Explore Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead: build altars, tour cemeteries, and paint your Nahual. Reserve by October 12. Limited spots available.
Explore Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead: build altars, tour cemeteries, and paint your Nahual. Reserve by October 12. Limited spots available.
Day 1 – October 30: Create a Traditional Day of the Dead Altar
Mercado de la Merced - Local Market in Oaxaca City.
Begin the journey with a stroll through a lively local market. With your host’s guidance, choose marigolds, candles, fruits, and other symbolic items to adorn a traditional Day of the Dead altar. Delight in the vibrant colors,…
Day 1 – October 30: Create a Traditional Day of the Dead Altar
Mercado de la Merced - Local Market in Oaxaca City.
Begin the journey with a stroll through a lively local market. With your host’s guidance, choose marigolds, candles, fruits, and other symbolic items to adorn a traditional Day of the Dead altar. Delight in the vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and lively sounds that bring Oaxaca’s markets to life during this festive season.
San Antonio Arrazola - Visit a local family’s home to understand the significance of each altar element. Assist in arranging flowers, candles, incense, and offerings while listening to family stories and traditions. Guests are warmly encouraged to bring a photo of a departed loved one to include in the altar.
Day 2 – October 31: Cemetery Tour
Panteon General - Start the evening at the historic Panteón General, where elaborate mausoleums are illuminated by thousands of candles. Stroll among decorated graves as families share music, food, and offerings in tribute to their ancestors.
Panteón Mictlancíhuatl - Proceed to Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, celebrated worldwide for its Day of the Dead festivities. Here, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of marigold-adorned tombs, traditional bands, and families welcoming visitors into their cherished traditions.
Municipal Pantheon Atzompa - Conclude the night in Santa María Atzompa, a more intimate cemetery where local families gather in candlelit remembrance. This quieter setting provides a heartfelt insight into the personal aspect of the Day of the Dead.
Day 3 – November 1: Paint Your Nahual – Protective Animal
San Antonio Arrazola - Explore the ancient Zapotec belief in the Nahual, a protective spirit animal that connects individuals to nature. Under the guidance of local artisans, discover how these figures inspire the renowned Alebrijes. Then, paint your own wooden Nahual using traditional colors and patterns, crafting a unique keepsake to take home. Enjoy stories from the artisans about the cultural significance of each design.
- Shared transportation
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Includes: Your “Nahual” which is a small (12-15 cm) wooden figure to paint, paint and brushes.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Shared transportation
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Includes: Your “Nahual” which is a small (12-15 cm) wooden figure to paint, paint and brushes.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Experience the Day of the Dead by actively participating.
Start your journey in a warm Oaxacan home, where you will assist in creating a traditional altar and discover the significance of candles, marigolds, copal, and offerings while enjoying shared stories and a homemade meal. This personal introduction invites you into Oaxaca’s cherished tradition….
Experience the Day of the Dead by actively participating.
Start your journey in a warm Oaxacan home, where you will assist in creating a traditional altar and discover the significance of candles, marigolds, copal, and offerings while enjoying shared stories and a homemade meal. This personal introduction invites you into Oaxaca’s cherished tradition.
Over three memorable days, visit candlelit cemeteries—Panteón General, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, and Santa María Atzompa—on October 31, where music, flowers, and families fill the night with remembrance and celebration. On November 1, connect with your nahual (protective spirit) by painting your own alebrije with local artisans, offering a hands-on experience that bridges myth and the present.
This is more than just a tour; it is a unique cultural immersion led by locals who embody the tradition. For those seeking meaning, beauty, and genuine connection—not a staged performance—this experience is crafted for you.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
