ACCOMMODATION IS LIMITED DUE TO HIGH DEMAND IN MEXICO CITY
Where else but Mexico are the dearly departed invited back into the arms of the living for two sublime days of commemoration and celebration? In this fabulous festival - lauded for its sugar skulls, death bread and orange marigolds - be there as Mexico throws open the gates of the underworld to bring home the never-forgotten for an annual reunion of fond reminiscence and a big dollop of homemade cooking.
In a nation obsessed with the duality of life and death, the Day of the Dead festival is a vivid throwback to Aztec Mexico, where to mourn was to celebrate life wrapped in the forever embrace of death.
Come away with us on a quintessentially Mexican journey into that liminal space between the here and the hereafter. Turn your world upside-down over 10 days, uncovering the Aztec foundations on which the Americas' largest metropolis - Mexico City - thrums with the beat of the street. Then venture out to Cuernavaca to commence parts one and two of this three-part ceremony of the dead. On the Day of the Little Angels, observe ordinary Mexicans invoke the Spirits of the Children in altars down lovingly-laid floral paths at the cemetery of Ocotepec. After a whistle stop tour of silver towns, Spanish secular architecture and sun temples to Quetzcoatl, resume the extraordinary festivities at the tolling of the bells to invoke the Spirits of the Adults in a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
On the second and final day, be spirited away to Huaquechula to try the foods of the dead, like tamales and pozole, before revelling in the thrilling climax of the festival: Dia de Todos Los Muertos (day of all the dead). To the sound of marching Mariachi bands, let the spectacle of skeletal marionettes (known as Catrinas) dancing spookily on marigold beds stay with you until your dying day.
Mexico City - Teotihuacán - Coyoacán - Toluca - Metepec - Malinalco - Cuernavaca - Xochicalco - Taxco - Puebla - Atlixco - Huaquechula
Arrive in Mexico’s great capital, where your Travel the Unknown representative will be on hand to receive. Transfer to your city centre hotel to check-in and to relax for the rest of your day.
Overnight in Royal Reforma, Mexico City
Meal plan: n/a
Get stuck into your tour with a guided excursion around old Mexico City’s most celebrated sights. Under the watchful gaze of Mexico City’s guardian volcanoes, Popacataptel and Iztaccíhuatl, take a stroll past the Americas’ grandest cathedral and the sprawling plaza of Zócalo. On a soulful sojourn through the heart of this vibrant capital of some 25 million people, discover a glittering pre-Columbian past at the Templo Mayor, one of the very few lasting reminders of the nation’s Aztec heritage. Contrast this with Spanish colonial elegance at the Plaza Santo Domingo.
Delve deep into Mexico’s reverence for death in elaborate funerary traditions with a visit to the Pantheon of San Fernando in the city’s foremost necropolis. End on a savoury note with dinner at Azulísimo. At Ricardo Muñoz Zurita’s renowned restaurant, tortillas never tasted so avant garde.
Overnight in Royal Reforma, Mexico City
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
No trip to the central valley of Mexico would be complete without a side-trip to the first true urban experiment the entire length and breadth of the Americas. Embark on a journey to Teotihuacán, an epic of archaeology and only a short hop from Mexico City. Explore the vast pyramid complex, a veritable Babylon of the New World, with a population reported to have once peaked at a quarter of a million people, an enormous number in that day and age.
Saunter down the grand "Avenue of the Dead" and witness ongoing excavations shedding light on this ancient civilization. On the return to the capital, make an essential stop-off at the Basilicas of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a fundamental figure of reverence in a nation where catholicism amalgamates with old, Mesoamerican belief systems in ways quintessentially Mexican. Conclude the day with a tequila tasting at a local cantina.
Return to the capital and to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Royal Reforma, Mexico City
Meal plan: Breakfast
Step into the magical realm of Mexico City’s bohemian art scene, past and present. Awaken your senses in the cobalt blue world of Frida Kahlo at her former residence on Calle Londres 247. Immerse yourself in the colourful life of this iconic artist, where joie-de-vivre and fear of death entwined her art, finding ultimate expression in Mexico’s enduring love for the Day of the Dead. Wander through the museum showcasing her personal treasures and vibrant garden.
Explore Coyoacán's serene streets, lined with colonial buildings, markets, and quaint cafes. Don't miss trying chapulines, grilled grasshoppers, a local delicacy. Visit Iglesia de Coyoacán, Fonoteca Nacional, and Jardín Centenario. Then, switch your attention to Xochimilco to witness the revival of the ancient chinampas (floating horticultural beds). Integral to the RITA project based in the indigenous research centre, this ecological heritage movement aims to foster not only a greener Mexico City, but also a return to Aztec farming methods. In conjunction with the chinampas, see the axolotl, the sacred salamander of the Aztecs.
Return later in the day to your hotel.
Overnight in Royal Reforma, Mexico City
Meal plan: Breakfast
Roughly an hour’s drive from the capital lies Toluca. Popularised by its lovely botanical gardens, the town also sports an impressive cathedral. In keeping with the overarching theme of the tour, Toluca is where Alfeñique paste is produced, from which the festival’s sugar skulls and Catrinas are made. Try your hand at making confectionery at the Alfeñique workshop.
Complement the day with an extension to nearby Metepec. In the home of Heriberto Ortega, see how this local craftsman excels in an age-old tradition on the Mexican Plateau of narrative clay sculpture. Assembled from individual clay figurines comes a tree of life, biblical parables of the story of creation told to generations of Mexicans.
Return to your hotel in Toluca.
Overnight in DoubleTree by Hilton Toluca, Toluca
Meal plan: Breakfast
En route to where we join the Day of the Dead festival in Cuernavaca, a detour to Malinalco adds a touch of dramatic history to the tour. For lovers of Mexico’s martial civilisation, Malinalco contains a well-preserved fortress of two of the most feared warrior classes: the elite order of the Jaguar and Eagle. Feel the spirit of the Aztec special forces of their day in a rock-hewn complex later converted to an Augustinian monastery.
In the town itself, continue the dualistic theme of mortality with visits to altars in the town containing ofrendas (offerings) to the deceased, as well as votive candles lighting the way back home from death’s great beyond. See how the wax is reformed into Easter candles, as if to underscore the infinite beauty of the cycle of life and death.
Once in Cuernavaca, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure. Should you wish to experience the entirety of these 2-days celebrating the oneness of life and death, by all means let your guide know and they will stay up beyond midnight with you to hear the bells toll for the souls of children - the first of the three stages in the festival rites.
Overnight in Gamma Cuernavaca Puerta Paraíso, Cuernavaca
Meal plan: Breakfast
A long and fulfilling day entailing multiple sites. First off, Ocotepec cemetery. See the fruits of preparation for the Day of the Dead in the form of funerary offerings up paths lined with marigolds. Next, a short drive from Cuernavaca lies Xochicalco. An ancient observatory, it was from there that Aztec priests decided upon the exact timing of the summer and winter solstice. A further 90-minutes by road sees us in the silver mining town of Taxco. Learn more of Mexico’s most precious of metals and its importance to colonial Spain. Recognise the telltale signs of late Spanish baroque at the ornamental Santa Prisca church.
Back to our base in Cuernavaca, continue exploring the region’s architecture at the Spanish secular Palace of Cortéz. Beyond the towers, on a clear day the snowy summits of the great volcanoes are plain to see.
On the first night of the Day of the Dead festival, the bells toll for the spirits of the adults. Partake of this strange and enchanting atmosphere up close.
Overnight in Gamma Cuernavaca Puerta Paraíso, Cuernavaca
Meal plan: Breakfast
The climax of the festival occurs on this day. After breakfast, leave Cuernavaca for Atlixco on a longish drive, for it is there that the real spectacle will unfold. En route there, stop in Huaquechula to spy monumental altars on multi-storey pyramids. Nibble on hojaldra (bread of the dead), tamales, and pozole while paying respects to the many shrines.
Atlixco is where the action happens. Its calaveras parade is a sight to be reckoned with. Processions of costumed revellers, marching Mariachis, and bedazzling marionettes (in the form of creepy catrinas) swaying in fields of Aztec marigolds all contribute to making death not such a bad idea after all.
If that’s not enough, we’ve still got a short journey to make to reach a living legend on the Mexican plateau: Puebla.
Check-in to your hotel there, and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in NH Puebla Centro Histórico, Puebla
Meal plan: Breakfast
Chocolate-chili sauce drizzled over chicken rice isn’t something you eat every day. Join a cookery class and expand your culinary repertoire by learning the art of mole. Test your efforts by eating it for lunch. Afterwards, make your acquaintance with Puebla, one of Mexico’s great Colonial towns, to behold local talavera tiles adorn facades in and around one of Latin America’s most elegant plazas. Continue on to a titan among biblioteques. The Biblioteca Palafoxiana, founded in 1646, is such an important repository of original documents going back to the 15th century that UNESCO enshrined it. Stand amid the cedar shelves of its splendid 18th century library hall.
End as you began the day: as a student of Mexico’s great exports. This time we attend a talavera ceramic factory to see for ourselves the craft behind the production of this cultural symbol.
Return to your hotel to enjoy a final evening at leisure.
Overnight in NH Puebla Centro Histórico, Puebla
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Transfer back to the capital for your onward flight. Equally, extend your stay in Mexico to discover many of its other sites.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
10 minutes from downtown Toluca, this newly-opened Hilton is everything you'd expect from a legendary name among hotels. Within its colonnaded, white walls and elegant courtyards, Toluca's DoubleTree Hilton is ready to welcome you in secure comfort and understated luxury.
In the city of Eternal Spring, your stay at the Gate of Paradise is replete with all the quiet comfort, courtesy and enjoyment you'd come to expect from a high-end 3-star hotel. Under the shade of swaying palms, cool off in the hotel's gorgeous outdoor pool. Rooms are modernly furnished and the spacious beds equipped to ensure a good night's sleep.
The NH Puebla Centro Histórico hotel, formerly known as NH Puebla, is in the city center, just 2 blocks away from the zocalo – the main square – and the cathedral. Plus the city’s main convention center is only 5 minutes away, so it’s the ideal base for both business travelers and tourists.
We have 180 rooms on 4 floors. Each one is stylish and comfortable, with contemporary furnishings, warm color schemes, and hardwood floors.
The hotel sports a range of room categories, including Standard, Superior, and Junior Suites. All rooms come with new mattresses, flatscreen TVs and free Wi-Fi
connecting rooms available. Relaxation is key at the NH Puebla, which has a swimming pool and a gym, both of which are free for guests to use. You’ll also find a restaurant and bar. Outstanding featiures include heated rooftop swimming pool, gym with cardio equipment and weights, as well as stylish restaurant serving international cuisine
Swim, dive and cruise the shores to discover Mexico's marine life
Explore Mexico's stunning mountains on foot
Unforgettable rafting and free-fall experiences in the heart of the jungle
Delve into Mexico's tapestry of craggy cliffs and copper-green canyons
Unwind on Mexico's idyllic white sand beaches
Trace Olmec, Aztec, Zapotec & Mayan roots
Trace the path of Mayan history - from antiquity to today
Discover the highlights of two Latin gems
Aztec ruins, Oaxacan flavours & colonial towns
The last bastion of indigenous Mexico
The festival where death never felt so alive.
A culinary tour of Mexico's gastronomy capital
Indigenous village trek in a world of biodiversity
Ancient history meets modern metropolis
Caroline , Zapotecan Village Trek, MexicoThe hiking was amazing with spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides. The luxurious but rustic wooden cabins were really welcoming after a long days hiking.
Jeannie Saville , Flavours of Mexico, MexicoIt is not surprising that UNESCO has added Mexican cuisine to its list of cultural treasures worth preserving. The variety and quality of Oaxacan food is awe inspiring and ranges from street food to creative chefs in top class restaurants. All aspiring young chefs should visit the Sunday market in Tlacolula, a real feast for the eyes and the palette. We have learnt a huge amount on this tour about life in Mexico and the problems of Mexico`s indigenous people.
Bill Dodd , Flavours of Mexico, MexicoHaving travelled to Mexico on various trips over the years I was surprised to find Oaxaca was so different. Many traditions that have died out elsewhere are still alive and kicking in Oaxaca. And the food is sublime.