Oaxaca City, Mexico, is a vibrant tapestry of indigenous culture, colonial charm, and natural beauty. Its cobblestone streets are full of colorful decorations, powerful murals, traditional crafts, Banda de Viento brass bands, and the wafting aromas of the region’s unique cuisine. This bucket-list retreat gathers us in Oaxaca as the city comes alive in the days leading up to the Día de los Muertos celebrations. Stepping away from daily routines and into the rhythm of this extraordinary place, we’ll open our senses and immerse ourselves in the beauty, traditions, and rich culture of this historic town. Daily yoga practices, cooking classes, mezcal tastings, and explorations of local art offer a vibrant way to experience Oaxaca. Shared meals, conversation, and cultural discovery create opportunities for connection—to each other, to history, and to our own roots. You’ll leave inspired by the artistry and reverence of this culture, and nourished in every sense by one of the world’s great culinary destinations.

TAKE ME TO OAXACA >

Day 1: Arrivals

Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! Today, you'll journey from the airport to our home for the week, a charming B&B in the heart of the city's historic center. After settling into our accommodations, we'll come together for our first yoga session followed by a catered welcome dinner in our beautiful hacienda-style courtyard.

Schedule: Day 2

Your day begins with a yoga session followed by a delicious breakfast. A late-morning walking tour around the city orients you to your exciting new surroundings. On your walk, you discover cathedrals, museums, artisanal stores and workshops, local markets, and the bustling central zocalo (plaza) with live music and outdoor cafes you can return to on your own during your free time. You end your day with an early evening Latin Rhythms Dance Class at the hotel, before heading to dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Schedule: Day 3

You start your day with a yoga practice and a light breakfast in anticipation of a deep dive into Oaxacan food and heritage. Carefully curated local guides walk you to mercados and small businesses that land you in the heart and soul of Oaxaca’s distinctive flavors (more than just mole). You’ll learn about the indigenous lineage and traditions behind what you’re tasting (including mezcal for those inclined), and its significance in Oaxacan daily life as well as in Day of the Dead celebrations.

Schedule: Day 4

After morning yoga and breakfast, you have the option to join a hike with Caravana Canina Dog Rescue. The hour-long van ride to the Sierra Norte forest provides spectacular views of the Oaxaca Valley below. You’ll wander through the quiet of pine trees and giant agave plants with rescue pups (available for adoption… we’ve had two so far). The hike is more relaxed than it is rigorous and takes about two hours. Those who decide to stay in the city can visit art, graphic art, and photography museums, the Museo de Culturas de Oaxaca, and the botanical garden. Or perhaps sit at a cafe and watch the frequent wedding parades from Templo de Santo Domingo with brass bands and 10–foot tall paper-mâché figures representing the bride and groom that dance through the streets. There are options for cooking classes you can explore on your own. And massages are available throughout the week.

Schedule: Day 5

You awaken to an early light breakfast at the hotel, before a short drive to Monte Albán to explore the ancient Zapotec archaeological site with a guided tour. After our lunch, we visit an alebrije workshop to learn about the bright colored, wood-carved Zapotec spirit animals that are believed to guide the souls of the deceased back to the world of the living during the Day of the Dead celebration. Afternoon yoga and dinner on your own wind down your day of adventure.

Schedule: Day 6

A quiet start with yoga, breakfast and plenty of free time, allows you to prepare for the crescendo of your week. After a catered final dinner in our courtyard at the hotel, and preparations like optional face painting, you head out into a night of Dia de Muertos festivities. Our local guides explain the meanings, intentions and traditions you witness and partake in. Candles, copal incense, marigolds, mezcal, music, dancing, offerings, poems, prayers, “bread of the dead” and “sugar skulls,” are all part of an experience you’ll never forget.

Day 7: Trip Concludes

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at our hotel before you take a private car back to the airport for your departure home.

Please note that exact timing and details are subject to change with each trip.