Oaxaca, Day of the Dead!

A Prelude to the Day of the Dead.

As a prelude to the Day of the Dead, we will gather in the warm valley of Oaxaca City, from where will depart to the town of Benito Juarez in the Sierra Norte, the first of eight communities of the Zapotec ethnic group, nestled between 2,400 and 3,100 meters above sea level, spanning a territory of 24,932 hectares. The “people from the clouds”, as the mountain inhabitants are known, will have organized themselves to welcome us and share the beauty of the forests they are responsible for protecting. 

As the sun dips below the horizon and we soak in the breathtaking vista of the central valleys from a hanging bridge, a distinct energy begins to gather, signaling the onset of our descent into the underworld. 

Following sunset, we will venture to Stone House (La Casa de Piedra), owned by Mrs. Lilia and her family. There, we will engage in a workshop to craft traditional chocolate, a customary delicacy placed as offerings on the altar of the dead. 

After a delightful dinner at Casa de Piedra, we will retreat to our snug cabin, unwinding in the comforting glow of the fireplace. 

Accomodation: Shared Cabins in Benito Juarez | Twin or triple share

Dinner: Included

Origins of the Altar and Legends of the Cloud People

As we rise early for our yoga practice, we will intentionally craft a sacred space to pay homage to our loved ones – a beatiful ritual that serves as a heartfel way to keep their spirits alive in our hearts and minds. Following this meaningful practice, our breakfast awaits at Mr. Eli’s organic farm, where he cultivates flowers, fruits, and corn, while also raising small animals like chickens and sheep. Here, we relish a typical breakfast and savor the red “atole”, a corn-based drink infused with chocolate, cinnamon, and achiote- a spice that imparts its rich red color. 

Our running journey then takes us to Latuvi through an enjoyable descent into the woods. The afternoon is dedicated to preparing the traditional “altar de muertos”, as we join a local family for a captivating altar-building experience. Immersing ourselves in the artistry of gathering vibrant flowers, savor the exquisite flavors of pulque and tepache during a delightful tasting session.

This enchanting journey promises not only to engage your senses but also to connect you with the rich cultural heritage of the community.

As night falls, we gather around a campfire, listening with curiosity to the locals sharing legends of the Day of the Dead in a truly magical context. 

Accomodation: Shared Cabins in Latuvi | Twin or triple Share

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

A Return to the Earth’s Wombs: Experiencing a Zapotec Temazcal.

After a regional breakfast, we will embark on a journey to the Camino Real, an ancient mountainous tree path that historically connected the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific via Oaxaca.

Following our 16 km run, a final ascent precedes our arrival at Lachatao, a town surrounded by clouds. The afternoon will unfold with a traditional Zapotec temazcal sweat lodge ceremony, offering a healing experience through ancient rituales. Here, in the warmth of the fire, we will pay homage to our ancestors. 

The Zapotecs proudly declare that they possess the finest temazcal among cultures. To them, it’s sacred on many healing levels, fostering a connection with their ancestors- a place where the body’s cries are released, and sweat transforms into tears of happiness.

Accomodation: Shared Cabins in Lachatao | Twin to Quadruple Share

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

As the sun graces the horizon with its rise, we will embark on a brief hike and partake in a farewell ritual at Jaguar Hill. This ritual is a poignant ceremony, a healing of ancestral wounds that honors and celebrates both life and death.

After a satisfying breakfast, our journey continues as we drive to the quaint Zapotec village of Llano Grande. From this charming starting point, we initiate a spirited 12 km run through the highlands of San Miguel del Valle to Cuajimoloyas, renowned for its wild mushrooms. The route concludes with a passage through a concealed gorge, known as “La Cueva de la Iglesia”, a mystical place steeped in stories and legends. 

Upon reaching Cuajimoloyas, a late lunch with the locals awaits, followed by a restorative yoga session to renew the body’s lightness. As the day concludes, we savor a Sierra Norte farewell dinner, as we prepare to say goodbye to the Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca (Commonwealth of Villages) before we descend to the Central Oaxacan Valleys, marking the end of this unfogettable part of our journey through these vibrant landscapes. 

Accomodation: Shared Cabins in Cuajimoloyas | Twin to Quadruple Share 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

We bid farewell to Sierra Norte with a delightful regional breakfast, setting our course for Teotitlán del Valle. In this vibrant town, families practice the local craft of weaving Zapotec rugs using foot looms, transforming wool into a spectrum of colors with natural dyes from herbs and cochineal bugs. A traditional weaving demonstration awaits us, hosted by the Bautista family, followed by a fest featuring their favorite seasonal dishes for the festivities. 

Following this, we’ll transfer to the captivating town of Santa María Atzompa, immersing ourselves in a clay workshop guided by skilled craftsmen who have perfected their art for centuries. 

As evening falls, we’ll embrace the night with a 10 km Night Run, tracing our way from Oaxaca City to the hauntingly beautiful Xoxocotlán cemetery. In this revered space, local families will gather, adorning tombstones with decorations while sharing stories. The atmosphere will be enhanced by the glow of candles, the echoes of music, and the comforting aroma of food – a deeply moving and respectful experience. 

Please be aware that our visit to the cemetery will comply with any enforced rules and designated times.*

Accomodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double and Single Occupancy 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

We’ll commence this sacred day with a serene morning, treating ourselves to a flow yoga practice.

By noon, we delve into a spectacular and culturally enriching mezcal tour at an authentic Palenque. This beautiful palenque offers insights into the mezcal-making process, a tour of agave fields, and concludes with a tasting of the exceptional mezcals crafted on-site.

Come lunchtime, we’ll journey to the lively town of San Agustin, where we’ll explore the Etla Market, delighting in the diverse flavors, vivid colors, and enticing aromas of Oaxaca’s traditional cuisine. Here, we’ll also witness the vibrant display of cempasuchil flowers, candles, fruits, and the iconic pan de muerto (bread, of the dead). 

Later, we journey to Oaxaca City, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of comparsas and calendas – street parades brimming with tradition, featuring a joyful mix of regional music, dancing, food, drinks, and colorful costumes. Here, we’ll witness the city come alive with celebrations and excitement. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Lunch:  Included

Accommodation: Contemporary Hotel in Oaxaca City Historic Center | Double and single Occupancy

“When your times comes to die,  be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of the death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.“

-Tecumseh

November 2nd, Día de Muertos, is a sacred moment to emotionally and spiritually reconnect with our departed loved ones. This commemoration of past lives expresses a celebration of the continuity of life.

We will start this day with our final reflection session, followed by a brief run to observe various offerings and public altars around the city and bid our farewell. It’s a poignant time to contemplate the significance of life and death in Oaxacan Culture.

Our farewell breakfast in Barrio Xochimilco will precede our journey back home, to our roots.

Breakfast: Included