The Experience
Oaxaca is the heart of traditional Mexican culture and there is no better time to be in this UNESCO World Heritage designated city than during the iconic Day of the Dead festivities. The region comes to life as colorful parades line the colonial streets and families convene to celebrate their loved ones. As a Discover Corps guest, you’re in for an experience. We’ll show you a side of Oaxaca that only locals see while engaging in all of the festivities that this holiday brings.
Over the course of six days, we’ll combine visits to all of the must-see sites including the archeological ruins of Monte Alban with cultural experiences involving local weavers, potters, distillers and, of course, those bringing the emerging Oaxacan cuisine onto the map. We’ll also join local families to take part in their Day of the Dead ceremonies while immersing ourselves in the heart of the city’s most impressive parades & performances.
A Behind-the-Scenes Festival Experience
We believe that to truly understand a culture and its traditions, you must integrate into the communities. Whether it’s a visit to a family’s flower plantation harvesting marigolds for the festival or joining a local women who weaves for the festival, you’ll get a true insider’s take on tis iconic experience.
Oaxaca’s Colorful Day of the Dead Festival
The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) festival is one of the most recognized celebrations in Mexico. During this time, locals believe that the gap between the world of the spirits and the living is lifted, allowing their departed loved ones to travel back for a visit. Special altars (ofrendas) are setup and decorated with photos, flowers, and things their loved ones would have enjoyed in life including their favorite food or beer. Trails of yellow marigold flowers are laid out to help the dead find their way back from the spirit world.
Your Oaxaca Day of the Dead festival experience with Discover Corps will be unlike any other. While we will visit many of the city’s most cherished landmarks and see all of the local parades, we’ll avoid the traditional tourist traps and instead bring personal meaning to the festivities by interacting directly with families in the region. Your local Discover Corps Guide will facilitate these experiences, whether it’s having a cup of hot cocoa with a family of flower farmers or watching a family of master weavers or potters at their craft. By sharing their traditions, our local hosts will teach us about their individual ways to welcome the souls of their loved ones.
Where You’ll Stay
During our time in Oaxaca City, we’ll stay in one of the colorful boutique hotels we partner with. Our main hotel, Hotel con Corazón, is a modern and cozy hotel where profits go into local schools to help lift up the local community. This boutique hotel & social enterprise is one with heart, recognizing that Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico, and children need more resources to ensure they finish school. This brand-new building in the heart of the old city of Oaxaca includes private bathrooms, WiFi, fans, and garden views from all rooms. Spots are limited at Hotel con Corazón, so if this accommodation is full, we will split the group into another beautiful boutique hotel in Oaxaca City.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive and settle-in to your boutique hotel located in Oaxaca’s colorful colonial center. Kick off the experience at the famous La Teca restaurant followed by a guided walk through the historic landmarks. The next day head out to a family flower plantation to learn about Day of the Dead traditions followed by a visit to the famous archeological ruins of Mitla. Tonight, enjoy the first evening of enchanting Day of the Dead parades. The next two days we’ll engage with an award
winning ceramic artist, participate in local family Day of the Dead traditions including laying bouquets & candles at a local cemetery and making an exclusive private sunset visit to the Monte Alban archeological site. Each night, we’ll join in on the Day of the Dead festivities in town. Our final full day will be spent with local artists and include a visit to a family-owned Mezcal distillery. Enjoy a memorable dinner at Casa Oaxaca, one to the top restaurants in the area, before departing the next day.
Traveler’s Journal
Michelle T.
Philadelphia, PA
Read More Discover Corps Reviews
Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$3,695 Adult
$3,495 Child
Registration deadline for 2023 is 7/31/2023. We are actively booking for 2024.
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement = $395. You are required to pay this SRS fee if we are unable to find you a suitable roommate.
What’s Included:
- 6 nights lodging at the 4-star Hotel con Corazon in Oaxaca City
- All transportation including roundtrip airport transfer
- All meals throughout the trip except for two dinners
- A schedule of exclusive Day of the Dead activities as well as seeing all of Oaxaca’s iconic sites
- A bilingual, licensed guide that will be by your side through the entire journey
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Trip literature and pre-departure support from Discover Corps
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- Tips for the Discover Corps guide and driver
- Most alcoholic beverages
- Two dinners
- International airfare
Dates
Our intimate, small-group festival departures consist of like-minded travelers. Questions? Schedule a personal travel consultation with one of our expert Travel Specialists.
2024 Festival Date
October 28-November 2, 2024 Limited!
2025 Festival Date
October 28-November 2, 2025
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Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More
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Customized Private Trips
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