Day of the Dead in Mexico City
Overview
Itinerary
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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!
- Lucha Libre Match: Combatants 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. (350-500 MXN per person)
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.
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.
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.
- Teotihuacán Pyramids Visit: Visit 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.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Shop for Day of the Dead goods at Jamaica Market.
- Get into the spirit with face painting.
- Join one of many street parties.
- Witness a graveyard procession in a small town.
- Indulge in Mexican street food.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: San Juan Market visit, Mexico City
- Mexico City walking tour
- Visit to Jamaica Market to learn about ceremonial objects used for Day of the Dead
- San Juan Market visit with lunch
- Face painting
- Visit to Dolores Cementery in Chapultepec
- Free time in Mexico City
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, metro, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (5 Nights)
- 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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