Immersive Day of the Dead Celebration in Yucatán, México
Thursday, October 30- Monday, November 3, 2023
Embrace the Spirit, Honor the Soul: Join us for our immersive experience celebrating the Day of the Dead, better known as “Hanal Pixán” holidays in Yucatán, México!
All-Inclusive Retreat for everyone in Yucatán, México!
Multi-day Experience
Airport code MID
Step into a world of vibrant color, sacred tradition, and soulful celebration as we journey to the heart of Yucatan, Mexico, for Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead. This powerful holiday blends family and remembrance, honoring loved ones who have passed with altars, music, food, and beauty.
Our exclusive retreat invites you to experience these traditions up close, immersing yourself in the magic, meaning, and spirit of the celebration.
In Yucatán, the Day of the Dead is known as Hanal Pixán, or “Food for the Souls” in the Mayan language. Rooted in ancient Maya beliefs and shaped over time by Catholic influence, this tradition reflects the deep cultural understanding that life and death are intertwined.
It’s a profound celebration of memory, love, and the eternal nature of the soul.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Arrive and settle into a beautiful private hacienda surrounded by nature. We’ll kick off the experience with welcome margaritas (non-alcoholic options available) and a dinner curated by a recognized local chef, introducing the rich flavors of Yucatán.
Day 2 – Altars, Ancestry & Community
The day begins with a healthy breakfast lovingly prepared by local women.
Next, we’ll participate in a meaningful Day of the Dead ceremony led by Abuela, a powerful healer rooted in Maya tradition. This experience goes beyond learning — it’s about remembering. Together, we’ll explore the purpose and power of altars (ofrendas) in indigenous culture, not just as decorative tributes, but as sacred portals that bridge the living and the dead. Abuela will guide you through the symbolism of each element—flowers, candles, water, food, and photographs—and help you understand how these offerings serve as a call and a welcome to those who came before us.
You’ll be invited to contribute to our group altar, using meaningful items you’ve brought from home—photos, letters, small heirlooms—and elements provided for you.
This is a ceremony of reconnection, not only with your loved ones who’ve passed on but also with your inner world: your grief, your gratitude, and your lineage. After building our altar, there will be time for quiet reflection, journaling, and simply sitting with your memories and emotions in a space held with care.
In the afternoon, we’ll attend the Festival del Pib in San Sebastián—a lively celebration of traditional food and local culture.
The evening continues with a visit to Mérida’s Gran Plaza, where the city comes alive with color, light, and reverence. We’ll wander through the heartfelt altar exhibit—an open-air tapestry of candles, marigolds, and personal tributes lovingly created by local families.
As night falls, the cathedral transforms with a video mapping display honoring the Day of the Dead (Hanal Pixán). We’ll end the night with dinner out in the city, sharing stories and connection.
Day 3 – Sacred Sites & Ancestral Traditions
After breakfast, we depart early for an ancient Maya archaeological site, where a local expert will guide us through its history. Among the ruins, we’ll pause for a quiet moment of reflection—opening ourselves to the wisdom held in the stones and listening for the subtle messages of our ancestors and spirit guides.
Then it’s off to Campeche for fresh seafood by the Gulf of Mexico, with dietary options available for everyone.
We’ll then visit the town of Pomuch to witness a rare and deeply intimate tradition: the annual cleaning of the bones of deceased loved ones. It’s a powerful expression of love, memory, and the living relationship between generations.
We return to the hacienda in the evening for a swim, rest, and a light dinner under the stars.
Day 4 – Water & Spirit
We start the day with breakfast at the hacienda, then set off to explore two sacred cenotes—one a cave, the other an open, huge sunlit pool. In these magical natural spaces, we’ll experience a transformative healing sound bath led by a local meditation and wellness coach, allowing the vibrations to move through water and body alike. Afterward, there’s time to swim, float, or release your inner child on the rope swing—balancing deep healing with joyful play.
A local grandmother will prepare lunch at the cenote, an authentic taste of Yucatan.
Back at the hacienda, there’s free time to nap, relax, and enjoy the pool. You’ll also have the option to take part in traditional Day of the Dead face painting—offered respectfully and with cultural awareness. (welcomed when done with reverence)
As the sun sets, we join the Paseo de las Ánimas, Mérida’s iconic Walk of Souls procession, followed by a final dinner together to close this unforgettable journey.
Day 5 – Closing & Departure
We’ll share a final breakfast together before gathering beneath a giant old tree for a closing moment with the group. This simple, heartfelt ritual will help seal the bond we’ve formed—with ourselves, with our new friends, and with the ancestors who walked with us through this journey. Then, we depart with full hearts and lasting memories.
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT. BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO MÉRIDA (MID). PACK YOUR BAGS. LEAVE THE REST TO US.
Every detail is planned—you just show up. This retreat is designed to be a safe, inspiring space to relax, reconnect, and experience.
What’s Included:
• Enchanting accommodations
• Daily healthy, homemade meals & snacks
• Organic coffee, tea, fresh juices, and purified water in reusable bottles
• Certified bilingual guides
• All listed activities, entrance fees, and equipment (binoculars, life jackets, snorkel gear, etc.)
• Welcome gift
• Gratuities for staff (maids, porters, waiters, drivers)
• Margaritas at welcome dinner & mezcal tasting
• Private, comfortable transportation (from/to Mérida airport included)
Not Included:
• Airfare
• 3 meals (we’ll be eating out—freedom to order what you love!)
• Personal items
• Gratuities for head guides (optional)
• Alcohol outside of what's noted
More Info:
• All food is local, organic, and lovingly prepared—think homemade yogurt, granola, fresh tortillas, eggs from the farm. Plenty of tropical fruit!
• We accommodate all dietary needs—gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or allergy-sensitive.
• Activities can be adapted to your physical level—participate as much or as little as you like.
• Yucatán is one of the safest regions in Mexico. Our certified guides are local, experienced, and hand-picked for authenticity and care.
• Airport transportation from Mérida is included. Cancun transport is available for an extra fee.
• Pricing depends on whether you choose a Private or Shared room.
🧳 What to Bring
Lightweight, breathable clothing (it’s still warm in late October)
A light sweater or shawl for cooler evenings
A daily change of casual, comfortable clothes
Lightweight long sleeves and pants for added sun and bug protection
Outfit for a night on the town
Comfortable walking or jogging shoes
Water shoes with good tread for cenotes and wet terrain
Swimsuit and towel
Sun hat or cap
Biodegradable sunscreen (we also provide)
Non-toxic insect repellent (we also provide)
Reusable water bottle
Journal or notebook for reflection
A good book or two for downtime
Personal care products (toothbrush, etc.)
Optional: Day of the Dead face paint accessories (or use ours)
Altar item(s): A photo, letter, small object, crystal, figurine, or poem to honor a loved one on our sacred altar
Secure Your Spot
To reserve your place, pay your deposit now. The remaining balance is due in full by October 9, 2025 (three weeks before the retreat begins).
💡 We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case unexpected changes arise.
100% refund if canceled by August 31, 2025
85% refund if canceled between September 1–29, 2025
55% refund if canceled on or after September 30, 2025
