TRADITION & TASTE
Oaxaca: The Soul of Mexico
Experience the vibrant pulse of Mexican culture through centuries-old culinary secrets, candlelit ancestral rituals, and curated tastings that honor the flavors of generations.
Our 2 Experiences
Visit the beautiful Mexican state of Oaxaca and partake in the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) festivities. Experience the altars, the comparsas, and the wonders of a unique Oaxacan celebration
Throughout Mexico, one can find incredible food that varies among regions. But no region’s cuisine compares to the amazing and imaginative Oaxacan food. Join our Culinary Tour to Oaxaca and discover the flavors of Oaxaca
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Each November 1st and 2nd, Oaxaca becomes Mexico’s heartland for Day of the Dead—a vibrant blend of pre-Hispanic heritage and Catholic faith. Far from a sombre occasion, it is a joyous celebration of life and memory, honoring the continuous bond shared with those who came before us.
The experience unfolds a week early at the Mercado de Abastos, where markets overflow with golden marigolds, artisanal altars, and the comforting aromas of traditional mole negro, pan de yema, and Oaxacan chocolate. It is an extraordinary immersion into culture, remembrance, and the beauty of honoring life past and present.
Oaxacan Altars
Built in local homes on October 30th and 31st, Oaxacan altars are living works of art framed by archways of sugarcane and adorned with white sheets and marigolds. Designed to welcome weary souls back from their long journey, these altars are a celebration of memory, comforting returning spirits with the comforting aromas of earthly life.
-
The Offerings: Relatives lay out an extraordinary feast—stone-ground Oaxacan chocolate, fresh pan de muerto, nicuatole (corn jelly), and rich, home-spiced mole, alongside glasses of water to quench the spirits' thirst.
-
The Return: On October 31st, the souls of children (angelitos) are welcomed first, followed by the adults on November 2nd, both gathering to feast on the essence of these beloved regional flavors.
Step into the heart of village traditions, where Todos Santos is a joyful, high-energy homecoming shared between the living and the departed.
-
Sacred Spaces: Wander illuminated village cemeteries and private altars overflowing with marigolds and light.
-
The Comparsas: Immerse yourself in colorful local street theater representing the journey of souls returning home.
-
Designed for You: Our itinerary blends expert-led city highlights with open time to explore surrounding villages on your own terms.
Day of the dead
In villages outside the city of Oaxaca, the celebration of Muertos is most commonly known as Todos Santos, or All Saints. This day is often the most celebrated day of the year. The altars found in the homes of the villagers and in cemeteries are honored by all. It is most commonly located in the cemetery and during the course of Muertos, one will find the graves wonderfully decorated with candles, flowers and food.
During this time the living join together to rejoice the return of their ancestors. Visiting cemeteries and homes enables one to enjoy the richness of this celebration. The energy of the occasion is awesome. All present rejoice in the happy reunions, and you too shall feel the presence of the departed souls returned!
In addition to visiting homes and cemeteries, one may experience the cultural richness of this time by getting involved in the Comparsas, theatrical performances representing the return of the dead, which take place in various outlying villages.
You will find that there is much to see and do in the city of Oaxaca and in the outlying villages. For this reason, we designed the Day of the Dead itinerary, considering time for you to stay in the city to experience the altars and comparsas with us. This freedom enables you to design your own days, yet guarantees an all-encompassing series of events sure to deliver the diverse wonders of Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebration.
Day of the Dead Itinerary
October 26 to November 3, 2026
(9 Days - 8 Nights)
The creation of the the Day of the Dead tour involved extensive research and careful planning.
We are certain that it will be an enlightening and enjoyable experience for all! Please scroll down for the specific daily activities and events.
DAY 1 - Monday October 26th
Based on your flight itinerary, we will pick you up at Oaxaca’s International Airport and provide ground transportation to your hotel. Directing our focus to the heart of the city, we will then hit the streets for an introductory walking tour of historic downtown Oaxaca.
DAY 2 - Tuesday October 27th
We will kick off the day with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a scenic morning drive to Hierve el Agua, famous for its striking petrified waterfall rock formations and natural cliffside infinity pools. After taking in the views, we will head down to a local traditional restaurant to refuel with an authentic Oaxacan lunch. Upon returning to the city, we will enjoy an artisan chocolate-making workshop with a master local chocolatier to dive into Oaxaca's rich cacao traditions, leaving you with a free afternoon to relax or explore the town before dinner on your own.
DAY 3 - Wednesday October 28th
We will begin our morning with breakfast before taking a guided tour of the majestic Santo Domingo Church, Museum, and Cultural Center, renowned for its gilded baroque interior and historic artifacts.
DAY 4 - Thursday October 29th
We will kick off the morning an immersive tour of the historic downtown markets to discover vibrant spice stalls, sample mole negro ingredients, browse altar decorations, and stop by a famous local chocolate shop along the way. Next, we will visit the prestigious Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca (IAGO) to explore its collection of regional printmaking and contemporary Mexican art. Afterwards, we recommend trying one of our curated Top Oaxaca Restaurants and Hidden Gems for lunch to savor authentic regional specialties. You will then have a free afternoon to relax, shop, or join your tour leader for a casual walking tour through the historic streets.
DAY 5 - Friday October 30th
After a delicious breakfast, we will hit the road for an excursion into the surrounding villages. The trip includes visits to the archaeological town of Mitla (also famous for mezcal), Teotitlán del Valle (known for its intricate weaving traditions), and Santa María del Tule, home of the grand Tule tree, one of the widest trees in the world. We will enjoy our lunch in Santa María del Tule at a traditional local restaurant. Meet a master weaver for a live demonstration of traditional weaving techniques and learn about the history behind these intricate artisanal textiles.
DAY 6 - Saturday October 31st
We will partake in a cooking class with a traditional cook from Teotitlan de Valle. Previously having participated in the selection of the ingredients at the local market, then heading over a traditional kitchen where we will prepare a full 3 course meal. Like most women on her village, our cook began making tortillas and learning how to toast “chiles” and grind ingredients on the ”metate” since she was a child. Cooking was a part of her everyday life and she embraced it since an early age. Later, we are meeting for dinner at one of the premier fine-dining restaurants in Mexico. In the evening, we will witness a historic local cemetery to experience the greatly anticipated Day of the Dead traditions first-hand.
DAY 7 - Sunday November 1st
After breakfast, we will explore the studio and gallery of a renowned contemporary woodcarving artist in San Martín Tilcajete. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch on the beautiful patio of a traditional local restaurant featuring handmade tortillas. Discover the entire mezcal-making process during an afternoon tour of an authentic Oaxacan palenque, covering everything from agave cultivation to distillation and bottling, complete with a guided tasting. Conclude your day with a trip to San Bartolo Coyotepec, the celebrated capital of Barro Negro (Black Pottery).
DAY 8 - Monday November 2nd
Experience two deeply cultural Oaxacan landmarks, opening with the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, the historic Zapotec capital that flourished from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D. Following this, visit Arrazola, a town renowned for its imaginative and brightly woodcraved and painted wooden alebrijes. Wrap up the day by dining at a cherished gastronomic institution where a legendary chef masterminds traditional Oaxacan dishes featuring profound heirloom profiles, celebrated for dishing up the state's premier, most intricate moles.
DAY 9 - Tuesday November 3rd
We will provide ground transportation to the Airport based on your schedule.
Buen viaje, nos vemos pronto!
Day of the Dead
Agenda
* 8 nights lodging in a boutique hotel in downtown Oaxaca
* Dinner or lunch at the best examples of Oaxacan food in town
* Airport transfers
* Ground transportation within Oaxaca
* Entrance fees to museums, archeological sites and excursions
* English speaking guides
* All breakfasts will be enjoyed outside of the house at some of the most traditional, high-quality restaurants in the heart of Oaxaca city. As for the cooking class, immediately following the session, the dishes you prepare will be served for your lunch.
* In total, the experience includes 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
Items Not Included
* Air Fares and Airport Taxes.
* Alcoholic drinks.
* Personal expenses, meals not included in the itinerary, tips and gratuities and other independent
tour guides.
* Taxes NOT included
* Any other incidentals not listed under “Items Included”
The schedule, activities, excursions and restaurants are subject to change based on availability and other factors not in control of MOC Adventures.
**Our group tours are limited to a maximum of 10 people
-
9 Days – 8 Nights
-
USD $3,495 per person based on double occupancy
-
USD 295 single supplement applies
* Taxes NOT included
Note: To book a 25% deposit must be paid. This deposit is NON-refundable.
Remaining 75% must be paid 60 days prior to your arrival, also NON-refundable.