DÍA DE MUERTOS
MEXICO AND GUATEMALA
12 DAYS
19 PEOPLE
3190 EURO
12 days
30.10 - 10.11.2026
There are place ✅
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Two bright goals of our expedition are to take part in the celebration of Día de Muertos in Mexico and to witness the eruption of Volcán de Fuego up close in Guatemala.
In the episodes, we’ll speed through a canyon full of crocodiles on a speedboat, dive into a turquoise cenote from a rope swing, ride horses to a Mayan church where shamans sacrifice chickens and take communion with Coke, crash a beach party, and greet the sunrise at the summit of an almost 4,000-meter peak.
This journey is a reminder that our one and only life happens here and now.
And it’s made of the moments we dare to capture.
And the shots on this expedition will be simply on fire!
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ROUTE
🛬 Guadalajara → Sumidero Canyon → San Cristóbal de las Casas → Tulum → Chichén Itzá → Antigua → Acatenango → Earth Lodge → Guatemala City 🛫
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Airport–hotel transfers (if you arrive and depart on the dates according to our expedition program);
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Twin accommodation (except for the volcano overnight stay — 4 people per hut) + partial breakfasts;
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All domestic flights and other local transport according to the expedition route;
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All entrance tickets, activities, and guided tours according to the program;
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Trip escorted by the route’s author from Paganel Studio.
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International flights (to Guadalajara / from Guatemala City);
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Meals not included in the program;
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Festive attire and makeup for participating in Día de Muertos;
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Optional porter/horse services for the volcano ascent;
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Medical insurance covering active travel.
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or changes in airport requirements.
Since our travelers arrive from different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air tickets and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services regarding flight selection.
The responsibility for purchasing or rescheduling flights, lost luggage, and other technical support related to the service lies with the airline agents or the airlines from which the tickets were purchased.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Day 1
30.10.2026
Arrival in Guadalajara.
We check in for 3 nights at a boutique hotel in the historic center — within walking distance of the main locations for the upcoming celebration.
In the evening we gather for a warm group introduction and an introductory talk about Día de Muertos — from its pre-Hispanic origins to the plan for tomorrow’s festivities.
We’re not just going to snap photos of the parade from behind other tourists — we’re going to become part of it ourselves.
Day 2
31.10.2026
The morning is dedicated to preparing our looks: Catrina-style face paint, flower crowns, hats, butterflies, flowers, and costumes — everyone creates their own image using personal touches and the talents of street artists.
We’ll stroll through the best backdrops in the city center for shooting: arches and colonnades, colorful facades, courtyards with fountains. This is a particularly great spot for portraits — the light reflects off the bright walls, and locals are often happy to become part of the frame.
In the afternoon we join the city parade: music, brass bands, dancing skeletons, and an endless stream of vivid details.
In the evening — dinner at Casa de Luna, tasting local specialties — from birria and seasonal sauces to tequila or mezcal from nearby valleys.
Day 3
01.11.2026
The Tlaquepaque district — a hub of artisan workshops, pottery, and handcrafted storefronts, with narrow streets and warm garland lights.
In the morning we head there for the Catrina Parade: elegant silhouettes with feathers and trains, live bands, lively rhythms, and an endless sea of smiles. If you like, you can refresh your face paint with street artists — they can draw fine lines and cameos in just minutes.
In the evening we visit Calaverandia, an immersive park.
Seen Pixar’s movie Coco? We recommend rewatching it before the trip — its vibe comes to life in this park: light installations, skeleton musicians, candle- and flower-laden altars, neon, mist, and dramatic backlighting.
This place operates only for two weeks a year, just before Día de Muertos — we’re right on time.
Day 4
02.11.2026
Morning flight to Chiapas, and straight from the airport — a boat ride. We enter the Sumidero Canyon at speed, where green walls soar hundreds of meters high, in some places nearly a kilometer. Crocodiles crawl out of the water to sun themselves, the motor’s hum dissolves into the echoes, and ahead on the rock looms the “Christmas Tree,” a whimsical cascade of calcite formations with a waterfall trickling down.
After lunch we transfer to San Cristóbal and check in for 2 nights at a designer hotel.
Here the climate and rhythm are different: mountain air, bright textiles at the markets, cobblestone streets, and shop windows decorated for the holiday.
We stroll through the center to soak in its intimate, almost ritual vibe — a contrast to the metropolis of Guadalajara.
Day 5
03.11.2026
In the morning we ride on horseback — why not — to Chamula, a place where living Mayan traditions meet Catholic symbolism.
Inside the church: pine needles on the floor, hundreds of candles, the scent of incense, and… rituals with Coca-Cola and chickens.
Photography is strictly prohibited — we enter quietly, with respect and gratitude for the chance to be guests.
We return to San Cristóbal feeling enriched.
The evening is free for strolls and relaxing on our hotel terrace.
Day 6
04.11.2026
Flight to Cancún and transfer to Tulum — hello, Caribbean!
We check in at a villa for 2 nights. Time to pause for the sea, sun, a cocktail, and soft music — let the body catch up with the impressions.
This evening marks the halfway point of our journey — we’ll celebrate it with music under the palms!
Day 7
05.11.2026
A rich day ahead.
In the morning we head to the futuristic eco-art venue SFER IK Uh May.
Architecture that seems to have grown from the jungle — organic lines, interwoven timber, dappled light.
This is a place for contemplating geometry and texture: wood, glass, the play of shadows from the leaves. We’ll stroll leisurely through this space where nature and art breathe as one.
Next stop — Cenote Oxman: a circular well with roots hanging down to the water like strings, and a rope swing for jumping in.
We’ll swim to our heart’s content and have a traditional lunch in a courtyard.
We then head to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — Chichen Itza.
By evening the crowds thin and the light softens — the perfect time for a guided walk to hear stories about the pyramid, the acoustics of the steps, and the Mayan city’s layout.
We leave as the last visitors at closing time.Return to our villa. A night swim in the sea to bid farewell to Mexico.Tomorrow — off to Guatemala.
Day 8
06.11.2026
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Guatemala City, then drive to Antigua.
A town straight out of a movie: volcanoes on the horizon, the Santa Catalina Arch, cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and courtyards with orange trees.
We check in at a villa and head to a local restaurant to get acquainted with Guatemalan cuisine (think pepián, rich tomato sauces, crisp-edged tortillas), then enjoy a golden-hour photo walk.
In the lantern light, Antigua feels as if it has traveled a couple of centuries back in time.
Day 9
07.11.2026
Early breakfast and meeting with mountain guides.
We leave our belongings at their office, pick up rental layers and trekking poles.
Today we hike up Volcán Acatenango (inactive) to watch, in the evening and at dawn, the eruptions of neighboring Volcán de Fuego (very active).
The climb to camp takes about 5–6 hours, gaining ~1,400 m in elevation.
The trail is diverse: forest, volcanic sand, scenic overlooks — we make regular breaks and have snacks.
If desired, part of the route can be done on horseback.
Camp sits at around 3,700 m — wooden huts for four, warm sleeping bags, and a front-row view of fiery Fuego.We light a campfire, have dinner, and wait for the clouds to part, revealing on the black backdrop the fiery choreography: bursts, fountains of sparks, sometimes even lava jets.
A rare moment to see — and hear — the Earth speaking.
Day 10
08.11.2026
We rise before dawn for a final push of 40–50 minutes to the summit — standing on the ridge of the crater with a 360° view.
Below, Antigua wakes up, to the right Fuego smolders, to the left Agua rises from a sea of clouds — one of the most breathtaking mornings in your collection.
We photograph with eyes and cameras, warm up with tea, and descend back to camp.
After breakfast, we hike down for about 3 hours.
In town we pick up our things and move to our relaxation retreat — Earth Lodge — for 2 nights.
Finally — a long-awaited shower, cabins among avocado trees, hammocks, winding trails, and a panorama of the volcanoes we now know so well.
We unwind: sunset yoga and, if desired, a temazcal ceremony — a traditional Mayan sauna.
Day 11
09.11.2026
A slow morning: coffee, breakfast with a view, and a walk to Hobbitenango — a charming, whimsical park with hobbit houses and scenic viewpoints.
This is a place for lightheartedness: swings over the valley, giant rings, photo spots, and a fairytale-childlike vibe that feels just right after yesterday’s mountain feat.
Lunch at another scenic spot — El Hato Verde.
A stylish restaurant with a panoramic Sky Net — a netted lounge where doing absolutely nothing feels especially good.
We lie back, soak in the view, and recall the whole medley of impressions:
the big city and its parades, the intimate ritual vibe of San Cristóbal, cenotes and beaches, canyon and pyramids, futuristic jungle art and ancient Mayan city, active volcano and our blissful stillness after it.
All these stories are now yours.
Day 12
10.11.2026
Morning transfer to Guatemala City.
Return flights home to our various countries.
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club-family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
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