Oaxaca, Mexico, is a vibrantly rich region known for Indigenous heritage, lively markets and deep artistic traditions. Become immersed in Zapotec and Mixtec Indigenous vendors where you will see hand-crafted woven blankets, shawls, and traditional margarita flowers. Experience delicious and authentic Mexican food at a local restaurant, where flavors of different moles, tlayudas, and chapulines, will leave each traveler highly satisfied. Experience Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead, November 1st) when visiting two markets, Benito Juarez Market and 20 de Noviembre Market. Each traveler will meet the artisans and vendors along with exploring all that the markets offer, including cultural foods, colors, and communities. Later in the day, explore a local cemetery of Pantheon where Day of the Dead traditions are all around. Experience the meaning of the holiday, when communities celebrate and honor their loved ones that have passed away. Each traveler will be surrounded by close communities and families illuminated by many candles and vibrant marigold flowers. Here, families create “ofrendas” to welcome the spirits of their loved ones into the atmosphere. While here, witness the children’s celebration of Day of the Dead where families come together to specifically honor the lives of lost children. These bittersweet traditions are recognized as a significant and profound annual tradition throughout cities in Mexico. Each traveler will learn more about sacred religious centers of the Zapotec communities, when visiting the Mitla ruins. Learn more about the Zapotec community and their religious traditions through beeswax candle making and weaving demonstrations presented by local families. Before returning to Oaxaca, each traveler will learn how this Indigenous group intertwined ideas of spirituality and faith into everyday lifestyle choices. An example of this that each traveler will experience is shown through their practices of compact farming villages that are located in the heart of plazas and catholic churches.
This is a 4 day trip that costs $1,795 led by Under30 Experiences, which caters to solo travelers and adventurous young adults ages 21-35, but they don’t enforce a strict age limit. They are a small team that loves sustainable travel by supporting local communities in an eco-friendly way. The company was founded 10+ years ago by co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared O’Toole. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.