When is the best time to take a Day of the Dead tour?

The Day of the Dead happens from October 31st to November 2nd each year, and tours run during these specific dates. Families start by cleaning and decorating graves on October 31st. Then on November 1st, they honor children who have passed, and on November 2nd, they remember adults. The weather in central Mexico is perfect for outdoor events during this time - you can expect comfortable daytime temperatures around 75°F (24°C) and cooler nights around 54°F (12°C).

What kind of cultural activities can I expect on a Day of the Dead tour?

You'll get to experience Mexican culture up close. In Oaxaca, you can join cooking classes to make traditional dishes like mole and tortillas. You'll visit local markets, including the famous Jamaica Market in Mexico City, to learn about items used in the ceremonies. One TourRadar traveler said "the impeccable choices that were made to submerge the group into the culture, not just as tourists but as participants was fantastic!" You'll see family altars called ofrendas decorated with photos, food and marigold flowers, and spend time with local families during their cemetery visits. Many tours include face painting sessions so you can join in the celebrations.

What kind of accommodations can I expect during a Day of the Dead tour?

Most nights you'll stay in 3-4 star hotels in city centers. For example, you might stay at Hotel Posada del Rosario in Oaxaca, which puts you right where the festival action is, or Hotel Diego Mazariegos in San Cristóbal with its beautiful old courtyards. Some tours, like those with Lupita Overland, include a night or two of camping in special places like the Tehuacán Cactus Reserve - they provide all the camping equipment you'll need.

How authentic are the Day of the Dead experiences on these tours?

These tours give you a real look at Mexican culture, not just a tourist version. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Witnessing how the inhabitants of Xochimilco integrate their unique natural elements and landscape into their Day of the Dead celebrations was incredible." You'll see big celebrations in cities like Oaxaca and Mexico City, but you'll also visit smaller towns like San Andrés Mixquic, where they still celebrate just like their ancestors did.

What's included in the meals during Day of the Dead tours?

Your tour usually covers breakfast each day and some group meals featuring festival foods. You'll get to try pan de muerto (special holiday bread) and taste mole in Oaxaca, which TourRadar travelers say has "delicious Oaxacan dishes." Some tours, like those with Lupita Overland, have "Cook Groups" where you'll shop at local markets and cook meals together. When you're eating on your own, plan to spend about 15-30 USD per meal.

Mexico Day of the Dead Tours & Trips

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10 best Day of the Dead tour packages

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In-depth Cultural Sightseeing Historical +1
Mexico: Maya, Aztecs & Conquistadors Day of the Dead Festival (Oaxaca)
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Monte Alban, Tehuantepec,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Palenque,Campeche,Uxmal,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Cancun+8 more
Age Range
16 to 80 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
Duration
16 days
From
NZ$9,415
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In-depth Cultural Sightseeing Historical +1
Mexico: Maya, Aztecs & Conquistadors Day of the Dead Festival (Romerillo)
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Monte Alban, Oaxaca,Teotitlan del Valle,Tehuantepec,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Palenque,Campeche,Uxmal,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Cancun+10 more
Age Range
16 to 80 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
6% Off
Duration
16 days
From $8,687
NZ$8,205
$2,051 now + easy payments of $1,538
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$2,051
4 easy payments$1,538
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Oct 2025
Pay today$2,051
4 easy payments$1,538
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Festival & Events Sightseeing In-depth Cultural +1
Mexico City: Day of the Dead Comfort
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Had a GREAT time in Mexico for this tour. I recommend this tour to anyone and everyone!"
Jorge, traveled in October
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Central Mexico
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
6% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$2,580
$400 now + easy payments of $242
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$400
9 easy payments$242
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$400
9 easy payments$242
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Explorer Sightseeing Historical
Day of the Dead in Mexico City
3.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"I saw more than I ever imagined I could pack into just 5 days. Hotel was nice, but a bit out of the action."
Doug, traveled in October
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Central MexicoPacific Coast Mexico+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
6% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$1,819
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Explorer
Genuine Mexico, Day of the Dead Edition
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"A great tour of Southern Mexico and celebrating the day of the dead festival is something that everyone should do."
Jon, traveled in October
Destinations
San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapa de Corzo, Mazunte,Oaxaca,Zapotitlán,Mexico City+3 more
Age Range
16 to 70 year olds
Country Region
Pacific Coast Mexico
Operated in
English
Operator
LUPITA OVERLAND
20% Off
Duration
14 days
From $4,177
NZ$3,342
$668 now + easy payments of $334
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 25 Oct 2025
Pay today$668
8 easy payments$334
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 25 Oct 2025
Pay today$668
8 easy payments$334
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Explorer
South Mexico Wonders, Day of the Dead Edition
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The quality of the driving was excellent. I always felt completely safe. I can't imagine that any company could be better."
Karen, traveled in April
Destinations
Puerto Morelos, Chichen Itza, Bacalar, Calakmul, Palenque,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Chiapa de Corzo,Mazunte,Oaxaca,Zapotitlán,Mexico City+6 more
Age Range
16 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
LUPITA OVERLAND
20% Off
Duration
22 days
From $7,184
NZ$5,747
$1,149 now + easy payments of $657
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,149
7 easy payments$657
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,149
7 easy payments$657
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In-depth Cultural Historical
Day of the Dead at Oaxaca
Destinations
Oaxaca, Zapotitlán, Mexico City
Age Range
18 to 80 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
LUPITA OVERLAND
20% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$2,463
$494 now + easy payments of $247
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Oct 2025
Pay today$494
8 easy payments$247
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Oct 2025
Pay today$494
8 easy payments$247
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Festival & Events Family Historical +1
DAY OF THE DEAD EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO
1.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Mexico City, Queretaro, San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato,San Andres Mixquic,San Juan Teotihuacán+2 more
Age Range
6 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Central Mexico
Operated in
English,German,Spanish+2 more
Operator
EUROLATINO Tour Operators
20% Off
No departure dates available
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$Journeys: Mexico\'s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca National Geographic Journeys Tour$
$Journeys: Mexico\'s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca National Geographic Journeys - 1 destination$
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Festival & Events Active Explorer Coach / Bus +2
Journeys: Mexico's Day of the Dead in Oaxaca National Geographic Journeys
4.5 (5 traveler reviews)
"Excellent trip! The hotel where we stayed was centrally located and quite nice. This tour was very well organized."
Heather, traveled in October
Destinations
Oaxaca
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Pacific Coast Mexico
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures
20% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$3,199
$640 now + easy payments of $320
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Oct 2025
Pay today$640
8 easy payments$320
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 28 Oct 2025
Pay today$640
8 easy payments$320
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Festival & Events Active Explorer Coach / Bus +2
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: Day of the Dead
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Twas marvelous 5 stars 🌟"
Taylor, traveled in September
Destinations
Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido
Age Range
18 to 39 year olds
Country Region
Pacific Coast Mexico
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$1,239
$248 now + easy payments of $99
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Oct 2025
Pay today$248
10 easy payments$99
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Oct 2025
Pay today$248
10 easy payments$99
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