For the Mexican people, no tradition runs deeper than Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday that turns the country into a one-of-a-kind stage for celebrating life and memory. On this 9-day tour, we'll dive into these centuries-old traditions by following the route that inspired the Disney Pixar movie Coco. It'll be a trip you'll never forget!
Following in Coco's Footsteps
Day 1: Mexico City
We'll pick you up at Mexico City International Airport "Benito Juárez" and transfer you to the hotel. Once you're settled in, we'll head out after dark for a nighttime panoramic tour of the Mexican capital. You'll get to admire the spectacular lights, decorations, and monumental offerings to the deceased. Welcome, friends!
Please note that your flight must land before 2 pm on the first day in order to join this nighttime activity.
Day 2: Mexico City – Morelia
After breakfast, we'll leave Mexico City behind and head to the state of Michoacán. We'll arrive in its capital, Morelia, a colonial gem that will win you over from the very first moment.
You'll have the afternoon free to explore its streets. We recommend checking out the craft museum or the candy museum. You can also choose to join an optional nighttime legends tour by the cathedral and catch its famous light show at 8:45 pm.
Day 3: Morelia – Janitzio Island – Morelia
Get ready for one of the most magical moments of the trip! After breakfast, we'll head to Lake Pátzcuaro to board a boat to the mystical Janitzio Island. According to Purépecha legend, the souls of the dead fly like monarch butterflies over this enchanted lake.
As night falls, the island lights up completely with thousands of candles and stunning altars filled with cempasúchil flowers, photos, and the favorite dishes of loved ones, guiding their return from the Land of the Living. It's a moment you'll never forget!
We'll wrap up the day back at the hotel in Morelia.
Day 4: Morelia
We'll start the day with a guided tour of Morelia, the ideological birthplace of Mexico's independence movement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After exploring its historic center, we'll dive into one of Mexico's oldest and most colorful crafts with a papel picado workshop. You'll learn its history and technique, and get to create your own design to take home as a lasting souvenir.
You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax at the hotel in Morelia.
Day 5: Morelia – Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara
We'll fuel up with breakfast and say goodbye to Morelia as we head toward Jalisco. Our first stop will be the beautiful town of Tlaquepaque, where you'll have free time to wander its colorful houses and grab lunch.
We'll arrive in Guadalajara in the evening. To wrap up the day in style, we'll enjoy a special dinner at Casa Bariachi, where you'll savor local cuisine while enjoying a folk show with live mariachi music. Let the party begin!
Day 6: Guadalajara – Tequila – Guadalajara
Time to discover the origin of Mexico's most famous drink! After breakfast, we'll head to the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila. We'll visit the renowned Mundo Cuervo distillery to learn how agave spirit is made and enjoy a tasting of blanco and reposado tequila.
After some free time in town for shopping and lunch, we'll head back to Guadalajara for a panoramic tour of its grand avenues and a walking tour of the most iconic landmarks in its historic center.
Day 7: Guadalajara – Guanajuato
On day 7, after breakfast, we'll depart for Guanajuato, one of Mexico's most fascinating colonial cities. We'll stroll through its picturesque, historic alleyways and visit Plaza del Ropero, home to the statue of legendary singer Jorge Negrete.
At night, you'll experience an authentic local tradition: a callejoneada with a student musical troupe. We'll wind through the city's nooks and crannies to the sound of music, singing, and folk legends that will have you swept up in the fun.
Day 8: Guanajuato – Dolores Hidalgo – Mexico City
With our batteries recharged after breakfast, we'll begin heading back to the Bajío region and Mexico City. Along the way, we'll stop in the Pueblo Mágico of Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of Mexico's independence. There, we'll visit the municipal cemetery to admire the mausoleum of José Alfredo Jiménez, an undisputed icon of ranchera music, and pay tribute to him at his final resting place.
Finally, we'll arrive in Mexico City for our last night's stay.
Day 9: Mexico City
On our last day, we'll have breakfast at the hotel. Just as our journey comes to an end, your ancestors, who've walked alongside us this whole trip, will also be setting off on their journey home... Until next time! At the agreed time, we'll transfer you to Mexico City International Airport to catch your flight.
Accommodation Info
This tour includes 8 nights of accommodation at the following hotels:
- 2 nights in Mexico City: Hotel Royal Reforma (3-star) or similar
- 3 nights in Morelia: Hotel Alameda Centro Histórico (4-star) or similar
- 2 nights in Guadalajara: Hotel Morales Historical & Colonial Downtown Core (4-star) or similar
- 1 night in Guanajuato: Hotel Gran Plaza Hotel & Convention Center (4-star) or similar
