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Markets, mezcal, and Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca
DAYS /
3
NIGHTS
Spend four days in Oaxaca exploring local markets, Zapotec traditions, Mitla, mezcal, and nighttime cemetery celebrations during Día de los Muertos.
Most people book this trip solo — small groups of like-minded 21–35s mean connection happens fast. No third-wheeling, no FOMO.
Meet your Trip Leader at Oaxaca International Airport at 2:00 pm for the included transfer to your hotel in downtown Oaxaca.
Arriving by 2:00 pm isn’t mandatory, but it does guarantee the included group transfer.
The trip ends in Oaxaca at 11:30 am, with breakfast and an included private group transfer back to the airport.
Departing a few hours after 11:30 am helps you catch the included transfer. Wait for airfare instructions after registration before booking flights.
Moderate. Expect plenty of walking through Oaxaca, long stretches on your feet in Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre markets, and uneven ground around Mitla and the cemeteries, with some light hiking-style activity.
This is a short, event-focused trip. Most of your time is planned around markets, workshops, regional visits, and evening cemetery celebrations.
You’ll be based in Oaxaca City, close to the food, art, and Day of the Dead energy that make this place special. From here, you’ll explore Benito Juárez Market, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, and head out for evening cemetery visits.
Groups are small, with a max of 16 travelers and an average of 15, so you get a social crew without the big-bus feel.
¡Bienvenidos a México! Meet your Trip Leader at Xoxocotlán International Airport in Oaxaca (OAX) at 2:00 pm and take the included transportation to your hotel downtown.
Oaxaca is also a hub for the arts, featuring everything from folk art to dance. It offers a glimpse into its creative spirit.
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in the hotel lobby and an authentic Mexican dinner with your Trip Leader. Savor the enticing aromas and delight in tamales de rajas, a savory chili and tomato tamale that’s been a local favorite for centuries. These hand-held delicacies are a delicious way to start your experience with Oaxacan traditional food.
Get ready to explore the fascinating Oaxaca, a city rich in history and culture. Your guide will lead an orientation walk to help you know the area. Our first stops will be two top markets for food, crafts, and local goods: Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
As night falls, head to one of the local cemeteries or pantheons where families gather to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Locals light candles, share food and stories, and decorate graves with marigolds. People often stay late into the night. The festive atmosphere is filled with music, laughter, and remembrance.
Today, explore the Oaxaca region and visit the Mitla ruins, once the Zapotecs' religious center. You’ll also see the Tule Tree, the world’s widest tree. It’s over 11 meters in diameter and around 1,500 years old.
In the town of Santa María de Tule, try delicious hand-churned Mexican ice cream in flavors like vanilla, fruit sorbet, or chili-infused. Next, you can participate in a beeswax candle-making workshop to learn traditional techniques. Families have used these same candles in their offerings on the Day of the Dead for generations. You’ll also learn how local families weave folk clothing and rugs using organic dyes.
Enjoy a plant-based lunch with regional Zapotec specialties. Then visit an agave mezcal factory for a tasting.
In the evening, attend the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations at a local cemetery in Oaxaca. Here, you’ll experience the flickering candlelight, marigold flowers, and incense while learning about Mexican traditions surrounding death and the afterlife.
Enjoy one last Mexican breakfast before departing Oaxaca.
As this quick-hitting four-day itinerary ends, we hope you felt wholly connected to the Mexican culture. Spending a long weekend in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead is a true honor for our travel community to participate in this incredible local event.
Private group transportation back to the Oaxaca airport is included in your flight home.
You’ll stay in shared boutique hotel rooms in the heart of Oaxaca, with laundry available for an extra fee.
Hotels may vary by departure; solo travelers share with a same-gender roommate, and private rooms are available for an extra charge.
Airport pickup, private transport, a Trip Leader, and a centrally located hotel are all handled, so you can focus on the celebration and its meaning instead of the logistics.
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Small enough that you'll know everyone's name by day two. Not a 40-person coach where you're a wristband.
Locally-owned places with character and comfort — not a bunk in a 12-bed dorm. Where you sleep is part of the trip.
We guide the big moments and leave the rest open. No 6am wake-up calls to tick boxes you didn't ask for.
Hotels, activities, ground transport, your leader, and taxes — included. No hidden fees stacking up after you book.
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This was my first time traveling with a company/group and I loved it! The U30X team was so helpful before the trip with all communications. We had an amazing tour guide on our trip! I will forever be grateful for the new friendships and memories U30X has given me!
Have been on multiple trips with under30 and every time has been such an incredible experience. Can’t recommend enough!
Every departure is led by a dedicated U30X Trip Leader who handles the logistics, brings the group together from day one, and works alongside our trusted local guides on the ground.
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What optional activities are available?
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.
What's the weather like?
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
Do I need a visa?
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.
What should I pack?
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
Is this trip for me?
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.
From $1,995 with a $195 deposit. Switch your trip free up to 60 days before departure.
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