Expedition Details
Capture the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead, one of Oaxaca's most time-honored holidays, during a special photography workshop. Get immersed in parades of costumed children, seas of flickering candles, and the sweet fragrance of cempasúchil, the so-called "flower of the dead." Photograph the stunning street dances of the Etla Valley, expressive painted faces of young and old, and ageless rituals—against evocative the backdrops of graveyards, village homes, and ancient ruins. Spend time each day editing and critiquing your images and learning new techniques.
The following is our planned itinerary; however, the schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the mystique of the Day of the Dead through your camera's lens at dances, performances, and graveyard ceremonies.
- Dive into the markets of Zaachila and Ocotlan to photograph colorful produce, textiles, and the faces of merchants hawking their wares.
- Document Zapotec culture old and new on photo shoots to the ancient ruins of Monte Albán and a contemporary artisan village.
Itinerary - 8 Days
Day 1 — Oaxaca, Mexico
Arrive in Oaxaca and check into our hotel, located just a few blocks from the zócalo, or town center. This evening gather for a welcome reception and dinner.
Hotel de La Noria (D)
Day 2 — Monte Albán
Monte Albán was the religious, political, and commercial center of the Zapotec culture for more than 1,200 years. On a photo shoot this morning, explore the archeological site, including the grassy Great Plaza, ball court, building of the dancers, and maze of temples and tombs. Following an afternoon lecture, visit Santo Domingo, one of the most lavish Renaissance churches in Mexico. Then view the pre-Columbian treasures of Monte Albán at Oaxaca's Regional Museum, housed in a stunning building. Dine tonight at a local restaurant.
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Day 3 — Teotitlan del Valle
After a morning edit-and-critique session, set out for Teotitlan del Valle, a traditional Zapotec village whose livelihood centers on hand-loomed wool weavings. Capture images of artisans at work, and the colorful textiles they create. Families in the area have been involved in this unique craft since wooden pedal looms were introduced in the 16th century. Return to Oaxaca this afternoon for an evening at leisure.
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Day 4 — Zaachila
Spend the morning at the bustling Zaachila Market, where goats, pigs, sheep, cows, and oxen are traded and sold. Catch shots of the timeless ritual of merchants and buyers haggling over their sale in the vibrant setting of a typical Mexican marketplace. In the afternoon, we photograph the Benito Juárez Market, Oaxaca's oldest marketplace, two blocks southwest of the zócalo. People from all over the state come here to sell fresh produce, groceries, household goods, and flowers. Enjoy dinner with the group in a restaurant overlooking the zócalo.
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Day 5 — Ocotlan
After breakfast, travel to Ocotlan's sprawling Friday market for a photo shoot. Here, stalls are brimming with decorations and supplies for the Day of the Dead celebration—paper decorations, costumes, as well as skeletons and skulls with often jaunty expressions. Then visit the temple and ex-convent of Santo Domingo. The complex, constructed in various stages between the 16th and 19th centuries, is now a museum where crafts, religious art, and a number of works by native artist Rodolfo Morales are displayed. Back in Oaxaca gather for an edit-and-critique session before you head out to photograph the city at your leisure.
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Day 6 — Mitla
Explore the remarkable ruins of Mitla this morning. Mitla, or "world of the dead" was an important ceremonial center built by the Zapotec. Then head into town to the Day of the Dead market, where decorations from paper streamers to skeletons and masks are sold. On the eve of the festivities, this venue is one of the most unique sights in the entire valley of Oaxaca. In the afternoon, visit private homes in town where altars are being prepared for the arrival of the "angelitos" or little angels. Tonight, venture into the Xoxocotlan graveyard to photograph altars and graves adorned with marigolds and hundreds of candles. Experience the beautiful and haunting atmosphere of "all souls day" eve.
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Day 7 — Etla Valley (Day of the Day)
On the Day of the Dead, start the morning editing and critiquing images from the last two days. In the afternoon, travel to the Etla valley, famous for its Day of the Dead comparsas, or public theaters. Take in fascinating performances as costumed celebrants dance, laugh about death, and mock their political representatives, while enjoying the rhythms of music said to open the gates of heaven and allow contact with the gods. Immerse yourself in the festivities in the town of Soledad and later in the evening in the town of San Agustin.
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Day 8 — Oaxaca
The workshop ends today, after breakfast.
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For more information about this workshop, please call 1-866-797-4686.
Related Trip
National Geographic Expert
Raul Touzon
A resident of Mexico for more than five years, Raul Touzon has traveled extensively in Latin America, documenting its indigenous cultures. His evocative photographs have appeared in many publications, including National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic magazine and are represented in the National Geographic Image Collection. For the past eight years, Raul has been a full-time instructor, producing and teaching photography workshops in Mexico.
Raul will join the following departure:
Oct 28 - Nov 04, 2010Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
What To Expect
All workshops are geared toward amateur and serious digital photographers, and include an overview of downloading, archiving, sizing, and adjusting your images on the computer. All workshop participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. Each workshop is limited to 25 participants.
Please note: A State Department travel warning for Mexico is in effect (click here to view the State Department's information page on Mexico). The area of concern noted in the warning is not near the region we visit on this itinerary. We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in this country.
