Journeys: Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende
About Mexico - From $1,999.00 USD
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: 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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
