Operated by Intrepid Travel

Mexico City: Day of the Dead Original

From

CAD 1,570

Duration

5 days

Countries

Mexico

Activity

easy

Group size

Max 12

Rating

4.0 · 24 reviewsvia Intrepid Travel

The adventure

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.

At a glance

Duration

5 days

Route

Mexico City → Mexico City

Countries

Mexico

Activity level

easy

Style

Culture & History, Festivals & Events, Food & Drink

Group size

Max 12

Ages

15+

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Day by day

Scenic aerial view of a Mexican town with mountains at twilight.

Your journey through

Mexico

Day 1Mexico CityBienvenidos! 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 out to 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.

Mexico City

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 out to 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.

Day 2Mexico CitySet 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.

A stunning aerial view of Chapultepec Park with cityscape and mountains in the background.

Mexico City

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.

Day 3Mexico CityThis 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.

Mexican soldiers in uniform march in a military parade, showcasing discipline and pride.

Mexico City

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.

Day 4Mexico CityThis 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.

Aerial view of Monterrey's skyline at sunset, featuring modern skyscrapers and mountains.

Mexico City

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.

Day 5Mexico CityAfter 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.

Mexico City

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.