Day of the Dead – Yucatán
Day of the Dead in the Yucatán Peninsula is known as Hanal Pixán, a Mayan phrase meaning “food for the souls.” Celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, it reflects a unique blend of ancient Maya traditions and Catholic beliefs. Unlike other regions of Mexico, the focus is more intimate and centered on family and home.
Families create altars called ofrendas decorated with candles, flowers, photos, and traditional foods. A special dish called mucbipollo (or pib), a large tamal baked underground, is prepared as an offering to the departed. Other items like atole, fruits, and sweets are also placed on the altar to nourish visiting spirits.
Each day has a specific meaning: October 31st honors deceased children (u hanal palal), November 1st is for adults (u hanal nucuch uinicoob), and November 2nd is dedicated to all souls. Homes are filled with the scent of incense, and prayers are said in both Spanish and Mayan.
Hanal Pixán emphasizes respect, remembrance, and connection with ancestors. It is a quieter, deeply spiritual celebration that highlights the enduring influence of Mayan culture in the Yucatán region.
Dates:
28th Oct – 3rd Nov 2026
Please contact us for further information or to register your interest.
Please note our itinerary is subject to change.
Trip Overview
Day 1: Melaque to Mérida
Travel to Merida from Melaque / Barra / Manzanillo (other departure locations available upon request)
Accommodation: Mérida
Day 2: Dzibilchaltun & Sisal
Visit the archeaological site of Dzibilchaltún where we will have a guided tour of this site that dates from the pre-classic period until the arrival of the Spanish (600BC – 1540AD). The site has a sacbe (white road) used by the Maya to move between ceremonial buildings and especially to the Temple of the Seven Dolls where on the vernal in March the sun casts a shadow similar to Chichén Itzá where the snake descends the temple stairs.
Departing from Dzibilchaltún we will travel to Sisal (1hr 20mins) where we will enjoy some relaxing time on the beautiful white sand beach and have lunch and spend part of the afternoon. In Sisal there will be displays of Yucatecan Day of the Dead altars, exhibitions and more. And as the evening draws closer we will will see a mixture of a new annual traditional and old beliefs with a parade and show of the local boats (Chalanas – similar to a small john boat) that are beautifully decorated with flowers, candles and spectacularly costumed locals as they pass us by.
Accommodation: Mérida
Day 3: Day of the Dead Altars – Mérida
In the Yucatán, Day of the Dead altars, part of Hanal Pixán, reflect strong Maya traditions that set them apart from the rest of Mexico. Instead of multi-level altars, many are simple tables dressed with white cloths symbolizing purity. Offerings often include mucbipollo, a large baked tamal unique to the region, along with atole, fruits, and traditional sweets. Palm leaves, crosses, and candles blend Maya and Catholic elements. Unlike other regions, specific days are dedicated to children, adults, and the forgotten dead. These altars emphasize ancestral roots and local foods, highlighting a distinct cultural identity within Mexico’s broader Day of the Dead celebrations. As we explore the altars there will be more history about the region and its some of its traditions.
Accommodation: Mérida
Day 4: Paseo de las Animas
We then head out to witness and be a part of the Paseo de las Ánimas. In Mérida this is a moving procession held during Hanal Pixán, Yucatán’s Day of the Dead celebration. Participants dress in traditional white clothing and paint their faces as skulls (we highly recommend that you do this so as not to stand out and to feel more a part of this tradition and to actually live it as the locals do!), walking through the streets with candles to guide the spirits of the dead. The procession travels from the Ermita de Santa Isabel park and the entry arch to the old City and finishes at the city cemetery, this symbolizing the journey of souls. Along the route, altars, incense, and flowers create a solemn yet beautiful atmosphere. This event blends Maya beliefs with Catholic traditions, allowing the community to honor ancestors while celebrating cultural heritage and the enduring connection between life and death.
Accommodation: Mérida
Day 5: Santa Elena
Upon arrival to the town of Santa Elena we will begin the activities of the day which will take us and show us more of the traditions of this region. We will have a cooking class where we will make the pib or mucopibil – traditional meals similar to tamales that represent a connection to the dead. As well as this we will sample other regional foods. We will learn more about the significance and different elements of the Yucatecan altar for the deceased as well as participate in the elaboration of the different parts. Then to continue the ceremony we will make the traditional ceremonial drinks and try them along with handmade candies made only at this time of the year. We finish out visit with a guided tour of the community to see and learn more about the people and town we are visiting and their traditions..
Accommodation: Mérida
Day 6:Chichén Itzá & cenote
We will leave our hotel early and head to Mérida Teya train station where we will take the early train to Chichén Itzá. We will be met at the Chichén Itzá train stations and taken to the archaeological site (named one of the new 7 wonders of the world by UNESCO in 2007) for a guided tour of this spectacular Maya site that flourished for nearly 700 years before its downfall. After the tour of the archaeological site we will visit the cenote of Yodzonot for a chance to swim in the refreshing waters of this 40m wide and 65m deep cenote located 20km from Chichén Itzá followed by lunch nearby.
Accommodation: Mérida
Day 7: Return Travel
Return travel to Manzanillo airport (or other destinations by prior arrangement).
Price
2026 Price
$45,000 pesos per person (based on double occupancy)
$4,000 pesos single person supplement
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
What’s included?
Transport
(transfers, bus, & return flights to Manzanillo*)
Accommodation
Local Guides
Breakfasts
Entrance Fees
*For other departure points, such as Guadalajara, please contact us
Difficulty
Medium
The heat in the daytime can reach the mid 30’s Celsius (mid 90’s Fahrenheit) and the archaeological sites and Paseo de las animas both include walks over 1.5km
Climate
Warm during the day, colder at night. Rain is also possible during October/November, so waterproof gear should be considered.
Altitude
Warm during the day, colder at night. Rain is also possible during October/November, so waterproof gear should be considered.