MEX-ECO TOURS

Day of the Dead Michoacan

This itinerary may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances/delays.

Day 1 (Friday October 30th): Tlaquepaque and Morelia
7 am: Departure by road from Puerto Vallarta/Bucerias to the Magic Town of Tlaquepaque (approximately 4 hours transfer time) for a walk along the Andador Independencia; a picturesque, cobblestone pedestrian walkway lined with historic colonial mansions, boutique galleries, artisan shops, and restaurants.
2.30 pm: Transfer to Morelia (approximately 4 hours) for check-in at hotel and free time for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Catedral, Morelia

Day 2 (Saturday October 31st): Morelia, UNESCO World Heritage Site
8 am: Breakfast in the hotel, followed by guided tour of Morelia’s historic centre: The capital of the state of Michoacán, Morelia is celebrated for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the city is defined by its stunning, pink cantera stone buildings, and during these special dates, its plazas are decorated with altars and flowers to celebrate Day of the Dead. Afternoon and free to explore the altars (be sure to check them out after dark).
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Catedral, Morelia

Day 3 (Sunday November 1st): Magic Towns and Day of the Dead Celebrations
Note: we recommend taking a day pack with warm clothes for the evening, as we do not return to the hotel before evening activities.
Breakfast in the hotel, followed by departure to the Magic Town of Tzintzuntzan (approximately 1 hour transfer). Explanation of the Yácatas de Tzintzuntzan archaeological site, and free time to explore the town and cemetery of Tzintzuntzan, where you can appreciate the impressive flower arrangements, altars, and offerings as they are put into place for the evening celebrations. Transfer to Pátzcuaro (approximately 30 minutes). Orientation from our guide, followed by free time for lunch and time to enjoy the impressive artisan market and Magic Town of Pátzcuaro. 

6 pm: Dinner (included, drinks not included) in Pátzcuaro and chance to change clothing and rest before evening activities.
8 pm: Travel to the lakeside towns to see the impressive sights of the cemeteries glowing in candle light and the crowds of people celebrating the lives and memories of their lost loved ones. Approximate arrival time to hotel in Morelia: 1 am – dependent on traffic conditions.
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Catedral, Morelia

Day 4 (Monday November 2nd): Capula & Santa Clara del Cobre
Breakfast in the hotel, followed by 10.30 am transfer to Capula (approx. 50 minutes transfer), the birthplace of Michoacán’s famous clay catrinas (skeleton figures associated with Day of the Dead) to visit a local artisan centre. Time for lunch, followed by transfer to the Magic Town of Santa Clara del Cobre (approximately 1 hour) for a demonstration on the production of the town’s famous copper pieces and free time for shopping. Evening return to Morelia – free time for dining.
Accommodation: Hotel Misión Catedral, Morelia

Day 5 (Tuesday November 3rd): Return Travel
Breakfast in the hotel, followed by transfer to Morelia airport (approximately 45 minutes) for flight to Puerto Vallarta.