Holiday in Mexico; Festivals & culture
| country: | Mexico |
| location: | Oaxaca |
| departures: | 2009: 28 Oct |
| price: | From US $1980 (7 days) - US $2875 (10 days) excluding flights. Single supplement US $450 (7 days), $245 optional extension. Price includes accommodation and some meals. We can arrange taliormade depatures for groups of four or more people |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Honoured by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of 50 Tours of a Lifetime (2008)
Although the Day of the Dead is celebrated in many parts of Latin America, nowhere is it more charged with cultural symbolism or more vibrant than in the UNESCO World heritage city of Oaxaca, Mexico. There is a palpable buzz in the air as families visit markets, prepare homemade mole, hot chocolate and pan de muertos for their friends and family, both living and departed.
Our deep-rooted relationships in southern Mexico allow our travelers to fully participate in this most festive of traditions, all from a distinctly local perspective. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, archaeological and architectural treasures of Oaxaca, meet many local friends: painters, chefs, sculptors, archaeologists and more.
Shop for, build and decorate a Day of the Dead altar, prepare and understand the importance of seasonal dishes with a cooking workshop led a gifted local chef, learn about the innovative mission of one of Oaxaca’s most important art centers and sip cocktails with its director, share a Day of the Dead meal with the family and neighbors of a mixed media artist in Zimatlán and spread out for a rural picnic after exploring one of the region’s most striking natural destinations, Hierve el Agua.
Some Highlights
Although the Day of the Dead is celebrated in many parts of Latin America, nowhere is it more charged with cultural symbolism or more vibrant than in the UNESCO World heritage city of Oaxaca, Mexico. There is a palpable buzz in the air as families visit markets, prepare homemade mole, hot chocolate and pan de muertos for their friends and family, both living and departed.
Our deep-rooted relationships in southern Mexico allow our travelers to fully participate in this most festive of traditions, all from a distinctly local perspective. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, archaeological and architectural treasures of Oaxaca, meet many local friends: painters, chefs, sculptors, archaeologists and more.
Shop for, build and decorate a Day of the Dead altar, prepare and understand the importance of seasonal dishes with a cooking workshop led a gifted local chef, learn about the innovative mission of one of Oaxaca’s most important art centers and sip cocktails with its director, share a Day of the Dead meal with the family and neighbors of a mixed media artist in Zimatlán and spread out for a rural picnic after exploring one of the region’s most striking natural destinations, Hierve el Agua.
Some Highlights
- Oaxaca Home Cooking – Roll-up your sleeves for a hands-on culinary workshop. Prepare seasonal dishes and learn about the cultural roots and significance of particular foods during the Day of the Dead celebration.
- Build an Altar - Learn why Oaxaca families make altars dedicated to the memory of passed loved ones. With this understanding, we shop for, build & decorate our own!
- Nourish the Arts – Visit CaSa, one of Oaxaca’ most important new art centers, founded and supported by acclaimed Mexican painter Francisco Toledo. Meet the director, learn about CaSa’s mission and enjoy cocktails overlooking the Etla valley.
- Candlelight Vigil - Visit Xoxocotlán, a traditional cemetery outside Oaxaca where mystical candlelight vigils are held the night of October 31st
- Meal at Modesto’s - Enjoy a traditional Day of the Dead meal and celebrate with neighbors and friends at the colorful home of a mixed media artist.
- Picnic & ‘Petrified Waterfalls’ - After exploring the unique geological formations of Hierve el Agua, spread out for a relaxing, homemade picnic.
- Fabulous Farewell – Oaxaca’s finest contemporary chef prepares a tasting menu for our travellers which combines fresh, regional flavors with a creative twist.
day-by-day itinerary
| Optional Extension: | Pre-trip extension to Mexico includes: Morning Mural walk & In the footsteps of Frida, The City of Gods – Teotihuacán, National Anthropology Museum & Fly to Oaxaca |
| Day 1: | Arrive Oaxaca |
| Day 2: | Culinary Workshop & Teotitlan’s Master Weavers |
| Day 3: | Walking Oaxaca & Visit to CaSa |
| Day 4: | Archaeologist for a Day + Building an Altar |
| Day 5: | Farmers’ Market, Artisan visits & Day of the Dead Fiesta |
| Day 6: | Hierve el Agua & Farewell Dinner |
| Day 7: | Transfer to the airport for morning flights to Mexico City and connections home. Or, join us for an extension to Chiapas. More details are available upon request. |
travellers' tales
Jim is an amazing person who not only runs a company but has so much integrity and gives back so much to the people in the areas he is involved in. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
 We insist on being not only responsible travelers, but on making a positive impact on the communities with which we come into contact.We work with local trip leaders as well as local specialist guides and day leaders. Not only is this sustainable economic policy, it is by far the best way to learn about the local people and culture. Traveling in tiny groups (never more than 12 travelers), and using locally owned accommodation, including the option to stay with local host families for a portion of each trip, we reduce the need for additional tourist infrastructure, helping to minimize our environmental impact. We work hand-in-hand with local communities in every destination we visit to spend time as well as money in their communities, to ask questions and to support the living traditions that make these communities unique. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |