Morelia There are moments in life when you realize you’re...
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.
The Day of the Dead tour in Michoacan is a unique journey into one of Mexico’s most extraordinary traditions. More than just a holiday, Día de Muertos is a deep-rooted cultural event that connects the living with their ancestors. Through rituals, altars, and gatherings, families honor their loved ones in a heartfelt celebration of memory and life.
This exclusive 6-day tour takes you into the heart of Mexico’s most breathtaking celebrations: Morelia on November 1st and Mixquic on November 2nd. Witness centuries-old traditions, explore stunning cemeteries, and experience the warmth of local communities.
Spend three nights in a 4-star hotel in Morelia, where colonial streets fill with altars, parades, and traditional music. Explore the vibrant markets and witness families preparing for the celebrations. Every corner of the city reflects the deep cultural significance of this event.
Venture to Pátzcuaro, then board a boat to Janitzio Island, where thousands of candles illuminate the cemetery in a breathtaking ritual. Local families gather to honor their ancestors with offerings, prayers, and music. The flickering candlelight creates an unforgettable, almost mystical atmosphere.
In Secret cemetery 1, families welcome us into their homes to share their traditions. Witness firsthand how they prepare altars and celebrate their loved ones. Later, visit Secret cemetery 2, where the celebration blends reverence and festivity. The sights, sounds, and scents create a powerful emotional experience.
Return to Mexico City for three nights in a 4-star hotel, perfectly located for exploring its Día de Muertos festivities. The highlight of this portion of the tour is Mixquic, a town famous for its Alumbrada ceremony. Here, marigold-covered graves, traditional music, and candlelit altars create an atmosphere of deep cultural significance.
Beyond Mixquic, Mexico City offers parades, museums, and special events that showcase the depth of this tradition. Whether visiting iconic landmarks or joining in the celebrations, every moment will bring you closer to the essence of Día de Muertos.
✅ 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Morelia
✅ 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Mexico City
✅ Private transportation (max. 14 people)
✅ Entry to Tzintzuntzan Cemetery (Michoacán)
✅ Visit to Secret cemetery 1
✅ Visit to Secret cemetery 2
✅ Entry to Mixquic Cemetery (CDMX)
✅ Tour boat to San Janitzio
✅ Expert local guide
✅ All tours described in the itinerary
✅ Snacks & souvenirs
This Day of the Dead tour in Michoacan is more than just a trip—it’s an invitation to experience one of the world’s most meaningful traditions firsthand.
📅 Limited spots available! Check out our full itinerary and join us for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
The adventure begins! We’ll meet in Mexico City where your comfortable transportation, designed for a group of no more than 14 people, will be waiting for you. We’ll depart early in the morning and embark on a scenic drive to Morelia. Along the way, we’ll stop for a delicious meal to fuel up before the tour.
Once we arrive in Morelia, we’ll explore the historical center with a guided tour. Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of the city, as our expert guide shares the history and significance of the Day of the Dead celebrations here. From beautiful altars to vibrant marigold displays, you’ll witness how this sacred tradition is honored in one of the most picturesque cities in Michoacán.
This is just the start of your journey, and already, the spirit of Día de Muertos fills the air.
Going to Janitzio Island on the Day of the Dead is what everyone does but not us! We will go there the day before, when the island is already decorated but less crowded.
Besides the island we will take a walk through the beautiful town of Patzcuaro in the afternoon to get ready for the big day…
November 1st: The Big Day Begins
Today marks one of the most profound and immersive experiences of our journey. We start the day with hands-on workshops, where we’ll learn about the traditional ofrendas (offerings) that Mexicans prepare to welcome their ancestors back home.
Our first stop is Capula, a town famous for its handcrafted clay Catrinas. These elegant skeletal figurines have become one of the most recognizable symbols of Día de Muertos. Here, we’ll visit artisan workshops and witness firsthand the delicate craftsmanship behind these iconic pieces.
Next, we head to Secret cemetery 1, the village that inspired Mamá Coco in Disney’s Coco. This town is home to one of the most peaceful and mesmerizing cemeteries, surrounded by wildflowers and agave plants. Here, we’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family who lost a loved one this year, experiencing the Purépecha tradition of opening their doors to visitors, sharing food, and honoring the departed.
As dusk approaches, we visit the Secret cemetery 2, a breathtaking hilltop site where the cemetery merges with ancient ruins. The graves, illuminated by flickering candles and surrounded by marigold petals, create a mystical and deeply moving atmosphere.
Finally, we arrive at our main destination for the night: the Tzintzuntzan Cemetery, one of the most significant in Michoacán. Here, we will witness the Alumbrada, the sacred moment when families gather by candlelight, decorating the graves with marigolds, incense, and food to welcome their loved ones back from the Afterlife. The air is filled with music, prayers, and the warmth of a tradition that has united generations for centuries.
This night is more than just an observation—it is an invitation to experience one of Mexico’s most heartfelt and spiritual celebrations.
This day promises to be intense and deeply meaningful. We’ll return to Mexico City early in the morning, check in, take a short break, and then head straight to the Mixquic Cemetery for our second “Alumbrada” experience.
Mixquic is known for its festival-like atmosphere on this day. The streets come alive with food vendors, musicians, and dancers, all celebrating the return of the souls of the departed. The town embraces the belief that Death is not something to mourn, but something to celebrate with joy, music, and a festive spirit.
This is the perfect moment for personal reflection. If you have a loved one who has passed away and you would like to pay tribute, today is the day to do so. Don’t worry if you’re unsure of the traditions—we’ve prepared a special tribute for you, helping you honor your ancestor in the way that best fits this sacred occasion.
As night falls, the Mixquic cemetery becomes a living tribute to life, with candles flickering, incense wafting through the air, and the sounds of celebration echoing through the streets. This is not just an event—it’s an unforgettable experience that connects the living and the dead in the most vibrant way possible.
We will start with a more leisurely tour of Coyoacan, the home of Frida Kahlo, known for its colorful markets and street art. We will close the day with a tour of the floating gardens of Xochimilco, that will be decorated for the Day of the Dead. A performance designed especially for us will be the perfect occasion to conclude our experience.
This is the last day of our experience. Breakfast is included at the hotel. If you would like to reserve extra days please check availability. Hope to see you again!
Check our last year adventure of our Day of the Dead Tour!
Morelia There are moments in life when you realize you’re...
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.
We stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels with private bathrooms and great locations. Whether you’re traveling solo or with someone, we offer shared or private room options. You’ll receive a detailed itinerary with hotel information before the experience.
Yes. We visit towns and areas that are safe and welcoming, especially during the Day of the Dead. We work closely with local communities and guides, and our routes are carefully designed for a safe and enriching experience.
We keep our groups small—no more than 16 people—to ensure a personal experience and to maintain respectful interaction with local communities.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light clothes for the day, and a light jacket or sweater for the evening. The temperature cools down at night, but nothing extreme—one warm layer is usually enough.
Breakfast is included daily. Some other meals are also part of the experience, especially when they are connected to cultural events. You’ll have time to explore local cuisine during the tour as well.
The experience includes walking in towns and cemeteries, sometimes at night and over uneven surfaces like cobblestones. It’s manageable for most travelers in basic health and fitness condition.
We offer three rooming options to fit your preferences and budget:
Private Room (1 person) – Ideal if you prefer privacy and space.
Shared Room (2 people) – Perfect for couples or friends traveling together.
Shared Room (3 people) – A more affordable option where you’ll share with others in the group.
The more people you share with, the lower the cost. When booking, please select the number of people in your group, and we’ll organize the rooming accordingly.
