With Aztec Explorers we prepared 20 unique experiences before, during and after the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. These experiences, day trips, events and walking tours take place in Mexico City or start from Mexico City.Our experiences in 2022:
See all details below of all our events, day trips and experiences.
You can find our contact details at the end of this blog.
Join us on our day of the dead experience, far away from the crowds and in nature. We will explore the Southern part of Mexico City; a beautiful rural area near Xochimilco. Where we take a boat trip on a traditional Trajinera, visiting a beautiful Chinampa, an island created in prehispanic times.During the boat trip our certified bilingual Mexican guide will explain about the origin and meaning of Día de Muertos, the most beautiful of all Mexican traditions. Plus we can enjoy the traditional Pan de Muertos and a traditional chocolate aboard.On arriving at the Chinampa (island made in prehispanic times), we will visit a beautiful field of Cempasúchil flowers (Marigold; flowers might have been cut after October 28th) and learn why this flower is so important for Day of the Dead.We will then make a beautiful traditional altar / offering together and explain the significance of the different parts of the altar.
Then we will take you on a virtual trip to Mictlan, the afterworld of the Aztec mythology, explaining the 9 levels that a deceased person would have to pass to reach Mictlan, the afterworld of the Aztecs.Let’s learn all about Día de Muertos and experience Day of the Dead the Aztec way. Far away from the crowds and in nature, with a small group. Price 1450 pesos; includes transport, trajinera boat ride, hot chocolate, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), certified guide and the day of the dead experiences mentioned above.Available dates, from 10.00 to 16.00 hrs.
Thursday 20th of October
Friday 21st of October
Saturday 22nd of October
Sunday 23rd of October
Wednesday 26th of October
Thursday 27th of October
Friday 28th of October
Sunday 30th of October
Monday 31st of October
Let´s explore Mixquic and Tlahuac together !Mixquic, one of the 21 Barrios Magicos of Mexico City, is most famous for its Day of the Dead ceremonies, when the entire cemetery is lit up with candles, decorated with flowers and when the locals are receiving the souls of their deceased loved ones in the night of the ‘Alumbrada’ on the 2nd of November.But all year round a visit to Mixquic is a magical experience, were we can visit its beautiful monastery, with its amazing rose garden and archeological pieces, surrounded by its large cemetery. Plus in the town itself we can stroll through its narrow streets, while we can enjoy the beautiful murals, many of them related to Día de Muertos, have a look at the nearby channels and chinampas, similar to Xochimilco, and try the local gastronomy. From September 29th the cemetery is decorated already with flowers.The nearby town of Tlahuac is also always a beautiful visit, with another amazing Monastery, a colorful market, more channels and chinampas and a very interesting local regional museum with amongst others 3 beautiful prehispanic ovens in the form of masks (visit depends if open or not, irregular opening times).Both towns are still within the Mexico City limits, around 2 to 2.5 hours South of the historical city center of Mexico City, depending on traffic.Our next trip exploring Mixquic and Tlahuac are on October 23, 26, 28, 30 (850 pesos, from 8.30 to 18.00), November 2 (the famous Alumbrada, 950 pesos, from 12.00 to 22.30), and November 3 (950 pesos, from 8.30 to 18.00). Includes round transport for our small group and guided visits by certified bilingual guide.
Let´s explore the Mercado de Jamaica, with beautiful Day of the Dead decorations and the beautiful cempasuchil flowers that are used for decorating the altars and cemetaries.Mercado the Jamaica is one of the most traditional, folkloric and authentic markets in Mexico City, near of the heart of the city. Where we can enjoy the traditional food and ingredients that the Mexican families use for the preparation of their dishes and the decoration of their houses.We will visit the different areas and the diferent products, like fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants. And and the same time, we can taste some local products, such as elotes, esquites, pan de muerto and huaraches in a fun and safe way (optional, not included; you pay what you consume). We will learn about the history, traditions and the most famous places of this unique market.Price 250 mexican pesos per person. Available dates October 19, 20, 22, 27, 28.
From 10.00 to 13.00 hrs. Meeting up near the market; transport and tastings not included. Market and food tour of 2.5 to 3 hours. In English and / or Spanish.
Let´s explore a traditional Cempasúchil / Marigold flower market and beautiful Chinampas (islands created in prehispanic times), with more Cempasúchil flowers, in the outskirts of Xochimilco, the 3rd largest of the 16 boroughs of Mexico City. This beautiful flower is used for most Day of the Dead decorations in altars and in cemeteries.First we will have a beautiful guided walk of around 1.5 hours through beautiful Chinampas and Channels, where the Cempasúchil / Marigold flowers are grown. We will explain about the significance of this flower in relation to Día de Muertos and we will explain about the different types, plus we will explain about the Chinampas and Channels, that were created in prehispanic times. The walk takes us along agricultural fields, bridges and the bright colors of the flowers are all around us. In Nahuatl, the name is sempôwalxôchitl, were sempôwal means 20 and xôchitl means flower. So the meaning is ´flower of the twenty petals´.And afterwards we will visit a traditional flower market and nearby plant nurseries, with more Cempasúchil flowers and more amazing foto oportunities. Plus optionally we can try delicious local food in one of the many traditional food stalls.The Chinampas and Flower market are still within the Mexico City limits, in the outskirts of Xochimilco, around 1.5 hours South of the historical city center of Mexico City, depending on traffic.Our next trip exploring the traditional Cempasúchil / Marigold flower market and beautiful Chinampas in Mexico City are on October 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27. The price is 650 pesos and includes round transport for our small group and guided walks by certified bilingual guide. From 8.00 to 15.00 hrs.
Don’t miss our DAY trips to Isla Janitzio, Patzcuaro and cemetery of Tzintzuntzan in the State of Michoacan, departing from Mexico City.Most hotels and B&Bs are booked up, but on this unique DAY TRIP, from 05.45 to 23.45 hrs; you can still be part of the magic! Small groups, guided walks by certified bilingual guides; 1450 mxn per person. 4 dates: October 29, November 1, November 3 and November 5.The most traditional and impressive way to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico !!
Let´s visit the Feria de Alfeñique (sugar art festival) in Toluca City and the beautiful town of Metepec (Pueblo Mágico), in the State of Mexico, departing from Mexico City.Visiting the traditional handicraft market in Metepec and the Festivals of Alfeñique (Sugar Art Festival, with many Day of the Dead products). In Toluca we also visit the Botanical Garden with Glass in Lead windows (Cosmovitral).The price is 850 Mexican Pesos and includes private transport for our group, experienced driver and explanations in Spanish and English.Available dates: October 22 and October 30. From 7.30 to 19.00 hrs.
Let´s explore the beautiful neighborhood of San Angel, one of the 21 Barrios Magicos in Mexico City, in the preparation of the Day of the Dead celebrations, with beautiful alters and decorations at several outdoor and indoor spaces.San Angel, located 12km (7.4 miles) southwest of the historic center, was once a retreat for wealthy city residents. Cobblestone streets, plazas, gardens and elegant estates are reminiscent of the neighborhood’s rich colonial past. San Angel is home to monuments, historic residences, a former Dominican monastery and several interesting museums and beautiful churches.Among them are the Risco House Museum (Plaza San Jacinto 15) with its impressive 18th century talavera tile fountain. The El Carmen complex is the identifying marker of San Ángel, especially the three tiled-covered domes of the church. It consists of church, former monastery and school buildings. The monastery school or “Colegio” was founded in 1613. There are several colorful markets, art galleries and shops scattered throughout the neighborhood.The price is 750 pesos and includes transport, guided walks by certified bilingual guide an entrance to the Del Carmen monastery. Available dates October 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and November 4 and 5. From 10.00 to 16.00 hrs.
Let´s explore the town of Taxco (one of the 132 Pueblos Mágicos of Mexico) and the city of Cuernavaca during the Day of the Dead celebrations, both with beautiful altars and decorations.The first sight of Taxco’s white buildings scattered across the steep valley as you approach it is enough to take your breath away. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and cliffs, its perfectly preserved colonial architecture and the twin belfries of its baroque masterpiece, Templo de Santa Prisca, make for one of the most amazing views anywhere in the central highlands. Taxco is around 3 hours from Mexico City.Cuernavaca is known as the city of the eternal spring; and this title is well justified, because of its warm weather most that you can enjoy almost all the year. When you visit Cuernavaca, you can’t miss the Borda gardens, the Cathedral and the former convent of La Asuncion and the Palacio de Cortes. Cuernavaca is around 1.5 hours from Mexico City.The price is 950 pesos and includes transport and guided walks in Taxco and Cuernavaca by certified bilingual guide. Available dates: October 29, 30, 31 and November 4 and 5. From 07.00 to 19.00 hrs.
Let´s explore the historical city center of Mexico City together on a guided walking tour during the Day of the Dead celebrations, with beautiful altars and decorations at both indoor as outdoor places in the historical city center.The price is 250 pesos and includes a guided walking tour of 3 hours by certified bilingual guide. Does not include transport. Available dates: October 28, 30, 31 and November 1 and 2. Available times: 10.00 to 13.00 / 14.00 to 17.00 / 18.00 to 21.00
Let´s explore the beautiful towns of Atlixco and Cholula (both part of the 132 Pueblos Mágicos of Mexico) during the Day of the Dead celebrations, both with beautiful altars and decorations.The price is 950 pesos and includes transport and guided walks in Atlixco and Cholula by certified bilingual guide. Available dates: October 30, 31 and November 3, 4 and 5. The towns are around 1.5 to 2 hours driving from Mexico City. From 7.00 to 19.00 hrs.
Let´s explore Coyoacan and San Angel, both part of the 21 Barrios Magicos of Mexico city during the Day of the Dead celebrations, with beautiful altars and decorations at both indoor as outdoor places. Afterwards we will visit an impressive, lesser know graveyard South East of Mexico City, to experience Día de Muertos the Mexican way.The price is 850 pesos and includes a transport and guided walks by certified bilingual guide. Available dates: November 1, 2 and 3. On November 1 from 11.45 to 22.00 and on November 2 and 3 from 9.00 to 18.00.
Let´s visit an impressive, lesser know graveyard in the South East of Mexico City, to experience Día de Muertos the Mexican way (this is not Mixquic).How can you not be touched by families sitting around the tombs of their loved ones, sharing their favorite meals, drinks and stories and even invite you to be part of it? How can you not be touched by an elderly man showing you proudly pictures of his deceased family members, friends and even his dog, that he still misses every day? How can you not cry when a woman is talking about her father who died only 4 months ago of cancer and his beautiful death in company of all his loved ones? How can you not get scared to death by fireworks exploding almost under your feet and by 2 horror clowns jumping towards you from behind a tomb and how can you not burst out in laughter as a result of this? ¡¡¡This is México cabrones !!! The land of 400 emotions in 1 minute.The price is 650 pesos and includes a transport and guided walk by certified bilingual guide. Available date: November 1, from 16.00 to 22.00
Let´s explore the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende (world heritage site) during the Day of the Dead celebrations, with beautiful altars and decorations.The price is 950 pesos and includes transport and guided walks in San Miguel de Allende by certified bilingual guide. Available dates: November 2, 3, and 5. San Miguel de Allende is around 4 hours driving from Mexico City. From 07.00 to 20.00 hrs.
Let´s make a trip on a traditional Trajinera boat and enjoy the beautiful open air theatre of La Llorona in the borough of Tlahuac, around 2 hours South of the historic city center, still in Mexico City.With dance, music and theatre (in Spanish), telling the story of La Llorona, who is said to roam waterfront areas mourning her children who had been drowned. This is not just a ´horror story´, the theatre will show parts of the prehispanic times and the Spanish conquest, acompanied by dance and music. An amazing experience !We have the following dates and times available: October 28, 29, 30, 31 and November 1 and 2. With transport from 17.00 to 23.00, check alternative times with us.The price is 950 pesos and includes transport and entrance. Does not include bilingual guide.
Let´s make a trip on a traditional Trajinera boat and enjoy the beautiful open air theatre of La Llorona in the borough of Xochimilco, around 1.5 hours South of the historic city center, still in Mexico City.With dance, music and theatre (in Spanish), telling the story of La Llorona, who is said to roam waterfront areas mourning her children who had been drowned. This is not just a ´horror story´, the theatre will show parts of the prehispanic times and the Spanish conquest, acompanied by dance and music. An amazing experience !We have the following dates and times available: October 21, 22, 23 (950 pesos with transport) and October 28, 29 and 30 (1150 pesos with transport). From 17.00 to 23.00, check alternative times with us. Meetup either near Metro Chilpancingo (Colonia Condesa), near Metro Etiopia (Colonia Naverte) or Angel of Independence (Reforma).The price is 950 pesos or 1150 pesos, depending on dates mentioned above, and includes transport and entrance. Does not include guide.
Let´s make a trip on a traditional Trajinera boat and enjoy the beautiful open air theatre of La Catrina in the borough of Xochimilco, around 1.5 hours South of the historic city center, still in Mexico City.La Catrina en Trajinera is a play suitable for the whole family, and is based on the character created from La Catrina by José Guadalupe Posada and is set in the era of the golden cinema and the Mexican revolution.When you arrive, you will be able to enjoy a trajinera tour (traditional boat in Xochimilco) and go to a chinampa (an island created in prehispanic times), where you can enjoy the theatrical show in a big tent. The place has toilets and you can also buy handicrafts, candies and Mexican snacks. On this occasion the open aire theatre pays tribute to the Mexican cinema, with characters that are icons of national cinema and art, such as: Dolores del Río, Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, María Félix, Sara García, Lola Beltrán, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Chabela Vargas. The story itself is in Spanish, but is acompanied with beautiful an fun live music from Mariachis, so the language is not really an issue. Click here for a Youtube video of the premier of 2022: https://youtu.be/iukORzsKo_MWe have the following dates and times available: October 20, 21, 22, 23 (950 pesos with transport) and October 27, 28, 29 and 30 (1150 pesos with transport). From 17.00 to 23.00, check alternative times with us. Meetup either near Metro Chilpancingo (Colonia Condesa), near Metro Etiopia (Colonia Naverte) or Angel of Independence (Reforma).The price is 950 pesos or 1150 pesos, depending on the dates mentioned above, and includes transport and entrance. Does not include guide.
Let´s explore the amazing archeological site Teotihuacán!This is a complete visit to the highlights and hidden gems of Teotihuacan, exploring the Pyramids of the Sun, the Moon and the Feathered serpent + it´s Palaces and murals. With good logistics, specialist certified guide and without losing time in unwanted stops in for example the souvenirs stalls. We will adjust to your preferences; small groups! In English and Spanish.Teotihuacán is an Unesco world heritage site and the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas. At its zenith, in the first half of the 1st millennium AD, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas, with a population estimated at 125,000 or more, making it at least the sixth largest city in the world during its epoch. The city is thought to have been established around 100 BC, with major monuments continuously under construction until about 250 AC. The city may have lasted until sometime between the 7th and 8th centuries AD, but its major monuments were sacked and systematically burned around 550 AC.Price: 950 mnx pesos per person, small group from 10/12 persons. Includes private transport for our group, entrance and certified guide, in English and Spanish.OUR CONTACT DETAILS – Azteca Travel Tours Art / Aztec Explorers
Please reserve your trip or experience ASAP, ideally 2 weeks before your desired date. For reservations and payment information please contact us by whatsapp 52 1 55 1308 3732 (Lidia Herrera). Whatsapp: https://wa.me/525513083732 .
Payment 100% in advance.ABOUT US AND MORE CONTACT INFORMATIONWebsite: https://aztecatraveltoursart.site123.me/Travel Blogs: https://aztecexplorers.com/Facebook page: Aztec ExplorersMORE ON DAY OF THE DEAD / DIA DE MUERTOSA beautiful blog of our friend Lauren on Day of the Dead, who joined us to Patzcuaro, Janitzio and Tzintzuntzan in 2016: Let me die like a MexicanOur blog with more information about the most beatiful of Mexican traditions:
Meaning and OriginJoin us on our Facebook group Day of the Dead / Día de MuertosDAY OF THE DEAD PARADES IN MEXICO CITY
So far there are 3 parades confirmed in Mexico City before Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead (the main, traditional dates this year are Tuesday 1st of November and Wednesday 2nd of November): Saturday 22nd of October – Parade of the Alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures) Sunday 23rd of October – Parade of Catrinas Saturday 29th of October – Day of the Dead Parade
