Step into one of the world’s most moving celebrations — Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) — in the heart of Mexico. In the enchanting city of San Miguel de Allende, experience this vibrant holiday in all its colour, beauty, and meaning. This is no ordinary holiday — it’s a soul-stirring tribute to life, love, and memory, where streets fill with marigolds and music, and families welcome back the spirits of their loved ones with joy and reverence. Over six unforgettable days, you’ll witness glowing ofrendas, explore artisan villages, relax in natural hot springs, and dive deep into the region’s rich food, art, and culture. It’s a journey that will stay with you long after the candles burn out.
Travel Style
National Geographic Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Pulquería La Otomí, San Miguel de Allende
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, San Miguel de Allende. Arrival Transfer. Historical Walk of San Miguel de Allende. Local Shop Visit for Alfeñiques. Taste of Pan de Muerto and hot chocolate. Fábrica La Aurora visit and guided experience. Women’s craft cooperative visit & traditional lunch. Attend the Catrinas Parade. Cemetery Virgen de Guadalupe guided tour. Church of Atotonilco visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Experience Dia de los Muertos with vibrant altars-lively parades and glowing candles, Wander through an arts hub filled with bold colours and creative spirit, Learn traditional weaving from Otomi descendants in a rural craft village, Explore a candlelit cemetery with an expert guide sharing local legends, Soak in thermal natural springs tucked into the countryside
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg. 12
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (5 nts).
Itinerary
San Miguel de Allende
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. Tonight, you will kick off the six days of celebration with a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Mexican cantina featuring local specialties, stories, music, and charm.
If you arrive early, take some time to explore San Miguel de Allende, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich history, and vibrant arts scene. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with the centre of town being a time capsule of cobblestone streets lined with jewel toned houses.
San Miguel de Allende
Visit the historical sites of San Miguel de Allende and learn about their most vibrant celebration; Día de Los Muertos. Join a local expert and walk through the streets lined with marigolds, altars, and papel picado, as you listen to the stories, legends, and traditions behind this important holiday. Pass by key landmarks like Parroquia, Templo de San Francisco, and the artesanías market, while discovering how the city honors its ancestors through art, memory, and rituals. Later, visit a local shop and personalize your alfeñiques, a traditional, hand-crafted sugar confection, often shaped like skulls with intricate designs and lots of colours. End the day with some iconic Pan de Muerto and hot chocolate as you walk through the square and experience the charged atmosphere. Dinner will be at your leisure.
San Miguel de Allende
Set out to discover the charm culture of San Miguel de Allende. Begin with a visit to a community tourism initiative led by the weavers of a women’s craft cooperative. The women here are the descendants of the Otomi pyramid builders, and this intimate, hands-on experience invites travellers into their homes to spend time in a space where females can support their families, and themselves by designing and making traditional hooked rugs to sell, featuring designs inspired by their daily lives in their rural village.Then, enjoy a typical lunch at the cooperative before joining an expert guide on a visit to Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory turned art and design centre. Explore the galleries, artist studios, and creative spaces full of inspiring work blending tradition with contemporary expression. You will gain a deeper knowledge of the local art for Dia de Los Muertos with time to look around and admire the work. Dinner will be at your leisure then opt for a nearby rooftop to watch the revelry from above.
San Miguel de Allende
Begin the morning with a walk to the Cemetery Virgen de Guadalupe for a guided tour with an expert. This experience offers a respectful and insightful look at local traditions of remembrance. Witness where families gather to honour their departed loved ones and observe the colourful altars, marigolds, candles, and music throughout the cemetery. Learn about the symbolism behind these offerings and enjoy time to quietly reflect on cultural connections during a unique window into one of Mexico’s most powerful traditions. This afternoon, enjoy free time for optional artisan workshops like macramé and ceramics. Dinner will be at your leisure this evening.
San Miguel de Allende
Travel to the nearby hot springs for a relaxing soak in the natural thermal waters just outside of San Miguel de Allende. Find yourself surrounded by gardens, mountain views, and mineral-rich pools to recharge and connect with the environment. Then visit the church of Atotonilco, nicknamed "Mexico's Sistine Chapel" and see the birthplace of the Mexican War of Independence. Arrive back in town for a free afternoon to explore, before gathering in the evening for a unique dining experience. Celebrate your final night in San Miguel de Allende with a flavourful, guided pulque tasting at one of the city’s most unique spots. Learn about this ancestral drink from the gods and sit down for a relaxed, family-style meal of local appetizers in a rustic, cantina-like setting.
San Miguel de Allende
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
