Introduction
Traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico, to celebrate the Day of the Dead is a cultural experience like no other. The traditions, festivities, and history are unforgettable.
This holiday is about pre-Hispanic origins, which will make you appreciate the blend of ancient and contemporary beliefs. You’ll have the chance to engage in local workshops where you can learn traditional crafts, such as making sugar skulls or “papel picado,” and see the artistry that makes this celebration so unique. As you stroll through the streets and visit local homes, you'll encounter beautifully adorned altars and offerings (ofrendas), each meticulously decorated to honor loved ones who have passed away. These moments offer a chance to reflect on memory and how communities come together to celebrate them.
Duration: 4 days & 3 nights
Trip begins at Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) at 2:00 p.m.
Trip ends at Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) at 11:30 a.m.
Arrival and departure times are not mandatory, but they guarantee that you’ll be included in group transportation.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
What's Included
- 4 days & 3 nights shared accommodations
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 2 dinners
- Market visits to Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre
- Beeswax candle workshop
- Weaving demonstration
- Visit the Tule Tree in Santa María del Tule
- Guided tour of the Mitla archeological site
- Mezcaleria visit and tasting
- Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
- Cemetery visit for the Day of the Dead
- Private airport pick-up upon arrival
- Private airport drop-off upon departure
- Under30Experiences Trip Leader
- Personal recommendations for optional activities
- Access to the Under30Experiences Community
- Taxes are always included. NO hidden fees & NO blackout dates
What’s NOT Included
- International airfare to and from Mexico
- Meals that are not mentioned above or on the itinerary
- Optional activities that are not included in the price
Book confidently: Switching your trip more than 60 days out is free!
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait until you get more instructions regarding booking your flight.
All Under30Experiences trip prices are in USD.
Highlights
- Traditional Mexican market visits
- Day of the Dead Celebration
- Mezcaleria visit
- Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
- Mitla archeological site
- Beeswax candle workshop
- Weaving demonstration
- Visit to Santa María de Tule and the Tule Tree
- Cemetery visit
Is this Trip for You?
Traveling to Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead offers an unforgettable experience, especially when approached with respect and an open heart. This vibrant festival, steeped in tradition, is a time to honor and remember those who have departed from our lives.
Colorful altars adorned with photographs, marigolds, and cherished mementos create a beautiful tribute to loved ones, inviting reflection and celebration. The lively parades, heartfelt rituals, and decorations will allow you to immerse yourself in a culture that values the connection between the living and the dead.
-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 16 max (average 15)
-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities include physical activity, like hiking.
Travel connects us. Our community keeps us connected.
Before your trip, you can join a custom WhatsApp Group and meet other group members. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to explore more of a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment where people feel safe being themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Itinerary Disclaimer
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While we intend to follow the itinerary, it is flexible, and alterations may occasionally be necessary or desirable.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Transportation
You will be traveling by private ground transportation throughout your trip.
- Private ground transportation to and from the airport (included)
Accommodation
For your trip, you will stay in shared boutique hotel rooms in the heart of Oaxaca.
Laundry service is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary, but will be of the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request, subject to availability, for an extra charge.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage, including repatriation coverage, is required to participate in our trips.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, luggage loss, and personal effects. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to participate in.
These travel insurance options meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please read your plan's coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation for buying travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
Very Flexible
If you give us at least 60 days' notice, you can switch your trip for free. Otherwise, we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation less than 60 days before your trip, please contact your travel insurance company, as they may cover some expenses. We cannot transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
Trip Leader Expectations
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
Every Trip Leader aims to facilitate a fantastic experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.
They will likely have a broad general knowledge of the countries you visit, including their historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service, and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person daily for Trip Leaders.
Packing List
Please be eco-friendly!
- Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill wherever clean water is available.
- Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
- Please avoid aerosol bug sprays, as they can negatively affect the environment.
We recommend using a travel backpack for convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so each person is allowed to bring only one main piece of luggage. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below are our staff picks for the best travel items we personally use! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on regulations and are inspired by eco-friendly options when possible
Passport & Visas
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the last day of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State for any further questions.
Make sure your passport is in good condition. Conditions that may constitute damage and require replacing it include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
Health & Insurance
The tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from filtered water stations and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Mexico beautiful. Travelers are responsible for purchasing and transporting their water throughout the day in Mexico.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Mexico from the United States, but we recommend checking with the US Center for Disease Control before traveling.
Mosquito-borne viruses exist in most of Latin America. Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.
Money & Currency
We suggest bringing 300 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not the total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency is the Mexican Peso, which has the symbol $. To distinguish it from the US Dollar, it is sometimes presented as MX$ or its value with the letters “MN” after it, e.g., $100 MN.
If you’d like a better exchange rate, call your bank and order Mexican Pesos before your trip. Remember to let your bank and credit card company know you will travel overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.
Safety & Security
While Oaxaca is generally considered a safe town for tourists, with a relatively low crime rate, it is still essential to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
US Citizens, please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program,” which can contact your family in an emergency.
General Safety Tips:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to who is around you, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots like Oaxaca.
- Avoid Displaying Wealth: Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches or openly carry large amounts of cash. Keep electronic devices out of sight.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Store passports, travel documents, and excess cash in a hotel safe or a secure pouch under your clothing. Carry a photocopy of your passport and health insurance separately.
- Don't Leave Belongings Unattended: Be vigilant in crowded places, restaurants, and public transport. Theft from hotel rooms can occur.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.
Weather
The weather is typically mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the 60s-80s degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows in the 50s degree Fahrenheit. The region is transitioning from rainy season to drier conditions, with mostly clear skies.
Temperature
- Daytime temperatures range from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 Celsius)
- Nighttime lows range from 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 20 Celsius)
- Average temperature in November ranges from a high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) to a low of 49 degrees Fahrenheit (9 Celsius)
cultural information
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday dedicated to honoring deceased relatives through food, drink, and celebration. This holiday uniquely blends Mesoamerican rituals, European religious practices, and Spanish culture.
The holiday traces back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, particularly within Aztec culture. The Aztecs believed death was a natural part of life and that the deceased embarked on a journey to Chicunamictlán, the Land of the Dead. Spanish colonizers later adapted the holiday to fall on November 1 and 2 to align with Catholic celebrations.
During Día de los Muertos, families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their deceased relatives. These altars are adorned with bright yellow marigold flowers, photographs of the departed, and their favorite foods and beverages. The holiday is marked by food, flowers, family visits, prayers, and storytelling about those who have passed away. Additionally, toys and treats are crafted in the shapes of symbols of death, such as skulls and skeletons.
Key Phrases
- Hello -- Hola
- Excuse me -- Perdón
- How are you? -- ¿Como está?
- Thank you -- Gracias
- Please -- Por favor
- A beer please -- Una cerveza por favor
- No way! - ¡No manches!
- Wow, that's good! / Okay - ¡Órale!
- What? (Used to clarify understanding) - ¿Mande?
- What's up? - ¿Qué onda?
Tipping Customs in Mexico
While tipping is certainly appreciated, especially when you have received outstanding service. Tip in the local currency (Pesos Mexicanos) to avoid additional fees when exchanging.
Restaurants: Some restaurants charge a service fee, so check to see if 10-15% “propina” or “servicio” has already been included in your bill. Even if service is included, you can leave small bills on your table to ensure that money goes directly to your server.
Taxis: tipping taxi drivers is not required. Round up for excellent service to express appreciation.
Musicians: leaving 10-50 pesos is a kind gesture to street performers.
Hotel Staff:
- Bellhop: 20–50 pesos per bag
- Housekeeping: 20–50 pesos per night, left daily
- Concierge: 50–150 pesos, depending on the service
Optional Activities
Due to the short duration of the trip, there will be no time for optional activities included in this itinerary.
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities, please note that any activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees about the safety or standard of the activity.
General Rules
Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech, and it is grounds for immediate removal!
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Always do your best to ensure your safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting specific communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits in every situation, whether physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may result in your removal from your trip without a refund.
Staying longer or arriving early?
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