Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Makers & Meaning of the Altar
TO JOIN: FILL OUT THE GUEST INTEREST FORM HERE
Join us in Oaxaca for a deeply meaningful journey designed for travelers who want to experience Day of the Dead beyond spectacle and crowds.
During this immersive experience, you’ll deepen your understanding of:
- The symbolism and traditions behind the Day of the Dead altar
- Indigenous roots of remembrance practices in Oaxaca
- Flowers, candles, bread, food, and artisan traditions connected to the season
This boutique trip is intentionally small and thoughtfully curated to offer a meaningful, immersive experience. Luisa values each relationship she has built with local artisans, cooks, and guides in Oaxaca, and this journey introduces you to many people she considers part of her extended community.
If you’re drawn to beauty, culture, memory, artistry, and thoughtful travel—and you’re seeking a more intimate way to experience Oaxaca in October—this trip is for you.
About Luisa (Your Host & Guide)
Luisa is a Mexican-American journalist who has worked for both national and local news stations. She left the news world to launch Mexico In My Pocket, a company rooted in her mission to show a side of Mexico often overlooked in mainstream media.
Through storytelling, relationships, and community-centered travel, Luisa creates experiences that connect travelers to the heart of Mexico. By the end of this trip, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Oaxaca, Day of the Dead traditions, and likely a desire to return again.
Trip Dates & Pricing
DATES
October 16 – October 22, 2026
PRICING:
- Shared Room: $3,950 per person | Deposit to Reserve: $750
- Private Room: $4,950 per person | Deposit to Reserve: $1,000
SPOTS AVAILABLE:
- 12 total (intimate group)
Payment Details
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit is required. Details listed above.
Payment Schedule:
- Second payment due June 15, 2026
- Final payment due August 15, 2026
Payment options:
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Zelle (no processing fees)
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Credit card (3% processing fee)
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Monthly payment plans available via Affirm
For payment plan details, email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com.
Please Note: Because this is a small-group experience with limited availability and advance commitments made on behalf of guests, all payments are non-refundable.
If we are able to refill your space, a partial refund or future trip credit may be considered at our discretion, minus any unrecoverable costs already incurred.
How to Join
Because this is an intimate small-group experience, we ask all interested guests to complete a short Guest Interest Form before booking.
To join:
- Submit your Guest Interest Questionnaire
- Submit your non-refundable deposit
- Sign and return the Terms & Conditions agreement
- Spaces are confirmed in the order deposits are received.
DAY 1: Welcome to Oaxaca City
Guests arrive throughout the day and settle into Oaxaca City.
In the evening, we'll gather for a beautiful welcome dinner to begin our journey together.
Meals: Dinner included
DAY 2: Flowers, Memory & Reflection
Cempasúchil Season Begins
We’ll explore flower traditions tied to the season, visiting areas connected to cempasúchil depending on bloom timing.
Guests receive journals for the week, followed by a guided reflection inspired by memory, ancestry, and legacy.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
DAY 3: Welcome to Tlacolula Market
Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead Bread), Markets & Free Time
We visit the renowned Tlacolula Market to explore regional ingredients, seasonal offerings, and pan de muerto traditions.
Return to Oaxaca City for a free afternoon to shop, rest, or explore independently.
Meals: Breakfast included
DAY 4: Floral Candle Workshop
Floral Candle Traditions
Today we visit Teotitlán del Valle for a floral candle workshop inspired by candles traditionally used on Day of the Dead altars.
Each guest will create a floral candle to bring home for their own altar.
Meals: Breakfast included
DAY 5: Skulls Symbolism & Artisan Traditions
We'll explore the deeper symbolism behind skull imagery and the Indigenous roots of Day of the Dead. We’ll also enjoy an artisan visit who makes these skulls and deeper cultural storytelling.
Meals: Breakfast included
*Optional Day 5 Add-On Experience:
11:00 AM Garden Brunch at Criollo, one of Oaxaca’s most celebrated restaurants created by acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera
$95 per guest (advance reservation required)
DAY 6: Final Altar Lighting & Farewell Dinner
We gather to complete and light our altar together before closing the week with a beautiful farewell dinner.
Guests are invited (optionally) to share a memory, story, or name of a loved one they chose to honor.
Meals: Dinner included
DAY 7: Departures
Hasta Pronto
One final breakfast before departures from Oaxaca City.
Meals: Breakfast included
What the Trip Includes
Accommodations
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6 nights at a boutique B&B in Oaxaca City including a small rooftop pool
*For accommodation details, please email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com
Meals
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Daily breakfast
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1 group lunch
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1 welcome dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
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1 farewell dinner at a Michelin-recognized restaurant
This schedule also allows for free time to explore Oaxaca City independently. A curated restaurant and shopping guide will be shared ahead of the trip.
Transportation
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Round-trip airport transportation to and from Oaxaca City International Airport (only applicable for the official start and end dates).
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Private driver for excursions to surrounding towns
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Transportation for all included activities
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Professional shared digital photo album
- Spanish & English translation throughout the trip
Experiences
- Tlacolula Market visit
- Floral candle workshop
- Artisan visits
- Altar-building experience throughout the week
Support & Extras
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Tips for all included meals, drivers, and activity guides
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Thoughtful surprises along the way
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On-the-ground coordination throughout the trip
What the Trip Does Not Include
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Alcoholic beverages
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Airfare or transportation to/from Oaxaca
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Packing materials
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Incidental expenses
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Required travel insurance
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Meals not listed in the itinerary
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Extra excursions or events selected on free days
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Any meals or activities not explicitly listed above
Reviews
“A week in Oaxaca with Luisa and Mexico In My Pocket was the best way to dive deep into the soul of the region. She connects the group with the spirit of Oaxaca by granting access to homes, shops, and stories of local artisans and chefs.”
— Erica Connolly, Dallas, Texas
“Luisa really put her heart and soul into showing the city and people she loves so much. The trip felt personally connected to the land and culture, and it was incredibly moving to witness American Mexicanas connect to their roots.”
— Brit Alveno, Northfield, Minnesota
“My trip with Luisa and Mexico In My Pocket was nothing short of magical. I’m leaving Mexico with a full heart.”
— Shannon Velasco, New York City
“Luisa created a deeply immersive, stress-free experience that allowed us to connect with local artisans, the culture, and each other. The unexpected friendships were the bonus.”
— Rosie Fregozo, San Mateo, California
“Memorable doesn’t even begin to describe this trip. I’m so grateful to Mexico In My Pocket for this moment in my life.”
— Anna Bass, Houston, Texas
Inquiries
For more details, including accommodations, cancellation policy, terms, and conditions, please email luisa@mexicoinmypocket.com.
Important Booking Terms:
All payments are non-refundable. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and trip interruption coverage is required. Full Terms & Conditions apply and must be signed prior to travel.
We are excited to now offer flat-rate shipping. Please allow 2 to 6 business days for fulfillment and arrival. Orders for in-stock items (a.k.a. non pre-orders) will ship out same day if placed before 12p EST.
Our shop hours are Monday - Friday 11 a.m. -7 p.m.., which means orders placed after 11 a.m. EST will go out the following day. Orders placed Sunday will be fulfilled on Wednesday. For more details, see below.
Pick Up Orders: For local customers based in Brooklyn, pick-up is available at checkout at no additional charge. If you are charged shipping at checkout, send us an email and we will refund you the shipping cost. Pick-up is available during business hours Monday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Please allow 24 hours for orders to be processed. If you have any questions about your order, please email orders@mexicoinmypocket.com and we’d be happy to help!
Additional Shipping Costs:
- Pre-Orders: If you pre-order an item with other items and you want them shipped earlier, you will be invoiced additional shipping costs. To make this special request, add a note to your order and we will invoice you the additional costs.
- Due to the weight of glassware, if you order more than 2 sets of glasses, you will be invoiced separately for additional shipping costs. For this product, please allow up to 2 weeks for shipment and fulfillment.
Pre-Order Shipping: If you pre-ordered items and you have a question about fulfillment times, pleas email us at orders@mexicoinmypocket.com. Please Note: Pre-orders typically take 6-8 weeks for shipment and fulfillment.
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West Coast: $10 Flat Rate Shipping
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Arizona
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California
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Colorado
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Idaho
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Nebraska
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Nevada
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New Mexico
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Oregon
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Utah
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Washington
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Wyoming
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Middle United States: $8 Flat Rate Shipping
- Arkansas
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East Coast: $7 Flat Rate Shipping
- Alabama
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- Washington D.C.
- Florida
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* Please also be aware:
- We are not responsible for shipping delays.
- Certain shipping exclusions apply for jewelry and/or fragile items. For more information, please read the product details and descriptions.
- Don't see your state or location on the list? Please send an email to hola@mexicoinmypocket.com.
All online sales are final, except for clothing and shoes. All discounted items are FINAL SALE, including clothing and shoes.
Please review your order very carefully, and email us prior to ordering if there are any questions.
We do not accept returns, but if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, please email us. We always strive to make it right and pride ourselves on customer service.
Returning clothes and/or shoes
We do not accept returns, or exchanges, except for clothing and shoes. For clothing and shoes, we have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
*Exclusions apply. We reserve the right to reject a return if we believe the item has been worn.
Return process
If you would like to return or exchange clothing or shoes, A USPS return label will be automatically generated. *Please Note: The shipping cost of the return label will be deducted from your return total. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at orders@mexicoinmypocket.com. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. You can always contact us for any return question at orders@mexicoinmypocket.com.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.






