The Tour

The festivities are based around a candlelight memorial wake in which thousands of candles are lit on the lake and in the cemeteries to provide light to safely guide the returning souls of loved ones back home.

Full Itinerary

October 31st

Hundreds of events in the range of ceremonies, traditions, contests, music, dance, crafts, food, theater and many other branches of culture form the program offered to the visitors of Michoacán on this first day of the Day of the Dead festival.

You will arrive to Morelia airport and transfer in 50 minutes to Patzcuaro (private transfer). After settling at your hotel you will have free time to explore the town and its festivities in full color.

Night at 3 star hotel, Patzcuaro.

November 1st

You will have the morning free to explore Patzcuaro further on your own, attend one of the special musical or theatrical events or visit the villages around the lake on a guided tour (optional choices).

In the evening you will be guided along the cemeteries and celebrations on a 7 hour collective guided tour which lasts until late at night.

The "Velaciones" (wakes) are ceremonies that take place in the cemeteries; they consist of the presence of family members that bring gifts and spend the night at the graves of their loved ones. The tombs are filled with flowers and gifts in the form of food, candy and candles that with their light attract the souls and visitors. Each town wakes during two nights. For the inhabitants of the lakeside villages, conducting cultural events during this mystical celebration represents a chance to promote, encourage and revitalize their music, dance, native language, clothing, crafts, and gastronomy.

Night at 3 star hotel, Patzcuaro.

November 2nd

You will have the morning free to rest after a late night while the rest of the day is open to enjoy Patzcuaro on your own, attend one of the special musical or theatrical events or visit the villages around the lake on a guided tour (optional choices).

Michoacán is one of the Mexican states with the greatest richness in crafts and on this day of the Night of the Dead festival it is possible to access all that variety gathered in large handicraft bazaars. The bazaar taking place at the Basque Plaza de Quiroga in Patzcuaro stands out as over 600 artisans come together here to share their skills.

Along with traditional events other cultural activities are carried out such as gastronomical bazaars, “Catrina” (the skull lady) expositions and theatrical plays.

Night at 3 star hotel, Patzcuaro.

November 3rd

A private transfer will bring you back to Morelia for your flight home.

Extra activities:

This tour includes one guided (collective) tour on the night of November first.

Renowned examples of cultural events during these days are the XXXII edition of the traditional "Don Juan Tenorio" play, which is presented in the open chapel of Tzintzuntzan- an old Purépecha ceremonial center- and concerts of the Symphony Orchestra of Michoacan in the Patzcuaro Basilica on November 1st.

If you are interested in attending one of these special events we can arrange this for you as well.

We also offer tours to the surrounding villages of lake Patzcuaro.

Tour Price Includes:

• 3 nights hotel Patzcuaro
• Round trip transfer between Morelia Airport and Patzcuaro
• 7 hour Night Tour to the cemeteries and celebrations

Optional private tours: 130 USD per tour

These are pictures from this tour.

Pricing For This Tour

$600.00 - $650.00 USD for 1 person. (2 person price around $800.00)

For an exact quote please contact us or inquire about this tour.