Mexico's Day of the Dead

On your first morning waking up in Oaxaca, you’ll join your tour leader for an orientation walk around the city, taking in the markets around the main square and visits to the towns of Xoxocotlan and Atzompa to observe the cemetery vigils and the many candles placed around the altars and graves. Later on, you’ll attend the day of the dead parades in Oaxaca and Etla Valley, where you’ll see the colourful costumes and hear the lovely music, and have the chance to try some Mezcal.

Today you’ll explore Oaxaca’s food scene with a local guide. You’ll visit the market and the chocolate grinding mills, and take part in a tortilla making workshop. You’ll be invited into a local family home where you can taste their homemade food and learn some traditional recipes. You’ll also have some free time to explore Oaxaca city, where you could continue the food theme with some Oaxacan cheese empanadas, or indulge in a rich cup of Mexican spiced hot chocolate, made from locally produced cacao beans.

You’ll have three free days to explore the leafy streets and pretty squares of Oaxaca. You could choose to explore the ancient ruins of Monte Alban, a pre-Colombian ceremonial centre once inhabited by the Zapotecs, or do a spot of people watching at the main square. Make sure you soak up as much of the Day of the Dead festivities as possible too – take in the elaborate altars, often decorated with sugar skulls and flowers and join in with the feasts as families remember the souls of the dead.