Journey Through Mexico’s Day of the Dead: A Vibrant Path...
Why people choose us:
With over 9 years of experience, we are true Day of the Dead specialists, deeply connected to the traditions and cultural significance of this celebration. We guide you to authentic, lesser-known locations where locals celebrate in the most magical and traditional way. Our in-depth knowledge ensures you experience this vibrant festival in its truest form.
By booking with us, you’re not just observing Día de Muertos—you’re actively contributing to preserving its authenticity. We reveal the name of the main cemetery, but we intentionally keep the names of others secret to protect them from overcrowding.
We are locals, not a foreign company organizing tours from afar. We live these traditions, work directly with local communities, and ensure that our presence helps preserve the essence of Día de Muertos.
Overview
Experience the true essence of the Day of the Dead with an immersive journey through Mexico’s most vibrant and authentic celebrations. For the past nine years, we have been offering unforgettable Day of the Dead tours in Mexico City as locals who truly belong to these cemeteries. With over 50 different private and group tour options, we ensure a comfortable and well-organized experience.
Our tour takes you beyond the festival crowds of Mixquic. We offer a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-known yet deeply traditional cemetery in Tecomitl. You will witness firsthand how locals honor their ancestors by decorating graves with marigolds, candles, and personal offerings. Check our pictures!
This package includes private transportation, delicious Mexican food, and expert guidance from knowledgeable hosts. They will explain the rich history, symbolism, and evolution of this UNESCO-recognized tradition. See more.
Expect a mix of solemn tradition and vibrant festivity. You will visit the intimate candlelit tombs of Secret cemetery 1 and witness the grand spectacle of Mixquic’s famous Alumbrada. Additionally, enjoy a scenic boat tour through the legendary canals of Xochimilco. A singing Catrina and live mariachi performances will make this experience even more magical.
This is more than just a visit. It’s an opportunity to truly live and understand the Day of the Dead while making a positive impact. You will help decorate forgotten graves, keeping the tradition alive.
For more unique experiences, check out our other Day of the dead tours.
Meeting Point: 10:00 AM at República de Guatemala 30, Centro Histórico, CDMX.
Xochimilco Boat Tour – Glide through the ancient canals of Xochimilco while enjoying a special Day of the Dead-themed show featuring a singing Catrina performance. Indulge in tacos and drinks aboard the trajineras, accompanied by live mariachi music, setting the mood for the journey ahead.
Lunch Break – Savor traditional Mexican cuisine with vegetarian options available.
Secret cemetery 1 – Step into a local cemetery in the outskirts of Mexico City, far from the tourist crowds, where you will experience the authentic and intimate way Mexican families celebrate this holiday. Learn about the town’s rich history and its importance in Mexican culture.
Mixquic Cemetery & Festival – Witness the breathtaking Alumbrada at Mixquic, where thousands of candles illuminate the cemetery in an awe-inspiring spectacle. Walk through the festival, admire the beautifully decorated altars, and absorb the spiritual atmosphere of this world-renowned celebration.
Return to Mexico City – Drop-off near the meeting point. Due to potential street closures, we recommend using Uber or DiDi for your return trip. Our guides will assist with internet access if needed.
Important Notes:
The schedule may vary due to local events or traffic conditions.
Please bring a copy of your booking on your phone or printed.
It may rain, so come prepared with appropriate clothing.
Join us for an unforgettable journey into Mexico’s most iconic and heartfelt tradition. Celebrate life, honor the dead, and experience a Day of the Dead like never before!
I joined the Dia de los Muertos tour on 2 Nov. I was a bit apprehensive because it was going to be a long day, from 8am to 10pm - but in the end, it was so worth it and I'm very glad I went! We stopped in Xochimilco first for a short ride on a trajinera, tacos and drinks and mariachis... then we visited two busy cemeteries, including Mixquic. The transport was comfortable, our guide Paco was friendly, clear, fun and had good English. It was a pleasure to be able to witness Day of the Dead like a local, I couldn't have done this without the tour and everything was a really high standard. Thank you for the memories! crickets. Try 'em out, I promise it's all good.
And of course, we're in Mexico City. So there's plenty to see. Blink and you could miss it.
Thanks again.
We went on the “Real Day of the Dead” tour. It was exactly how it was advertised and then some. A lovely time. We went on a boat tour with lunch. Then we visited two cemeteries and were able to witness the local customs of Day of the Dead. A great experience.
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican celebration that honors deceased loved ones. It’s celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd. This holiday is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, blending indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions, creating a celebration of life and memory. During these days, families remember their ancestors with altars, offerings, and visits to cemeteries.
Yes, you can visit the cemeteries during Día de Muertos, but it’s important to approach them with respect. Our tours are guided by locals from the community who have a deep understanding of the traditions. You’ll be shown authentic locations and explained the significance of each tradition, ensuring a respectful and immersive experience.
To protect local cemeteries from overcrowding, we help preserve the authenticity of Día de Muertos by offering access to secret cemeteries, which are not widely known to the public. We encourage tourists to keep the names of these secret locations confidential to avoid mass tourism. Additionally, we promote responsible tourism by recommending less commercialized areas and focusing on cultural preservation.
Día de Muertos is a celebration of death with joy and respect, and it’s common to see people painted as “Catrinas” (skeletons) or with face paint. It is perfectly fine for visitors to paint their faces, but it’s recommended to keep it to the “Catrina” look and avoid other costumes that might not be culturally appropriate. This tradition celebrates the cycle of life and death, and face painting is a way to honor that in a playful, respectful way.
The “secret cemeteries” are less-known, more intimate locations that we visit during our tours. These cemeteries are kept secret to prevent mass tourism and commercialization, preserving their authentic atmosphere. We ask that you keep the names of these places confidential to ensure they remain untouched. By choosing to visit these hidden sites, you are helping us protect their sacred nature while promoting responsible tourism.
We only select secret cemeteries that are deeply meaningful to the local communities and are suitable for visitors who wish to experience the true spirit of Día de Muertos. Our local guides will ensure you visit the most appropriate and respectful locations, preserving their sanctity and avoiding over-tourism.
Photography is welcome in most locations, but always ask for permission first, especially in cemeteries and at altars. Some families may prefer not to be photographed. Be respectful of their wishes, as this is a deeply personal and sacred occasion.
Día de Muertos is a joyous celebration for Mexicans, but it’s also sacred. Not being intoxicated during your visit and respecting local traditions. Keep noise levels low, don’t interrupt ceremonies, and remember that this is a time for families to honor their deceased loved ones.
We will guide you to the appropriate cemeteries where bringing offerings is customary. We’ll also bring flowers to adorn areas that might not have been able to be decorated, contributing to the beauty and spirit of the celebration. We work with locals to ensure that our offerings are meaningful and respectful.
The tour involves light walking around the cemetery and town. It’s not strenuous, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Dress casually and comfortably, with walking shoes and a light jacket. A small backpack with essentials like water and cash is useful.
Unlike other tours that only visit the main Mixquic cemetery, we take you to a unique, off-the-map cemetery that remains untouched by mass tourism. This secret location is where you’ll experience Day of the Dead as it’s meant to be—intimate, authentic, and deeply moving. By keeping its location private, we help preserve its spirit and support responsible tourism.
We’ve designed the tour to keep rides manageable. Each leg of the journey is typically under 1.5 hours, assuming regular traffic. You’ll have time to rest between stops without feeling rushed or stuck on the road.
