, to be with the souls of the departed. It is believed that the souls will come back to visit and take part in the celebrations. Some of the “ofrendas” (altars) are very elaborate and include sugar skulls and marigold flowers. In most regions, the souls of infants and children are honoured on November 1. Adults are remembered on November 2. It is generally a festive rather than somber gathering.
The Oaxaca area is well known for its many artisans who make everything from pottery, to elaborate weavings, and mezcal (tequila's cousin). The group can also take an optional visit to a couple of the nearby communities to see the artisans at work.
Day 3: Oaxaca
Day 4: Oaxaca
Day 5: Oaxaca
Day 6: Oaxaca
Day 7: Oaxaca
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
From
AUD $2999
Duration: 7 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
Celebrate one of Mexico’s most intriguing festivals in the eclectic city of Oaxaca, where indigenous culture holds strong.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Oct 2025
Customer Reviews
11/07/2023
We can not say enough about what a great experience this was. Arjeri our tour guide was fantastic and went over and beyond for us and several others. Would highly recommend this trip to family and friends
11/15/2019
great trip thanks to Hugo. If you are thinking of visiting Oaxaca during the day of the dead celebration, a guided tour is the way to go
Tour Operator
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
11/07/2023
We can not say enough about what a great experience this was. Arjeri our tour guide was fantastic and went over and beyond for us and several others. Would highly recommend this trip to family and friends
11/15/2019
great trip thanks to Hugo. If you are thinking of visiting Oaxaca during the day of the dead celebration, a guided tour is the way to go
11/05/2019
Sid was amazing. Hotel casantica was not
11/14/2017
Excellent trip! Appreciated the choices of activities to do each day. The hotel where we stayed was centrally located and quite nice. It was noisy. This tour was very well organized and was a great way to experience the day of the dead celebrations.
Family trips cannot be booked online.
Please contact webjet customer service to book the trip.
Email: [email protected]