OAXACA | DAY OF THE DEAD

Oaxaca – Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán

Oaxaca is where you want to be to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico

Mexico is rich in archeological, historical and natural sites but, if you have to pick one city to photograph during the festivities of the Day of the Dead, this can only be Oaxaca. Our Oaxaca Day of the Dead Photo Tour is a great way to experience and capture this colorful and exciting Mexican tradition. Oaxaca’s streets were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987 and the city was home for many Mexican painters, like the late Francisco Toledo, Alejandro Santiago and Rufino Tamayo, and contemporary artists like Manuel Reyes. Oaxaca is vibrant and this trip will show you that it’s also full of surprises.

A center for arts and handicrafts, and with a pleasant mild climate, the city sits at the foothills of the Sierra Madre and offers unlimited sources of inspiration and continuous opportunities to photograph unique moments and images. It’s also famous for its delicious cuisine, enriched by the wide variety of organic local products and prepared often still according to the tradition of the indigenous cultures, making it one of Mexico’s first food destinations.

The traditional festivities that honor and celebrate the ancestors in Mexico are over 3,000 years old and, even if they are constantly evolving, are still full of rituals to express the special relationship that Mexicans have with the dead. Symbols like skeletons, skulls, altars and colorful cut-paper streamers adorn the city. Women wear creative make up and dress with elegant outfits evoking the famous La Catrina, the character created by artist José Guadalupe Posada 100 years ago to remind everybody that even the richest look like everybody else once they are dead. It’s a happy time meant to unite families and appreciate life, and with the stunning backdrop of Oaxaca all around, you will certainly feel like celebrating with us.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the effervescent city of Oaxaca.

Group Size

4 – 8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
Moderate schedule
Travel by walking or car
Minimal elevation changes and lots of walking
(non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

October: Temps 82/54 F 27/12 C Sunrise: 6:25 am / Sunset: 5:55 pm

Includes

Travel, street, landscape, portrait and people photography
Professional photographer | guide
Photo walks & discussions
Small group size (4 – 8 guests)
4-star hotel
Breakfasts
2 Dinners
Local transportation

Travel Information

Arrival & Departure Airport: Xoxocotlán, Mexico (OAX) – Transfer time to hotel 15min
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

Accommodations

Hotel: Hotel Azul, Casa Oaxaca, Casa Bonita or similar

Helpful Links

> 7 Must-See Festivals in 2020 – By Erika Suban
> 10 Trees Worth Traveling For – by Erika Suban

Photo Adventure	Price	Register
DAY OF THE DEAD \| OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 4, 2020	From: $5,995	Register
DAY OF THE DEAD \| OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 4, 2021	From: $6,295	Register

Photographer Leader

Alan Lawrence

October 29 – November 4, 2020
October 29 – November 4, 2021

Photographer Leader

Michael Chinnici

October 29 – November 4, 2020

*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 boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which 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. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

18 Photo Workshop Adventures Mexico Oaxaca Day Of The Dead Alan Lawrence

14 Photo Workshop Adventures Mexico Oaxaca Day Of The Dead Alan Lawrence

ITINERARY

OAXACA | DAY OF THE DEAD – 7 DAYS

Day 1 | Oaxaca

Welcome to Oaxaca! We will meet at 11am at the hotel and start to get to know this colorful city, home to many indigenous communities and filled with culture and art. We will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles of Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. After a day spent visiting the Iglesia Santa Domingo and the Abastos Market and much more, we will share our first impressions during a “Welcome Dinner”. (D)

Day 2 | Oaxaca - Zapotec - Monte Alban

Today will explore more of Oaxaca and will have many opportunities to photograph its diversity during the day. We will visit the Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban and then we will head to the agave plantations to visit of the distilleries making mezcal with the authentic and traditional methods. (B)

Day 3 | Oaxaca - Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán

In the morning we will explore and photograph other areas of Oaxaca including the Convento Santo Domingo and the Centro Fotografico Alvarez Bravo. We will spend the afternoon and evening at Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán to photograph the “DAY OF THE DEAD” celebrations. The procession at Iglesia de Santa Elena de la Cruz through the cemetery starts at 11 pm and we won’t miss it. (B)

Day 4 | El Tule - Teotitlan de Valle - Mitla - Tour Hierve el Agua

Today we will visit the surrounding villages: Village El Tule – 2000 year old tree, the Village Teotitlan de Valle with its fine rugs, Tlacolula, with it 16th Century Church and the best and most authentic Sunday markets in all of Mexico, Yagul with its ancient ruins, the Day of the Dead Market in Mitla and end with the sunset at Tour Hierve el Agua. (B)

Day 5 | Oaxaca - Day of the Dead Parades

We will spend the day capturing the amazing parades around the plaza including the awards and many activities organized by the city of Oaxaca. In the evening we will head to the cemetery to see more celebrations, ready to capture all the colors and festivities. (B)

Day 6 | Oaxaca

Today we will have the chance to feel Oaxaca hospitality and witness incredible altars created in family homes, partake in the traditional food and drink of the day, and learn about the customs and rituals that bring this holiday to life directly from our hosts. We will end the day with a fabulous “Farewell Dinner” of local dishes. (B) (D)

Day 7 | Oaxaca

Unfortunately today our adventure will come to an end. We will enjoy our last breakfast together and have a photo discussion before we depart. Hasta luego! (B)

Add our 8-Day “Guatemala Photo Adventure” after Oaxaca for 15 amazing days of culture and photography.

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

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 boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which 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. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

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How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

Earn up to double points during promotional events
Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

Earn up to double points during promotional events
Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

Combine-N-Save

You can SAVE up to $1200 by combining two or more back-to-back 6-Day or longer Photo Adventures. Call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Private Online Lightroom & Photoshop Tutorials

We offer private online Lightroom and Photoshop photo editing tutorials for individuals who would like to improve their post-processing skills. Each is customized to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. We provide you with one-on-one discussions using online connectivity. Many of our Photo Adventure guests select our online post-processing as an extension to their trip. Click here for more information.