Mexico’s Day of Dead

Oct 25

Highlights: Arrival day, welcome dinner

Included: Dinner

Upon your arrival in Mexico City our private driver will take you to our conveniently-located hotel in the center of the city. For those eager to start exploring, our team will be on-hand to assist. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll get together to officially kick off the tour with an orientation meeting and a traditional Mexican dinner.

Oct 26

Highlights: Historic Center, local markets, mariachi night

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today begins with a morning tour of Mexico City’s Historic Center, where we’ll stroll through its bustling streets and visit some of the main landmarks such as the expansive Zócalo, the city's main square, the stately National Palace, which houses important government offices and murals, and the striking Palacio de Bellas Artes, a prominent cultural venue known for its architecture and art exhibitions. Afterwards we’ll make our way to an exotic food market, offering those adventurous enough a chance to try some of Mexico’s more unique delicacies, like chapulines (crickets) and maguey worms, alongside a variety of traditional treats. For lunch we’ll head towards a well-known restaurant before having some free time to enjoy the city at your own pace, whether exploring more historic sites, browsing local shops, or simply taking in the city’s dynamic ambiance. In the evening, there will be an optional night out at Plaza Garibaldi, where mariachi bands bring the square to life, pairing their melodies with the quintessential flavors of tequila.

Oct 27

Highlights: Coyoacán, Frida Khalo Museum, food tour

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we’ll head to Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, celebrated for its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and deep cultural roots. Once a quiet village, Coyoacán is now a hub for art and history, especially vibrant during the Day of the Dead celebrations. We’ll begin by touring the area and visiting the Calaveras Artísticas exhibit at the Centro Cultural Centenario, a stunning display showcasing artistic interpretations of calaveras (skulls) that honor this important tradition. Next we’ll visit the famous Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House. Frida’s art often explored themes of life, death, and Mexican culture, making her legacy deeply intertwined with the spirit of Day of the Dead. During our visit, we’ll see how these themes are reflected in her work and life, and we’ll also have the chance to admire the ofrendas, altars beautifully decorated to honor loved ones who have passed. Afterwards we’ll embark on a food tour through Coyoacán, sampling local specialties like tacos, tostadas, and aguas frescas, while learning about the area’s rich culinary traditions. You’ll also have some free time to explore the quaint plazas, artisan markets, or cozy cafés at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

Oct 28

Highlights: Teotihuacan, VIP lunch experience, lucha libre

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we’ll head to Teotihuacán, one of Mexico’s most remarkable archaeological sites and a testament to the grandeur of pre-Hispanic civilizations. Known as the “City of the Gods,” this ancient metropolis is home to the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, awe-inspiring structures that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As we explore, we’ll uncover the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, learning about its significance as a cultural and ceremonial hub over 2,000 years ago (700 years before the Aztec's time). After our visit we’ll enjoy lunch at La Gruta, a unique restaurant set inside a natural cave near the pyramids. With a VIP experience made possible by our local contacts, we’ll savor traditional Mexican dishes in this extraordinary and atmospheric setting. In the evening we’ll dive into the exhilarating world of lucha libre, Mexico’s energetic wrestling spectacle that combines athleticism, storytelling, and flamboyant costumes. With VIP backstage access, we’ll get an exclusive look at the wrestlers, or luchadores, as they prepare for their performances, offering a deeper appreciation of this cherished facet of Mexican culture.

Oct 29

Highlights: Cooking class, free afternoon

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we’ll take part in a special cooking class where we’ll learn to prepare some of the main dishes associated with Day of the Dead traditions. Guided by a local chef, we’ll make tamales, a beloved dish of masa dough filled with savory or sweet ingredients, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection. We’ll also prepare mole, a rich and complex sauce made from a blend of chiles, spices, nuts, and chocolate. Finally, we’ll bake pan de muerto, a sweet, fluffy bread adorned with crossbones-shaped dough on top, symbolizing the Day of the Dead celebration. After enjoying our creations, the rest of the day will be free to spend at your leisure. You might choose to explore the trendy neighborhoods of La Condesa or La Roma, known for their tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and vibrant café scene, or head to Polanco, an upscale district famed for its luxury shopping and exceptional dining options. Your tour leader will be on-site to assist with any activities or plans you’d like to arrange.

Oct 30

Highlights: Flight to Oaxaca, tour of the historic center, michelin-stared dinner

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll head to the city of Oaxaca, renowned for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, and world-famous cuisine deeply rooted in indigenous and Spanish traditions. After a morning 1.5-hour flight, we’ll transfer to our centrally located hotel and have some time to settle in before heading to the 20 de Noviembre Market, where we’ll enjoy a traditional Oaxacan lunch and sample some of the best local street food specialties that define this region’s unique culinary identity. In the afternoon we’ll explore Oaxaca’s historic center, beginning at the bustling Mercado Benito Juárez, known for its colorful stalls filled with local crafts, produce, and traditional goods. We’ll visit the Templo Santo Domingo, stroll along the Andador Turístico, a pedestrian street lined with charming shops and galleries, and finish at the lively Zócalo, the city’s central square and a hub of daily life. In the evening we’ll enjoy a special dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for their innovative approach to traditional Oaxacan cuisine.

Oct 31

Highlights: Clay skull workshop, Day of the Dead celebrations

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day will begin with breakfast in Santa María Atzompa, where a local family will welcome us into their home-turned restaurant. Afterwards we’ll head to a nearby family cooperative workshop to craft our own calaverita de barro, intricately designed clay skulls that are an essential part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Guided by expert artisans who have passed down this knowledge through generations, we’ll learn about the cultural significance of this unique art form in Oaxacan traditions. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax or take a nap to prepare for the evening’s events. As night falls, we’ll head to Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, about 25 minutes away, for dinner followed by an unforgettable experience at the local cemetery. Here the Day of the Dead celebrations come alive with a remarkable display of xempasúchil flowers, flickering candles, and colorful decorations adorning the graves. Families gather to honor their loved ones, sharing stories, food, and music in an atmosphere that is both deeply moving and celebratory. Our visit will be conducted with cultural respect, providing an intimate look at these meaningful traditions in a cemetery far from the tourist crowds. We’ll stroll among the elegantly adorned ofrendas, altars with offerings like photographs, favorite foods, and keepsakes, while enjoying live music and the rhythmic dancing that brings the celebration to life. We'll then return to the city late at night.

Nov 1

Highlights: Free morning, Jalatlaco's comparsa

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a late night of Day of the Dead festivities, the morning will be free to relax or explore Oaxaca at your own pace, taking in the city’s colorful and charming atmosphere during this special time of year. Your tour leader will be available to help with any plans or arrangements you’d like to make. In the evening, we’ll head to the Jalatlaco neighborhood, a picturesque area known for its cobblestone streets and festive celebrations. Here a professional makeup artist will be on hand to offer optional Catrín and Catrina face painting, skeletal designs that beautifully symbolize the joy and reverence of life and death in Mexican culture during Day of the Dead. We’ll then enjoy a taco dinner at one of Oaxaca’s most renowned taco spots, celebrated for serving some of the best in the city. Afterwards we’ll immerse ourselves in the energy of Mexico’s most famous comparsa, a lively parade and street celebration filled with costumed performers, music, and dancing. You’ll have the chance to join the festivities, sample traditional snacks and drinks, and fully experience the dynamic spirit of this unforgettable Mexican tradition.

Nov 2

Highlights: Alebrijes workshop, Day of the Dead show, farewell dinner

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final day begins with a visit to San Martín Tilcajete, a village celebrated for its alebrijes, intricately carved and painted wooden figures that depict fantastical animals and mythical creatures. These colorful creations are a cornerstone of Mexican folk art, embodying the creativity and cultural heritage of the region. During our time here we’ll take part in a hands-on alebrije workshop, learning the traditional techniques of carving and painting as we craft our own unique piece to take home. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in the village before returning to Oaxaca. In the evening, we’ll attend a live theatrical performance at the Teatro Macedonio Alcalá, a stunning historic venue hosting a special Day of the Dead-themed show that blends storytelling, music, and dance. Following the performance we’ll gather for our farewell dinner featuring Mole Oaxaqueño, Oaxaca’s signature sauce and a true culinary masterpiece.

Nov 3

Highlights: Departure day

Included: Breakfast

You will be picked up at the hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport for your departing flight.