DAY OF THE DEAD TOUR. MICHOACAN

Authentic tour to that place where everything started!


Dates: October 30 - November 2, 2025

One exclusive departure — and this will definitely sell out!

Intimate experience for 14 people only!
This is not just a tour, this is a journey that can only be experienced once in a lifetime. We will follow in the footsteps of the popular cartoon "COCO" and visit places so unique that you will not find it in any guidebook! We will meet local families getting in the spirit, taste authentic flavors in intimate settings, and appreciate every moment while experiencing one of the world’s most colorful and vibrant celebrations. You will see Mexico as you’ve never imagined, with unparalleled access to experience the Day of the Dead like a true local.

Day by Day Experience

Day of the Dead is the most fabulous celebration in cities, towns, and villages across Mexico. But Michoacan has them all beat because this is where everything started. This culture and tradition you won’t see in any other tour—or at any other time. Your professional experience curators have involved the local community and indigenous people to get the truest and most authentic journey.

Join us for a lively, magical experience in Michoacan!

Day 1
Bienvenidos a Mexico! Meeting Morelia, photoshoot in Day of the Dead style
The morning will start with a stroll in the Morelia city center, named by UNESCO a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Along the way, we’ll enjoy and learn about local food, traditions, and history. Then we will have lunch in the Mexican - French restaurant! Next, we are putting on makeup and dressing in Day of the Dead style and go for a Golden Hour photoshoot in the coastal fields of marigolds. A professional photographer is invited for you! We’ll end the day with dinner in Morelia in the most Day of the Dead style decorated restaurant.
Day 2
Going to Coco grandma's house
Get ready for a busy day! We will learn about La Catrina and the art of doll crafting. We will have lunch in Quiroga, sampling local food consisting of the best carnitas you’ve ever had. Next, we are off to the house of Grandma Coco to explore, enjoying the beauty of the small towns decorated with bright marigolds along the way. We will interact with and see how the locals prepare for the celebration. In the evening, we will watch the sunset with a glass of Champagne from a stunning viewpoint. A delicious dinner awaits you to enjoy at the top restaurant in Pátzcuaro. Sleep well tonight; tomorrow is a big day!
Day 3
Celebrating Day of the Dead on the land of Purepecha
Today is a day and night you will never forget. After breakfast, we’ll wander through ancient cobblestone paths of Patzcuaro town, uncovering secrets of Purepecha traditions and tales that have been passed down through generations. seeing how locals celebrate this glorious day. As midday arrives, we’ll take a break and savor a delicious lunch with breathtaking views of Lake Pátzcuaro. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to wander at your own pace. Soak up the city’s festive atmosphere, join in the local celebrations, or simply relax and prepare for the unforgettable night ahead.
Night (Day 3rd - Day 4th)
Night into Sunrise
As midnight approaches, our adventure takes an incredible turn. We'll gather and make our way to several cemeteries around Pátzcuaro, where the real magic of Día de los Muertos comes to life. Witness how families lovingly decorate the graves of their ancestors with candles, flowers, and offerings, celebrating life and honoring those who have passed.
Then, we’ll embark on a boat ride across the mystical waters to Janitzio Island. Here, we’ll visit the final cemetery, watching the quiet reverence of families gathered to honor their loved ones. We’ll stay on the island until the first light of dawn, witnessing an unforgettable sunrise – a truly magical moment that you’ll carry with you forever.
Day 4

A Morning of Rest, Warm Hospitality, and Artisan Treasures

Free time to explore, sleep or take it easy in the morning after sleepless night. Take your time to relax, reflect, and perhaps relive the unforgettable moments from the night before. Check out in the late morning to give everyone a chance to sleep in. We’ll gather for lunch at the home of a local family, where the family’s chef will prepare a traditional meal just for us. Served on a terrace surrounded by nature, this lunch is more than a meal; it’s an experience. After lunch, we’ll head to a town renowned for its copper crafts. We’ll return to Morelia around 5pm - 6pm. For those who wish to prolong the magic, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner – a chance to share stories, laugh, and celebrate the unforgettable memories we've created together.
Day 5 (optional)
Visit the world capital of avocado. Learn how to make authentic traditional guacamole.

Did you know that avocados in Mexico are considered green gold? Mexico accounted for 35% of the avocado production in the world, whereas Michoacan accounted for 75% of the national output. We are headed to the world capital of avocado, Uruapan. Here we will walk through the orchards and learn about the production process from the growers and harvesters who have been doing it the same traditional way. We can’t be around this many avocados and not taste it! A Master Class on how to make the "right" guacamole will be next with ample opportunity to try all the flavors and spices that make this international dish.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
  • 4 nights at unique accommodations (2 people in the room);
  • Transportation (Mercedes sprinter);
  • Daily breakfasts, lunches, dinners (except of dinner on Day 3 and Day 4);
  • Accompanying 2 tour leaders (Russian/English - speaking и Spanish/English-speaking) during the whole trip;
  • Face makeup for photos in the style of the Day of the Dead;
  • All activities and entrance fees according to the program;
  • Bottles of water for each day.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
  • Roundtrip Your city – Morelia - Your city;
  • Dinner on Day 3 and Day 4;
  • Alcoholic drinks;
  • Personal spendings;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Avocado Tour.

TOUR COST:

DATE

PRICE

October 30 - November 2, 2025


You can also join avocado tour for additional price

1 799 USD

What to expect from this journey
Throughout this journey, it will be clear to you that Day of the Dead is truly about life, in all its vibrant and hypnotizing joy.
  • We will become the characters of movie "COCO"

    We will visit the home of the Coco family, a magical and unique cemetery decorated with many marigolds and candles on the most sacred night of the year located on the island!

  • We will see celebration from inside

    We will see parades, decorated ofrendas (altars) in private homes and family cemeteries, learn about traditions from local families and artists, become guests of honor, and feast on delicious foods

  • We will make unique photos

    We will paint Day of the Dead- themed faces and take amazing photos at the Golden Hour in the largest marigold fields.

  • We will visit a capital of avocado (optional)

    Uruapan is the capital of the avocado and on our journey, we must visit the avocado orchards and find out why the avocado is the green gold of Mexico.

Why you should join us for this experience?
  • Uniqueness

    Most Day of the Dead tours take place in the state of Oaxaca. However, this tradition originated in Michoacan state, where our tour will take place so that you can experience this holiday's magic. This state has yet to be known to tourists. You will have exclusive access and tastings with the local community.

  • Interactions with indigenous people

    We will communicate and interact with the local population and indigenous people of Purepecha, who are the bearers of one of the oldest and most influential cultures. We will stop for lunch prepared by locals, visit workshops, and spend the Day of the Dead night on the cemeteries and the island - place where this tradition was born.

  • Gastronomy experience
    Did you know that UNESCO named Michoacan Cuisine the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? And we will feast on the best dishes Michoacan has to offer! We have hand selected the best of the best.

  • Small group, interesting people
    This incredible journey is limited to 14 people to ensure a truly intimate experience. You can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background, and interests. This adventure is for travelers aged 18 and above.
ACCOMODATION
In Morelia, we will stay in a colonial boutique hotel located in the heart of Morelia's historic center. This is the perfect place to feel like we are in the midst of the Day of the Dead action.

In Pátzcuaro, we will stay at the 17th-century building turned into the hotel located right in the center of the main celebration!
Emotions from the previous trip
WHAT TO BRING:
Cloth and shoes

Warm clothes are a must! It gets cold in the evening and at night.

Warm socks, sweater, jacket, scarf, hat (just in case).

Sport shoes.

Other things

Personal hygiene products, wet wipes, chargers, sunglasses, water bottle, photoshoot equipment like cloths, jewelery etc.

(if you need it). Don't foreget good camera for the photoshoot!

Documents

Passport, money (and card), phone, medical insurance.

Medicine

Sunblock, painkillers, personal medications.

  • The tour program is subject to change at the discretion of the organizer
Day of the Dead is a celebration of family, ancestors, the past and gathering everyone together.
Tour creators
We have created this journey in the Discovery format. Our goal is to make this itinerary unforgettable! Your goal is to enjoy every moment of the trip!
  • Anastasia
    Group leader, creator of itineraries, travel designer

    Global Explorer (8+ years): traveled extensively worldwide, seeking the best hotels, restaurants, and experiences.
    Accommodation Connoisseur: expertise in discovering unique and comfortable accommodations globally.
    Culinary Explorer: savvy in exploring diverse cuisines from local markets to Michelin-starred establishments.
    Masterful Itinerary Planner: crafted numerous detailed itineraries for friends and clients.
    Instagram
  • Ricardo
    Group leader, local guide, travel coordinator

    Years of Exploration: travelling around Mexico since childhood with a special focus on the cultural gems of Michoacán and the Riviera Maya
    Dedication to Customer Service: Placing clients at the forefront, creating a home away from home for clients, crafting unforgettable moments
    Multilingual Communicator: Fluent in four languages, ability to connect with people
    Architect of unique local experiences in Riviera Maya. Passionate about photography and profound appreciation for nature.
    Instagram
Previous reviews
Anatolii Denisenko
https://www.instagram.com/bounceti7/
I visited the cartoon Coco in real life

It's hard to imagine how unique the Day of the Dead tour was organized by Anastasia. This is not about studying the culture of Mexico, it is about “living in the culture.” It was a legendary 5 days of travel and every day we visited unique places, learned local history, ate delicious food, and immersed ourselves in the local culture and Mexican traditions in general. I just want to say a huge thank you, Nastya. From the trip, I took with me not just photos of the places I visited, but great memories and emotions that will always be with me.

Anna Fronz
https://www.instagram.com/Annas_traveldiaries/

I had the pleasure of joining Ricardo's Day of the Dead tour, and it exceeded all my expectations! From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of magical. I had always been fascinated by the rich cultural traditions of Dia de los Muertos, and this tour truly brought it to life. Additionally, this is the most authentic tour in Mexico because you are visiting the original towns that originated the entire Day of the Dead traditions and its people still safeguard those traditions to date.


Ricardo was exceptional - knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging. He shared incredible insights into the history and significance of the Day of the Dead festivities, making the experience not only fun but also educational.


The itinerary was perfectly planned, allowing us to participate in various traditional activities and cities that started it all. Exploring ofrendas, the giant skull art installations, learning about the significance of marigolds, and witnessing the vibrant festivals and the Catrina fashion show, were some of the highlights. The tour struck the right balance between being respectful of the cultural significance and letting us embrace the joyous spirit of the occasion.


Furthermore, the local artisans and communities we interacted with were warm and welcoming. It felt like we were genuinely a part of the celebration rather than mere observers.


The attention to detail was commendable. The logistics were well-organized, and the tour operators ensured our comfort and safety throughout the journey.


Overall, this Day of the Dead tour was a life-enriching experience. I returned home with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mexican culture. I highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking authentic and unforgettable celebration of Dia de los Muertos!


Thank you to Ricardo for creating such a memorable and immersive experience. I would give this tour 10 out of 10!

𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒌𝒐
https://www.instagram.com/ellisimma/
It was an unforgettable trip in a warm and friendly company, filled with a huge number of activities. Every day we learned new things about Mexico and visited new places. Day of the Dead spent on Janitzio Island is a truly unique experience that is difficult to compare with anything else. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour, especially if you are a fan of the cartoon Coco and the culture of Mexico!
Raquel
https://www.instagram.com/bailemosssss/
I highly recommend Ricardo and his tours, especially for “Dia de Muertos”. He is an expert on the area, and the cultural activities. He is flexible, reliable and fun. We had such a blast and learned so much.
Egor Grishkov
https://www.instagram.com/grishkoff__/

How lucky I was with the organization of the day off! I have been in the city of Playa del Carmen for 2 months, and during this time, I did not arrange mini-travels for myself. Anastasia was recommended to me - I applied immediately, and it was the right decision! After 2 days, I went to the island of Cozumel, where I felt an unforgettable feeling of freedom for the first time in my life, especially when I raced on a scooter along empty roads. Hot air mixed with a pleasant, cool breeze.

The first destination was a national reserve, where I rested on the cleanest beach with tricolor water and a complete absence of algae (and at that time, there were tons of algae on public beaches, and I even disdained to go into the water). Then I went for a walk along the lake where crocodiles live, but I did not dare to swim there. On the way back, I climbed the lighthouse, from which a great view of the entire island opened up; taking beautiful photos, I went to the next point: snorkeling; I saw shoals of fish and starfish while there were few people nearby!

I had dinner with a signature lobster burrito overlooking the sea, sat for a long time, and admired the sunset. I stocked up on spicy habanera sauces and happily sailed on the last ferry voyage, admiring the stars to the sound of live music. A lot of time has passed since that Saturday, and I often remember it with pleasure! Feel free to contact Anastasia - I am sure that she will make you an itinerary based on your needs. Remember that emotions are priceless!

Alexander Boldyshev
https://www.instagram.com/alexboldyshev/
Well, what can I say… It was one of the brightest trips of my life!!! ☺️

Cancun - Mexico - Guadelajara - Tequila - Testla Guerres - San Cristopal - Coast with whales

Canyons, rivers, mountain Chiapas, agave fields and a tequila factory, lakes, cenotes, authentic settlements, hot air balloons, city ruins, Mayan pyramids, whales… 🤯

Anastasia, thank you so much for this adventure! For a unique individual tour, for working out the route, for maximum involvement and attention to every detail. This trip is something that will be remembered forever. You really managed to fall in love with this wonderful country in a few weeks and made me miss it after leaving. I will definitely be back!! Here are some photos from the trip as a keepsake 🙂

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