Mexico City: Day of the Dead Original

Bienvenidos a Mexico! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Modern meets ancient in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres. Although crowded and smoggy, Mexico City offers a great variety of impressive museums, galleries and architecture, along with exciting nightlife and delicious street food. If you arrive early, head to the Zocalo – the city's huge central square – to see Aztec ruins and colonial architecture or relax in one of the many parks, plazas and gardens. After your important meeting, why not head out and see this city in full swing – street tacos, anyone? You’ll already have noticed a mystical feeling in the air, so keep an eye out for any Day of the Dead decorations you can spot around town.

Set out on a walking tour of Mexico City’s historic centre, walking past the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor and Palacio de Bellas Artes. You’ll also swing by the open air Mercado Jamaica where people come to buy everything they need for the Day of the Dead, including the famous pan de muerto sweet rolls. After you’ve looked around, you might want to buy yourself some lunch or try some of the special festival foods. The afternoon is then free for you to explore on your own.

You will have the morning at leisure before regrouping at 1pm to depart for Tlalocan. Upon arrival you will be meet by our local host. Get hands-on by creating your own traditional altar for Day of the Dead and then participate in the ceremony that follows. Late in the afternoon you’ll visit Panteon cemetery to see the graves that have been decorated with colourful flowers, photos, food and more. As part of the Day of the Dead, people organise ceremonies at the cemetery for those not physically with them any longer and commemorate the lives of people passed over.

It’s an early morning start as you depart Mexico City and travel to Teotihuacan (2hour drive) where you'll discover the extraordinary ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the country's biggest ancient cities and the Aztec capital. Join an expert local guide and stroll down The Avenue of the Dead to see fascinating clues as to what life here was like nearly 2000 years ago. Arrive back into Mexico City late afternoon where you will have the opportunity to head out for an optional final dinner.

Your immersion in Mexico's Day of the Dead festival ends after breakfast this morning. That doesn’t mean your Mexican adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Mexico City, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).