Mexico City to Oaxaca: Celebrate Day of the Dead

  • thumbnail image_mexicocitytooaxacacelebratedayofthedead
  • thumbnail map_mexicocitytooaxacacelebratedayofthedead

Duration: 8 days

Begins: Mexico City

Ends: Oaxaca

Trip Code: CMDX

From

£1,499 per person

Get a quote

or Call 01273 099433

    In Mexico, the Day of the Dead isn't about spooky endings — it’s a massive, marigold-scented family reunion. This 8-day trip will take you from the bustling street food stalls of the city straight into the golden fields of cempasúchil (the "flower of the dead") and into local cemeteries where traditions are very much alive. Come for the iconic tacos and market wanders; stay for a perspective on life —and what comes after — that you won't find anywhere else.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    2 - Light
    Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your Foodie Moment: Mexico City Walking Tour and Taco Dinner, Mexico City
    • Your Discover Moment: Oaxaca
    • Free time in Mexico City
    • Puebla Orientation Walk
    • Free time in Puebla
    • Day tour of Atlixco
    • Oaxaca Orientation Walk
    • Visit to a local Oaxaca Cemetery to view Day of Dead Traditions
    • Oaxaca Market Visit
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD200-260 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Mexico City

    Arrive to the hotel meeting point for a 3pm welcome briefing, then head out on a walking tour of Mexico City's streets and markets as the city gears up for Day of the Dead. Finish the tour at a taquería for dinner to enjoy some delicious and authentic tacos.

    We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this bustling metropolis. Talk to your agent about booking pre-tour accommodation.

    Please plan for your flight to arrive at the airport in Mexico City no later than 12pm.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Mexico City Walking Tour and Taco Dinner

    Mexico City 3h

    Set off on a guided walking tour of Mexico City. Explore markets and identify foods and items that are used in the Day of the Dead celebrations. Try your hand at making homemade tortillas and then end the evening at a local taquería, trying some of the cities most authentic tacos.

    Meals Included:

    Dinner

    Day 2 : Mexico City

    Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Mexico City. Explore the city's vibrant streets and historic sites on your own . Opt to join a tour of Xochimilco, a system of canals built by the ancient Aztecs, or catch a thrilling Lucha Libre match in the evening.

    Free time:

    Mexico City Full day

    Take advantage of the day to get out and explore this amazing city and its surroundings. Explore the city and watch some of the preparations come together for the cities Day of the Dead festivities. Opt to visit the colorful canals of Xochimilco with one of our G for Good partners, or experience the excitement of a Lucha Libre wrestling match in the evening.

    Optional Activities - Day 2

    Boat Tour of Xochimilco,

    Mexico City

    Explore Mexico City's Xochimilco, a system of canals built by the ancient Aztecs. Navigate through colourful floating gardens on a brightly painted, flat-bottomed punt-a-boat. The waters are home to the critically endangered axolotl, a rather unusual amphibian native to Mexico with deep roots into Aztec mythology. After navigating the waters, stop at a local farm for a traditional meal.

    Lucha Libre Match

    Mexico City

    Combatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture. Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 3 : Mexico City/Puebla

    Journey from Mexico City to the historic city of Puebla and take a guided orientation walk through its charming downtown, filled with colonial architecture and bustling plazas. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace.

    Local Bus

    Mexico City - Puebla 2h - 3h 145km

    Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Puebla Orientation Walk

    Puebla

    The route will vary for each tour, allowing our CEOs to share their personal favorites. Puebla is known for many things, such as pottery, colonial architecture and great food. You can expect to see the zócalo, artisans' market and visit the historic buildings within centre of this World Heritage city.

    Free time:

    Puebla

    Discover everything Puebla has to offer as you enjoy free time to explore its vibrant streets, charming squares, and rich cultural treasures.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Puebla / Atlixco

    Visit Atlixco, the City of Flowers, and experience the cempasúchil fields, Escalera Ancha, and the Valle de las Catrinas before Día de los Muertos. Discover this charming city alongside a local guide.

    Atlixco Day Tour

    Puebla 6h

    Enjoy a day tour to Atlixco, the City of Flowers, as Día de los Muertos approaches and the region fills with color and tradition. Walk among vast fields of blooming cempasúchil, the murals of Escalera Ancha, and visit the vibrant Valle de las Catrinas, where art and culture come together. Explore Atlixco’s charming streets, history, and festive atmosphere while your local guide shares insights into local customs and traditions.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 5 : Puebla/Oaxaca

    Journey to beautiful Oaxaca and get a feel for the city on an orientation walk. In the evening, visit a local cemetery to witness families preparing for Día de los Muertos.

    Private Vehicle

    Puebla - Oaxaca 4h18m - 5h Morning 360km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Oaxaca Orientation Walk

    Oaxaca 0h30m Afternoon

    All walks will be slightly different, allowing your CEO to show off their favorite spots. You can except to see some of the special places to visit during Day of the Dead in Oaxaca. Opt to sample some delicious Oaxacan foods along the way such as mole, tlayudas or chapulines.

    Cemetery Visit

    Oaxaca

    Visit a local cemetery and witness local families preparing, cleaning and decorating the area where their loved ones are buried. This special visit allows visitors to have a unique insight into this moving and emotional experience.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 6 : Oaxaca

    Explore the markets of Oaxaca to learn about local traditions, stock up and get ready for the upcoming festivities. Opt to book a tour to nearby Etla to experience the Oaxacan tradition of the famous Muerteada ceremony.

    Oaxaca Market Visit

    Oaxaca

    Join your CEO to explore the markets of Oaxaca, compare and contrast to what you’ve seen in Mexico City. Packed with local food, souvenirs, and supplies used for Day of the Dead celebrations. Visit a specialty shop to try Mexican hot chocolate.

    Optional Activities - Day 6

    Face Painting

    Oaxaca

    Get into the spirit of Day of the Dead like the locals with some face painting to look like a sugar skull. Don't forget your camera, the intricate designs and patterns will leave you in awe.

    Muerteada in Etla

    Oaxaca

    Choose to book onto a tour to visit nearby Etla for its famous Murteada. This event brings together music, costumes and an irreverent sense of humor to create a battle of the bands meets parade that is uniquely Mexican. Bring your sense of adventure and get ready to embrace the bizarre!

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 7 : Oaxaca

    Take advantage of a free day. Opt to explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, or simply relax and soak in the charm of Oaxaca at your own pace.

    Free time:

    Oaxaca Full day

    There's plenty to see and do in Oaxaca, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try an optional activity like visiting the ruins of Monte Albán. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

    Optional Activities - Day 7

    Monte Albán Tour

    Monte Albán - Oaxaca 1h - 3h 2km

    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.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 8 : Oaxaca

    Depart at any time

    With so much to do in Oaxaca, we suggest booking an extra night to explore all this fabulous city has to offer.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    dates start-End Availability remaining spaces Price Per Person
    Oct 2026
    Tue, 27 Oct - Tue, 03 Nov 7+ available £1,499 Request a quote
    Tue, 27 Oct - Tue, 03 Nov 7+ available £1,499 Request a quote