Over the first few days of November, elaborate altars, flowers, candles, skeletons, and skulls adorn every corner of the city. Papel Picado, intricate tissue paper streamers, line every alleyway and become a reminder of the fragility and the ephemerality of life. During our photo trip, we will shoot women with bold floral headdresses, painted faces, and costumes inspired by La Catrina, the skeletal aristocrat character created by artist José Guadalupe Posada 100 years ago to remind us that whether rich or poor, in death, we are all equal. 

Sitting at the foothills of the Sierra Madre, you will find that Oaxaca is a city that inspires artistic expression, it being the home for many Mexican painters, like the late Francisco Toledo, Alejandro Santiago, Rufino Tamayo, and contemporary artists like Manuel Reyes. However, this photo trip will also see us venture out of the city center to other sites and small villages nearby, each with its own family-held traditions, craftsmanship, and celebrations. We will visit rolling fields of silver-toned agave and bright orange marigolds and take a moonlight pilgrimage to the Panteón Viejo Xoxocotlán and Atzompa Cemeteries for a nighttime photo shoot. Experimenting with the interplay between life and death, darkness and light, our lenses will capture the flickering glows of countless candles and shadows cast by altars and tombs as families come to pay their respect to lives well-lived and loved ones remembered. 

This 7-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead, a living and breathing testament to the unwavering power of family, tradition, and remembrance, is a celebration you will certainly never forget. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

Over the first few days of November, elaborate altars, flowers, candles, skeletons, and skulls adorn every corner of the city. Papel Picado, intricate tissue paper streamers, line every alleyway and become a reminder of the fragility and the ephemerality of life. During our photo trip, we will shoot women with bold floral headdresses, painted faces, and costumes inspired by La Catrina, the skeletal aristocrat character created by artist José Guadalupe Posada 100 years ago to remind us that whether rich or poor, in death, we are all equal. 

Sitting at the foothills of the Sierra Madre, you will find that Oaxaca is a city that inspires artistic expression, it being the home for many Mexican painters, like the late Francisco Toledo, Alejandro Santiago, Rufino Tamayo, and contemporary artists like Manuel Reyes. However, this photo trip will also see us venture out of the city center to other sites and small villages nearby, each with its own family-held traditions, craftsmanship, and celebrations. We will visit rolling fields of silver-toned agave and bright orange marigolds and take a moonlight pilgrimage to the Panteón Viejo Xoxocotlán and Atzompa Cemeteries for a nighttime photo shoot. Experimenting with the interplay between life and death, darkness and light, our lenses will capture the flickering glows of countless candles and shadows cast by altars and tombs as families come to pay their respect to lives well-lived and loved ones remembered. 

This 7-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead, a living and breathing testament to the unwavering power of family, tradition, and remembrance, is a celebration you will certainly never forget. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.