🧡 Visit Oaxaca, a place steeped in tradition, history, natural beauty, and mouthwatering food…
💀 Get unparalleled access to some of the area’s most immersive Day of the Dead celebrations…
🌼 Specially-curated activities ensure you’ll see Oaxaca’s main attractions…
👯♀️ …sharing every moment with your travel companions, myself, and G Adventures CEO!!
Join me (again!) in celebrating one of Mexico’s most intriguing — and unusual — festivals in the eclectic city of Oaxaca, where indigenous culture holds strong. During Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) — which takes place at the end of October and early November each year — pre-Hispanic traditions honoring the departed merge with Catholic feasts to create a truly unique holiday that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Witness spectacular street dances, costumes, and altars, discover the picturesque landscapes and mouth watering flavors of Oaxaca, and embrace the bizarre and beautiful spirit of Día de los Muertos.
This group trip includes professional guides, 6 nights of shared accommodation in upgraded hotel/s, 6 breakfasts and one lunch, and private transportation, and is conducted in partnership with National Geographic and G Adventures.
- Day of the Dead parades, celebrations, and cemetery visits
- A mole cooking class
- Day trip to Hierve el Agua and the ruins of Mitla (additional cost)
- Tour of the archaeological site of Monte Alban (additional cost)
- Lots of free time to explore on your own or with others in the group!
- What’s not included: airfare and trip insurance
Come experience the culture, community, way of life, and legendary yearly tradition that is Día de los Muertos (seriously, come see why I love Mexico so much!)! Activities and optional excursions include:
Explore authentic local culture in a sustainable, experiential way during this 7-day trip to Oaxaca celebrating Day of the Dead.
7 days in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
Oct 28-Nov 3, 2024
Cost: $1,999 USD
Availability: EARLY BIRD SIGN-UPS
How does sign-up work? I’m currently collecting names that are seriously interested in the order they were received. Giving me your name and personal details will not commit you 100% until you get confirmation from me by email and pay your deposit. (Do NOT book flights until I give you the go ahead.) Let’s go to Oaxaca!
Why travel with me?
Small groups and authentic experiences
You’re not hopping on a crowded tour bus here, or confined to a strict schedule. I’ve handpicked the itinerary and activities, and we’ll travel in a small group of 8-16, where we’ll get to know each other and share amazing moments as a group — but also, you’ll have solo or free time for reflection, and to practice some of the solo travel muscles you’ve been building.
Coaching and connection before the trip
I am your resource! Travelers receive communication, milestone reminders, and other guidance from me in all aspects of their travel, and are invited to virtual group coaching meetings leading up to the trip, in order to build even stronger connections, get a valuable support network, and learn how to best prepare for the trip and destination. I pride myself on pre-trip communication!
Support and togetherness
I’ll be on the trip too, but not as the tour guide — I’ll help center your experience and provide all the support and motivation you might need (whether logistical or emotional!) Age is but an attitude; ideal travelers must possess open-mindedness, curiosity, and a desire to broaden your horizons. Don’t wait for someone to join you… join US!! (Couples and friend groups welcome!!)
About the trip
Where we’ll go
The trip starts and ends in Oaxaca City, and we’ll explore the areas and regions outside the center — agave fields, natural and archaeological formations, and Zapotec villages.
What’s included
- Professional guides
- 6 nights in upgraded hotels with shared accommodation
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Arrival airport transfer and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What we’ll do
- Delve into the bizarre and beautiful spirit of Día de los Muertos
- Witness spectacular street dances, costumes, and altars
- Discover the picturesque landscapes and mouthwatering flavors of Oaxaca
The cost
The trip cost is $1,999 USD, and a $350 deposit will save your spot. If you’d like a room to yourself, there’s an additional cost.
I need 8 people to hold the trip, and the group is CAPPED at 16.
The first three to commit and pay a deposit get a free travel coaching session with me (valued at $50)!
IMPORTANT: DO NOT BOOK through the publicly available site if you want to be in my group.
Since I am brokering the group directly with G Adventures, you must coordinate with me to ensure your spot in my group.
If you have a large party that will require its own group, contact me, and I’d be happy to inquire on your private group booking.
International flights and travel insurance are at an additional cost. Allow USD $265-345 for meals not included.
7 days in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
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, and visit the ruins of Monte Albán and Mitla. This immersive experience is not to be missed! Read 6 REASONS TO EXPERIENCE MEXICO’S DAY OF THE DEAD IN OAXACA WITH ME (YOU’RE INVITED ON A GROUP TRIP!)
Itinerary (subject to change until final)
DAY 1 – October 28
OAXACA
Día de los Muertos is a holiday in Mexico to honor and remember loved ones who’ve departed. During this period in Oaxaca — center-stage for Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico — cemetery vigils and street parades are not to be missed.
Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting. You will meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Arrival Transfer: Included (on an individual basis)
Included Activities: Welcome meeting. The adventure begins tonight!
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar). Please note, we use various different hotels in Oaxaca over this week, the one listed is just an example. Closer to time of departure I will let the group know which hotel we will be staying at for the duration of the trip.
This is a very popular tour which runs over 1 specific week every year, as a result, we have multiple groups at the same time enjoying the Journeys itinerary but each with their own CEO leading them. There may be other Journeys groups in the same hotel and you will be sure to see them at the various festivities over the week.
DAY 2 – October 29
OAXACA
The Zapotec site of Monte Albán dates back to 500 BC and features platforms, pyramids, plazas, and a ball court sitting on a leveled mountaintop some 10km (5 mi) from Oaxaca. Enjoy the 360-degree views, see Olmec carvings, and be sure to visit the museum to see artifacts and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Included Activities: Private vehicle
Optional Activities (additional cost): Monte Albán Tour
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
NOTE: Exact order of activities subject to rotate.
DAY 3 – October 30
OAXACA
Begin the tour by travelling to Hierve del Agua. This stunning natural formation consists of a series of mineral pools near the edge of a cliff. Over thousands of years, the heavily calcified water has flowed over the cliff, leaving mineral deposits as it does. The result is known as a “petrified waterfall” – nearly white rock formations that resembles a cascading fall. Enjoy time to explore the area and go for a swim in one of the mineral pools.
Then, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla ,38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout.
Finish up with a Mezcal Factory tour. The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that’s coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Included Activities: Private vehicle
Optional Activities (additional cost): Day Trip to Hierve el Agua, Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit, and Mezcal Factory Tour
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
NOTE: Exact order of activities subject to rotate.
DAY 4 – October 31
OAXACA
Take an orientation walk around Oaxaca with your CEO. Visit two massive markets located just off the “zócalo” (main square), here you’ll find many local foods, ornaments, and Day of the Dead essentials for local families.
In the evening, as dusk turns to dark, we’ll visit local cemeteries in both Xoxocotlan and Atzompa to view the altars and families gathering.
Day of the Dead takes place between October 31 and November 2 and is a celebration and remembrance of the deceased. 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.
Included Activities: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar).
Meals included: Breakfast
NOTE: Exact order of activities subject to rotate.
DAY 5 – November 1
OAXACA
Enjoy free time in the morning, and get your face painted in anticipation of what’s to come! View and participate in 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.
Included Activities: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar).
Meals included: Breakfast
NOTE: Exact order of activities subject to rotate.
DAY 6 – November 2
OAXACA
Visit the home of a local family and take a cooking class to learn that there’s more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth)!
In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
We also visit a nearby artisan community for a look at Oaxaca’s renowned traditional crafts, including carving and handwoven textiles.
Included Activities: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar).
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
NOTE: Exact order of activities subject to rotate.
DAY 7 – Nov 3
OAXACA
Not ready to leave? I can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure! (In fact, I highly encourage people arrive a day or two early or add another day or two onto the end of their trip — there’s so many places to visit and restaurants to enjoy!)
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar).
Meals included: Breakfast
Some additional information
Deposits and final payments
To book this trip, a $350 deposit is required. Payment is collected and by the tour operator I’m partnered with — so your money is always safe with them. If you need to cancel or delay your trip for any reason before final payment, you won’t lose your $350 deposit. You can apply it to a future G Adventures trip (with or without me), pass it on to a friend, or donate it. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Canceling after final payment is subject to forfeiture.
Personal information
To book this trip, you must provide your contact information and other personal details including name as it appears on your passport, nationality, and date of birth, and pay the $350 deposit. More personal information is required closer to departure.
Travel insurance
G Adventures requires that you are covered for at least $200,000 in medical expenses including emergency repatriation on their trips. As a travel agent, I can quote travel insurance for you.
Fitness level
This tour has a physical fitness rating of 2 out of 5: light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels; nothing too challenging.
Visa requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival. Mexico tourist visas (FMMs) are processed at the airport upon arrival (the cost is typically included in your airfare).
Local dress and packing
This time of year, Oaxaca is warm during the day and cool at night, so be prepared for a spectrum of weather. I’ll also note that Mexicans don’t often wear open-toed shoes (except at the beach) or shorts. Face painting should also be refrained from in cemeteries, but catrina makeup (for both men and women) is perfectly acceptable (and fun!) at parades and other festivities.
Reserve your spot!!
Shared Twin Room
(or Double, if part of a couple)
Price $1,999 USD
Deposit $350 USD
Final payments are due 60 days before departure.
Private Single Room
Price $2,618 USD
*limited supply available
Deposit $350 USD
Final payments are due 60 days before departure.
Questions? Contact me at julie@travelbta.com.
Join my Facebook group, open to anyone traveling or thinking about traveling with me on a mini-sabbatical trip — you’ll find announcements, tips, and can chit-chat with other group participants!
