Mexico City: Day of the Dead

Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly to Mexico City

  Board your flight to Mexico City for an unforgettable week. Día de los Muertos is the liveliest time (pun intended) to visit Mexico’s capital, so buckle up. No really, you’re about to take off.

  Today's highlights:

  • Meet an EF representative and fellow travelers as they arrive at the airport.
  • Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
  • Enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with your group.
• Day 2: Explore Mexico City

  ¡Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de México! It’s a big place with lots to see, especially during Día de los Muertos, the annual holiday honoring the life and memory of the dead. It sounds gloomy, but it’s the total opposite—you’re gonna feel so alive.

  Today's highlights:

  • Start your Tour Director-led walk at Jamaica Market where locals flock to buy their Day of the Dead supplies.
  • Try traditional holiday treats like pan de muerto and candied pumpkin.
  • Marvel at Casa de Los Azulejos, a stunning 18th century palace.
  • End at Avenida Paseo de la Reforma to gawk at the decorations and get lunch on your own.

  Free time suggestions

  Angel of Independence: This prominent column was built as a symbol of freedom and victory during Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain. You can see it anytime, but it’s beautifully lit up at night.

  National Palace: Located in the city’s main square, this historic site is the current residence of Mexico’s president. You can tour parts of the building and admire murals by Diego Rivera.

• Day 3: Teotihuacán & Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

  Spoiler: Today’s gonna be epic. You’re heading out of the city and back in time to explore Teotihuacán, an ancient Mesoamerican city, archeological site, and badass selfie spot.

  Today's highlights:

  • Gawk at the grandeur of Teotihuacán’s pyramids, temples, and ruins during a guided tour.
  • Walk along the Avenue of the Dead and imagine life here 2,000 years ago.
  • Head back to the city and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a shrine and popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
  • Enjoy an included dinner with the group.
• Day 4: Free day in Mexico City or optional Xochimilco day trip

  Your time in Mexico City is limited, so today, what you do is totally up to you. Will you keep the Día de los Muertos party going on your own or join the optional excursion to the canals of Xochimilco, aka the “Venice of Mexico?”

  Free time suggestions

  Coyoacan: Head back to this energetic area and dive into more festivities or walk through the peaceful Frida Kahlo Park and admire the sculptures.

  Artisan markets: Browse the vendors’ handmade goods and trinkets, including sugar skulls and decorative paper, to take back home.

  Xochimilco day trip (extra cost)

  Ride a trajinera (v colorful boat) down Xochimilco’s canals, past mariachi bands and food vendors.

• Day 5: Tour Coyoacan + Day of the Dead cemetery visit

  Mexico City is full of distinct neighborhoods. You’re headed to Coyoacan, renowned for its Day of the Dead events (and home of Frida Kahlo). In the evening, watch the lovingly decorated cemeteries come to life. Figuratively, of course.

  Today's highlights:

  • Join your Tour Director on a tour of the historic Coyoacan neighborhood.
  • Check out the altars of flowers, photos, and foods of elaborate ofrendas, or offerings to the dead.
  • Walk the charming and cobbled Francisco Sosa Avenue.
  • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum where the artist lived and worked.
  • Head to a local cemetery to take in the traditions and unique atmosphere.
• Day 6: Free day in Mexico City + Farewell Dinner

  How’s your Spanish? Improving, we hope. Get out there and practice it some more as you soak up your last day getting down with the spirit world. Then say “hasta luego” to your crew at an included dinner.

  Free time suggestions

  Mexico Park: This urban park, located in the Condesa neighborhood, is one of the most beloved parks in Mexico City, known for its lush green space and chill vibes.

  Plaza Garibaldi: Make your way to this lively square for excellent people watching, costume gawking, and live mariachi music-listening.

• Day 7: Fly home

  ¡Adiós amigos!  
  Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?