18-Day Mexico Day Of the Dead
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
Touristy parades simply aren’t on the agenda. Instead, you’ll experience a special Day of the Dead with the direct descendants of the Mayans, building altars and joining in with the authentic celebrations of this epic tradition.
Forget the guidebooks; we’re taking you to the best hidden taquerias where only the locals eat. Savour the real-deal tacos that’ll ruin the ones at home for you for life. Warning: you’ll never look at a taco the same way again!
Experience the magic of Chichen Itza before the midday rush. Arriving early lets you explore this ancient wonder with fewer people around. It’s your best chance to soak in the atmosphere (and snap photos) without the crowds in the background. Nice!
It’s hot! Refresh yourself in one of the Yucatan’s cenotes – nature’s little miracles. Never too cold, always just right! The Mayans believed these natural pools were portals to the underworld, so keep an eye out for any ‘demons’ while you dip!
Why walk when you can soar? A sunrise hot air balloon ride floats you over the ancient city of Teotihuacan, from the coolest vantage point ever. Oh, and those Pyramids of the Sun and Moon views aren’t bad from here, either!
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
Pricing Details
- $1,900 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 4 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
18 days, 17 nights
Meeting point
Zocalo Central Hotel, Mexico City
Ending point
Presidente Hotel, Cancun
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Participation” section to see the requirements.
Included
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Meals: 17 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 7 dinners
- 1 x domestic flight (Oaxaca to Merida) & comfortable and private vehicle transportation throughout
- Hot air balloon flight over heritage-listed Teotihuacan
- 17 nights in hand-picked accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico! Land of tequila, tacos and totopos. There’ll be a warm welcome by one of our team on your arrival to the airport, and a private transfer waiting to take you directly to the hotel. It’s not unusual for parades to appear in the streets this weekend, as a precursor for Day of the Dead, so be sure to keep an eye out!
There is no time to waste, so tonight the group will meet up and dive straight into the Mexican experience with dinner out at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Zocalo Central Hotel (or similar), Mexico City
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Mexico City
Your day will begin straight after breakfast by visiting the museum of Frida Kahlo, one of Latin America’s most celebrated female artists and feminist heroes – in a region that desperately needs more of them.
The group will then stroll around downtown on a walking food tour, learning about (and tasting!) just some of the different types of tacos on offer and continue to tour the city. For a perfect end to the day, you might choose to toast the start of your Mexican adventure at a charming, authentic Mexican tavern, soaking in the local vibes—it’s entirely up to you.
Accommodation: Zocalo Central Hotel (or similar), Mexico City
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Mexico City
The early bird catches the worm today. Or in this case, catches the once in a lifetime experience – flying in a hot air balloon over the archaeological site of Teotihuacan! Once you’ve seen Teotihuacan from above, you’ll wander its streets and climb its pyramids, all while our tour leader brings to life the rise and demise of the Aztec empire and its people, just one thread of Mexico’s rich history.
Accommodation: Zocalo Central Hotel (or similar), Mexico City
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Mexico City to Puebla (Drive)
Let’s go to Puebla! Missing on many itineraries, Puebla is quintessential Mexico – abundant with colonial architecture, ornate churches and…. Great food! When you arrive, you’ll tour some of the city on foot and wind up learning how to make one of their specialties. Chile en Nogada is famous here – that’s a big chilli (mild) stuffed with marinated and spiced minced meat. Afterwards, check into your hotel.
Accommodation: Voco Royalty (or similar), Puebla
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Puebla
Yesterday, your guide introduced you to Puebla, which is far too beautiful-a- town to rush on-through. So, spend today exploring how you choose! You might like to start the day with a sleep in and a big brekkie. Or heading out the door early and hanging out in the main square, just watching the world go by might be more appealing. Maybe your mission is to hunt down your very own favourite pieces of Talavera Poblana Pottery. Whatever your inspiration, your guide will be on hand for any advice required!
Accommodation: Voco Royalty (or similar), Puebla
Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Oaxaca
This morning is spent on the road to Oaxaca (about 4 hours), our home for the next three days – but the journey itself is part of the adventure. Along the way, you’ll make a special stop near a stunning botanical garden, where you’ll enjoy a lunch that highlights the region’s desert-inspired cuisine. Expect bold, earthy flavors and dishes rooted in local ingredients and traditions. And if you’re not into spicy food, no worries – there are plenty of delicious options to suit all tastes.
Accommodation: City Centro Hotel (or similar), Oaxaca
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Oaxaca
This morning you’ll be rewarded for your commitment to the early start with a trip to a local market where producers from small villages gather to sell their goods. Breakfast here is as local and authentic as it gets! Before heading back into town, there’s another surprise in store for the group! You’ll rest soundly tonight in the beautiful hotel we’ve chosen here.
Accommodation: City Centro Hotel (or similar), Oaxaca
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Oaxaca
Have you ever tried the drink called Mezcal? It’s known as Tequila’s naughty cousin and today you’ll visit a distillery that follows the traditional distillation processes. Luckily this happens AFTER, you tour Oaxaca town centre with your guide, and not before. We need you to be steady on your feet along the old cobblestone streets of Oaxaca – the town’s been around since the 1500’s! Tomorrow, you’re headed for the Yucatan Peninsula.
Accommodation: City Centro Hotel (or similar), Oaxaca
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Merida
The day begins with a hands-on tortilla-making experience in Etla – a chance to connect with one of Mexico’s most beloved culinary traditions. After that, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own rhythm. Wander, relax, or simply soak in the final moments of your time in Oaxaca. In the early evening, you make our way to the airport for a short flight to Mérida. Once you arrive, it’s a smooth transfer to our hotel – your new base for exploring the colorful heart of the Yucatán.
Accommodation: El Castellano Hotel (or similar), Merida
Included: Breakfast
Day 10: Merida
Today is a slower pace, starting with a delicious walking food tour through the streets, where you’ll sample local flavors while admiring the colonial-style buildings. After lunch, the rest of the day is at your own leisure — a perfect time for a well-earned break. Why not relax by the hotel’s lovely pool? As evening falls, you’ll have the chance to experience the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations on the streets of Mérida, a colorful and heartfelt tradition you won’t want to miss. Our tour leader will also be happy to make reservations at a favorite nearby restaurant, just in case anyone’s up for dinner.
Accommodation: El Castellano Hotel (or similar), Merida
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Mayan Uxmal
This area is the centre of all things Mayan history, so today you’ll visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal. The archaeological site is around 1,500 years old. Standing in front of the most central and monumental structure, The Pyramid of the Magician, expect to be awed into silence for a moment – you’re really here, witnessing first-hand this historical and century-defying architecture!
After exploring Uxmal, you’ll cool off with a refreshing visit to a nearby cenote.
Accommodation: El Castellano Hotel (or similar), Merida
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
BUT … WHAT IS A CENOTE?
Mexico has become internationally famous for its cenotes (pronounced ‘SEH – NO – TEH’)
But what IS a Cenote? Think of it as Mexico’s answer to a billabong. Some cenotes have become ‘Instagram famous’ and are now packed with tourists, but the good news is that you will not be going to these.
You’ll have more than one chance to swim in one of these beautiful cenotes.
Day 12: Merida to Dzidzantun
Travel to Izamal by road this morning, a beautiful town where the buildings are painted yellow. After taking some must-have photos and exploring the town, we’ll continue to a small hacienda for lunch. Here, a traditional cook will prepare a locally inspired meal and share the stories and techniques behind the dishes, passed down through generations. After lunch, we head to the small town of Dzidzantun, one of the accommodation highlights of the trip. You’ll love this beautifully restored hacienda—your cozy home for the night.
Accommodation: San Francisco Tzacalha (or similar), Dzidzantun
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Rio Lagartos
This morning, it’s time to connect with nature. So, you’ll head out to explore The Rio Lagartos protected estuary by boat. There’s crocodiles to be spotted and antics of cheeky monkeys to be watched – while it’s not nesting season, there’s still a chance you’ll catch a glimpse of iconic birds, like the flamingo, toucan and woodpecker.
Tonight, prepare to be mesmerised by Day of the Dead stories shared with your group by your two female hosts. Try to get some rest, but we’re betting, just like kids on Christmas Eve, you’ll be too excited to sleep tonight!
Accommodation: San Francisco Tzacalha (or similar), Dzidzantun
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Day of the Dead
Today is unique.
Today you’ll visit a Mayan community and spend time with local families that are direct descendants of the ancient Mayan Kingdom. They will open their doors to share their everyday lives, their Day of the Dead traditions and teach their traditional cooking techniques with you. And when you help the family build an altar to honour their ancestors your cultural differences will melt away and you’re bound to emotionally connect with your hosts.
Sleep soundly tonight in a small hotel near Chichen Itza.
Accommodation: Puerta Chicen (or similar), Chichen Itza
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Chichen Itza to Tulum
Chichen Itza, today. The world famous archaeological site. You’re staying close by, which means you’ll be able to explore before the big crowds bus their way in. Join your tour leader for an explanation of the influence of astronomy on Mayan life and how sun, planet and star observations led to the development of the Maya Calendar. In the afternoon, you’ll stop off at Valladolid to break the 2 hour drive to the ancient Mayan Port and seaside town of Tulum.
Accommodation: Kimpton Aluna Hotel (or similar), Tulum
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Tulum
The trip is winding to a close, and after all that exploration, it’s time to explore Tulum’s archaeological site – the only Mayan one built right next to the ocean. While it is definitely on the ‘tourist trail’, you’ll love the relaxed energy of this town.
The contrast of the ruins against the blue of the Mexican Caribbean is striking. After a guided visit, you’ll continue onto Coba. Wrapped in a forest enclave, this less ‘put together’ pyramid ruin is less visited and a must-see.
Accommodation: Kimpton Aluna Hotel (or similar), Tulum
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17: Tulum – Cancun
The trip is almost over! You’ve seen – and eaten – the absolute best of what Mexico has to offer, but not before heading on to Cancun Yes. Cancun – famous for tourists from a certain country immediately to the north.
Tonight, it’s time for a Mexico-style farewell. Get ready for some final rounds of your favourite tacos, maybe washed down with a margarita or two. A perfect finale to an incredible adventure!
Accommodation: Presidente InterContinental Cancun (or similar), Cancun
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 18: Depart Cancun
There are no activities planned today as your group says their goodbyes. We can book you some more nights at the hotel in Cancun for you to chill out, or you can continue your trip. Regardless of when you leave, a free airport transfer will be arranged for your planned onward journey.
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
What about Dietary Requirements?
If you have a corn allergy, it will simply not be possible to enjoy this trip. Corn is extremely common in Mexican cuisine and its traces are everywhere.
Other than that…
We can accommodate almost any dietary requirements including Vegetarian, Coeliac/Gluten Free, and Vegan needs. You will have no difficulties in finding vegan food, and compared to most countries you will have more options. Occasionally, though, it won’t be easy and the food may be basic.
What if I don’t like Spicy Food?
Many Australians have a palette which is less inclined towards spicy food. You will have no difficulty in Mexico, actually, but you do need to let our trip leader know.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
Some areas of Mexico are ruled by gangs, and just as you’d see in the media, are totally not safe.
However, Mexico is a very large country and most of it is stable and safe. We have lots of friends who live in Mexico who are very happy with their lives and never experience any problems. While no country is perfectly secure, we will take you only to parts of the country that we’d take our own friends and family to. You’ll be travelling in groups, in vehicles, and staying in well-reputed areas and hotels.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? I’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
A deposit of $1,900 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Note: prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate; this trip pricing is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.63 USD.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
There’s no specific exercise planned for this trip, but there will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include city walks on uneven ground and getting on and off various forms of transport.
You’ll enjoy swimming in cenotes frequented by locals, so access is not like slipping into a hotel swimming pool. You’ll be scaling sometimes makeshift and wet stairs after enjoying a splash in the cool waters of these natural pools.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
All travellers will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after they depart Mexico. Most travellers do not need a visa for Mexico and visas are not currently required for citizens of the following countries: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and many other countries.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it’s usually the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. However, due to the tipping nature in Mexico, any charges relating to included meals, standard hotel services and one-off specialty services are already included in the cost of your trip. Our goal is always for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of their service for your guide and drivers. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
Guide: $75 to $145 USD per person at the end of the trip.
Driver Days 1 to 8: $8 to $25 USD per person at the end of Day 7.
Driver Days 9 to 18: $10 to $30 USD per person at the end of day 17.
You should also be prepared to tip for drinks and unincluded meals. Your guide will help you understand any expectations for that.
This trip begins in Mexico City, Mexico and ends in Cancun. We ask that you fly into Mexico City International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. If you wish to go back to Mexico City upon finishing, there are multiple domestic flights daily (around 2 ½ hours nonstop) departing Cancun.
You will need to book these directly or through your travel agent.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
