Journeys: Day of the Dead in 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.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle during your included arrival transport from Guanajuato International Airport to your start hotel in San Miguel de Allende.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group on the morning of day two.

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Discover the heart of San Miguel de Allende through the lens of Día de Muertos, one of Mexico's most meaningful traditions. Stroll the city's cobblestone streets with a local guide as you explore colorful altars, marigold-lined plazas, papel picado, and iconic landmarks, while learning the history, symbolism, and local customs that make this UNESCO World Heritage city such a special place to celebrate. Along the way, stop to enjoy a comforting cup of traditional hot chocolate paired with pan de muerto, then visit and learn how local artisans made alfeñique (a traditional sugar figuring), a sweet keepsake to remember this unforgettable cultural experience.Activity - Step into the workshop of renowned mojiganga artisan Hermes Arroyo and discover the traditional papier-mâché techniques behind one of Mexico's most iconic festival arts. As Hermes shares the history and cultural significance of mojigangas, you'll paint and personalize your own handcrafted mask. A few days later, wear your creation as you join Hermes and the local community in a vibrant Day of the Dead parade—experiencing the celebration from the inside rather than as a spectator.

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Meet the women of Salud Indígena, an Otomí women's cooperative dedicated to preserving Indigenous knowledge through traditional medicine, gastronomy, and artisan practices. Learn about the uses of medicinal plants, discover the symbolism behind handmade Otomí tortilla stamps, and gain insight into how community tourism helps sustain cultural traditions while supporting local livelihoods. Then, share a home-cooked lunch prepared by members of the cooperative as you learn about Otomí culinary traditions and the enduring connection between food, culture, and community.Activity - Explore Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile mill transformed into one of San Miguel de Allende's leading art and design centres. Wander galleries, working artist studios, and artisan workshops while discovering how local creatives draw inspiration from Mexico's rich cultural traditions, including Día de Muertos, through both contemporary and traditional forms of expression.

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - During the celebrations of Día de Los Muertos, you'll visit the Cemetery Virgen de Guadalupe. Enjoy a respectful and insightful look into the local traditions of remembrance. See vibrant alters, marigolds, candles, listen to music from all over as you walk through the cemetery. This experience invites quiet reflection, cultural connection, and a unique window into one of Mexico’s most powerful traditions.Free_time - Enjoy time to discover San Miguel de Allende at your own pace or choose an optional activity. Browse artisan shops, relax in a local café, or continue exploring the city's vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations.Activity - Celebrate Día de Muertos alongside your Expedition Leader and join the local community during one of San Miguel de Allende's most iconic events. Admire elaborately dressed Catrinas, vibrant costumes, music and festive traditions as the city's historic streets come alive in a colourful celebration of life, remembrance and culture.

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Slip in for a soak in the natural thermal waters outside of the city. Surrounded by gardens and mountain views, these mineral-rich poos offer the perfect excuse to relax, recharge, and connect with nature. The group will also stop for lunch on your own and a visit to the church of Atotonilco, known as the "Sistine Chapel of Mexico" because of its mural work.Free_time - There will be a more free time today to continue exploring San Miguel de Allende at your own pace

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast