Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, or the annual Day of the Dead festival, on a five-day cultural exploration of Mexico City. Visit the museums of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and learn all about their fascination with death, wander about the Tlahuac community, taste Mexico City's famous street tacos on a taco crawl, participate in a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony and see elaborate altars dedicated to the deceased., visit some of Mexico City's most famous landmarks, be made into a Catrina at a makeup session and crown creation class, and witness the world famous Day of the Dead parade.  This festival is all about rituals, so dive straight into the ceremonies that have made this tradition so famous on this culturally immersive trip. 

More trip info here.

On the day this trip ends our  8 day Oaxaca trip will start. We’d love for you to consider experiencing both trips with us.

We specialize in tours for adults only. Our focus is on taking you away from the everyday world and the distractions of family life, immersing you in exotic cultures, sights, and cuisine..

**Please note you need to be able to walk up to 3 miles a day and carry your own luggage, sometimes up stairs.

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas, and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

If you cancel within 30 days of making your deposit, you will receive a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee per spot reserved.

If you cancel between 31 days after booking and 180 days before the trip, you will receive a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.

No refunds will be given if you cancel within 180 days of the trip’s start date.

Note: If you find someone to fill your spot, I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee, provided the transfer is made at least 60 days before departure. If you become ill or encounter other issues, it is highly likely that the required travel insurance will cover your costs, so please check with your provider.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and to make their payments on time. We reserve the right to retain payments according to the cancellation policy outlined above in order to pay our vendors and ensure the trip can proceed.

By making a deposit, you agree to the above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To make things easier we created a list specific to this trip of things you may want.  You can find it here.

For our best tips on packing in general check this out.

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws.

What are the medical and vaccination requirements? Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations, and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19, but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit. Therefore, a COVID Vaccine is required on all of our trips.

Travel insurance will help protect your investment, and it’s required (but not required at the time of booking). We use and recommend World Nomads. But if you are over 70, it’s best to use something like Insure My Trip

To ensure smooth operations for our trips, we kindly ask that all payments are made on time. If a payment is 15 or more days past due, a $50 late fee will be applied to your balance.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to adjust your payment plan or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa at [melissa@pennypinchingglobetrotter.com]. 

We’re happy to work with you to find a solution. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we are committed to providing an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience for all our guests. To ensure a smooth and harmonious trip for everyone, we have established this Group Travel Code of Conduct. All participants are expected to follow these guidelines to promote a respectful and supportive group dynamic. 

 1. Respect and Cooperation - All travelers are expected to treat each other with kindness, respect, and courtesy at all times. This includes: 

 - Listening to others' opinions and experiences without judgment. 

- Offering help and support to fellow travelers when needed.

 - Communicating openly and constructively to resolve any misunderstandings or concerns that arise. 

  2. Personal Attacks and Harassment - Personal attacks, harassment, or any form of abusive language directed at fellow travelers will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: 

 - Insulting or belittling others for any reason including remarks based on race, nationality, gender, religion, appearance, or personal beliefs.

 - Making derogatory or offensive remarks, either in person or through digital communication channels (e.g., group chats or emails). 

 - Engaging in behavior that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to others. 

 3. Disruptive Behavior - Traveler's should ensure their behavior does not disrupt the group's activities or the overall enjoyment of the trip. This includes:

 - Avoiding excessive arguments or conflicts that disturb the group’s harmony. 

 - Engaging in proactive problem-solving rather than contributing to negativity. 

 - Being considerate of group plans/schedules and communicating any issues promptly to the group leader or host.

 4. Accountability and Responsibility - Each traveler is responsible for their actions. Should conflicts arise, all involved parties are encouraged to: 

 - Address concerns calmly and privately, when possible.

 - Seek the assistance of the group leader or host if mediation is needed.

- Understand that repeated violations of this policy may result in removal from the trip with no refund. 

5. Group Dynamics and Social Interaction - Group travel is a chance to connect and share experiences with others. We encourage all travelers to: 

 - Participate in group activities with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. 

 - Be inclusive and welcoming to fellow travelers, regardless of their background or personal views.

 - Show empathy and understanding toward the diverse personalities and cultures within the group.  

6. Consequences for Violating the Policy - Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences: 

 - A verbal warning from the group leader or host. 

- In extreme cases, expulsion from the trip without refund, if the behavior continues despite prior warnings. 

In addition, any traveler who exhibits consistently disruptive behavior, or who repeatedly violates the principles outlined in this policy, will no longer be permitted to travel with Penny Pinching Globetrotter in the future. We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals whose actions compromise the experience of other travelers or the integrity of the group.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we aim to create positive, memorable travel experiences for all. By following this policy, we ensure that everyone can enjoy their trip in a respectful and supportive environment. 

By booking your spot on this trip, you are agreeing to the policy outlined above. 

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico City. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll be formally introduced to your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe go and see the Templo Mayor (a 13th-century Aztec temple) or relax in one of the many parks, plazas, and gardens. 

After the 6 PM meeting, head out for a delicious taco crawl around town so you can sample different versions of Mexico’s most popular global dish. Maybe accompany your tacos with a refreshing local beer or horchata (a milky cinnamon rice drink).

Note: If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, you can add extra nights at checkout when you sign up for the trip or it can be added later to your account. You also might find an extra night more affordable when booking directly through hotels.com.  I am an affiliate with them, and when you use my link, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

Arriving early or staying late and looking for something cool or fun to do? We use these two platforms often for local activities and tours: Viator & GetYourGuide.

FYI
This trip ends the same day our Oaxaca tour begins. We planned it this way so you can easily join both adventures. We’d love for you to consider experiencing both trips with us! 

Included Activities

•Taco Crawl welcome dinner 

Accommodation 

 • Ibis Alameda Hotel or similar  

Get to know magical Mexico City during a guided tour with your leader. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest and one of the oldest cathedrals in Latin America. You’ll also explore Zocalo, the city’s main square, and the sprawling National Palace, where you can check out murals by famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Next we will visit the Frida Kahlo museum (La Casa Azul). Frida Kahlo is perhaps the most renowned Mexican artist in history. Later we make our way just outside of the city for a visit to the colourful floating gardens of Xochimilco making for an most enjoyable afternoon.

Included Activities

* Breakfast

• Walking Tour of Historic City Center.

• San Juan Market Visit

• Frida Kahlo Museum.

• Xochimilco – Trajineras

Accommodation 

 • Ibis Alameda Hotel or similar  

Enjoy a free morning to explore on your own before meeting the group at 1:30 pm and head to San Pedro Tlahuac, where Nahuatl descendants preserve traditions 

from Pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas, and ceremonies. 

We will spend the afternoon visiting a local family, getting acquainted with their traditional customs, and joining them in creating an altar. During the Day of the Dead festivities, making an altar or ofrenda, as it's sometimes called in Spanish, can be a way to remember your ancestors or honor the life of someone who was important to you. You can get as creative as you like when building the altar with the local family. As part of the Day of the Dead, people organize ceremonies at the cemetery for those not physically with them any longer and commemorate the lives of people passed over. 

You’ll visit the local cemetery and see how the families decorate the graves of their ancestors with the belief that when they return from the dead, their spirits will go to the cemetery first. Some will even elaborately decorate paths with flower petals to lead the spirits back to their homes. It’s an eye opening, yet beautiful 

experience that you won’t soon forget. You will arrive back at the hotel in Mexico City that evening.

Included Activities

*Breakfast

• Tlahuac - Cemetery visit

• Tlahuac - Day of the Dead altar creation

Accommodation

• Ibis Alameda Hotel or similar 

The big day has arrived as today we enjoy world famous Desfile de Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead Parade)! It is one of the most vibrant and colorful events in the country. This day families honor and remember their deceased loved ones like nowhere else in the world. A beloved annual tradition, showcasing Mexican culture, folklore, and the rich symbolism behind the Día de Muertos celebration.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Día de Muertos by crafting your own traditional flower crown and experiencing Catrina-style makeup in this hands-on cultural workshop. Hosted in the heart of Mexico City during the festive season. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich symbolism of marigolds and other native flowers used to honor loved ones who have passed. Guided by

skilled local artisans, you’ll create a personalized crown using fresh or paper flowers, colorful ribbons, and decorative skulls, while learning the cultural significance behind each element. This creative experience blends art, history, and tradition—perfect for anyone looking to connect with the spirit of Día de Muertos in an authentic and meaningful way. Participants often dress as La Catrina, the elegant skeleton woman, along with other traditional figures like skeletons, which are a prominent symbol of the celebration.

The parade usually starts from the Zócalo (the main square) and makes its way through central parts of Mexico City, ending at the Paseo de la Reforma, one of the city's most iconic avenues. The parade features elaborate floats decorated with traditional marigolds, skulls, and other elements related to Día de Muertos. 

Included Activities

*Breakfast

• Catrina (makeup session and crown workshop)

• Day of the Dead parade begins at 4pm normally

Accommodation

 • Ibis Alameda Hotel or similar  

Your Day of the Dead Immersion ends today after breakfast. But your Mexican adventure doesn't have to come to an end. Join our amazing 8 day Oaxaca trip which starts today from the same hotel!  Learn more here

Note: If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, you can add extra nights at checkout when you sign up for the trip or it can be added later to your account. You also might find an extra night more affordable when booking directly through hotels.com.  I am an affiliate with them, and when you use my link, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

Arriving early or staying late and looking for something cool or fun to do? We use these two platforms often for local activities and tours: Viator & GetYourGuide.