Mexico City: Day of the Dead Original

Bienvenidos a Mexico! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Modern meets ancient in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres. Although crowded and smoggy, Mexico City offers a great variety of impressive museums, galleries and architecture, along with exciting nightlife and delicious street food. If you arrive early, head to the Zocalo – the city's huge central square – to see Aztec ruins and colonial architecture or relax in one of the many parks, plazas and gardens. After your important meeting, why not head out and see this city in full swing – street tacos, anyone? You’ll already have noticed a mystical feeling in the air, so keep an eye out for any Day of the Dead decorations you can spot around town.

Depart Mexico City and travel to Teotihuacan where you'll discover the extraordinary ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the country's biggest ancient cities and the Aztec capital. Join an expert local guide and stroll down The Avenue of the Dead to see fascinating clues as to what life here was like nearly 2000 years ago. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Panteon Tulyehualco cemetery to see the graves that have been decorated with colourful flowers, photos, food and more. As part of the Day of the Dead, people organise ceremonies at the cemetery for those not physically with them any longer and commemorate the lives of people passed over. In the afternoon, get hands-on by creating your own traditional altar for Day of the Dead and then participate in the ceremony that follows.

Set out on a walking tour of Mexico City’s historic centre, walking past the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor and Palacio de Bellas Artes. You’ll also swing by the open air Mercado Jamaica where people come to buy everything they need for the Day of the Dead, including the famous pan de muerto sweet rolls. After you’ve looked around, you might want to buy yourself some lunch or try some of the special festival foods. You’ll also have the chance to visit altars in several different locations in Mexico city.

Today is free for you to explore your way. Take in the view of the city from the Torre Latino 360° Lookout, head to the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes), or visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in the Coyoacan neighbourhood. If you're in a spooky mood, perhaps book a ride on one of the trajineras (boats) that travel through the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (approximately 28 km away). Make sure you take a boat that stops at Doll's Island, or Isla de las Munecas, which is dedicated to the lost soul of a poor girl who drowned in mysterious circumstances. This small island is home to hundreds of dolls – many of them with severed limbs, decapitated heads and black eyes – who are said to be possessed by the girl's spirit. Local legends say that the dolls move their heads and arms and have even been known to open their eyes.

Your immersion in Mexico's Day of the Dead festival ends after breakfast this morning. That doesn’t mean your Mexican adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Mexico City, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).