"Jennifer provides the kind of tour that feels once in a lifetime — getting to the essence of the Day of the Dead. She arranges multiple experiences, not just the usual, but finds places other tours don’t go to. We watched as offrendas were being installed. And went to out of the way Pueblos, where customs are unique — and very beautiful. We contributed to the decorations and broke tamales with the townspeople." - Susan (A Cultural Odyssey 2023)
DATES DURATION DIFFICULTY GROUP SIZE BEGINS & ENDS MEALS
Nov 1-Nov 2 Overnight Moderate Mobility 16* Max Patzcuaro 2 (1L + 1D)
TOUR OVERVIEW
Copper Moon Travels invites you to experience one of Mexico’s most culturally immersive traditions during Animecheri K'uinchekua — a profound journey into the heart of P'urhépecha ancestral customs during Día de Muertos. Join us on November 1-2 for an overnight tour around the Lake Patzcuaro region to observe the sacred traditions this region is so famed for. Your group will travel alongside our other group, joining forces to cross Lake Patzcuaro to select islands on the lake by private transport, rather than contending with crowded lines and over-filled boats. Our tour is unique from others in our area, as we visit with the families prior to bringing you, in order to gain permission for visiting their communities, cemeteries and vigils. This immersive experience is more intimate and personal than the regular cemetery circuit. We will enjoy an authentic dinner in a community kitchen, traditional dances from the region performed by Purepecha children and the experience of visiting candlelit cemeteries and private vigils in a small village. If you would like to give back to one of our hosts, we bring ofrenda baskets for the families, in keeping with local P'urepecha tradition. The basket is given during the private vigils, so between all of us, we will have plenty of gifts to bring. Each basket will contain select items plus a small cash donation is collected for the families to assist with their costs. You can either create your own basket, or purchase one from us. Please let us know ahead of time if you would like us to organize your basket. The cost is $600 pesos, which includes the small donation. For travelers seeking a deeper and more meaningful Día de Muertos experience, this extended journey offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with P'urhépecha families and communities during your pilgrimage on November 1. For more information, please contact Copper Moon Travels by email at coppermoontravels@protonmail.com or text us via WhatsApp at +52 443 639 2782. Fun Fact: Though this holiday is widely regarded as Dia de los Muertos, Mexicans shorten it to Dia de Muertos. For those whose cultures founded this observation, another name is "Noche de Animas," which translates as "Night of Souls." This is a more accurate descriptor, as the souls of the ancestors are not truly "dead" if they are able to return! The name Animecheri K'uinchekua is specific to the P'urepecha language and the Lake Patzcuaro region. Animecheri is a P'urepecha interpretation of "Anima" and K'uinchekua means "returning." The more accurate terms do not refer to death - as this observation is truly a celebration of life!
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
LOGISTICS
2 Days Duration
1 Nights Duration
1 Lunches
1 Dinners
Drinks are not included unless specified
Private Transportation
1 Private Boat Ride
2 Team Leaders
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES
Procession of Altars during the Day
Entrance to the archaeological site of Tzintzuntzan is optional
Traditional Lunch at Las Yacatas Restaurant
Authentic Dinner on a traditional island
Visit 5 Cemeteries
Visit 2 Family Vigils
Ofrenda Basket for one of our hosts is not included. If you would like to bring one, please contact us for more information on making your own, or purchasing one for $600 MXN (which includes a donation for the host family)
5 SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
1
PROCESSION OF ALTARS
In Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan
The procession of altars is an overwhelmingly colourful and musical deliverance of altars to the cemetery, brought by family members who carry the crosses, burning copal incense and playing music as they parade down the street to the cemetery gates. This is a beautiful ritual to witness, despite it being quite loud and crowded.
2
TRADITIONAL MEAL IN A COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan
We are pleased to be bringing you to one of the islands for an authentic dinner in a community kitchen, They will cook us chicken with mole and rice, and some other dishes served with fresh corn tortillas. We organize this meal with the local community as a means for bringing them some economy on a night when thousands of tourists descend on their cemetery without paying anything to the locals. The community kitchen is far from the crowds, and as we will have a private boat picking us up, you will not need to worry about lengthy lines after our visit.
3
TRADITIONAL DANCES OF THE P'UREPECHA
Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan
The dance of the white fish is one of the most charming dances of the Lake Patzcuaro region, and there is nothing more enchanting than watching the children perform this lovely tradition. The children of this community rarely see foreigners, as their lives are quite isolated. This is a chance for them to showcase their cultural pride during the most important celebration of the year. Please bring $50 pesos to tip them, as the money collected will be used for a community meal.
4
PRIVATE VIGILS IN FAMILY HOMES
Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan
We will visit a small village where the locals have invited you to join them for their private vigils, which are held in their homes. Each family will have elaborate altars displaying photos of their loved one, some of their favourite foods or beverages, possibly cigarettes, abundant marigolds and lit candles. Upon arriving, you will be brought food as an offering, perhaps tamales, pozole or atole. We will be delivering our ofrenda baskets to these vigils, as an exchange in keeping with traditional protocol. This is a very intimate experience, and once that requires much respect. Please do not feed your left-over food to the street dogs. If you don't want to eat anything, please accept the offering anyway, as it is rude to decline. Come and find one of your assistants, and we will take it for you. It is important to remain quiet during these vigils, unless the family has a lively party happening. Let the family lead by example. This is one of the most beautiful experiences to observe.
5
CANDLELIT CEMETERIES
Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan
Noche de Animas is a syncretic observation, combing the pre-Hispanic P'urepecha worldview and symbolism with Catholic practices. This night of observance is mesmerizing and picturesque - an experience you are not likely to ever forget. Please ask permission before taking photos of the families, especially close-up photos. The families generally give permission for photos, as this observance has been international for many years. It's always appreciated that you ask.
3 REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH US
1
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
16 Maximum
Our extended tour is only open to 16 Guests, with the exception of Noche de Animas on November 1. Having a small group means we can organize meaningful community exchanges, meals with Traditional Cociñeras, a fun art workshop and more. Please note that on November 1, we hire a private boat, therefore, we must combine our group with a second group of 16, as the boat union will not otherwise take us. As we will have a second group, we hire a second van and 2 assistants to handle the other group as though they are separate. Your group will have a National Licensed Guide and experienced assistant.
2
PARTICIPATORY EXPERIENCES
Respecting Local Protocols
Indigenous protocols are at the heart of what we offer, meaning you will benefit from our local knowledge in ways that are symbolic and meaningful. As we visit with the community leaders before the observations begin, we are offered invitations to special vigils that are void of mass crowds and tourists. In some cases, we may be the only visitors there. We work with these communities throughout the year, which is an extra bonus for our guests!
3
A TRULY CURATED EXPERIENCE
Each Tour is Custom Designed
This tour involves a lot of logistics and moving parts, including boat rides between different departure and arrival points. It requires skill and planning over and above the tour companies that stay in the tourist zone for the night. As this is one of our most sacred nights of the year, we put a lot of thought into presenting this to you in a way that will make it unforgettable.
TO CONFIRM YOUR TOUR
We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm your tour. We accept payments through Wise or traditional bank transfer. If you would like to use a credit card, we charge an extra 5% to cover their processing fees. You may choose to pay the deposit or full trip amount on your credit card by clicking on the appropriate button below. ALL TOURS ARE PRICED IN MEXICAN PESOS. YOUR BANK WILL CONVERT THE AMOUNT FOR YOU. If you would like to use a payment plan, we can invoice you monthly, The balance must be paid in full by the start of the trip. If you are paying the balance through a bank transfer or by credit card, it is due 2 weeks prior to our tour commencement. Otherwise, you may pay the balance with cash upon arrival in Mexico City on October 22. Please purchase Travel Insurance to cover any emergencies that could cause you to cancel your trip.
LET'S HIT THE ROAD!
DAY
1-2
NOCHE DE ANIMAS
Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: This morning we will have a lazy morning to rest before our longest day begins. Please meet us at Casa Werma Buddhist meditation Centre (located at Libertad 80, Centro) by 11:00 AM. Our pilgrimage around the Lake Patzcuaro region begins. AFTERNOON: At 12:00 PM, we are booked into Las Yacatas Restaurant for lunch. We are very fortunate to have this annual reservation, as they no longer offer reservations during this holiday. We will enjoy a traditional lunch before setting you loose in the enchanting Pueblo Magico of Tzintzuntzan. Please let us know ahead of time if you are interested in visiting the archaeological site. Entrance fee is not included, as some guests prefer to wander through the cemetery and enjoy the art market and convent. There will be colourful processions, as the locals begin to dance their altars into the cemeteries. The start of Noche de Animas is overwhelming and exciting, so despite this being a long day, the time will pass quickly. EVENING: We will depart Tzintzuntzan at 5 PM, making our way to various communities around the Lake Patzcuaro area. We will have a traditional dinner in a community kitchen, enjoy some authentic dances by local P’urepecha children and attend some vigils in private homes. You will see plenty of candle-lit cemeteries and an abundance of scenes to forever cherish. We do not announce our route, as we are pleased to have personal invitations to local communities and homes where there are few tourists and very little traffic. This is one of the most authentic tours on offer in our area. We should return to Patzcuaro at around 3:00 AM. WHAT TO BRING: Please pack yourself a comfort bag including an umbrella, warm coat, snacks, water, toque for the boat ride (if you get cold easily), chapstick, a power bank for your smart phone, a small toilet roll for bathroom breaks, hand wipes – anything you think will be of comfort on a long journey. Some guests also bring a change of shoes for better foot comfort. If you have trouble with balance or hills, we also recommend a collapsible walking stick. You can leave your bag in the van while we explore the lake by boat, so you don’t need to carry it. MEALS: Lunch and Dinner are included. Drinks with lunch are separate. Please bring pesos to pay for drinks, as the restaurant will only issue one bill. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS MEMORABLE AND SACRED OBSERVATION AND WILL JOIN US FOR SOME OF OUR OTHER ADVENTURES!
"Jennifer Bjarnason's tours are a window revealing real-life community experience, whether it be a family on the Island of Pacanda making bread for Day of the Dead and handmade basekets, or butterfly fishermen performing a magical fishing practice by the light of the moon. Jennifer arranged meals as well, which were abundant and delicious. The transportation was perfect, and she keeps her tours relatively small so one can gain access to the smaller communities and more authentic experiences. I highly recommend this tour." - Clara W (A Cultural Odyssey 2025)
LOGISTICS & OTHER INFO
ACCOMMODATIONS
We do not include accommodations for Patzcuaro as some of our guests live here or stay with friends. This also allows you the opportunity to choose between budget to luxury digs while here. As the tour starts at 11 AM on November 1st, you will need a hotel room for that night. Please book early, as rooms either run-out or skyrocket in price. Please contact us for more assistance!
BANKING
We recommend contacting your bank to inform them you will be travelling out of country. ATM machines are easily accessible in Mexico City International Airport, so you can withdraw some pesos upon arrival. We also have several ATM's downtown in Patzcuaro. You may use credit cards in select restaurants, but we recommend leaving the tip in cash. Not all international ATM's work in restaurants or stores, but you will be able to withdraw cash from the bank machines. IMPORTANT INFO FOR TAKING CASH OUT OF THE ATM: While you must always accept the "service fee" for using the ATM's, some Mexican banks will also offer you a conversion rate. ALWAYS HIT DECLINE. You will still receive your cash, but your own bank will give you a much better conversion rate.
CLIMATE & ALTITUDE
Located at 2,175 meters (7,100 feet) elevation, Patzcuaro has a much cooler and wetter climate than many expect of Mexico. If you suffer from COPD or have a history of altitude sickness, please contact us for more information. Late October / Early November mark the tail end of the rainy season, so it is likely we will still experience a few light showers while you are here. Daytime highs range from 18-22 C (65-72 F) with pleasant mornings and warm afternoons. The nighttime lows can reach 7-10 C (44-50 F), which many will find chilly, especially on our night-ride across the lake. Please check our suggested packing list below regarding layered clothing and rain gear.
MEDICAL INSURANCE & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Please purchase medical insurance before you come and send us contact information for your insurance provider AND an emergency contact, in case you are unable to communicate with us. Please send our contact information to a family member or friend in case someone at home cannot get a hold of you.
MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This tour requires decent mobility, as there are stairs and a few hills to climb, as well as boats to get in and out of, particularly during our night tour. Older guests are advised to bring a walking stick, particularly if you have balance issues. As we will have a guide and team leader with our group at all times, one of us will always stay behind to help those who struggle with stairs. If you are concerned about your mobility or breathing at high altitudes, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer at coppermoontravels@protonmail.com to set up a zoom meeting.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Throughout the years, we have endured many cancellations for various emergencies, which has forced us to change our booking policy. Please purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancellation in the event that you suffer a medical emergency, bereavement, climate event etc.
WHAT TO BRING
These are some recommendations for items you may wish to bring for your trip. * Rain poncho or compact umbrella * Walking Stick * Layered clothing for warm and cold weather * 2 Pairs of comfortable shoes * Hand sanitizer * An open mind!
FAQ'S
1
DOES DIA DE MUERTOS FALL ON NOVEMBER 1 OR 2
This is a source of much confusion for first-timers, as the holiday typically runs between October 31-November 2. As the Vigils begin at midnight, they always commence on the evening before. For example, the Day of Innocents (Vigil de los Angelitos) is technically on November 1, but the rituals begin on the evening of October 31. The Noche de Muertos celebrations are technically scheduled for November 2, but the processions and rituals begin on the afternoon of November 1, continuing into the early morning of November 2. It is important to understand this, as our November 1 tour begins at 11:30 AM and doesn't end until around 3 AM on November 2!
2
CAN I WEAR MY CATRINA COSTUME TO THE CEMETERY?
Not when you travel with us. While many tourists will be in full costume, we prohibit our guests from boarding the van or boat in costume because indigenous communities do not dress up. We take our lead from their example, and refrain from dressing up during their sacred rituals. That said, we are hosting a fabulous Catrina Party on Friday October 30, so please consider joining us that night and bring a fancy costume and get ready for some fun! We will have make-up artists here to paint your faces (price not included). Check out our photo gallery from our Catrina parties at the bottom of the page!
3
CAN WE BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON TOUR?
While guests are technically permitted to drink in the van during our tours, we will remove anyone who drinks to excess, at your own expense, especially during the Noche de Animas tour. Besides the fact that we will be in and out of boats in the dark, we feel it's an ethical obligation to show respect to the indigenous elders, being guests during their sacred observations, especially due to the villages and homes we will be visiting.. If you are seeking a party atmosphere, please contact Jennifer directly, and she will recommend some areas you can party with tourists and locals alike.
4
SHOULD I BRING HALLOWEEN CANDY FOR THE KIDS?
Halloween has become a beloved activity for the children here and as their parents permit them to partake, we leave that to your discretion. The children will start asking for candy a few days ahead of time, in accordance with their own holidays lasting for several days.
5
WHAT IS THE STANDARD TIPPING AMOUNT?
We generally recommend tipping your driver around $40-$50 MXN per day, while doubling that for your team leaders, depending on their service. For your hotel or housekeeper, if you ask for cleaning services, we recommend $40-$50 MXN per service. If you are purchasing groceries and someone bags them for you, the average payment is 5 MXN per bag. Our drivers and guides establish their own rates, but tipping is still customary in Mexico, particularly in tourism-based professions. In restaurants, the standard tipping among foreigners is 15-20%. Please do not worry about tipping for meals that are included, as we will cover that! We also encourage our guests to pay all tips in cash whenever possible, as some restaurants do not allow tips to go through on credit or debit cards.
