Oaxaca, México · Sierra Mazateca
S'ui K'ien in Huautla
The Mazatec Día de Muertos, in a small group of up to six, welcomed by the Mazatec community and René Alvarado Martínez's family.
The celebration
What is S'ui K'ien
S'ui K'ien is the Mazatec Día de Muertos in Huautla, in Oaxaca's Sierra Mazateca. Families lay a path of cempasúchil from the street to the altar, so the dead can find their way home.
Huehuentones, masked dancers, go from house to house. The masks are carved by hand from jonote wood, and some dancers take a vow to dance for seven years. At night, the whole community keeps a candlelit vigil in the cemetery.
Who guides
A place I have known for years
I've known Huautla since I was 15. This year I'm bringing up to six people, welcomed by the Mazatec community and René Alvarado Martínez's family.
I guide the journey myself, in English and Spanish.
Dates
Two ways to join
Both journeys are for up to six people in total.
Program
What the days hold
The program is a reference and can change with the weather and other factors. Every activity is optional, and you can spend your free time your own way.
- Night vigils in the cemetery with the families: the children's vigil on Oct 30 and 31, and the main vigil on Nov 1 and 2.
- Huehuentones dancing from house to house through the festival.
- A welcome at the family home of René Alvarado Martínez.
- Walks in the Sierra, including a sunrise hike up the sacred hill to leave an offering (Full journey).
- Limpias (traditional cleansings) at the family home on Nov 3, followed by a closing dinner.
Practical
What is included
Included
- Shared lodging in a comfortable family home
- Breakfasts and a welcome dinner
- Public transport between Oaxaca and Huautla, round trip (I help you organize it), and local transport in Huautla
- My guiding, with Spanish and English translation
- A welcome at the family home of René Alvarado Martínez
- The vigils, the walks and the limpias
- A portrait of each participant
- Cultural preparation before you arrive
Not included
- Flights
- Meals other than the breakfasts and the welcome dinner
- Private transport, available at an extra cost
- Travel insurance, required for international travelers
Protocol
How we take part
This journey follows the protocol of the community. It does not include ceremonies with sacred plants or mushrooms.
In the vigils, visitors accompany and witness. They do not take an active part.
This is a cultural journey. It does not replace medical care.
How to join
Three steps
Write to me
Message me on WhatsApp. I send you the details and the cost, one to one.
Confirm your place
I send you a short registration form.
Prepare
I send you cultural preparation before you arrive, and I help you organize the transport to Huautla.
Questions
How much does it cost?
I share prices one to one, after we talk. Message me on WhatsApp and I'll send you the details.
How many people join?
Up to six.
How do I get to Huautla?
Fly into Oaxaca City. Public transport between Oaxaca and Huautla, round trip, is part of the journey and I help you organize it. Private transport is available at an extra cost.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, if you travel from another country. Have emergency medical and evacuation coverage in place before you leave.
Will there be ceremonies with sacred plants or mushrooms?
No. This journey follows the cultural protocol of the community and does not include them.
Which languages is the journey in?
English and Spanish. I guide and translate between both.
Will there be a journey in 2027?
I plan to offer Huautla again from Oct 27 to Nov 4, 2027, the same dates as 2026. Details are to be confirmed. Message me to join the list.