Holiday in Mexico; Festivals & culture
| country: | Mexico |
| location: | Oaxaca |
| departures: | Departs up to 5 times a year, depending on festival dates |
| price: | From US $1980 (9 days) - US $2370 (11 days) excluding flights. Single supplement US $450 (9 days) - $550 (11 days). We can arrange taliormade depatures for groups of four or more people |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Mexico Day of the Dead Departure
From US $1980 (9 days) - US $2990 (14 days) ex flights. Single supplement US $450 (9 days) - US $700 (11 days), departing October
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 Oaxaca, Mexico. The last week of October, 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.
We see splendid examples of altars everywhere we go in Oaxaca: at the cemeteries, at friends’ homes, in shops and restaurants. However, the most special altar of all will be ours! We shop for, build and decorate our own group altar, just as locals do.
The second part of our trip takes us to dramatic and picturesque Chiapas, with its many groups of indigenous peoples that fiercely maintain centuries old traditions, from dress to religious practice to their ancient languages. Bask in San Cristobal’s pastel colors, rustic charm and evocative markets, meet friends who run a handmade paper cooperative and gain a real sense of Chiapas by walking its narrow streets.
Some Highlights
San Sebastian Festival Departure
From US $1980 (9 days) - US $2370 (11 days) ex flights. Single supplement US $450 for 9 days, US $550 for 11 days, departing January
This is an intimate, immersive experience and a wonderful time of year not only to observe the rich living traditions in these two states, but to participate in them!
Oaxaca is renowned for its spring-like climate, stunning colonial architecture, the arts, fabulous food, mescal and a rich indigenous culture. More indigenous languages (16) are spoken in Oaxaca than any other state in Mexico. We’ll explore each one of these fascinating facets of Oaxaca.
The latter part of our trip takes us to dramatic and picturesque Chiapas, with many groups of indigenous peoples that fiercely maintain centuries old traditions, from dress to religious practice to language. We’ll bask in San Cristobal’s pastel colors, rustic charm and evocative markets, meeting friends who run a handmade paper cooperative and gaining a real flavor of Chiapas by walking its narrow streets and taking it in at its own pace.
It’s here in Chiapas that we’ll participate in San Sebastian festival the town of Chiapa de Corzo. It is one of the most colorful and significant folkloric festivals in all of Mexico, and one which very few foreigners ever experience.
Some Highlights
From US $1980 (9 days) - US $2990 (14 days) ex flights. Single supplement US $450 (9 days) - US $700 (11 days), departing October
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 Oaxaca, Mexico. The last week of October, 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.
We see splendid examples of altars everywhere we go in Oaxaca: at the cemeteries, at friends’ homes, in shops and restaurants. However, the most special altar of all will be ours! We shop for, build and decorate our own group altar, just as locals do.
The second part of our trip takes us to dramatic and picturesque Chiapas, with its many groups of indigenous peoples that fiercely maintain centuries old traditions, from dress to religious practice to their ancient languages. Bask in San Cristobal’s pastel colors, rustic charm and evocative markets, meet friends who run a handmade paper cooperative and gain a real sense of Chiapas by walking its narrow streets.
Some Highlights
- Xoxocotlán cemetery – we visit this traditional cemetery 45 minutes outside Oaxaca where magical candlelight vigils are held the night of October 31st
- Building our group Day of the Dead alter, just as Oaxacan families do
- Artist’s dinner – we’re invited to the home of one of Oaxaca’s accomplished local artists to enjoy a traditional Day of the Dead meal with friends and neighbors
- Our Immersion Challenge
- Visit to a friend’s handmade paper co-op in Chiapas
- Boat ride through the awe inspiring gorges of Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas
- Intimate group size – limited to a maximum of 12 travelers (minimum 4) to promote interaction and exchange between our travelers and the people of Oaxaca and Chiapas
San Sebastian Festival Departure
From US $1980 (9 days) - US $2370 (11 days) ex flights. Single supplement US $450 for 9 days, US $550 for 11 days, departing January
This is an intimate, immersive experience and a wonderful time of year not only to observe the rich living traditions in these two states, but to participate in them!
Oaxaca is renowned for its spring-like climate, stunning colonial architecture, the arts, fabulous food, mescal and a rich indigenous culture. More indigenous languages (16) are spoken in Oaxaca than any other state in Mexico. We’ll explore each one of these fascinating facets of Oaxaca.
The latter part of our trip takes us to dramatic and picturesque Chiapas, with many groups of indigenous peoples that fiercely maintain centuries old traditions, from dress to religious practice to language. We’ll bask in San Cristobal’s pastel colors, rustic charm and evocative markets, meeting friends who run a handmade paper cooperative and gaining a real flavor of Chiapas by walking its narrow streets and taking it in at its own pace.
It’s here in Chiapas that we’ll participate in San Sebastian festival the town of Chiapa de Corzo. It is one of the most colorful and significant folkloric festivals in all of Mexico, and one which very few foreigners ever experience.
Some Highlights
- Artist’s lunch – we’re invited to the home of one of Oaxaca’s accomplished local artists to enjoy lunch and conversation with friends and neighbors.
- Immersion Challenge in Oaxaca
- Boat ride through the awe inspiring gorges of Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas
- Participate in the colorful celebration of San Sebastian in Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas. On two of the main days of this festival, thousands of townspeople dress as ‘parachicos’ (farcical representations of the original Spanish settlers) and dance their way through town. A wonderful opportunity for photographers and anyone who appreciates vibrant, living traditions
- Visit to a friend’s handmade paper cooperative in Chiapas
- Intimate group– limited to a maximum of twelve travelers to promote interaction and encourage exchange between travelers and the people of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
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 lead 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. |