Mexico 360°: Day of the Dead Festival and Ancient Wonders




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Itinerary
Death might sound like a heavy theme for a holiday - but in Mexico, it’s quite the opposite. Día de los Muertos is a one-of-a-kind celebration where the country doesn’t mourn the departed, it sings, dances, and honours them with joy. For 12 unforgettable days, we’ll witness the magic of this extraordinary tradition: streets alive with colour, glowing candles, vibrant altars, and calacas—the iconic grinning skulls that have become symbols of the fiesta.
We’re diving into a culture that transforms grief into celebration, reminding us that life and death are beautifully intertwined. And of course, we’re not just watching from the sidelines—we’re joining in! Our adventure begins in Mexico City, the beating heart of the festivities, before we travel to Puebla, a city rich in history and charm. From there, we’ll make our way to Oaxaca, where Día de los Muertos takes on a sacred, intimate meaning, with rituals that welcome everyone—family, friend, or traveler. Finally, a quick domestic flight brings us to Playa del Carmen, where we’ll round off our journey with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the majestic Chichén Itzá.


Welcome to Mexico!
Check in: Our adventure begins in Mexico City.
Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.
We kick things off with a check-in at our hotel in the buzzing capital, followed by a welcome meeting to get to know our travel crew. Then it’s time to dive straight into the energy of Mexico City. Picture this: colourful markets bursting with life, bold street art around every corner, and an atmosphere that pulls you right in. Of course, we’ll fuel our wanderings with local favorites—crispy tacos, fresh guacamole, sweet churros—and raise our first toast with a shot of tequila. The adventure has officially begun!

Mexico City
Discovering the Soul of Mexico City
Mexico City is pure chaos—and that’s exactly its charm. With over twenty million people living life at full speed, this capital is a whirlwind of sounds, colours, and energy you simply have to experience to believe.
We’ll start the day in the historic heart of the city, wandering through the grand Zócalo square, home to the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. History, culture, and architecture collide here in a way that’s uniquely Mexican.
After lunch, we’ll have the chance to step into the world of one of Mexico’s most iconic artists: Frida Kahlo. At La Casa Azul—“The Blue House”—we’ll discover where she lived, loved, and created alongside Diego Rivera. It’s a visit that feels less like a museum and more like stepping into her story.
But of course, a day in Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without its culinary soul: tacos and tequila. Tonight, we’ll taste the real deal and toast once again to our adventure.

Excursion to Teotihuacan
The City of the Gods
Today we step back in time. Just 50 kilometers from Mexico City lies Teotihuacán—“the City of the Gods”—one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.
Once a thriving religious and trading hub between 100 BC and 650 AD, Teotihuacán still amazes visitors with its sheer scale and mystery. We’ll walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, standing before the towering Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, feeling the weight of centuries of history in every stone.
After immersing ourselves in this ancient metropolis, we’ll return to the capital to recharge in the best way possible: with more local flavours and specialties that keep surprising us at every bite.

Puebla
Direction Puebla
This morning we say goodbye to Mexico City and hop on a bus to Puebla—a colonial gem that truly comes alive during Día de los Muertos. Here, tradition spills into every corner, transforming the streets into a kaleidoscope of colours and rituals.
We’ll wander through bustling local markets, where 'ofrendas' (offerings to the deceased) glow with candles, cempasúchil flowers, and sugar skulls, each one telling a story of remembrance and love. The city’s energy builds throughout the day, leading us to the Paseo de las Ánimas—a magical procession through the historic center, complete with music, dancing, and the vibrant pulse of tradition.
And of course, no visit to Puebla would be complete without tasting its most famous dish: mole poblano, a rich, flavourful sauce that perfectly captures the city’s culinary soul.

Oaxaca
On the Road to Oaxaca
This morning we continue our journey south and make our way to Oaxaca—a city so enchanting that it was once crowned the most beautiful city in the world by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. And trust us, the title is well deserved.
During Día de los Muertos, Oaxaca becomes one of the most authentic and evocative places to experience the holiday. Its traditions run deep, and the celebrations here capture the true spirit of Mexico’s most beloved festival.
The day will sweep us up in a whirl of colour and joy: vibrant markets, irresistible local food, moving processions, and dazzling parades that fill the streets with music and life. In Oaxaca, the Day of the Dead is not just celebrated—it’s lived.

Oaxaca
Discovering Oaxaca
Today we dedicate the entire day to soaking up the vibrant soul of Oaxaca—a town that bursts with art, history, culture, nature, and architecture at every turn.
And of course, food is never far away here. Oaxacan cuisine is world-famous, and its traditional craftsmanship is just as renowned, from intricate textiles to pottery that tells centuries-old stories. Then there’s mezcal—the smoky, agave-based spirit that’s taken over cocktail bars across Mexico and beyond. Here in its homeland, it tastes even better.
As the sun sets, Oaxaca shows us a different side: buzzing nightlife, music that fills the streets, and celebrations that keep the Day of the Dead alive long after dark. Get ready to dance, laugh, and raise a glass—tonight, we join the locals in true Oaxacan style.

A Farewell to Oaxaca
Last day in Oaxaca
Our final day in this wonderful city is the perfect chance to catch anything we may have missed. For those who love art and culture, Oaxaca delivers in style: we can explore the Rufino Tamayo Museum or the Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños, both of which host special exhibitions dedicated to Día de los Muertos. These collections dive into the cultural and artistic significance of the celebration, offering new layers of understanding to what we’ve witnessed in the streets.
Spending Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca is an experience that stays with you forever. Here, tradition isn’t just observed—it’s lived with passion, colour, and emotion. As we say goodbye, we carry with us the beauty of the celebrations and a deeper connection to Mexico’s vibrant spirit.

Flying to the Yucatan
Welcome to Playa del Carmen!
It’s time for an early start as we head to the airport. Our next stop? None other than Playa del Carmen, where the final chapter of our adventure begins.
The coming days are all about slowing down and soaking it all in. Think turquoise seas, soft sandy beaches, and endless sunshine. We’ll have the freedom to choose: spend the day basking on the coast, dive into the vibrant nightlife, or join one of the many excursions in the area.
Here in Playa, there’s only one rule: live each day exactly as you want to.

Chichen Itza
A “Wonder”
today we’re heading to one of the most extraordinary sites in the world: Chichén Itzá.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 1988 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a breathtaking example of Mayan civilisation at its height. Once the stage for violent conflicts, the city now stands as one of the best-preserved archaeological treasures in Mexico. We’ll wander among its temples and monuments, even pausing at one of the largest pelota courts in the Yucatán—where the Maya played their ritual ball game long before football existed.
The crown jewel, of course, is the Temple of Kukulkán. With its 365 steps and perfect symmetry, it becomes even more magical during the equinox, when sunlight creates the illusion of a feathered serpent slithering down the pyramid’s staircase. Will we be lucky enough to witness this phenomenon?
After soaking up the ancient wonders, we’ll head back to Playa del Carmen to round off the day with what this town does best: sunshine, relaxation, and a healthy dose of fun.

Playa del Carmen
Relax mode ON!
We wake up in Playa del Carmen—perhaps a little tired after last night’s noche loca—and take a moment to realise just where we are. One of the most famous beaches in all of Mexico, this slice of paradise owes its fame to the turquoise Caribbean waters, the coral reef just offshore, and the infectious energy that fills the air. And since we’re here, there’s only one thing to do: make the most of it.
By day, it’s all about sun, sea, and pure relaxation. By night, Playa completely transforms. As the sun sets, the centre comes alive with bars, restaurants, live music, and discos that keep the party going until late. Another unforgettable evening awaits us under the Caribbean sky.

Playa del Carmen
Beach Club, tropical islands and… sunscreen!
In Playa del Carmen, every day offers something new—and today is no exception. The choice is ours: stretch out on pristine beaches, swim alongside graceful sea turtles, or dive into the electric energy of the beach clubs.
Just offshore, two paradise islands beckon. Cozumel, with its laid-back bohemian vibe, is home to El Cielo—a place where the sea and sky melt into one, painting the horizon with breathtaking colours. Then there’s Isla Mujeres, famed for its endless parties and carefree spirit. Whether we’re after relaxation or revelry, the Caribbean delivers.
As the sun dips below the horizon, we gather for our final evening together on the beach. With sand between our toes and the sound of the waves behind us, we turn our last night into a collection of memories we’ll carry long after this adventure ends.

Goodbye Mexico!
Check-out and goodbyes
Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!
What's included
11 nights: accommodation in a shared room
Bus from Mexico City to Puebla
Bus from the People to Oaxaca
Internal flight Oaxaca a Playa del Carmen
Entrance to Chichen Itza
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
Flights to and from destination
- Meals and drinks where not indicated
- All the extras you'll want to buy and be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
The amount to be paid to the coordinator will be approximately £260/€300. The amount of the Money Pot will vary based on the number of activities and extras that the group decides to do.
- Public transport
- Tickets and entrances for day 2
- Any extra entrances on day 6
Coordinator's money pot share
- The activities and extras that all participants have agreed to do and the coordinator's share of the cost
Additional info
The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom
- Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
This journey begins at Mexico City. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Playa del Carmen. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About Mexico
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Mexico, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Mexico – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Mexico has four time zones, and it can vary depending on where you are in the country.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancun are usually on Central Standard Time (CST), which is 6 hours behind the UK and 1 hour ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in the USA. So, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 6am there, and if it is 12pm in New York, it will be 11am there.
- Tijuana is on Pacific Standard Time (PST), 8 hours behind the UK and on the same time as Los Angeles. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 4am there, and if it is 12pm in Los Angeles, it will be 12pm there.
- The state of Sonora does not observe daylight saving time and remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- Baja California Sur and some parts of Nayarit are on Mountain Time (MT), usually 7 hours behind the UK. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 5am there, and if it is 12pm in Denver, it will be 12pm there.
Mexico uses the Mexican Peso (MXN) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can fluctuate, but as a rough guide:
- 1 GBP is approximately 24 MXN
- 1 USD is about 18 MXN
- 1 EUR is around 21 MXN
You can exchange currency at banks, official currency exchange offices, and some hotels. It's a good idea to have some pesos on hand when you arrive for immediate expenses.
In Mexico, you can pay using credit and debit cards, which are widely accepted in most places, especially in cities and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most common, but some places accept American Express too. However, it's a good idea to carry cash for small vendors, markets, and more remote areas where card payments might not be possible.
ATMs are available for cash withdrawals, just be mindful of transaction fees. Always notify your bank before traveling to avoid any card issues.
Tipping in Mexico is customary and appreciated. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 10 to 15 percent of the bill. For hotel staff like bellboys or housekeeping, a small tip of 20 to 50 pesos is typical.
If you take a taxi, tipping isn't mandatory, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Keep some cash handy, as smaller establishments may not accept card tips. Always check your bill since some places might include a service charge.
In Mexico, it's a good idea to buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for reliable internet. Major providers like Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T offer plans with good coverage.
Wi-Fi is widely available in cities, hotels, cafes, and many public spaces, but connections can be slow or unreliable in rural areas. If you're planning to explore outside urban areas, a local SIM card will be very useful for staying connected.
In Mexico, the official language is Spanish. While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few Spanish phrases can be really helpful. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello - Hola
- Thank you - Gracias
- Please - Por favor
- How much is it? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Where is the bathroom? - ¿Dónde está el baño?
Having these phrases in your pocket can make your experience more enjoyable!
In Mexico, the plugs are of type A and B, similar to those used in the USA. The voltage is 127V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If you are coming from a country that uses different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any hassle. This way, you'll stay connected and your gadgets will keep running smoothly during your trip.
In Mexico, the main religion is Roman Catholicism. Catholic traditions and customs are very prominent, and you might notice many beautiful churches and religious festivals throughout the country. A significant religious holiday in Mexico is Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe on December 12, celebrated with processions and masses. Another key celebration is Semana Santa, or Holy Week, leading up to Easter, which includes various religious events and activities.
Mexico offers a diverse climate, so your backpack should be ready for various conditions.
Here's a helpful packing list for Mexico:
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Clothing:
- Light layers for warm weather
- A sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
- Swimwear for beaches or pools
- A hat for sun protection -
Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for the beach
- Dressier shoes if planning to visit nice restaurants -
Accessories and Technology:
- Sunglasses
- Camera or smartphone
- Power bank
- Universal adapter if needed -
Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Basic first aid kit
- Common travel medication like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, and motion sickness pills
Prepare for both urban and rural adventures, and you'll be ready to explore all Mexico has to offer.
Mexico's weather varies greatly depending on the region and time of year. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Coastal Areas (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta): Typically warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) year-round. The dry season is from November to April, making it a great time to visit.
- Central Highlands (Mexico City, Guadalajara): Mild climate with temperatures between 12°C and 24°C (54°F to 75°F). The rainy season is from May to October, so plan accordingly.
- Northern Deserts: Hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) and cooler winters averaging 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
The best time to visit Mexico overall is during the dry season, from November to April, for pleasant weather conditions.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.
























