Private Oaxaca Walking Tour: Xoxocotlán Day of the Dead Altars
Active
2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only!
Step into candlelit streets where the air glows with marigold light. You walk through Xoxocotlán with a private guide who shares the meaning of Día de los Muertos. Soft music drifts from families gathered at decorated graves. You pause to taste warm chocolate or sweet pan de muerto. Every step brings the scent of flowers and melted wax. You listen to legends carried through generations. Time slows as flickering candles reflect in the night sky. You feel connected to memory, spirit, and tradition.
Available options
Join the Group ENGLISH
Professional local guide
Join the group SPANISH
Celebrating Day of the Dead in Xoxocotlan Tour
What's included
Private bilingual cultural guide (English/Spanish)
Cultural and historical storytelling
Tasting of pan de muerto OR traditional hot chocolate
Detailed itinerary
1
Begin in the heart of the town where marigold stalls line the square. Your guide explains the history of the celebration as you notice the first flicker of evening candles.
2
Walk among tombs covered with flowers and gifts. You see families whisper prayers and place food offerings. The scent of copal incense fills the air as your guide explains each symbol.
3
Enter the main cemetery alive with sound and light. Brass bands play beside graves glowing with hundreds of candles. You listen to stories while sipping hot chocolate or breaking pan de muerto. The night ends with a quiet reflection under a sky of flickering light.
What's not included
Gratuities
Meals or purchases beyond included tastings
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.1
7 reviews
5★
5
4★
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3★
1
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1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.0
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Your guide will welcome you in the central park of Xoxocotlán. We’ll meet by the main plaza near the fountain, an easy spot to find and a comfortable place to begin your walk.
About Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a vibrant city in southern Mexico known for its rich indigenous cultures, colonial architecture, and incredible cuisine. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with a unique blend of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences.
Top Attractions
Zócalo
The main square of Oaxaca, surrounded by colonial buildings, cafes, and shops. It's a hub of activity and a great place to people-watch.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Monte Albán
Ancient Zapotec ruins with impressive pyramids and ball courts. It's one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico.
Historical
2-3 hours
80 MXN
Santo Domingo Church and Convent
A stunning example of Baroque architecture with a rich history. The complex includes a church, convent, and museum.
Historical
1-2 hours
85 MXN
Ethnobotanical Garden
A beautiful garden showcasing the diverse plant life of Oaxaca. It's a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Nature
1-2 hours
20 MXN
Textile Museum of Oaxaca
A museum dedicated to the rich textile traditions of Oaxaca. It's a great place to learn about the region's indigenous cultures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
50 MXN
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mole Negro
A complex and rich sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices, typically served over chicken.
Main Dish
Contains nuts and chocolate
Tlayudas
A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa, similar to a pizza.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Chapulines
Fried grasshoppers seasoned with garlic, lime, and chili, a popular local delicacy.
Snack
Contains insects, gluten-free
Mezcal
A traditional Mexican spirit made from agave, similar to tequila but with a wider variety of flavors.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in Sierra Norte
Canyoning in Hierve el Agua
Mezcal tasting tours
Spa treatments with local ingredients
Visiting the Ethnobotanical Garden
Enjoying a mezcal tasting
Visiting Monte Albán
Exploring Santo Domingo Church
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the dry season with warm days and cool nights. It's the best time for outdoor activities and cultural festivals.
18-28°C
64-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time Zone
CST (GMT-6)
Electricity
127VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Oaxaca is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official taxis or app-based services
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Xoxocotlán International Airport • 10 km from city center
By bus
ADO Terminal Oaxaca
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are the primary mode of public transport. They are cheap and cover most of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Centro Histórico
Jalatlaco
Reforma
Day trips
Hierve el Agua
50 km • Full day
A stunning natural site with petrified waterfalls and mineral springs. It's a great place for hiking and swimming.
Mitla
45 km • Half day
Ancient Zapotec ruins with intricate stone carvings and a rich history. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Teotitlán del Valle
30 km • Half day
A traditional Zapotec village known for its beautiful textiles and weaving traditions.
Festivals
Guelaguetza Festival • Last two Mondays of July
Day of the Dead • November 1-2
Noche de Rábanos • December 23
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
- Try local street food, it's a big part of the culture and often very delicious
- Visit local markets for authentic crafts and souvenirs, and don't be afraid to bargain
- Hire local guides for a deeper understanding of the culture and history
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious and cultural events
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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