mexico-chiapas - day of the dead

Oct 28-Nov 5, 2023 - FULL - ask about waitlist
Dia de los Muertos plus Mayan Ruins

  • Pace - Lots of walking on cobblestone streets
  • 9 days/ 8 nights 
  • Scheduled dates: 2023: Oct 28-Nov 5
  • Price: 2023 - from $1895 per person in double room.   
  • Single supplement: $395
  • Download detailed itinerary
 
Journey with us to Mexico, which is never more alive than during Dia de Muertos (the Day of the Dead)  It is a time to focus on family and friends, and to pray for and remember those who have died. Celebrations take place on October 31 and November 1 and 2 throughout the world, and particularly in Mexico in colonial and indigenous villages and cities. Far from being somber, Dia de Muertos is a festival.
        We begin in Palenque and visit the vast Mayan ruins, then continue to the Tonina ruins and the beautiful Misol Ha waterfalls. Finally we arrive to San Cristobal de las Casas, a gorgeous colonial city in the state of Chiapas, for our Day of the Dead observations. We will visit several cemeteries, where traditions have not changed in years. It begins with cleaning the graves and scattering pine needles and chrysanthemum petals over the fresh dirt. Wooden planks - representing doors - are then placed on top of the graves.  Ofrendas (offerings) are laid upon the graves or alters, including favorite foods and drinks of the deceased, as well as familiar things from the home. We will  build our own altar to honor our family and friends who have passed on. In the cemeteries, family members spend much of the night in the cemetery, visiting, singing, eating and drinking.  It's an amazing and colorful sight.
       We will also take time to learn about the many different Maya costumes, which vary from village to village, and visit artisan workshops. Finally, we'll spend a day boating through spectacular Sumidero Canyon. 
      This tour is an excellent example of sustainable tourism. 
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  • Accommodations: 2 nights in Palenque, 5 nights in San Cristobal, final night near airport in Tuxtla Gutierrez.  All good lodging, hot water, private bath.
  • Included:  All local transportation by van, 8 nights hotel, taxes, daily breakfast, entry fees, services of a bi-lingual licensed guide, basic tips for group meals, &  drivers, escorted by  Jean Warneke of JB Journeys
  • Not included: Airfare, meals not listed, alcoholic drinks, travel insurance, tips for hotels or guide.
  • Bring:  Casual throughout, comfortable walking shoes, camera, sunscreen, binoculars, hat, bug juice, swim suit. Weather is warm in the lowlands (Palenque, Tonina, Sumidero Canyon) and warm to coolish in San Cristobal.