Day of the Dead in Mexico City
6 days, Mexico City to Mexico City
Itinerary Notes
Please note that Mexico City's Day of the Dead Parade & Street Party happens between late October and early November every year, but the exact date is not confirmed until the last minute. Should the parade occur during the tour dates we will make attempts to shuffle around the order of activities to allow travellers to see the parade and attend the street party, however this cannot be guaranteed due to the ever changing nature of the parade dates.
Itinerary
Day 1Mexico City
Arrive at any time.
Day of the Dead takes place between October 31 and November 2 and is a celebration and remembrance of the deceased. Families will build private altars and bring large feasts to cemeteries, to be with the souls of the departed. It is believed that the souls will come back to visit and take part in the celebrations. Some of the “ofrendas” (altars) are very elaborate and include sugar skulls and marigold flowers. In most regions, the souls of infants and children are honoured on November 1. Adults are remembered on November 2. It is generally a festive rather than somber gathering.
The schedule for this tour is very flexible. It allows the CEO to make the best use of your time and is based on the events and activities of the day. The CEO will go over the schedule with you.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Day 2Mexico City
Get out and explore Mexico City by walking through the historic centre with the CEO. Stop by the Jamaica Market to chat with some vendors, and learn about Day of the Dead goods for sale. Visit the San Juan Market to check out food stalls and sample some delicious Mexican street food.
Mexico City Walking Tour
Get the lay of the land during a walking tour of Mexico City with the CEO. Start by visiting the historic centre (known as the zócalo) of the city, before visiting the Jamaica Market to chat with some of the vendors about ceremonial objects used for Day of the Dead celebrations.
Your Foodie Moment: San Juan Market visit
The San Juan market is a traditional food market in the heart of Mexico City, and one of the oldest in the city. Enjoy time to wander through the market and sample mouth-watering street food – we hope you brought your appetite!
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Lucha Libre Match
350-500MXN per personCombatants don colourful masks and catapult themselves towards their opponents off of the ring’s ropes, employing a variety of different moves and holds to pin them to the mat for a three-count. The largely Mexican crowds are usually rowdy, making “lucha libre” an entertaining way to throw yourself head-first into the local culture.
Please be aware that prices for tickets will vary depending on seat location.
Accommodation
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Mexico City
Today, experience the atmosphere of Dolores, Mexico’s largest cemetery. Just before Día de Los Muertos, the cemetery comes alive with vibrant altars, candlelit pathways, music, and families honouring their loved ones. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the traditions and heartfelt rituals that make this cultural celebration one of the most meaningful in Mexico.
Free Time
Enjoy a free morning for optional activities, or relax after a busy day of Day of the Dead celebrations.
Visit to Dolores Cemetery in Chapultepec
Experience Mexico’s largest cemetery around Día de los Muertos. During this festive time the Dolores Cemetery comes alive with vibrant altars, candlelit pathways, music, and families honoring their loved ones. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the traditions and heartfelt rituals that make this cultural celebration one of the most meaningful in Mexico.
Accommodation
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Mexico City
In the morning travel to Xochimilco, a natural reserve where the farmlands of the ancient Aztec people were created with a system of “chinampas” and water channels. Witness how the inhabitants of Xochimilco integrate their unique natural elements and landscape into their Day of the Dead celebrations. Cruise along the channels in a traditionally decorated trajinera and learn more about the local history from a knowledgeable guide. Make a stop at one of the chinampas or floating gardens, and have an included meal before having time to decorate your faces with traditional make-up for the celebrations. The final stop of the day will be to Xochimilco ́s cemetery and the heart of Day of the Dead.
Xochimilco Day of the Dead Boat Tour
Board a traditional trajinera decorated with marigolds, candles, and Catrina skulls, and embark on a journey through Xochimilco. As you cruise through the water channels of this natural reserve and ancient Aztec farmland, your guide will tell stories of the history of this magical place and how the people of Xochimilco celebrate the Day of the Dead. Savor a delicious local lunch before a visit to the lavishly decorated cemetery — the heart of the Day of the Dead celebration.
Face Painting
Get into the spirit of Day of the Dead like the locals with some face painting to look like a sugar skull. Don't forget your camera, the intricate designs and patterns will leave you in awe.
Accommodation
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Mexico City
Take advantage of a free day to explore more of Mexico City and surroundings. Opt to visit the massive pyramids of Teotihuacán, check out the Frida Kahlo Museum, or join more of the festivities.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time to get out and explore this amazing city and its surroundings.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Teotihuacán Pyramids Visit
40USD per personVisit the ruins of Teotihuacán northeast of Mexico City. This ruin site dates back to 100BC and has the impressive Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Bring water, wear a hat and solid walking shoes to learn all about this pre-Columbian Mesoamerican city that at its peak was once the largest city in all of the Americas.
Cineteca Nacional
Mexico’s most important film center, offering a cultural space for cinema lovers, with screenings, exhibitions, cafés, and a modern architectural setting.
Museo Soumaya
A stunning museum that houses over 66,000 works of art, from European masters like Rodin and Dalí to Mexican greats like Diego Rivera.
Bosque de Chapultepec Visit
This is one of the largest city parks in the world, perfect for a relaxed walk among nature, lakes, and monuments in the heart of Mexico City. Walking around La Roma – Discover the neighborhood made famous by Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma. Tree-lined streets, historic mansions, colorful murals, cozy cafés, art galleries, and taco stands create the perfect blend of old charm and modern creativity.
Accommodation
Hotel PF Suites (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Mexico City
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.