Oaxaca (Meals Incl. B) (O/n Hotel Parador del Dominico or similar)
Take an orientation walk through Oaxaca, known for its colourful crafts, unique cuisine, and vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations. During our walk, we’ll visit two bustling markets selling local foods, ornaments, and many Day of the Dead essentials. Over the course of the week, immerse yourself in the festival’s theatrical parades, watching people dressed in elaborate costumes march to the tune of brass bands; and observe local families gathering at candle-lit altars and graves on visits to the city’s cemeteries. Take an orientation walk around Oaxaca with your CEO. Visit two massive markets located just off the “zócalo” (main square), here you’ll find many local foods, ornaments, and Day of the Dead essentials for local families. This tour includes visits to cemeteries in both Xoxocotlan and Atzompa to view the altars and families gathering as dusk turns to dark. The many candles placed around the altars and graves add to the ambiance. In addition, you’ll view Day of the Dead parades in both Oaxaca and the Etla Valley. Participants in these parades dress in elaborate costumes and are serenaded by brass bands. Mezcal, served in small plastic cups, is frequently passed out to those watching the parades. Day of the Dead takes place between October 31 and November 2 and is a celebration and remembrance of the deceased. Families will build private altars and bring large feasts to cemeteries, to be with the souls of the departed. It is believed that the souls will come back to visit and take part in the celebrations. Some of the “ofrendas” (altars) are very elaborate and include sugar skulls and marigold flowers. In most regions, the souls of infants and children are honoured on November 1. Adults are remembered on November 2. It is generally a festive rather than somber gathering. The Oaxaca area is well known for its many artisans who make everything from pottery, to elaborate weavings, and mezcal (tequila’s cousin). The group can also take an optional visit to a couple of the the nearby communities to see the artisans at work. The schedule for this tour is very flexible. It allows the CEO to make the best use of your time and is based on the events and activities of the day. The CEO will go over the schedule with you.
Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations: An expert CEO will lead the way on an amazing journey through Oaxaca and this festive tradition. The schedule is based on what is happening that day. There are also various included experiences like an orientation walks through the city, visits to cemetery vigils in the small surrounding towns, and the Oaxaca and Etla Valley Day of the Dead parades.
Free Time, Oaxaca: In your free time, you can opt to experience Oaxaca’s other great offerings. Visit the nearby ruins of Monte Alban or Mitla, take part in cooking classes to learn about the mouth-watering food of the area, or relax in a cafe in the city’s main square, we think there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Orientation Walk (1 Hr): Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities (Day 2/3/4/5/6)
Mole Cooking Class: Take a cooking class and learn that there’s more to mole than meets the eye (and mouth). In fact, in Oaxaca, there are at least seven different versions of this popular made-in-Mexico sauce cooked with ground chili, chocolate, and sesame seeds. Black, red, yellow, green – the list is endless. Take a guided trip to the local market and let your senses get lost in the spices, colours, and smells. Following your cooking class, sample your tasty creation.
Mezcal Factory Tour: The Valley of Oaxaca is renowned as the birthplace of mezcal. Not to be confused with tequila, this distilled liquor is made in small batches from a variety of species of agave (spiky green plants that look like the tops of pineapples). Sample different types, including white unaged mezcal (often sold with an agave larva inside), along with “reposado” and “añejo” (aged) batches. Grab a slice of orange that’s coated in salt and mixed with chili and ground worms. Now, it’s time to sip and enjoy.
Valley of Mitla Ruins Visit, San Pablo Villa de Mitla (500 MXN): The UNESCO World Heritage site of Mitla is 38km (24 mi) from Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Place of the Dead”. Occupied from 900 BC by the Zapotecs and then the Mixtecs, the ruin features five groups of structures on either side of the Mitla River. Look for ancient cut-stone mosaics and intricate stone carvings throughout. The region is also famous for its hand-dyed, foot-loomed woven rugs.
Monte Albán Tour (Monte Albán – Oaxaca) (1 – 3 Hrs/1 – 2 kms) (500 MXN): 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 artefact’s and stele excavated in the early 20th century.
