Day of the Dead in Mexico. Pre-Columbian world.

Price

€2600

Days

Tour description

What happens if you mix the ancient traditions of the Aztecs with Catholicism? Mexico! Spend 10 days in this vibrant country to immerse yourself in a world of completely different beliefs and philosophy of life.

Take part in the grandiose parade of figures of death
Watch mysterious rituals with candles and traditional dances
Go boating along the canals of Xochimilco and visiting the mystical Island of the Dolls
Follow the footsteps of the ancient Indians in the archaeological complex of Teotihuacan and Monte Alban
Cheer for the wrestlers at the spectacular wrestling Lucha libre.

Tour departures

26 October 2023 - 06 November 2023

€2600

Book

The price of the tour includes

All transportation, including buses, leased vehicles and public transport
Accommodation during the entire trip
Tickets to all museums, archaeological complexes and other attractions mentioned in the itinerary
Professional guiding services.

What is NOT included

Flight to Mexico City and back home. (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals)
Insurance (mandatory)
Food
Visa and airport taxes.

Tour map

Tour itinerary

Day 1-2

Mexico City, Zocalo Square, Presidential residence, Cathedral

We arrive in Mexico City, check into a hotel and rest. Depending on the time of your flight, you might have the time to explore the centre. Let's start with Zocalo Square and the presidential residence. Here we will admire the huge frescoes, relax by the fountains and watch the ancient Mayan rituals that are performed right on the square.

Let`s observe the final preparations for the main holiday of the country - the Day of the Dead. Mexicans believe that during this time the souls of the dead return to earth and they should be greeted with singing, dancing and food. After all, death, according to the Mexicans, is a rebirth.

Nearby stands the Cathedral, known for the snow-white columns and the golden altar. It is the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America. Very impressive!

Day 3-4

The Museum of Anthropology, Aztec Son Stone, The parade, Xochimilco village, Island of Dolls

Mexico City is also a city of museums. There are 185 of them here! We will see the main one - the Museum of Anthropology, which boasts a collection of statues and objects found in the ancient cities of the Maya, Aztecs, Zapotecs, Olmecs and other pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the Stone of the Sun, also known as the Aztec calendar. We will also see giant stone heads of the ancient Olmecs, bright funerary masks and other treasures.

Next, join the festive parade in honour of the Day of the Dead, the highlight of which is the procession of huge Death figures. The Paseo de la Reforma avenue will be filled with huge procession of hundreds of dancers and musicians.

In the morning we head to the village of Xochimilco, known as the Venice of Mexico. We will ride in traditional colourful boats through the canals, admiring the islands, enjoying traditional mariachi music and micheladas - a drink based on beer, Tabasco hot sauce and spices.

We are heading for the mystical Island of Dolls. Locals claim that many years ago, the body of a drowned girl was found on the island, and then her dolls were discovered. The man who found the body began to bring other dolls here and hang them in trees and bushes. It was said that he was possessed by the spirit of a girl...

Day 5-6

Teotihuacan, pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, Oaxaca

Today we explore the archaeological complex of Teotihuacan. Just think - this city was founded in the 4th century BC and was one of the largest in the world! Already in the 8th century, the city was abandoned, and the Aztecs who came here were so amazed by what they saw that they immediately recorded the Teotihuacans as their own ancestors.

We will climb the famous pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and walk along the Street of the Dead. The best scientists have long puzzled over the purpose of these pyramids. Many believe that they imitated the afterlife and were used as platforms for sacrifices, including human ones ... In the evening, we relax to the music of Mexican mariachi bands and pulque - the drink of the Aztecs.

In the morning we head to the city of Oaxaca (7 hours on the way), check into a hotel. We walk along the colourful streets, walk into Catholic churches, an art gallery, and enjoy local cocoa. No trip to Oaxaca is complete without a visit to the local market. The most delicious mole in the country is made here! This famous dish consists of chicken, chocolate and chili peppers. And how about chapulines - grasshoppers cooked with chili sauce or lemon?

Tour leaders

Sofia Vovk

tour guide

Is this trip for you?

This trip is of easy physical grade. It includes long walks in the cities, street celebrations, visits to archaeological complexes. We will be moving around by leased and public transportation for a maximum duration of up to 7 hours. The trip also includes several short boat trips. Accommodation in double/twin rooms of tourist class hotels.