Mexico: Maya, Aztecs & Conquistadors Day of the Dead Festival (Oaxaca)
Mexico: Maya, Aztecs & Conquistadors Day of the Dead Festival (Oaxaca)
16 Days Starting in Mexico City and ending in Cancún
Visiting: Mexico
Tour Overview
Few countries unleash your inner Indiana Jones quite like Mexico, where jungle temples and the abandoned cities of ancient civilisations make way to colonial towns with cobbled streets and Spanish architecture. This fusion of history has led to a unique culture, encompassing the art of Frida Kahlo and the delicious cuisine of Oaxaca. Uncover the historical and cultural layers of the country as we journey from the highlands of Mexico City to the jungles and beaches of the Yucatan via the lands of the Aztecs, Zapotecs, Maya and Conquistadors.
This trip is our special Day of the Dead festival departure, which is one day longer than the standard trip and spends the day celebrating the festivities in Oaxaca.
Highlights
Itinerary
What's Included
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All breakfasts and two lunches
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All accommodation (see below)
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
Breakfast generally consists of fruits, cereals, beans and eggs.
Meals are around 275-365 Mexican pesos (US$15-US$20) for lunch and 275-550 pesos (US$15-US$30) for dinner. A beer costs on average 55-90 pesos (US$3-US$5).
We can discover the richness of Mexican cuisine on this trip. In Oaxaca, we attend a cooking class, the exact dishes we learn to cook can vary but generally include tortillas, salsas, mole (chocolate-based savoury dishes) and guacamole. We also learn about Mexican drinks, visiting a mezcal distillery.
Note, drinking water will be provided on the bus in large containers to minimise the amount of single-use plastic bottles; please bring a refillable bottle with you.
Accommodation
Staying in a mix of colonial and modern properties, we discover the wide variety of accommodation styles available in Mexico. Typically, these are of a three-star standard and, when we are based in cities, within the historic centres.
Listed below are some of the standout properties we usually use on this trip.
Puebla: Hotel Colonial
Just one block from the Zócalo (main square), Hotel Colonial is a historic building dating to 1668. Originally constructed by Jesuits, the property was used to host travellers as early as the 18th century. Nowadays, its restaurant is particularly renowned – try the mole poblano, a savoury chilli and chocolate sauce that is reputedly the best of its kind in the world.
San Cristóbal: Hotel Diego de Mazariegos
Hotel Diego de Mazariegos offers colonial-style rooms with complimentary wifi. With a convenient position in the historic centre of San Cristóbal, the hotel is within walking distance of the main square and colourful cathedral. The tranquil courtyard, two restaurants and pub provide ample opportunities to relax and refuel after a busy day exploring.
Palenque: La Aldea del Halach Huinic
Set in tropical gardens on the outskirts of Palenque National Park, Hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic provides a tranquil place to stay. It has been designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings and minimise its environmental impact. The outdoor pool is a focal point of the property, and all rooms come with a balcony and hammock overlooking the gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys and toucans!
Worth knowing
Rooms may vary in size, style and decoration within a property
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Monday - Tuesday
Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.