Mexico: Day of the Dead Festival & Ancient Wonders
Highlights
#CoreMemories
Why we love this experience
Mexico’s Greatest Hits
CDMX, Oaxaca, Chichén Itzá & Playa del Carmen — all the icons in one epic festival trip.
Live Like a Local
Join street parades, paint your face for Día de los Muertos, wander marigold markets, sip mezcal in Oaxaca, and soak in the warm glow of festival!
Born-for-Foodies
Street tacos, mole poblano, Oaxacan tlayudas, Yucatán flavours & beach cocktails. Your tastebuds will fall in love… repeatedly.
Death might sound like a heavy theme for a holiday — but in Mexico, it’s the exact opposite. Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life, where the country doesn’t mourn the departed; it sings, dances, laughs, and honours them with colour and joy.
For 11 unforgettable days, we’ll dive straight into the heart of this extraordinary tradition: streets bursting with marigolds, glowing candles lighting the night, vibrant altars honouring loved ones, and calacas — the iconic smiling skulls that symbolize Mexico’s playful relationship with life and death.
Here, grief transforms into celebration, reminding us that remembering is a beautiful part of living. And we won’t just be watching—we’ll be part of it.
Our adventure begins in Mexico City, the epicentre of the festivities, before we journey to Puebla, a charming city steeped in history. Then it’s on to Oaxaca, where Día de los Muertos becomes deeply intimate and spiritual, with rituals that welcome everyone—family, friends, and travelers alike.
Finally, we fly to the Caribbean coast at Playa del Carmen, wrapping up our journey with sunshine, turquoise waters, and a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the majestic Chichén Itzá.
View full itineraryWhat's included
Day 2-11: BreakfastDay 2-11: Breakfast
Bus transfers: Mexico City → Puebla → Oaxaca Airport transfers are excluded Bus transfers: Mexico City → Puebla → Oaxac..
10 nights in 3 star hotels10 nights in 3 star hotels
English speaking guide on Day 2-10English speaking guide on Day 2-10
Visit to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul Xochimilco canals on a festive trajinera boat (drinks a..Visit to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul Xochimilco..
Domestic flight: Oaxaca → Cancún is excluded. Please purchase in addition to your trip, ..Domestic flight: Oaxaca → Cancún is exclude..
Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience aut..Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers..
Itinerary
Additional Information
Arrival information
Fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX); take a licensed airport taxi to the trip hotel. Drive time is 30–45 minutes; transfers are not included. Aim to arrive before 6:00 PM.
Pick up
Before 6:00 PM
Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Arrive and check in
Accommodation
Fly into MEX and use Uber/ride-hailing to reach the hotel. Drive time is 30–45 minutes; transfers are not included. Aim to arrive before 6:00 PM.
Pick up
Before 6:00 PM
Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Arrive and check in
Accommodation
Pre-book a private airport transfer from MEX to the hotel (30–45 minutes). Transfers are not included; schedule arrival before 6:00 PM.
Pick up
Before 6:00 PM
Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
30–45 minutes
Arrive and check in
Accommodation
Departure information
From your accommodation in Playa del Carmen, make your own way to Cancún International Airport (CUN); the drive is about 1 hour. Transfers are not included; book flights after 2:00 PM if possible.
Depart
Accommodation
1 hour
Drop off
Cancún International Airport (CUN)
Other requirements
This trip takes place during Día de los Muertos, so expect large crowds, loud celebrations, and late-night activities. You should feel comfortable walking in busy environments and being around music, festivals, and nightlife.
About the weather
Expect mild and comfortable days in the highlands, and tropical warmth by the Caribbean Sea.
How does accommodation & rooming work?
By default, solo travelers are matched with same-gender roommates. If you're traveling with friends, you can choose to room together. Private rooms are sometimes available at an additional fee at checkout.
Trip confirmation & minimum participants
Most trips require a minimum of 4 and cap at 20 participants. Booking early helps the trip reach confirmation faster — and you'll enjoy our early bird discount.
Is flight included?
Flights are not included, giving you flexibility to book your own. We recommend booking after your trip is confirmed. Once you've booked, we'll send you a detailed trip pamphlet with recommended flight options and more details about your trip.
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancel before the deadline shown at checkout and receive a full refund in credits. If we cancel the trip due to insufficient participants, you'll receive a full cash refund.
Physical level
Moderate — suitable for most travelers.
This trip includes: Walking tours in cities and archaeological sites, Festival parades and crowded streets, A few long travel days (bus + domestic flight), Warm coastal weather.
No hiking or strenuous activity required.
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Why choose to travel with us?
Guides & leaders you can trust
Our guides and leaders are carefully selected and trained to deliver a safe and unforgettable Sotravel adventure.
Can't do alone adventures
We put together adventures that are best experienced with a group of like-minded individuals.
Just show up and enjoy yourself
Our team has done the heavy lifting on our end so all you have to do is show up for your adventure!
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