Experience Overview
Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, or the annual Day of the Dead festival, on this five-day cultural exploration of Mexico City. Sample tasty street food at the open-air Mercado San Juan, join a calaveritas de azucar (sugar skulls) workshop and take part in a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony. This festival is all about rituals, so you’ll dive straight into the spiritual (and sometimes spooky) ceremonies that have made this tradition so famous.
Highlights
- Take part in the rituals and festivities of the Day of the Dead, like making your own traditional altar offering.
- Discover how sugar and chocolate calaveritas (sugar skulls) are made during a workshop at Calazucho. Hear the stories of this tradition before making your very own sugar skull!
- Visit Tlahuac Cemetery to see the graves that have been decorated with colourful flowers, photos and food. Then, watch the Day of the Dead ceremonies in this spooky setting.
- Sample tasty street food at the open-air Mercado San Juan, where people come to buy everything they need for the Day of the Dead, including the famous pan de muerto sweet rolls.
- Join a walking tour of Mexico City’s historic centre. Pass the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio de Bellas Artes and see the city come alive with decorations as locals prepare for the festival.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2513
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle, Metro
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Festivals and Events
Supplier Code: QVSO
Starts: Mexico City, Mexico
Finishes: Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Easy
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4),Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1495 (CAD $299 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Zocalo to see Aztec ruins and architecture, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum or simply relax in one of the many gardens. After your meeting, maybe head outto see the city in full swing – street tacos, anyone? You may have already noticed a mystical feeling in the air – keep an eye out for Day of the Dead decorations around town.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore Mexico City at your own pace, before making your way to Tlahuac. When you arrive, you’ll meet your local host in their home and create your own traditional altar for the Day of the Dead. This afternoon, visit Panteon Cemetery to see the graves that have been decorated with colourful flowers, photos, food and more – as part of the festival, the locals organise ceremonies at the cemetery to commemorate the lives of people that have passed on. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Tlahuac - Cemetery visit in Tlahuac
- Tlalocán - Day of the Dead altar creation
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Set out on a walking tour of Mexico City’s historic centre, passing the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Along the way, stop by the open-air Mercado San Juan where people come to buy everything they need for the Day of the Dead – including the famous pan de muerto sweet rolls (bread of the dead). After you’ve looked around, maybe find a local cafe for lunch or try some of the special festival foods. The afternoon is then free for you to explore on your own.
Included Activities:
- Mexico City - San Juan Market visit
- Mexico City - City Tour
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (320 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Calazucho – a family-owned workshop dedicated to teaching the art of making sugar and chocolate calaveritas (sugar skulls). When you arrive, join the workshop where you'll hear the story of Calazucho and the calaveritas, and learn about the history behind the Day of the Dead. Then, follow a demonstration on how the skulls are made and create your own. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Mexico City. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the last night of your trip.
Included Activities:
- Mexico City - Calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls) workshop
Optional Activities:
- Mexico City - Torre Latino 360° Lookout (entrance fee) (200 MXN)
- Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) (700 MXN)
- Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (95 MXN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you would like to spend more time in Mexico City, just speak with your booking agent ahead of time.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sarah - Traveled, October 2023
This isn’t your average tour. With Intrepid, you get more flexibility and control over how you want to experience your destination. Our local guide was full of helpful knowledge and made us feel comfortable and supported to get the most out of our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2023
Martin - Traveled, October 2023
Best way to see Mexico City during Day of the Dead celebrations. We felt part of it and saw the vibrant exciting way it takes place
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Tina - Traveled, October 2023
Esteban was the best guide! And we had a fantastic group, so it was an excellent time. Highly recommend! However, we were sent to the wrong hotel in our pre trip communication from intrepid and the first hotel was nicer than the one we ended up at in the end. We were not the only ones, so that was a big oversight. Learned so much about the city and the holiday. I would have liked if the trip included the parade but I enjoyed all the activities we did.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Scott - Traveled, October 2023
This tour is an excellent way to become acquainted with Mexico City’s Dias de Muertos celebration. The accommodation is located in a central part of the city: close to the subway and walkable to many of the world’s best bars and restaurants (not to mention a quick Uber to the airport). The inclusions of Teotihuacan, the cemetery walkthrough, and the altar creation rounded out the interactive elements that were balanced by a little choose-your-own-adventure free time. A lot is packed in this trip so expect a full and fulfilling itinerary. Be sure to make time for Panaderia Rosetta for Pan de Muertos, and make a reservation at Handshake Bar for world class cocktails!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2023
Anastasiya - Traveled, October 2022
This is a short but jam packed trip to Mexico City to learn about local day of the dead celebrations and Mexican culture. I learned and experienced a lot in the short time. Mexican people are very friendly and tried their best to communicate with you. Best to learn a few words of Spanish. Bring cash/pesos. Most local vendors for souvenirs and hand made items are families from nearby towns and they can only take cash. You will not have a lot of free time in this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Rebecca - Traveled, October 2022
Don’t be fooled by the length of this your; it is an unforgettable trip of a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2022
Dawn - Traveled, October 2022
This was my first trip with Intrepid and will not be my last. It exceeded my expectations in many areas, including the number of things we were able to do in a short amount of time. Our tour guide, Ana Paula, was excellent; she was extremely knowledgeable, personable, and fun. Our group was a perfect size (10) and I felt comfortable and safe the whole time. The itinerary was very full, and we covered a lot of ground in those days! I was so happy with everything we were able to see and do, and would do this trip again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2022
Douglas - Traveled, October 2021
Alejo & Pili made the best of COVID restrictions, and really helped us understand & to build ofrendas to the people we miss, it was very moving & bittersweet, more than what I hoped for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2021
Scott - Traveled, October 2021
The trip was an full of interesting culture and information. Our guide was very approachable and gave us information about the city and the surrounding areas. The activities that I participated in gave me a better understanding of the culture in the area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2021
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