Curator’s statement
Visiting Oaxaca during Día de los Muertos is a truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every October Oaxaca comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and a deep sense of tradition in preparation for the holiday. From the beautiful altars and marigold-adorned cemeteries to the lively parades and delicious food, the city transforms into a breathtaking celebration of life and memory. Whether you're interested in the cultural significance, the stunning visuals, some of Mexico's best dining experience, or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, Oaxaca during Día de los Muertos is a must-see.
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Day 1: Arrive in Oaxaca
Arrive in from Mexico City or other connections in the morning or afternoon and spend the day getting acquainted with the city. Oaxaca City is very walkable, so it's possible to get a lay of the land relatively quickly. Take in all the marigold arrangements and ofrendas in each of the shop windows.
Explore the main square of Zocalo and begin to browse for outfits, floral headdresses and face paint vendors. It is not offensive for you to dress as the locals do for this festival and to get traditional face paint. Speak with several face painting vendors to see whether you need a reservation for the following two days and what their hours are.
For dinner, try Casa Oaxaca for something upscale for your first night. Make sure to get a mezcal cocktail!
Day 2: Eat and rest before the comparsas
In the morning, follow your nose to the closest bakery and try some pan de muerto.
Have lunch at El Quinque or La Bizinga for more casual Oaxacan fare.
Leave enough time to rest and get ready for the evening. Don your traditional outfit, get your face painted and head out around sundown to enjoy a night filled with comparsas, or parades. The whole city will be full, so either pick a spot to enjoy or wander through the city to see the different sites.
At some point in the evening, make your way to the San Miguel Cemetery to admire the decorated graves and celebrations taking place. The cemeteries are open to the public and have celebratory atmospheres, but always be respectful of the families and altars.
If you are so inclined to continue the party late into the night, there is the option to do so, otherwise take a rest before doing it again tomorrow.
Day 3: Explore Hierve el Agua
After breakfast, get out of Oaxaca City by booking a private or group tour out to Hierve el Agua, beautiful and naturally formed mineral springs. Bring a bathing suit if the weather permits and enjoy a dip.
Most tours will also include a visit to the local artisan shop and weavers. Many name-brand stores source their textiles from these Oaxacan weavers. Pack an extra suitcase if you're so inclined to bring back a rug or runner after learning the history of their craft.
Upon returning in the afternoon, take a rest and then try dinner in La Olla for a fresh local meal. Join another evening comparsa in town or take a taxi out to the Xoxocotlan Cemetery to enjoy live music and some incredibly decorated altars.
Day 4: Visit marketplaces and gather souvenirs
Spend your final day recovering from the festivities and visiting the marketplaces to bring back some souvenirs. The Benito Juarez Market in particular, will have good options.
Have a parting lunch at Pitiona and catch an evening flight back to Mexico City.
Need to know
You'll likely need to fly into Mexico City and connect to Oaxaca. If you haven't already explored Mexico City, I'd suggest adding two to three days on either end.
Hotels and flights sell out early. I recommend booking your Dia de los Muertos trip by August of the given year. Plan to arrive on October 30 or 31st at the latest, as the main parades (comparsas) take place the night of the 31st and the night of the 1st.
Travel Advisor
Aashima Ratti
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Oaxaca. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Meredith Zimmerman’s itinerary, Long Weekend in Oaxaca.