HIDDEN TREASURES OF

DIA DE MUERTOS

5 NIGHTS CULTURAL OBSERVATION $ 16,000 MXN

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die"

- Thomas Campbell

Patzcuaro`s liveliest party marks the start of this incredible and extensive exploration of Dia de Muertos this year. La Fiesta de las Catrinas is a feast for the dead, complete with traditional Muertos foods, live entertainment, and local cheer.

Visit fields of Marigolds, construct a traditional Noche de Muertos altar, attend a fascinating lecture, and embark on two evenings that mark the most important indigenous tradition of the Púrepecha.

Quick Information

START: Patzcuaro, Michoacan

FINISH: Patzcuaro, Michoacan

DATES: Oct 28—Nov 2, 2023

GROUP: 16 Adults

DIFFICULTY: Some Stairs

PRICE: $16,000

APPROXIMATE PRICE IN USD: $1000

APPROXIMATE PRICE IN CAD: $1250

PRICE DETAILS

Photo Gallery

INTRODUCTION

PHOTO GALLERY

SAFETY CONCERNS

Newcomers often ask: Is Mexico Safe?

While crime is widely reported across the news, it is largely targeted in Mexico. The general rules that apply elsewhere, apply here, such as not flashing your wealth around, not walking alone at night, or using ATM's after dark when the streets are vacant of people. Don't sell or buy drugs, and be aware of your surroundings. If you are driving in Mexico, we don't recommend travel on rural roads after dark, as accidents with livestock are too common.

Generally, Mexico is a very safe country with a warm and engaging citizenry, lovely restaurants, fascinating history, eclectic architecture and never–ending celebrations.

Trip Itinerary

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FULL ITINERARY

La Fiesta de las Catrinas

Day 1: Saturday October 28, 2023

Hotel Location: Patzcuaro

Bienvenidos! Welcome to our Dia de Muertos 2023 experience! Our Hidden Treasures of Muertos begins with our 5th Annual Fiesta de Catrinas, which will be held in the city of Patzcuaro this year. Complete with an amazing menu, live entertainment, and face-painters to transform guests into Catrina’s, our party is an amazing way to welcome guests and get acquainted.

Artisan Creations

Day 2: Sunday October 29, 2023

Hotel Location: Patzcuaro

We will depart Patzcuaro this morning at around 9:30 for the Pueblo Magico of Santa Clara del Cobre, where we will watch a copper demonstration and browse through copper galleries in the main square.

We will depart to Capula for lunch and a chance to see the art that is set-up in the market during Capula’s Catrina Festival. From Capula, we will return to Patzcuaro around 5 PM.

Build a Marigold Altar

Day 3: Monday October 30, 2023

Hotel Location: Patzcuaro

This morning we will head to the small village of San Pedro to visit a marigold farm. Today’s main activity involves making a traditional altar, which we will use for our offrenda. Teofila Servin of Sanabria has graciously offered to host us at her home, where we will work together on this project, while enjoying some traditional food.

Velacion de los Angelitos

Day 4: Tuesday October 31, 2023

Hotel Location: Patzcuaro

We do not have any formal plans for daytime today, but some guests would like to visit the Island of Janitzio. This is not included in the cost of our tour, so if you would like to join us, please contact Jennifer directly to make arrangements.

This evening we will meet at 4:30 PM at La Monarca restaurant to assemble our marigold altar, and allow guests time to place a photo of their deceased loved one on the altar. We will enjoy a nice beverage and share a story about the person we are honouring, unless guests are too shy. We will enjoy dinner and our guide Jaime Hernandez will offer us a fascinating lecture about the history and symbolism of Dia de Muertos.

At 8 PM we will depart La Monarca restaurant for a vigil in a nearby village. We will observe offrendas, and bring a gift to our host. We ask guests to please bring $50-$100 Pesos each, for our offering. We will return to Patzcuaro around Midnight.

Noche de Muertos

Day 5: Wednesday November 1, 2023

Hotel Location: Patzcuaro

This morning we will head to the town of Tzintzuntzan to visit the archaeological site prior to having lunch at Las Yacatas. The procession of altars will begin around 1:30 PM, which we will have time to enjoy until our bus departs at 3 PM.

This evening we will meet at La Monarca Restaurant by 6:30 PM for our departure around the lake. We will begin with a traditional meal with a lovely P’urepecha family, before the rest of our evening tour begins. We will not be publishing our tour plans for this evening, as so much of the lake area has already become exploited. Our guide has personal connections in this area, and has secured us personal invitations to some hidden places that remain special and authentic.

We ask guests to refrain from publishing location hashtags or details about the places we visit.

Our tour will end at approximately 4:30 AM at Plaza Chica in Patzcuaro. We will assist guests with taxis to get you home safely, unless you are staying nearby and can walk to your hotel in pairs.

Please note: Due to changes with the boat services, we will be joining another group on Noche de Muertos for our celebrations. Our group will have 3 guides to assist guests, and as we will be in a very quiet area that is mostly void of tourists, we don’t expect this to be an issue. We will travel together on a chartered bus, and enjoy private services for our boat ride.