Oaxaca: Day of the Dead 2027

Oct 28 – Nov 4, 2027 | One Exclusive Departure

Culture, Spirit & Tradition

Experience Oaxaca's timeless traditions at the most electric time of year

October 28 - November 4, 2027 | 8 Days, 7 Nights

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“Great care was taken to give us a true experience of the Day of the Dead, from purchasing the materials at the mercado, cutting the flowers, and building the altar to decorating the family graves to candlelight under a full moon. A wonderful experience! ”
Gale M.

Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018

$9,100

Per person based on double occupancy

Woman arranging marigold flowers on a grave covered in cempasúchil blossoms and candles during Día de los Muertos in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico

Locals in skeleton face-paint and colorful costume run past you in a blur. Marigold petals drift through the air like the spirits themselves. Music, laughing and rejoicing ring out in the cacophony of celebration that is Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). You’ve prepped for this parade, learning about traditions from local families and artists, decorating ofrendas (altars) in private homes and family cemeteries. You’ve been the guest of honor and feasted on delicious foods, tasted the finest mezcals, communed with the history of a holiday bigger and bolder than Christmas around here. And you’re in the one place that does it best in all of Mexico: Oaxaca. Throughout this journey, it’s been abundantly clear that Day of the Dead is truly about life, in all its vibrant, eclectic and mesmerizing joy.

Want to explore the epicenter of celebration? Then get ready to ring in Oaxaca’s biggest and boldest holiday of the year. Meet local families getting in the spirit. Learn from artisans whose generations-old techniques define Oaxaca’s feel. Savor traditional mole sauces, spiced chocolate and the most delicious street tacos. Taste authentic flavors in intimate settings and appreciate every moment, as you experience one of the world’s most colorful and vibrant celebrations. This is Mexico like you’ve never imagined, with unparalleled access into family homes for the chance to experience Day of the Dead like a true insider.

Experience

Parades and candle-lit processions, the colors and sounds, rituals and ceremony

Connect

With local families who invite us into their homes, and into their hearts and private celebrations

Explore

Agave farms and ancient pyramids, food markets and artist workshops

Savor

Rich mole sauces, tlayudas and street tacos—even toasted grasshoppers!

Oaxaca 2020_Colorful cemetery in Oaxaca, Mexico decorated with vibrant marigolds and cockscomb flowers for Día de Muertos celebrations, honoring loved ones with traditional altars and offerings.

Día de Muertos

Day of the Dead is a holiday juggernaut in cities, towns and villages across Mexico. But Oaxaca has them all beat. Its multi-day festivities offer a side of culture and tradition you won’t see anywhere else—or at any other time. Get acquainted with the people and the spirits. Join us for a lively, uproarious experience in Oaxaca!

Your Oaxaca Experience

Oaxaca 2020_Women in traditional black dresses and skull makeup dance through the streets during a Día de los Muertos parade in Oaxaca City, Mexico, surrounded by marigolds, candles, and festival crowds.
“It's called Day of the Dead, but those who have passed never really leave us.”
Local Wisdom

Oaxaca City, Teotitlan del Valle, Atzompa, Soledad Etla

Oaxaca 2019_Hand-painted bowls filled with colorful dried herbs, flowers, and spices arranged on a table, alongside traditional stone tools used in Mexican culture.

Day of the Dead is a celebration of family, ancestors, the past—and bringing everyone together.

Day by Day

*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.

Day 1

October 28, Thu

Bienvenidos a Mexico! We’ll meet up with the group and get oriented with one of Latin America’s great colonial wonders: Oaxaca City. We’ll walk through the cobblestone streets and snack through its central markets, a feast of the senses where tasajo (dried meats) hang, open fires grill delicious tlayudas (toasted tortillas topped, pizza-style, with Oaxacan string cheese and thin-grilled meats), and vendors wander past offering chapulines (roasted grasshoppers) and pastry-like pan de yema stacked in woven baskets. Yummy (even those grasshoppers, we promise).

In the evening, we’ll toast the start of our adventure with local mezcal—of course—and a beautiful Oaxaca City backdrop for an inspired dinner together.

Day 2

October 29, Fri

Today we journey to mountain villages devoted to arts and crafts. We’ll stop at the Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, a weaving village with about 5,000 people (and 2,000 looms).

We’ll learn to make some local recipes and have lunch with a Zapotec family. Then, we’ll meet weavers of a local collective, who’ll demonstrate their intricate craft just as they have for the past fourteen generations. With our palates and minds enriched, we return to Oaxaca, where the afternoon is yours to explore and dinner is yours to embellish.

An indigenous artisan in Teotitlán del Valle, near Oaxaca City, Mexico, displays natural pigments in his hands. Behind him, vibrant skeins of hand-dyed wool in blue, gold, and green hang against an adobe wall, showcasing the traditional textile craftsmanship of the region.

Day 3

October 30, Sat

We venture outside the city once again today. As the festivities draw nearer, it’s only appropriate to get in an artistic spirit. In the valley south of Oaxaca, we’ll meet up with artists who’ll show us the essentials for any Day of the Dead celebration. Whimsical and eccentric pottery and creations are everywhere around this time. Each piece of black or vibrantly colored pottery, carved wooden figurine or calavera (skull) is filled with creativity and meaning. After seeing what goes into bringing these beautiful creations to life, we’ll be guests for a home-cooked lunch with one of the artists.

Our imaginations brimming, we return to Oaxaca City. After a bit of independent exploration, perhaps with a market visit full of artwork, sugar and chocolate skulls, cempasuchil (Mexican marigold flowers), we’ll regroup for a tlayuda dinner. Arriving warm from the comal, its crisped corn base is layered with asiento, black beans, Oaxacan cheese, and grilled meats, folded just enough to hold in the heat. It’s the kind of meal eaten with smoke still in the air and the low hum of evening carrying through the streets.

Woman arranging marigold flowers on a grave covered in cempasúchil blossoms and candles during Día de los Muertos in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico

Day 4

October 31, Sun

It’s All Hallows Eve! This morning, we head to the village of Atzompa where we’ll help local master potter and her family create their ofrenda. Learn the significance different pieces play, from the marigold’s spirit-guiding scent to the crafts adorning the altar. 

We then join them at the cemetery where we’ll help them decorate the graves of their loved ones. It’s believed the souls of children arrive today and leave the following afternoon, when the adults arrive. Each village has their own unique way of honoring tradition and enjoying the fun! As we celebrate and beautify, we’ll have some home-cooked tamales for dinner and stay up late admiring everyone’s work and learning more about the locals.

Day 5

November 1, Mon

We begin today with a journey to the past on a trip to the hilltop ruin of Monte Alban. Dating from 500 BC, it’s vast complex of pyramids, a palace, shrines—easily one of Mesoamerica’s grandest archaeological sites. We explore its monumental scale and the intricate carvings of bas relief sculptures, with one of Mexico’s great colonial cities sprawling below us.

For the rest of the day and into the evening, their comparsa features a carnival-like procession of costumed locals, mariachis, dancing, food vendors and revelry. Every village and barrio does it a bit differently, but this will be an experience to remember. The best part is, our Day of the Dead celebration is far from over—in fact, it’s just beginning!

Day 6

November 2, Tue

It’s finally arrived! Día de Muertos, or All Souls Day. After a whirlwind of celebration and festivity, most of today is yours to enjoy. After breakfast at the hotel, the road leads out toward a nearby village, where cemeteries fill with families tending to graves—brushing away dust, arranging candles, and layering cempasúchil petals in careful arcs that guide spirits home. The scent of copal drifts steadily through the air as candles burn down in the afternoon light.

After time spent moving between these spaces, we’ll sit down for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The evening is left open for however we want to explore the city. Stroll in the zocalo, hit up more markets, or simply relax after the epic holiday we got to experience.

Oaxaca 2020_Children dressed in traditional costumes and face paint sit among marigolds and candles during Día de los Muertos celebrations in a cemetery in Oaxaca, Mexico, honoring loved ones with light and color.

Day 7

November 3, Wed

Because this journey is all about reconnection, we return to yesterday’s village for its Día de los Muertos cemetery traditions and floral displays, each ofrenda more intricate than the last. Lunch follows at a local spot, a pause for something warm and grounding before returning to the hotel for a few hours on your own.

That evening, we gather for a final dinner as the city hums just beyond the terrace, each course arriving as we reflect on the amazing things we’ve seen and experienced living it up at Day of the Dead. We’ll feel electric and magical, and toast as the stars twinkle in the clear Oaxaca night sky.

People sit at a long table sharing a meal and raising glasses in a toast.” Kept it neutral, descriptive, and focused on what’s visually clear.

Day 8

November 4, Thu

As we’ve learned this trip, nothing truly ever ends. Even though we pack our things and bid farewell to Oaxaca—hopefully including some mezcal and candy skulls—we know this journey will live on forever. Buen viaje!

Oaxaca 2020_A woman dressed for Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca City, Mexico, wearing colorful face paint and traditional attire with a skull headpiece, surrounded by festival-goers and vibrant colonial architecture.

People Love MOAD’s Oaxaca

Oaxaca 2020_A woman dressed for Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca City, Mexico, wearing colorful face paint and traditional attire with a skull headpiece, surrounded by festival-goers and vibrant colonial architecture.
Oaxaca 2020_Festival participants in Oaxaca City wearing colorful masks and costumes during a traditional celebration, showcasing vibrant Mexican culture and creativity in the streets of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca 2019_A woman in traditional clothing prepares tortillas over an open flame on a large clay comal in a rustic kitchen with brick and tile details.
Oaxaca 2020_Children dressed in traditional costumes and face paint sit among marigolds and candles during Día de los Muertos celebrations in a cemetery in Oaxaca, Mexico, honoring loved ones with light and color.
Oaxaca 2020_A giant La Catrina sculpture dressed in colorful traditional attire stands in front of the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church in Oaxaca City, Mexico, during Día de los Muertos festivities.
Panoramic view of the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán in Oaxaca, Mexico, with pyramids, terraces, and surrounding mountain landscapes—an iconic cultural highlight for Modern Adventure travelers exploring the region.
Oaxaca 2019_Minimalist bedroom interior featuring a white bed with embroidered pillows, wooden shelves with decorative clay figurines, pendant lights, and natural wood accents.
Oaxaca 2020_Men with painted skull faces carry a symbolic coffin during a Día de los Muertos parade in Oaxaca City, Mexico, surrounded by illuminated sculptures and crowds celebrating the vibrant tradition.
Oaxaca 2020_A family dressed in traditional skeleton makeup and costumes during Día de los Muertos festivities in Oaxaca City, Mexico, holding candles and marigolds as they join the nighttime celebrations.
Oaxaca 2019_A craftsman carefully hand-paints a brightly patterned wooden alebrije figure in a workshop, highlighting Oaxaca’s vibrant folk art traditions.
Oaxaca 2020_Colorful skeleton figures dressed in traditional Oaxacan clothing surround an altar decorated with marigolds, fruits, and papel picado during Día de los Muertos celebrations in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Oaxaca 2020_Graves decorated with marigolds, candles, and colorful offerings during Día de los Muertos at a cemetery in Oaxaca, Mexico, as families gather at sunset to honor their loved ones.
Oaxaca 2019_A person holds a metal tray containing cacao beans, a small container of almonds, and several long cinnamon sticks, ingredients traditionally used in Oaxacan chocolate making.
Oaxaca 2020_Traditional Día de los Muertos altar in Oaxaca, Mexico, decorated with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, framed photos, and pan de muerto offerings honoring departed loved ones.
Oaxaca 2020_Women in traditional black dresses and skull makeup dance through the streets during a Día de los Muertos parade in Oaxaca City, Mexico, surrounded by marigolds, candles, and festival crowds.
Oaxaca 2020_Women in traditional black dresses and skull makeup dance through the streets during a Día de los Muertos parade in Oaxaca City, Mexico, surrounded by marigolds, candles, and festival crowds.
Oaxaca 2020_Colorful cemetery in Oaxaca, Mexico decorated with vibrant marigolds and cockscomb flowers for Día de Muertos celebrations, honoring loved ones with traditional altars and offerings.
“
Building the Day of the Dead altar with a local family is an experience I will never forget.
Kate F.
“
Such a totally immersive experience. Incredible.
Ray B.
“
Our MO/AD guide seemed to be sharing his friends with us, he knew every artisan and family we visited.
Sally C.

Where We Sleep

Our hotel is a meticulously restored 16th-century convent in the heart of Oaxaca City, with Spanish Baroque architecture, original frescoes, a pool and flower-filled courtyards.

Quinta Real Oaxaca

Oaxaca City

Set within a 16th-century former convent, Quinta Real Oaxaca places you just steps from the city as it gathers for Día de los Muertos. Inside, quiet cloisters and stone courtyards offer a calm counterpoint to the city’s layered, living tradition.

Book Oaxaca: Day of the Dead 2027

Number of Travelers

Payment

Reserve your spot today with a $1,500 per-person deposit plus room supplements (if relevant). Please see our terms and conditions for full payment details.

$9,100

Per person based on double occupancy

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+1 (855) 219-8018

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Questions?

That’s OK, we have answers.
Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.

  1. What does the price include?

    Seven nights at unique, boutique accommodations in Oaxaca City; private travel for all day trips and excursions; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals; arrival and departure airport transfer.

  2. What does the price not include?

    International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.

  3. Where does the trip start and end?

    Our adventure begins on October 28 at 3:00 pm in Oaxaca, Mexico. The closest airport is the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), 30 minutes from our hotel.

    Our adventure ends on November 4 in Oaxaca, Mexico. The closest airport is the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX).

    Detailed arrival and departure guidance is provided in your post-purchase trip materials, including recommended routes, transfer options, and timing considerations. If you have specific questions before booking, our team is always happy to help.

  4. What travel documents are needed?

    US citizens are not required to have a visa for tourist visits to Mexico, but are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. On arrival to the airport, you will be issued a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). For citizens of other countries, please check with the Mexico Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.

  5. Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?

    For solo travelers, there is a $3,500 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  6. Who is going on this trip?

    Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.

  7. Who is leading this trip?

    This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.

  8. Do I need Travel Insurance?

    We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.

  9. Is this trip the right fit for me?

    Modern Adventure trips are active, immersive small-group experiences. Our itineraries typically involve a meaningful amount of time on your feet, walking through cities, markets, historic sites, and natural landscapes, navigating stairs, uneven terrain, cobblestones, and unpaved paths, and moving between experiences at a pace that keeps up with the day.

    These experiences are not suitable for travelers who require physical mobility assistance, personal care, or significant itinerary modifications to participate. The nature of our trips means that accommodations for significant physical limitations are often not possible without compromising the experience for the individual or the group.

    All travelers are responsible for informing Modern Adventure of any physical limitations, medical considerations, or concerns before booking or as early as possible before departure. This allows our team to provide clear guidance on whether a specific itinerary is the right fit for your individual circumstances. Please don’t hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions. We want every traveler to feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared for the journey ahead.

  10. What is the cancellation policy?

    We understand plans can change. Because Day of the Dead is such a meaningful and highly sought-after time to visit Oaxaca, this journey has slightly different cancellation terms than our standard trips.

    Here’s how cancellation fees are incurred depending on when you let us know:

    • • Before September 1, 2026: A $1,500 per person cancellation fee will be retained.• Between September 1, 2026, and May 1, 2027: A 50% cancellation fee of the total trip cost will be retained.• On or after May 1, 2027: The trip becomes 100% non-refundable.

    For the full details, please see our terms and conditions.

  11. When will my final balance be due?

    Because Day of the Dead is such a meaningful and highly sought-after time to visit Oaxaca, this journey has slightly different payment terms than our standard trips:

    • A $1,500 per person nonrefundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
    • 50% balance is due September 1, 2026
    • Full payment is due May 1, 2027

    We’ll send you secure payment links and reminders before each due date to make the process easy.

MO/AD News

Modern Adventure founder Luis Vargas is recognized as one of the top travel specialists for 2025 by ​Condé Nast Traveler. This list includes travel experts for every trip and traveler imaginable.

Modern Adventure makes the Fast Company list of Brands that Matter in 2022. Next-level creativity and sustainable business practices build a brand with impact.

For the second year running, Modern Adventure is recognized as one of the top travel operators in the world by ​Condé Nast Traveller’s​ annual Readers’ Choice Awards, the most prestigious in the travel industry.

“I’d had Oaxacan food before, but few restaurants served meals like this—'celebration food' worth the effort only for births and weddings. And, apparently, for Modern Adventure.”

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