Day of the Dead in Michoacán – Tour Module

Arrival in Mexico City

According to your time of arrival you will be picked up from the airport in Mexico City and brought to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to explore the historical center on foot and visit the Palacio Bellas Artes, the Old Post Office, the huge Zócalo with its famous Cathedral “Metropolitana” and the Government Palace with its impressive murals by Diego Riviera, amongst others. If you are lucky, you can join in one of the parades and festivities that take place every year during the Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead. Explore the beautifully decorated city with all the colourful altars, flowers and costumes. If you have some time left, visit the Anthropological museum and the Chapultepec park which is close by. Overnight stay.
(Meals: none)

Teotihuacán & Basílica de Guadalupe

Today, head 50km northeast of the city to the spectacular site of Teotihuacán, also known as the City of Gods. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over 22km², it is the largest city of ruins in Latin America and the majority of it has yet to be excavated. You definitely should not miss out on climbing up the Sun and Moon Pyramids, as they provide an imposing view of the extent of this archaeological excavation. After exploring these impressive ruins, you will stop at the Basílica de Guadalupe. This is Mexico’s most important pilgrimage site and is famous for its image of the Virgin de Guadalupe. Admire the intricate gold decorations inside the Basilica. Afterwards you will be returned to your hotel in Mexico City. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Xochimilco & Pátzcuaro

After breakfast, visit Xochimilco in the southern part of the city for a boat ride through the colourful canals. This area comes alive for Day of the Dead and you can taste typical Mexican dishes, admire the artesenia and listen to the sounds of mariachi bands that pass by on other boats. For a unique experience this tour takes you to the Islands of Dolls. Here you will learn all about the local legend and can explore the island filled with old dolls. After returning to firm land, admire the Day of the Dead altars and churches found in the small Zocalo of this old neighbourhood. Afterwards, you will continue to the authentic village of Pátzcuaro where you will spend the night. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Morelia – Pátzcuaro & visit to the cemetaries

Today you will visit Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacán. Morelia is also known as the most aristocratic of all colonial cities in Mexico. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for its outstandingly well-preserved centre. Here you will get to know the breathtakingly beautiful cathedral, the impressive city palaces and the well-established university, and enjoy the liveliness of the city. In the late afternoon, your guide will take you on a tour of the cemeteries in Morelia where you will have the opportunity to observe how the locals decorate their colourful altars and prepare for the Day of the Dead festivities. Visit the largest cemetery in Morelia where you can see the Panteon. Your guide will then take you back to your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Pátzcuaro

Spend the day exploring Pátzcuaro. Enjoy the centro historico which is made up of wonderful plazas, impressive churches and adobe buildings. Here you will get to know the most important sights and if you are lucky enough, you will experience a typical Mexican market. In the evening, visit Isla Janítzio which lies in the crescent-shaped Pátzcuaro lake and is known for its 40-meter-high Morelos monument as well as its traditional Day of the Dead celebrations. According to the Catholic calendar, the first day in November is dedicated to all of the saints and the second of November to the rest of the deceased population. Shortly before midnight, take a boat to the island and admire the dedication and tradition of the altars. With gifts, food, candles, flowers and sentimental items people invoke eternal rest for the departed souls and ask for help in ensuring the well-being of those who are still alive. It is a moving and inspiring celebration of life. After this eventful evening, you are returned to your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Tzintzuntzan, Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo

Today, stop at the unique archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan which was founded in 1325. This site was home to the powerful Purépecha who managed to defeat multiple Aztec invasion attempts and maintain their stronghold in the region. Continue to the Pacific coast where you can make your first stop in Ixtapa which is popular with local tourists, but never achieved the fame of other beach towns such as Acapulco or Cancun. Explore the main plaza before continuing on to the quieter fishing village of Zihuatanejo which in Nahuatl means “land of women”. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Airport Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo – Airport Mexico City

Enjoy the day on the golden sand, soaking up the warm sun. According to your flight´s departure, take a taxi (not included) on your own to the airport. Catch your domestic flight from Zihuatanejo to Mexico City (included). (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Here you will find more amazing tour modules which can be combined perfectly.