[ Print This Page ]
5-Nights Journeys: Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende - National Geographic Journeys from $1,999
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688165
Journeys: Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende
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.
Highlights
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
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg. 12
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mojiganga Workshop with Hermes Arroyo, 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.
5 nights from $1,999 per person
G Adventures: Journeys: Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: San Miguel de Allende
Begin your exploration of San Miguel de Allende with a guided walk through one of Mexico's most captivating colonial cities as it prepares for Día de Muertos. Stroll streets lined with marigolds, colourful altars, and papel picado while your local guide shares the traditions, symbolism, and cultural significance of one of Mexico's most meaningful celebrations.Pause to enjoy traditional hot chocolate and pan de muerto before meeting local artisans preserving the delicate craft of alfeñique. Learn how these intricate sugar creations have become an enduring part of Day of the Dead traditions and continue to be passed down through generations.Later, visit the workshop of renowned mojiganga artisan Hermes Arroyo for a National Geographic Journeys experience. Gain insight into the history and craftsmanship behind these towering papier-mâché figures, which have become synonymous with San Miguel's celebrations, before painting your own handcrafted Day of the Dead mask. Later in the journey, wear your creation as you join a local community parade, experiencing the celebration alongside the people who keep these traditions alive. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Day 3: San Miguel de Allende
Travel beyond the city to visit Salud Indígena, an Otomí women's cooperative dedicated to preserving Indigenous knowledge, traditional medicine, and culinary traditions. Learn about the role of medicinal plants in daily life, discover the techniques used to decorate handmade Otomí tortillas, and gain insight into how community tourism helps sustain local culture and create economic opportunities. Share a home-cooked lunch prepared by members of the cooperative before returning to San Miguel de Allende.This afternoon, explore Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile mill reimagined as a vibrant centre for art and design. Accompanied by an expert guide, discover galleries and working studios while learning how local artists interpret and celebrate Día de Muertos through a range of traditional and contemporary mediums. Enjoy time to browse the exhibitions before the evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Dinner is at your leisure, or perhaps find a nearby rooftop to take in the festive atmosphere from above.
Day 4: San Miguel de Allende
Gain a deeper understanding of Día de Muertos with a guided visit to the Virgen de Guadalupe Cemetery, where a local expert shares the traditions, symbolism, and family customs that make this one of San Miguel de Allende's most meaningful celebrations of remembrance.Later, enjoy time to explore the city at your own pace or choose from two optional experiences: a visit to Cañada de la Virgen or a hands-on salsa workshop at Vía Orgánica Ranch.As the day draws to a close, join locals for the iconic Catrinas Parade. Watch elaborately costumed participants, music, and artistic traditions weave through the streets in a celebration that honours the enduring connections between the living and those who came before.
Day 5: 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 an included farewell dinner with the group.
Day 6: San Miguel de Allende
Depart at any time.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Krouse Travel
1284 Greensprings Drive
York, PA 17402
USA
(717) 244-6410