Day of the Dead: Mexico's highlands
The Journey
Mexico City
Days 1–2
Land in Mexico City and settle into a boutique hotel that was once a Mexican architect's home — eleven rooms, no two alike. A welcome dinner to begin.
A food tour through the old town, art and craft markets, and — weather willing — the city cable car at sunset over the sprawl.
Teotihuacán · San Miguel · Guanajuato
Days 3–4
Before dawn, a hot-air balloon over the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon at Teotihuacán — one straight off the life list. Then west to San Miguel de Allende and its golden lanes.
A morning in San Miguel, then over to Guanajuato — the candy-colored hill city of alleys, tunnels and plazas — before an easy evening back at the villa.
Michoacán — the vigil
Days 5–6
Drive to Morelia, paint traditional catrina faces, and join a candlelit cemetery vigil near Pátzcuaro on the night itself — marigolds, candlelight, and families welcoming their people home.
After a well-earned late morning, a boat across Lake Pátzcuaro to Janitzio island — Mexico's oldest and most moving Day-of-the-Dead tradition.
Back to Mexico City
Days 7–8
Back to the city and the leafy streets of Coyoacán for Frida Kahlo's Blue House, then a farewell dinner from a house with its own rooftop in the Condesa quarter.
One last breakfast together before the airport — carry the marigolds home with you.
What makes this trip special
No surprises. Here's what this trip includes that most don't — and what your price reflects.
Private villas, just for the group
The whole group under one roof — villas we take over entirely, so the trip feels like your own place, not a hotel.
Restaurants and routes your host planned while living here
Every meal and stop was scouted in person by your host while living in Mexico — the real places, not the tourist strip.
A private van the whole way
Your own vehicle and driver throughout — no waiting on transfers, no crowded coaches between stops.
A once-a-year, once-in-a-lifetime trip
We run this around Día de los Muertos just once a year — a moment you can't simply rebook for another weekend.
Your host
I'm Jinghua. I'll be the one at the arrivals gate, holding a sign with your name on it.
I started Bucketlister because the experiences I most wanted were the ones I kept shelving — the ones that felt too big to do on my own. So I stopped waiting, and decided to bring a small group along.
I'm there the whole way — not a rep, not a flag to follow. Just me, and up to eleven other people who said yes to the same thing.
— Jinghua
What's Included
Everything is organised so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Included
- ✓All accommodation (small-group selected)
- ✓Local guides & cultural experiences
- ✓Select signature meals incl. a family ofrenda visit
- ✓Intercity transport
- ✓Your host, the whole way
Not Included
- ✈️International flights
- 🛂Visa fees, if applicable
- 🍽️About 3 meals on your own
- 💸Tips for guides & drivers
- 🥤Drinks
- 🛟Travel insurance (required)
Optional Add-ons
Extras you can add to your booking, priced per person. Add them at checkout or tell your host.
Single-occupancy room
Rooms are shared by default — pay the supplement for your own room the whole way.
Teotihuacán hot-air balloon
Lift off at sunrise over the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Market-to-table cooking class
Shop a local market with a chef, then cook a Mexican spread by hand.
Flights & Visas
Airports
You fly in and out of Mexico City — a simple round-trip works.
Visa & entry
For Chinese passport holders
If you hold a valid US, Canada, or long-term Schengen visa, you can enter Mexico for tourism on that visa alone — no Mexican visa needed. Without one, apply for a tourist visa at a Mexican consulate in advance.
- ·Travelling on a US, Canada, or Schengen visa? Carry that visa and your passport.
- ·Passport valid for 6+ months required.
- ·Travel insurance is required to join.
Gallery
Tales from the trails
Voices from this trip
Julie
Theo
Nadia
Julie
Theo
Nadia
Julie
Theo
Nadia
Julie
Theo
Nadia
Julie
Theo
Nadia
Julie
Theo
Nadia
Julie
Theo
Nadia
Good to know
I'm coming alone — is this for me?+
Very much so. Most of our travelers book solo. A small group, shared meals, and a host whose job is to fold everyone in.
How big is the group, and who comes?+
8–12 people per trip, mostly curious 20–45s — but outside that is welcome too; if you fit the vibe, age is just a number.
How do I pay, and can I pay in installments?+
Securely through WeTravel (UnionPay and cards). A deposit holds your spot, with the balance on a payment plan.
What's the cancellation policy?+
Each experience's deposit and cancellation terms are spelled out on its booking page before you pay.
What about visas and insurance?+
We provide visa guidance and a prep checklist before departure. Travel insurance is your own, and we'll recommend options.
Is the trip in Chinese or English?+
Chinese and English support throughout, alongside local guides — language is never a barrier.
Join this trip
Mexico · October 28 – November 4, 2026 · 8–12 travelers. Reserve your place with a deposit.
No invitation code yet? Apply here!