Oaxaca City Day of the Dead Celebration Tour

After arriving at the Oaxaca City Airport, catch a taxi to the hotel in Oaxaca City where we will sleep for the next 6 nights. Our tour activities start on day 2. The rest of the day/evening is free to relax or go exploring.

This morning we will meet our host guide for breakfast where he will give us an overview of our upcoming itinerary and answer questions. 

Our first stop on our exploration journey will be to witness something that is over 1400 years old. It happens to be one of the oldest living things on this earth.

Historical records show that even the ancient Aztecs wrote about the Tule tree!

Not only is it old, it’s HUGE!
The measurement of its base is about 160 feet in circumference. Definitely, a wide angle camera lens will come in handy to photograph this massive, enormous tree!

Next, we’ll continue on to explore the Sunday market in Tlacolula. This market is especially interesting in that there are so many participants who are dressed in traditional Zopotec clothing and many will be speaking Zapotec. Everything from shoes to produce to live animals to crafts from artisans are sold there. Flowers, bakery goods, and other items regarding the Day of the Dead celebration will be prominent on this day as well.

We’ll have lunch in the “food court” area. OK, it’s not even remotely like the ones at the modern malls. However, it will definitely be a cultural immersion experience. 

Later, we’ll learn how Mezcal (a “distant cousin” to Tequila) is produced. Sampling? Of course! Then we’ll travel back to Oaxaca City for an evening free to explore and relax.  (B,L)

Happy Halloween!
Yes, we may see kids dressed in costumes trick or treating. It is a custom that has filtered into México from the USA but has not taken over the real celebrations which begins this evening; the celebration of Día de los Muertos.

Today is the day to get to know Oaxaca City. Our host guide will lead our small group on a walking tour of the city which will include the major landmarks such as the Santo Domingo Church and the government palace. Plus we’ll get to witness preparations being made for the big celebration and items being sold in the markets for the Day of the Dead festivities.

Later in the evening, get ready to visit one of the main cemeteries in Oaxaca City; the San Miguel Cemetery. It is huge with some very nice decorations on many of the grave sites. The main attraction of the evening will be to see 2000 lit candles, each one located in a small niche found in a cavernous mausoleum. (B,L)

Today we will travel to the town of San Antonio Arrazola. This town is known for the artisans who create brightly colored sculptures of mythical creatures called, Alebrijes.

Then it is off to marvel at the large XVI Century ex-convent in the town of Cuilapam de Guerrero. Here we’ll learn about its history and architecture.

Later we’ll go to the town of San Bartolo Coyotepec where we will meet artisans who are known for creating unique black pottery. And of course, there will be time for browsing and shopping in their small stores.

Then we’ll head back to Oaxaca City. The rest of the day and evening is free to enjoy more of the ongoing festivities happening there.  (B,L)

The ruins of one of the earliest cities established in Mesoamerica is located just a very short drive from Oaxaca City. Monte Alban was inhabited over a period of 1500 years first by the Olmecs and then the Zapotecs and Mixtecs. 

After our tour of this very impressive archaeological site, we will travel a short distance to view a peaceful rural cemetery in the small town of Santa Maria Atzompa. It is a picturesque place with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Nearby, there are some local pottery shops we can check out.

Next, we will go into the town of Villa de Etla to have lunch at a local restaurant. Anyone up for barbecued goat? Afterwards, we’ll visit the main church and stroll around the town. The folks there really know how to celebrate Día de los Muertos with fun parades complete with costumes and lots of lively music.

Later, we’ll return to Oaxaca City and our hotel.  (B,L)

First on our tour agenda this morning, we’ll head out to the Mitla Archaeological site. This is an appropriate place to visit during the Día de los Muertos celebration as the word, “Mitla” means the place of the dead or place of burial. This site was considered the “gateway” between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Our tour guide will fill us in on more details and of the significance of this place for the Zapotec and Mixtec people.

Next up on our exploration itinerary, we’ll travel to Marcos Tlapazola to see the artisans who specialize in making red clay ceramics. It is interesting to see the designs of some of the pottery decorated with roosters, pig snouts, other farm animals, and even dancing dolphins. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

Later we’ll visit the village of San Miguel de Valle. This is a small Zapotec pueblo. There, we’ll have the opportunity to visit a home to see how they have created a small alter or shrine to honor their deceased loved ones.

We may also visit a home where they can show us the steps to making rugs and tapestries which are called, Tepetes and local folks who  create embroidery items.

In the evening we will all meet on last time with our guide to have a nice farewell dinner on our last night in Oaxaca.  (B,L,D)

Buen Viaje!

After breakfast our tour ends. At the appropriate time, a taxi can be secured for the ride to the Oaxaca Airport and your flight home or perhaps on to the start of another México adventure.  (B)

Buen Viaje!