Day of the Dead in the Yucatan
5 Days Starting and ending in Cancun
Visiting: Cancún, Valladolid, Chichén-Itzá, Hoctun, Mérida, Homún, Izamal, Yaxcopoil, Muna, Calcehtok
Tour operator:
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
4-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Hanal Pixan, roughly translated as "Food of the Souls", is the Day of the Dead celebration in Yucatan. Take this Day of the Dead Tour for an immersive mix of culture, nature and food: the Hanal Pixan tour is designed to provide an experience that explores the different facets of this celebration - how did the Mayan people celebrate Day of the Dead? How is Hanal Pixan celebrated? What food is typically eaten during Day of the Dead celebrations? Learn about the connection between the Mayan people and the Hanal Pixan celebrations by visiting archaeological sites, small towns, cenotes, haciendas and participating in local Day of the Dead Celebrations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : The Colonial City Of Valladolid
Location: Cancún, Valladolid, Chichén-Itzá
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Meet at our pickup location in Cancun to depart towards the colonial city of Valladolid, where we will have a first encounter with traditional food from the Yucatan peninsula and learn about the city: a once thriving hub of commerce and agriculture and a key player in interactions between the Maya and the Spanish. After a tour of the city, we will continue towards Chichen Itza, where we will spend the night in a hotel just outside the archaeological site.
Day 2 : Chichen Itza, Cooking Classes And Cemetery
Location: Hoctun, Mérida
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we get up early to visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. We will visit the main areas in the site, as well as the sacred cenote, where we will learn about the connection between this world and the world beyond, along with the Mayan beliefs surrounding death.
We will then head back to the hotel for a cooking class where we will learn about making the pib, a special tamale made in Yucatan especially for Day of the Dead celebrations.
We will then continue driving inland towards Merida, the White City. On the way, we will stop to visit the altars at a small town’s colourful cemetery and learn more about the Day of the Dead tradition.
Day 3 : Cenotes And Day Of The Dead Celebrations
Location: Homún, Izamal, Mérida
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nearby Merida we can find a very interesting arrangement of cenotes, natural sinkholes considered sacred by the Maya. We will visit three different ones and learn about the different kinds of cenotes, their connection to the Mayan underworld and their relevance for religious purposes. We can of course dive into them.
We will then head back to Merida, where we will witness the Day of the Dead procession, the peak of the festivities in Merida; full of colour, music, and food. The procession ends at the main square, where we can participate in the celebrations and admire the altars displayed.
Day 4 : Hacienda, Caves And Cemetery
Location: Yaxcopoil, Muna, Calcehtok
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our journey today takes us south to visit another aspect of bygone life in the Yucatan peninsula: haciendas. The impressive Yaxcopoil Hacienda will provide us with an interesting look into the important role haciendas played as cultural, social, and economic hubs.
We will then continue the journey towards Calcehotk, an underground cave system where will explore grounds considered sacred by the Mayan people.
After lunch, we will visit the traditional cemetery in a small town, where every November 2nd people visit the graves of their loved ones and bring them offerings.
Day 5 : Our Journey Ends
Location: Mérida, Cancún
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We will head back to Cancun at the arranged time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights of accommodation at centrally located, locally rated 4* hotel
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Private vehicle for the group with A/C (highway fees, parking fees and driver expenses included)
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees according to described itinerary
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Fully Guided
Fully licensed English-speaking guide
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Local Taxes
All relevant taxes for products included are covered
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Meals – Half Board
4 breakfasts at the hotels, including taxes and service charges, and 2 lunches at local restaurants, including taxes and service charges
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Drinks with Meals
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Accommodation in Cancun, either at the beginning or end of the tour.
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Airfare to and from any airport, or air travel related expenses
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Personal expenses, such as telephone and laundry
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Tips to driver or guides
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes, our own certified guide
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Please present either a vaccination record or a negative PCR test
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, all entrance fees as per inclusions list and detailed itinerary
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Not for the experience itself, as tour stays within Mexico
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What should I bring?
Comfortable, light clothes, walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, swim gear and something to put your wet clothes in, small backpack for day excursions from Merida, towel, cash for personal expenses and for tips to our Authentic Mexico Tours host and for the driver.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, all accommodation details are readily available and will be shared upon booking
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Very likely: this tour is open for anyone to join
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
One big suitcase and one small bag/backpack per person
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What is the tipping policy?
Tips for maids and bell boys at hotels is included, as well as for waiters/waitresses at meals included; tips for driver and guide is not included: recommended is $2usd per guest/day for guide, and $1 per guest/day for driver
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This tour is very easy going. There will be walking in hot, humid weather; climbing on the temples and pyramids can be a bit more demanding, but this is optional.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport transfers not included with the tour; it starts and ends at pick-up location. Available for a fee
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, no flights or airport taxes are included
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What currencies are required for this tour?
US dollars and Mexican peso
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, $195usd
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
We will inform with enough time for you to make other plans, and will refund any moneys already paid to us
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, there is limited free time in Izamal and Merida
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes, there is free wi-fi at both hotels
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Well located, locally rated 4* hotels
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Company Instant Book
Yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, it is a modern vehicle with A/C
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes. The recommended minimum age is 4 years old
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, the guide is licensed to deliver tours in English
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, we do not include or handle visas
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What is the maximum group size?
12 guests
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please enquire and we will provide options
Want a private tour?
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Authentic Mexico Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform authentic mexico tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Authentic Mexico Tours requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 21 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of authentic mexico tours charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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