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Day of The Dead Traditions with Clay Artisan Families – Santa María Atzompa
Guided Experience 4 km/ Fitness level: Easy / Group Size: Up to 12 people
WHAT YOU’LL DO
“While we live in the hearts of those we leave behind on Earth, we are immortal.”
Join us in a Día de Muertos experience that connects you with a local family from an indigenous community, where you can live the ancestral traditions of Oaxaca. Far from the glamour of Día de Muertos festivities in the city center, each community celebrates their deceased ancestors through distinct traditions, but the general spirit of this celebration remains the same. We await the return of the souls of our loved ones, who embark on their journey to the land of the living to spend time with their families. Our ancestors return to enjoy all their favorite foods and drinks, which are placed on family altars in their honor.
During Día de Muertos, the Zapotec people venerate the god Pitao Bezelao, associated with the underworld, while the Aztec people honor Mictlantehcutli, the ruler of Mictlán. Your guide will encourage you to reflect on these deities to gain a deeper understanding of Mesoamerican cosmology.
In the community of Santa María Atzompa, located in the mountains of the Central Valley of Oaxaca, we will explore the remnants of Zapotec culture, delving into their relationship with death and the impacts of the Spanish conquest. We will see how the conquest influenced traditions and rituals, forming a syncretism that merges Catholic beliefs with ancestral ones. We will live this syncretic present with a family of local artisans, who will open the doors of their home during this sacred time to share their stories. Finally, we will visit the municipal cemetery, where we will continue the celebration among flowers and candles.
For the local inhabitants, the gates of the underworld open at midnight on October 31st and close on November 2nd. Throughout our trip to Atzompa, the spirits of the dead will be among us.
Teotitlan and Hierve el Agua
— Our most sought-after adventure.
Swim and hike to one of our secret local spots at Hierve el Agua, and following our hike, we’ll visit Teotitlán del Valle
STEP BY STEP
FIRST
Pick Up + Welcome
Next, we will head to our host family’s home. Atzompa, known for its pottery skills, will welcome us with open arms. The artisans will share their family customs with us, and we will enjoy a delicious dinner while we remember our ancestors.
SECOND
Arriving at Hierve el Agua
We are deeply grateful to all the travelers who decide to join us in this intimate experience, as well as to our collaborators in the indigenous communities of Oaxaca, who kindly share their customs and family altars during this sacred time. We hope this experience helps you reconceptualize death and celebrate the life of your loved ones, always cherishing the days when they visit us in the land of the living.
THIRD
Hiking
In the afternoon, we head into the mountains of San Gabriel Etla and ride until sunset—golden light, warm air, and long trails rolling toward the valley. A perfect balance of culture, movement, and enduro flow.
FOURTH
MEZCAL DISTILLERY
This is the kind of ride you travel the world for—big elevation, natural trails, and a sense of journey from mountain to city.
FIFTH
MEZCAL
From cool mountain air to warm valley vibes, this day defines Oaxaca enduro: long, raw, and deeply immersive. Ride until your hands are tired and your face hurts from smiling.
DETAILS
ITINERARY:
16:20 Meet at Coyote Aventuras Office
16:30 Transfer to Santa María Atzompa archaeological site
18:10 Conversations about day of the dead + Sunset appretiation
19:00 Transfer to the home of our hosts
20:00 Reception at the home of the family of clay artisans: Creating our altar + Offerings + Drinks + a Sacred ritual
20:30 Dinner next to the altar
23:00 Atzompa Cemetery visit
00:30 Transfer to Oaxaca City
01:00 Arrival in Oaxaca City
WHATS INCLUDED:
- Guides
- Transportation
- Drinks: water, coffee, tea, beer, juice, sparkling water
- Lunch: Vegetable soup, tlayudas, beef or chicken and refreshments
- Snacks: trail mix, fruits, churritos (crunchy-corn snack)
- Fees for community-based tourism development
*Vegan and vegetarian options available
PRICING:
Price per person:
- $3,500 MN per person
IMPORTANT:
Experience our rich culture through engaging activities, traditional dishes, and heartfelt connections. This is not a show, but a chance to share in the essence of our pre-Hispanic traditions.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
TRIP NOTES
ACTIVITY ADVISORY:
- Outdoor activities carry man risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location and weather). Coyote Aventuras will provide certain safety equipment but it is your responisbility to not expose yourself to unnecessary dangers and listen attentively to our guide’s directions.
- This hike, although short (7km), is mostly downhill on rough rocky terrain. We recommend bringing specialized hiking shoes or boots with good grip. This hike is considered intermediate. The temperature in Oaxaca can be very hot, so it’s important to stay hydrated! Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
NOTES:
- Make this a private tour for your friends and family!
- Don’t see your desired date available? Please contact us! We will do our best to make special arrangements for you!
- Please, check out the local weather conditions and come prepared for the tour.
ABOUT COYOTE:
You are walking with a company that leaves a positive impact.
Dedicated to the creation, restoration, and maintenance of community trails in the Sierra of Oaxaca, Tequio Trails promotes responsible ecotourism and strengthens local economies. By booking with us, you help support the donation of bicycles, the organization of workshops, and the development of local trails, giving children the tools to use and care for the paths in their communities.
