Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca Mexico- The Ultimate Travel Guide

It’s been a dream of mine to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in one of the most vibrant and culturally rich places on Earth, Oaxaca, Mexico. Día de los Muertos isn’t Halloween with a Latin twist; it’s a soul-stirring, joyful, and deeply spiritual celebration of life, death, and memory.

What is Dia de los Muertos? Rooted in Indigenous (mostly Zapotec) and Catholic traditions, Día de los Muertos is a time to welcome back loved ones who have passed on. Families build ofrendas (altars) in homes and cemeteries, filled with marigolds, food, candles, and mementos.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip, from when to go and where to stay to what to eat, do, and wear.

Getting to Oaxaca

Fly into OAX – Xoxocotlán International Airport. You’ll likely connect through Mexico City (MEX) or Guadalajara. We flew from Mexico City and took the first flight out so that we’d land early and have a full day ahead of us. The airport is just 20 minutes from Oaxaca’s historic center by taxi or private transfer.

OAX Airport Pro Tip: Outside of the airport, there is only ONE line for taxis. This line can get really long, and taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers outside of this system on airport property (they can get fined). The best option if the line is long is to walk out of the airport, a 5-10 minute walk, and catch a taxi from the street. It was so much faster and easier.

When to Go

Día de los Muertos is officially celebrated from October 31 to November 2, but the festivities in Oaxaca start as early as October 27 and run through the first week of November. We flew to Mexico City to visit family a few days before heading to Oaxaca, it was a perfect way to have a trip within a trip.

Pro Tip: Arrive by October 29 to catch the buildup when altars go up, markets overflow with marigolds, and the city begins to transform.

Where to Stay

I recommend booking 3–6 months in advance, as Oaxaca fills up quickly during this holiday. If planning to book an AirBnb, I recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for the best options.

• Luxury: Hotel Quinta Real Oaxaca – Historic, elegant, and located in the heart of downtown.
• Mid-range: Casa Antonieta – A boutique hotel with warm vibes and local charm.
• Budget: Selina Oaxaca – Great for digital nomads or social travelers.

Where we stayed: La Casa de San Felipe (AirBnb)

This home was tucked away in the hills of Oaxaca. Spacious for large groups to roam around, swim, cook and more. Getting to town wasn’t always the easiest because we needed to walk to the main road to hail a cab, and sometimes it took a while. Overall, this home was perfect for our group and the host was very kind and flexible.

What to Do in Oaxaca for Día de los Muertos

1. Explore the Cemeteries at Night

• Xoxocotlán Cemetery (just outside town)
• Panteón San Miguel (Oaxaca City)

The cemeteries light up with candles, music, food, and family gatherings. Go with a guide or small group on your first night to understand the customs.

Pro tip: Be respectful. Don’t use flash photography or interrupt private moments.

2. Walk Through Ofrenda Exhibits

Located throughout town, you will find Ofrendas at the entrances of markets, hotels, restaurants, cafes- everywhere! Keep your eyes open because you never know what you’ll find. Remember to be respectful and if possible, before taking a photo of loved ones’ photos. There are so many impressive ofrendas with so much love and detail, it’s incredible.

3. Visit the Zócalo (City Center)

The Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca is the heartbeat and the center of the city. It’s where locals and tourists mingle, live music plays into the evening, and you’ll often find spontaneous performances or a marriage ceremony parade! Here you will also find so many merchants selling clothes, art or trinkets. The best part is the juice and food stands!

4. Paint your face

At night, the party starts and everyone dresses up to celebrate. If you didn’t bring your own face paint, no need to worry; there are many artists painting faces and selling fresh/faux flower crowns.

5. Wander Through Jardín Etnobotánico

Start your day early at the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca before the heat arrives. The Jardín Etnobotánico is a stunning garden showcasing native plants from across Oaxaca’s diverse regions. It’s located right behind the Santo Domingo church and can only be enjoyed with a guided tour (offered in English and Spanish).

6. Visit the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca

Located inside the former monastery attached to Templo de Santo Domingo, this museum is a must-visit. You’ll see artifacts from Monte Albán, Indigenous textiles, colonial-era art, and a breathtaking view of the botanical gardens from above.

🖼 A perfect stop to understand the layers of culture and history that shape Día de los Muertos today.

7. Take a Day Trip to Monte Albán

Just 30 minutes from the city, Monte Albán is a must-see. This ancient Zapotec capital sits high on a mountain ridge and offers panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley.

You’ll walk among pyramids, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, and intricate carvings dating back over 2,000 years. Visiting Monte Albán adds powerful historical context to the modern-day traditions of Día de los Muertos.

Pro Tip: Book the same tour as us!

Where to Eat & Drink

I was most excited for this trip was to eat and drink my way through Oaxaca. From mole & mezcal tastings to fresh cafe de olla to bomb chilaquiles, the limit did not exist. You’ll fall in love with Oaxacan food. Here are a few staples you have to try.

• Pan de Muerto – Sweet, fluffy, and covered in sugar.
• Mole – there are so many different kinds, be sure to try as many as you can!
• Tamales Oaxaqueños – Wrapped in banana leaves.
• Hot Chocolate – Made with traditional Oaxacan cacao.
• Mezcal – Sip slowly; this is smoky magic in a glass.

Mezcal & Mole Tasting experience is a MUST!! Click here

Restaurants:

• Masa de maíz 
• Vaca marina
• Tierra del Sol Tierra del Sol Cultura Gastronómica
• Los Danzantes Oaxaca
• Ramón Camarón Pañuelito
• Casa Oaxaca Reforma 
• Santa Hierba Jalatlaco

Cafes:

• Kiyo Cafe 
• Sagredo y Filemon
• Amá Terraza
• Café Brújula Alcala
• Praga Coffee Bar

Bars & Rooftops

• Amá Terraza
• McCarthy’s
• La Azotea
• Terraza Istmo
• Raíces Rooftop
• Gozobi Restaurante Bar
• Sobrio by Mezcal Speakeasy
• Vaca marina 

What to Wear

Oaxaca days are warm (high 70s–80s°F), but nights can drop into the 50s°F. Pack layers, especially a light jacket and comfortable shoes are a must, you’ll walk a lot!

I brought mostly linen clothing to keep cool during the day, shop my outfits:

Things to Know Before You Go

• Book early: Hotels, tours, and even restaurants get packed.
• Bring cash: Many small vendors don’t take cards.
• Hire a guide: We used GetYourGuide to find some unique tours.
• Be respectful: This is not just an event, it’s a sacred experience.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca was truly everything I dreamt of and more. The beauty surrounding death and the reminder that our loved ones are always with us, even if they can’t be with us physically. If this trip has been on your bucket list, I highly recommend you fulfill it!

Have you been to Oaxaca for Día de los Muertos? Drop your tips or experiences in the comments below!