Dead Can Dance | Journey Across Mexico feat. Día de los Muertos

Each October, millions gather for one of the most vibrant, moving and oddly joyful celebrations on the planet: Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Forget gloomy funerals – in Mexico, death is not the end, but a new beginning.

The holiday is built around the belief that over two magical nights each year, the souls of the deceased return to visit their loved ones, allowing for emotional reunions and joyful remembrance. All Saints’ Day (Nov 1) is the time to honor deceased children, while All Souls’ Day (Nov 2) is The Day of the Faithful Departed, a time to pray for souls who haven’t quite reached paradise (purgatory wait times can be brutal).

Mexican families build beautiful ofrendas (altars) to welcome spirits back, with photos, candles, incense, pan de muerto (a sweet bread), sugar skulls, marigolds, and sometimes even their loved ones’ favorite food and drinks. Cemeteries are decorated with flowers and offerings, and city streets are filled with celebratory processions featuring dancers, musicians, giant puppets, floats and elaborate costumes.

Death never smelled so sweet
Fun fact: Marigolds, especially the orange cempasúchil, play a central role during Día de los Muertos, their bright hue and citrusy, floral scent guiding spirits back to the world of the living. The “flower of the dead” decorates altars to honor and attract deceased loved ones, and paths of orange petals create trails that leads spirits to their families. Cemeteries are a riot of color as gravesites are hung with garlands, and flower arches are used in homes, public displays and parades.

Meet La Catrina & Friends
The fancy skeleton lady you’ll see everywhere? That’s La Catrina, or Lady Death, created in the early 1900s by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. She’s a satire on rich society, showing that even the wealthy can’t escape death’s bony embrace.

And those vibrant, fantastical animal creatures featuring in many of today’s processions? Those are alebrijes, papier-mâché creations which became popular in the 20th century after being dreamt up by another artist, Pedro Linares. They’re not traditional to Día de los Muertos, but they’ve joined in the fun and it looks like they’re here to stay.

A tradition that goes back... way back
While today the holiday is often associated with the skull-painted faces of revelers and street processions led by the elegant figure of La Catrina, the roots of this celebration go way deeper than flowers and face paint.

Long before the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mesoamerica, indigenous cultures like the Aztecs, Mayans, Purepechas, Nahuas, and Totonacas had already been partying with the dead for around 3,000 years. They saw death not as a finality, but as part of life’s great cycle. Watched over by Mictecacihuatl, their version of Lady Death, these ancient festivals took place in August and lasted an entire month.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they weren’t exactly fans of these pagan rituals. So they decided to merge the indigenous festival with Catholic traditions, moving the dates to line up with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Classic colonial strategy: If you can’t beat it, rebrand it.

But despite the Catholic makeover, the spirit of the original rituals lived on. And over time, this cultural fusion evolved into the Day of the Dead as we know it: both sacred and a little irreverent. Cemeteries glow with candles, music fills the air and death gets a front-row seat.

Dance macabre... and so much more
Our trip will dive headfirst into this incredible tradition, as we both honor the dead and celebrate life. We’ll walk among glowing altars, eat our weight in pan de muerto and maybe even learn a few moves for the danse macabre with La Catrina herself.
But this trip is so much more than these two days! Mexico offers travellers a feast for the senses, and in just over a week we’ll pack in experiences that you’ll never forget. From the sounds of bustling urban life in Mexico City to the incredible sights of Aztec ruins and the flavours of delicious food and drink, we’ll reveal the soul of this fascinating and vibrant country.

Our journey starts in Mexico’s famed capital, one of the most populous cities on earth and brimming with postcolonial architecture, archaeological ruins, buzzing neighborhoods – and, unfortunately, lots of traffic. From there we hit the road to discover Mexico’s colourful past and present, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan to charming pueblos and the thermal waters of Tolantongo.

Pátzcuaro: The O.G. Día de los Muertos
The sleepy colonial town of Pátzcuaro usually flies under the radar – but during the Day of the Dead it attracts the eyes of the world. Located in the ancestral lands of the indigenous Purépecha people, it’s one of the few places in Mexico where pre-Hispanic Día de los Muertos rituals are still practiced in their original form.

These powerful ceremonies unfold on the islands of Lake Pátzcuaro, a place whose name evokes the boundary between this world and the next. Each of the lake’s six islands pulses with spiritual energy, but come Día de los Muertos, things get turned up to full volume.

More than 100,000 visitors flock here to witness rituals that are part haunting, part hypnotic and wholly unforgettable. Each island offers a distinct experience, with Janitzio, in particular, drawing crowds for its dramatic candlelit procession of flower-covered canoes.

Teotihuacan: Where the gods were born
A highlight of our trip is sure to be Teotihuacan, one of the most iconic sacred sites of ancient Mesoamerica. A vast city built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D., its origins are still a mystery. Long before the Aztecs arrived in central Mexico, Teotihuacan was already abandoned – yet its monumental scale left such an impression that ancient peoples believed it was the very birthplace of the gods.

Rituals here were powerful, often brutal, and definitely not for the squeamish. Human sacrifices were made to appease Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, and to keep the good times (and crops) rolling. Walking the Avenue of the Dead, we’ll trace the steps of those who once lived and died here, before climbing the Pyramid of the Sun for a panoramic view…that thankfully doesn’t require a sacrifice.

A walk on the wild side
We can’t neglect Mexico’s incredible nature, as this country has some dramatic surprises up its sleeve.

Imagine waking up to find a volcano erupting in your backyard. Well, in 1943, that’s exactly what happened to a farmer near the village of Parícutin. A crack in his cornfield suddenly began to smoke, and within 24 hours, a brand-new volcano had burst from the earth. It quickly became a scientific sensation, the first time in history that geologists were able to witness and document the full life cycle of a volcano from birth. Today, Parícutin is considered one of the modern Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and we’ll get an up-close view as we explore the volcanic landscape on horseback.

Nestled in a canyon, Tolantongo Hot Springs is a natural paradise where warm, clear waters flow through caves and terraced pools. It’s basically nature’s hot tub! We’ll make a stop here to soak in the soothing thermal springs while taking in the dramatic scenery.

For something truly special, we’ll also visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, where each year in late October, millions of these delicate creatures make the roughly 2,500-mile migration from Canada and the United States. This is a magical side of Mexico that, much like Día de los Muertos, flits between the sacred and the surreal.
So, pack your marigolds, bring your appetite and join us as we conquer volcanoes and laugh in the face of death. Because in Mexico, death doesn’t end the party, it joins it.

Let’s go!

DAY 1 / FRI 31 OCT / ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY
Meeting at airport for Emirates flight to Mexico, arrival, immigration clearance and check-in to our downtown hotel. Overnight in Mexico City, quick look at nightlife for those who are not tired.

DAY 2 / SAT 1 NOV / DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS IN PÁTZCUARO
After breakfast we’ll check out and hit the road to Morelia, our base for the next few days. Once we’ve checked into the hotel, we’ll make our way to Pátzcuaro, where we’ll take a quick tour of this charming colonial town, strolling its beautiful squares and making visits to the fascinating regional museum and local bazaars.

Then, it’s time for the main event, as we head to the island of Janitzio to join the Day of the Dead celebrations. With the shimmering lake as a backdrop to the mass of humanity gathering to greet their departed loved ones, this will be an otherworldly experience to remember.
Afterwards, back to Morelia for overnight.

DAY 3 / SUN 2 NOV / DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS IN MORELIA
Today we explore beautiful Morelia, the capital of Michoacán region, and experience a more modern form of Day of the Dead celebrations. We’ll take a walking tour of this picturesque colonial city known for its pink stone architecture, baroque churches, calm plazas and a historic center that’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a more elegant, old-world atmosphere than many other cities in Mexico, and we’ll take in the laid-back, cultured vibes.

In the afternoon, it’s time to get down with the dead as Morelia comes alive with altars, art installations, concerts and candlelit processions. We’ll witness locals welcoming back the spirits of their loved ones and feel the unique mix of solemnity and celebration against a backdrop of flickering lights, music, and the scent of incense and pan de muerto.

DAY 4 / MON 3 NOV / DAY TRIP TO PARÍCUTIN VOLCANO
We’ll set off early this morning for the village of San Juan Parangaricutiro...or rather, what's left of it. Known as the Mexican Pompeii, in 1943 the nearby Parícutin volcano suddenly erupted and buried the entire town in lava and ash, except for the top of its church, which to this day rises eerily from the hardened flow. We’ll mount our horses and make our way across the surrounding lava-flooded landscape to explore the ruins of the church, in which the altar and belfry have been miraculously preserved. With the volcano looming in the distance, this is part history lesson, part surreal photo op.
Return to Morelia for overnight.

DAY 5 / TUE 4 NOV / BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY & QUERÉTARO
This morning we say goodbye to Morelia and make the drive to Querétaro, our new home base for a couple of nights. But first, we’ve got a very special detour: the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Between November and March, millions of monarchs flutter in from as far as Canada (a pretty impressive commute!) to cluster in the trees here. Part of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site, the sanctuary is located high up in the Michoacán forest, and we’ll make the 30 or 40 minute trek to greet these colorful insects. Overnight in Querétaro.

DAY 6 / WED 5 NOV / DAY TRIP TO “MAGICAL” BERNAL
Today we visit Bernal, a small town in the Mexican state of Querétaro that is best known for its towering monolith, the Peña de Bernal, one of the largest in the world. Rising over 400 meters above the town, it draws hikers, climbers and spiritual seekers alike. The rock is believed by many to have special energy, and climbing partway up is said to be a must-do. Though there’s always the option of admiring it from afar, margarita in hand.

Bernal has a reputation for being peaceful, even "magical"…which earned it the official Pueblo Mágico designation. We’ll wander its charming cobblestone streets, take in the colorful colonial buildings and visit local shops selling wool textiles, candies and handmade crafts. This town truly feels like an escape, somewhere to take the in the authentic vibes of traditional Mexico. Return to Queretaro for overnight.

DAY 7 / THU 6 NOV / TOLANTONGO & RETURN TO MEXICO CITY
This morning we leave Queretaro for the drive back to Mexico City, making a much-needed stop along the way. After days of climbing pyramids, strolling city streets, and trying every kind of taco imaginable, we’ve earned a break – and Tolantongo Hot Springs is the perfect reward. We’ll sink into the warm, turquoise waters and hit the reset button before continuing on our journey. Overnight Mexico City.

DAY 8 / FRI 7 NOV / TEOTIHUACAN & THE BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Today we will discover two of Mexico’s most iconic spiritual and cultural landmarks. We’ll begin at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the world’s most important shrine dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, and a site of devotion for millions of Catholics. The basilica can hold up to 10,000 worshippers, and its impressive architecture invites nearly as many selfies! We’ll learn about the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, an Indigenous man whose divine encounter in 1531 put this site on the global religious map. You’ll have time for quiet reflection – or if you prefer, souvenir shopping for everything from candles to Virgin of Guadalupe socks.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Teotihuacan, the ancient "City of the Gods", once a powerful center of Mesoamerican civilization whose influence stretched as far as present-day Guatemala. After exploring the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramid of the Moon, the Bird-Butterfly Palace, and climbing the massive Pyramid of the Sun, we’ll have lunch and enjoy a taste of Mexican tradition and hospitality with live folk dance and music performances. Return to Mexico City for overnight.

DAY 9 / SAT 8 NOV / DEPARTURE
Free time at leisure, before its time to say “¡Adiós!” to amazing Mexico, as we transfer to the airport for our return flight.

Level of difficulty: Easy - available for everyone.
Activities: Trekking, boating, sightseeing, Day of The Dead – cultural immersion, optional horse riding.
Visas: Most passports receive free visa upon arrival or are eligible for e-visa. More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Mexico
Accommodation & meals: Accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels, double sharing. Single room available upon request for an extra cost. Meals excluded.

Cost: 6,280 AED excl. flights until SEP 10th. Past this date cost will change.

Recommended flights: Emirates with a stop in BCN at approx. 7,000 AED or multiple options starting at 5,000 AED.

Excluded: Visas, insurance, meals.

See yah in Mex xx

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