DAY OF THE DEAD TOUR 2023. MICHOACAN

Place where everything started!


Dates: October 30 - November 3, 2023 | 1 350 USD


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 greatest celebration in cities, towns, and villages across Mexico. But Michoacan has them all beat because this is the place where everything started. This culture and tradition you won’t see in any other tour—or at any other time. For that itinerary, we involved the local community and indigenous people.

Join us for a lively, magical experience in Michoacan!

Day 1
Meeting Morelia, photoshoot in Day of the Dead style
After the rest, we go for a walk in the Morelia city center which was named by UNESCO a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, try the local drink Charanda, have lunch, put makeup in Day of the Dead style, and go for a Golden Hour photoshoot in the coastal fields of marigolds.
Dinner in Morelia.
Day 2
Going to Coco grandma's house
Getting ready for a busy day! We will find out who La Catrina is and make a souvenir with our own hands. We will try the most popular dish - carnitas, visit the house of Grandma Coco, enjoy the beauty of small towns decorated with bright marigolds, and see how the locals prepare for the celebration. And in the evening we will meet the sunset with a glass of Champagne from the viewpoint.
Day 3
Celebrating Day of the Dead on the island

You will definitely not forget this day! We are going for a mini-boat trip to the island to see the most beautiful and unique place for the Day of the Dead celebration. We will see the sunset, have dinner at the house of a local family and meet the sunrise the next day.

Day 4

Pátzcuaro - a picturesque city in the land of the Purépecha people

Heading back to Pátzcuaro to enjoy a walk around the city, watch the life of local people and feel the atmosphere of the Day of the Dead. In the evening we return to Morelia and check into one of the best boutique hotels in the city.

Day 5
Uruopan - Visit the capital of the WORLD for avocados.
Learn how to make authentic traditional guacamole.

Did you know that avocados in Mexico are considered green gold? And we will go to the world capital of avocado to walk through the orchards and see the production process. Moreover, we will take a master class on how to make the "right" guacamole.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
  • Five nights at unique accommodations (2 people in the room);
  • Daily breakfasts;
  • Transportation with AC, Gas
  • Accompanying 2 tour guides (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 (avocado tour, boat tickets, master classes, etc.);
  • Bottles of water for each day.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
  • Roundtrip your city – Morelia - your city;
  • Lunches, dinners, and beverages;
  • Additional activities not included in the trip itinerary;
  • Hotel incidentals including room service;
  • Alcoholic drinks and tobacco products;
  • Personal spendings;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Souvenirs.
Why you should join us for this tour?
  • Uniqueness

    Most Day of the Dead tours take place in the state of Oaxaca. However, this tradition originated in the state of Michoacan, where the tour will take place, so you can experience all the magic of this holiday. This state is little known to tourists. You will have exclusive access and tastings with us because we have connections with the local community.

  • Interactions with indigenous people

    We will have a lot of communication and interaction 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 also spend the night on the island on the Day of the Dead at the local family house.

  • Gastronomy experience

    Did you know that Michoacan Coisine was named by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? And we will try the best dishes of this cuisine! All the places and restaurants where we will eat have been personally selected and verified by us.

  • Small group, interesting people

    Our group is limited to only 12 people to make sure you are comfortable. Thus, you can get the most out of this week and feel like your trip is special. 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
We will stay in 4-star hotel in Morelia with swimming pool, gym and garden.

In Pátzcuaro, we will stay at the 17th-century building turned into the hotel located right in the center of the main celebration! And on Janitzio island, we will stay in the traditional house of the Purepecha family.
Emotions from the previous trip
  • The tour program is subject to change at the discretion of the organizer
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).

Documents

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

Medicine

Sunblock, painkillers, personal medications.

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
    Instagram
  • Ricardo
    Group leader, local guide, travel coordinator
    Instagram

Previous reviews

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!

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!

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 🙂

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.

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