Day of the Dead Catrina Photoshoot & Mezcal Spirited Faces

This review explores a unique tour that promises more than just sightseeing — it offers a chance to become part of Oaxaca’s lively Day of the Dead traditions. For those interested in culture, stunning visuals, and authentic moments, this two-hour experience might be just the ticket. We particularly like how it combines a striking transformation into a Catrina with a walk through the city’s most photogenic spots, topped off with sharing mezcal with locals.

One of the standout features is the professional makeup and traditional attire that turn you into a living symbol of Day of the Dead. It’s a fun, visually captivating way to engage with Oaxaca’s vibrant cultural scene. The other highlight? The personalized photo collection and behind-the-scenes video that give you souvenirs to cherish long after the tour ends.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience is quite focused, so if you’re after a deep historical or extensive city tour, this might not satisfy that craving. It’s best suited for travelers who want a memorable, visual, and culturally immersive moment — perfect for social media, personal keepsakes, or simply making your trip unforgettable.

Key Points

• Personal Transformation: You become a stunning Catrina goddess with professional makeup and traditional attire.
• Customizable Route: Choose between exploring Oaxaca’s cultural core or its bohemian neighborhoods.
• Authentic Connections: Sharing mezcal with locals adds a genuine social element.
• Professional Photos & Video: Receive 12 high-quality photos and a behind-the-scenes video.
• Iconic Locations: Photos and walks include landmarks like Santo Domingo Church and the aqueduct.
• Time & Value: Two hours of guided fun, cultural engagement, and memories crafted for social sharing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Imagine arriving in Oaxaca, a city bursting with colors, sounds, and stories. You’re not just a passive observer here; with this tour, you take center stage. The experience starts in a stylish downtown studio, where talented local makeup artists will transform you into a Catrina, the elegant yet haunting figure of the Day of the Dead. They craft a look tailored to your face and style, blending traditional motifs with your personal vibe. If you’re feeling festive, traditional Oaxacan attire can also be added, elevating your photo look and helping you feel fully part of the city’s celebrations.

Once your transformation is complete, the fun begins. You’re given the choice of two routes for your photoshoot: one through the city’s cultural heart, including sights like the Santo Domingo Church and the historic Macedonio Alcalá Street, or a more bohemian route passing through Jalatlaco, one of Oaxaca’s artsy neighborhoods. Both options are carefully curated to highlight Oaxaca’s most photogenic angles and iconic spots.

What truly makes this experience special is the spontaneous element of sharing mezcal with locals along the way. As you stroll, carrying a bottle of locally crafted mezcal and small cups, you’ll be invited to share a sip with passersby, creating moments of genuine connection. This isn’t a staged activity; it’s about breaking down barriers, sharing laughs, and experiencing Oaxaca’s hospitality firsthand.

The tour’s guides are bilingual, making communication smooth whether you speak English or Spanish. One guide assists with posing and capturing photos, while another records behind-the-scenes moments, ensuring you get a lively video to remember the day. This dual support guarantees you’ll look natural, relaxed, and radiant in your photos.

At the end of the walk, you’ll receive 12 professionally taken photos. These are great for social media, personal albums, or simply as a reminder of this vibrant experience. Plus, the behind-the-scenes video serves as a lively recap, full of smiles, sips, and city scenes.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

The Transformation: Starting at the studio, you’ll meet expert makeup artists who craft a stunning Catrina look. The makeup is detailed, vibrant, and designed to be photogenic — think white painted faces, dark accents, and intricate designs. If you opt for traditional attire, you’ll be dressed in authentic Oaxacan clothing, adding authenticity and visual flair. This part of the experience is about feeling special and looking iconic.

The Photoshoot & Walking Tour: You’ll then step outside to explore Oaxaca’s most photogenic neighborhoods. Depending on your choice, your route may include the grand Santo Domingo Church, the lively streets of Macedonio Alcalá, or the artsy charm of Jalatlaco. As you walk, you’ll share mezcal with locals, making every step more lively and personal.

Sharing Mezcal & Connecting: The act of sharing mezcal isn’t just about tasting; it’s a social ritual. You might find yourself laughing with strangers, exchanging stories, or simply enjoying the moment of camaraderie. It’s an unscripted part of the tour that lends a genuine, spontaneous feel.

Photo & Video Capture: Throughout, your guides will be taking professional shots, ensuring your best angles are preserved. The behind-the-scenes video, filmed by one of the team, captures your laughter, toasts, and the lively street scenes — perfect for reliving the experience.

The Final Mementos: Within 7 business days, you’ll receive 12 high-quality photos plus the video. These keepsakes are a significant value, especially given the quality and personalized nature of the images.

The Value of the Tour

At $191 per person, this experience offers a lot of value for travelers who appreciate authentic, shareable memories and culture. The price covers professional makeup, traditional attire, a guided photoshoot, local mezcal, bilingual support, and personalized photos and video. It’s a comprehensive package that delivers a well-rounded, fun, and memorable snapshot of Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead spirit.

When compared to traditional city tours, which often last several hours or days and focus on history or museums, this experience is more about creating a personal story. The focus on iconic locations like the Santo Domingo Church offers recognizable backdrops, but the true charm lies in the personal transformation and the spontaneous interactions.

The small group size (up to three participants) ensures a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere. This is ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want an intimate experience without feeling lost in a crowd. It’s also flexible with scheduling, typically offered in the afternoon or evening, fitting nicely into most itineraries.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking visual and cultural memories over extensive sightseeing. If you love taking photos, enjoy dressing up and playing with costumes, or want to have a fun, lively story to tell back home, you’ll find this tour engaging. It’s also a good fit for social media enthusiasts, as the professional photos and video can be shared immediately.

It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a deep historical or educational tour. The focus here is on the visual and social aspects, not on detailed storytelling or extensive walking.

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Final Thoughts

This two-hour Oaxaca experience offers a delightful blend of personal transformation, cultural connection, and scenic beauty. The ability to walk through the city’s most photogenic spots dressed as a Catrina, share mezcal with locals, and come away with high-quality photos makes it stand out from more standard tours.

We loved how it combines authentic tradition with modern social fun, making it ideal for those wanting memorable visuals and genuine interactions. The inclusion of a behind-the-scenes video and professional photos adds real value, turning fleeting moments into lasting keepsakes.

While it’s a focused experience, it’s well worth considering if you want something lively, colorful, and personal. This tour will definitely add a vibrant, meaningful layer to your Oaxaca trip — one you’ll cherish long after returning home.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
This experience is designed for those who can enjoy a 2-hour walk and photoshoot, so older children and teens who appreciate photography and dressing up will enjoy it. It’s less suited for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended since most of the tour is outdoors. The attire and makeup are provided, so no need to bring your own costume unless you wish to.

Can I choose my route?
Yes, you can select between two different routes: one through Oaxaca’s cultural center and another through bohemian neighborhoods. The guides will tailor the experience based on your preference.

What if I want to explore more of Oaxaca?
This experience focuses on a 2-hour photoshoot and walk. Additional sightseeing or extended tours can be arranged at extra cost, but are not included in this package.

What do I receive after the tour?
You’ll get 12 professional photos, a behind-the-scenes video, and access to the images within 7 business days. These are perfect for sharing or keepsakes.

Is this experience available year-round?
While the exact schedule isn’t specified, tours are typically available in the afternoon and evening, aligning with the best lighting for photos and the festive mood of Day of the Dead.

This thoughtful, culturally vibrant photoshoot and street experience offers a memorable way to connect with Oaxaca’s spirit. Whether you’re a photo enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking for a fun story to tell, it’s a lively slice of the city’s Day of the Dead celebrations you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: