Halloween vacation and tour - Day of the Dead in Mexico City

Arrive at Mexico City International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

Today you will start exploring one of the world´s biggest and most exciting cities! With its distinct mestizo culture, blending native Indian (Nahuatl) and Spanish heritage, Mexico City is the beating heart of the country. Enjoy a guided visit in the historical center, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. This interesting tour will include “The Zocalo”, the heart of the city, where you will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the oldest and largest of the Americas, and the National Palace, home of the famous murals of Diego Rivera. In this period of the year, the Zocalo is dressed up with huge skulls and enormous ofrendas. You will also see the ruins of the Templo Mayor, one of the most important temples of the Aztecs in their ancient capital city of Tenochtitlan.  
 
In the late afternoon, transfer to Xochimilco, one of the most picturesque and colorful areas of Mexico City, and one of the last remaining vestiges of the old Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, characterized by canals, floating gardens with lovely flowers, and brightly decorated "trajineras". On the canals we will attend a unique piece of theatre, which can only be seen in October and November: "The Legend of La Llorona". La Llorona ("The Weeping Woman") is one of the most famous legends in Mexico.  Although several versions exist, the best known story tells of a beautiful woman, by the name of Maria, who drowns her children in a river as a form of revenge, because her husband left her for a younger woman. When she realized that her children are dead she drowned herself in a river in Mexico City. At the gates of Heaven she is asked about the whereabouts of her children. She is not permitted to enter the afterlife until she has found them. Maria is forced to wander the Earth for all eternity, searching in vain for her drowned offspring, with her constant weeping giving her the name "La Llorona". She is trapped in between the living world and the spirit world. She is said to cry ¡Ay, mis hijos! ("Oh, my children!").

This story is particularly popular during the Day of the Dead season as this is the time for the diffused souls to come back to earth, to look for their loves ones. Guided by torches, with music, dance, fire, and spectacular light effects, you will enjoy an unforgettable show. Included: Breakfast.

Today discover Teotihuacán, one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the country. It was the biggest city of the American continent and one of the biggest of the world. Until its inhabitants abandoned the city around the 8th century, Teotihuacan was probably the most significant and civilized cultural center of ancient Mexico.

During this guided tour you will see the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, walk down the Avenue of the Dead, visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl with its unique stone sculptures of plumed serpents, the Temple of the Butterflies, and the Fortresses. Before going back to the hotel, you will make a stop at the Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a pilgrimage center for millions of Mexicans and people from all around the world.  Included: Breakfast.

Today (November 2) Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead, one of the most famous celebrations of the country, recognized as intangible World Heritage by Unesco. Families and friends come together to honor the Dead. One of the best places to be part of this unique event is San Andres Mixquic, located in the southeast of Mexico City, about an hour driving from downtown. Before we go to Mixquic, we will make a stop at the UNAM Campus. Every year, a mega ofrenda is exhibited on the campus. Then continue to Mixquic.

The modern celebrations in Mixquic are an extension of the cult of the dead that existed here since pre-Hispanic times. During this unique tour, you will experience the magical traditions of the Day of the Dead. Enjoy the smells, the tastes, and the typical rituals while our guide gives you fascinating insights into one of Mexico’s most colorful traditions. Witness the unique "Alumbrada", when families gather in the cemetery to decorate tombs of the deceased with flowers and different kinds of objects. Thousands of candles are lit while families pray and sing for the spirits of their ancestors. Enjoy the colorful ofrendas, buy typical food and crafts at the stands, observe the performance of pre-Hispanic rituals in the most authentic setting, and learn about the true essence of the Day of the Dead.  Included: Breakfast.

Breakfast and free time until your flight home. End of service.