"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
Oct 25-Nov 3 9 Nights Moderate Mobility 16* Max San Miguel de Allende 16 (5B + 6L + 5D)
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. Travel with us from San Miguel de Allende to the Lake Pátzcuaro region of Michoacán, where local P'urhépecha communities begin their sacred annual preparations for Noche de Ánimas — Mexico’s most spiritually significant night of remembrance. As the season unfolds, marigold fields are harvested and vibrant blossoms fill local markets, where families gather decorations for altars, gateways, and cemeteries before the nighttime vigils begin. During your stay, you will witness traditions that remain deeply rooted in pre-Hispanic customs, including the unforgettable night journey across Lake Pátzcuaro. Animecheri K'uinchekua is widely regarded as one of the most visually striking and culturally authentic Día de Muertos observances in Mexico. In keeping with local tradition, guests will also participate in the creation of authentic ofrendas. Please bring $600 MXN for your offering project, which will be presented to our hosts during the Vigil de los Angelitos and Noche de Ánimas ceremonies. 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 before the cemetery 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
10 Days Duration
9 Nights Duration
Hotels x 9 in Patzcuaro are not included
5 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
5 Dinners
Drinks are not included unless specified
Private Transportation
9 Days with Local Expert
2 Public Boat Rides
1 Private Boat Ride
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES
Art Happening with Jesus Alexandre
1 8x10 Print of Art Happening Experience
Mezcal Tasting
Forge a copper salt dish by hand
Make marigold crosses on a traditional island
Create 2 gifts for our vigil hosts (bring $600 MXN for this project)
La Fiesta de las Catrinas Costume Party
3 Educational Lectures with Visuals
Small Gift & Special Keepsake
5 SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
1
CALAVERITAS DEL MUNDO
By Jesus Alexandre
Uruapan artist Jesus Alexandre has been exploring La Catrina and her iconic role in Mexican culture, innovating a unique modern response through the use of live subjects. His body of work, entitled "Las Calaveritas del Mundo" bridges cultures from around the world in fantastic theatrical installations, which are photographed to become part of his permanent international collection. Alexandre has travelled beyond Mexico's borders to bring Las Calaveritas del Mundo to Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Latvia and Estonia. During our tour, Alexandre will create an installation while we are in Xochimilco, outside of Mexico City, offering you a rare and wonderful opportunity to be part of his international project.
2
TRADITIONAL MEAL WITH AWARD WINNING COCIÑERA
In San Jeronimo, Michoacan
Rosalba Morales is an internationally recognized Cociñera, which is a prestigious designation for indigenous women who have a vast knowledge of pre-Hispanic culinary traditions, which they are actively teaching to younger community members. We will have a fabulous lunch in the home of Rosalba Morales, who has travelled abroad as an ambassador of P'urepecha gastronomy, and who is celebrated for her regional cuisine.
3
TALLER DE COBRE
With Sergio Velasquez and Napoleon Perez
Award winning artists Sergio Velasquez and Napoleon Perez of the Pueblo Magico Santa Clara del Cobre invite you to their traditional workshops to create your own small copper salt dish. Forged in fire, your projects will be prepared, thus take about 1 hour to hammer, sand and polish into shape. Traditional altars during these observations include a small salt dish, as it is one of the traditional elements. This is a special keepsake and a fun hands-on experience in an interesting workshop full of antique and handmade tools.
4
LA FIESTA DE LAS CATRINAS
At Hacienda Porumbo, Michoacan
We are pleased to be organizing our 7th Annual La Fiesta de las Catrinas and you are our special guests. We will enjoy an old-world setting at a mid-18th Century Hacienda, located approximately 40 mins outside of Patzcuaro. With live entertainment, local spirits and divine cuisine, guests are encouraged to dress-up and have your faces painted. We will have a portrait studio set-up and professional make-up artists to transform you into a traditional Posada-style Catrina! Bring your feather boa and your top hat, or wear something casual - this will be a party to remember!
5
PILGRIMAGE DEL PANTEONS
Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan
Our Noche de Animas experience is like no other offered in our region. As we live and work here throughout the year with local indigenous communities, we offer our guests an extraordinarily unusual and intimate experience that includes a community meal in a P'urepecha community, invitations to vigils in private homes, a special performance of authentic dances local to our region, and small, candlelit cemeteries that are far from the major tourist crowds that descend on our region on November 1. You will see a procession of altars, as they are danced to the cemeteries during the day, and follow a path of marigolds throughout the lake region, enjoying diverse rituals that will impress upon you, just how unique these celebrations are, even between various villages. We look forward to sharing the abundance of this culturally enriching evening with you and yours.
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.
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. This includes a special project that we will work on throughout our tour, collecting authentic items that are gathered in baskets, which we will deliver to our hosts during the private vigils on Noche de Animas. We will also build 4 ofrendas during the Vigil de los Angelitos on October 31, bringing them to our hosts in keeping with a very specific and local custom. These experiences will be cherished memories, for when we give back to our hosts, we participate with a personalized and respectful approach.
3
A TRULY CURATED EXPERIENCE
Each Tour is Custom Designed
We network with the locals to create unique, culturally immersive experiences, such as making a salt dish for your altar, spending an afternoon in a tranquil P'urepecha community to build marigold crosses, selecting specific places that accent the theme of our travels and even organizing a public Catrina-themed fiesta, which gathers local chefs, entertainers, spirit producers, and make-up artists. We even bake our own crackers for our charcuterie picnics and more... We love what we do and it shows...
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
BIENVENIDOS
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Depart San Miguel de Allende for Patzcuaro at 11:00 AM. We will announce a meeting place once everyone is confirmed. AFTERNOON: Commute to Patzcuaro by private transfer, arriving at approximately 2:30 PM. Settle into your accommodations and enjoy some rest time. EVENING: Our dinner reservation is for 7:00 PM at Al Forno Restaurant, which is our most popular place in Mexico featuring Italian homemade pastas and unusual Naples style pizza. Meet your guides and the rest of the group, arriving from Mexico City. MEALS: Dinner Included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
2
EL LAGO PATZCUARO
Patzuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Please meet at Obsidiana Restaurant by 9:00 AM. Obsidiana is located at Portal de Matamoros 35, which is right on Plaza Grande. We will have breakfast, then depart for Sanabria to visit our friend Teofila Servin, who is an internationally recognized embroidery artist. Her story cloths depict charming village scenes, religious observations and more. From there, we will visit Santa Fe de la Laguna to meet with ceramicist Nicolas Fabian, who crafts beautiful earthenware, some in pre-Hispanic anthropomorphic shapes. AFTERNOON: A Traditional Cociñera is a respected indigenous woman known for pre-Hispanic culinary knowledge, including the harvest and preparation of ingredients from their raw form. This afternoon, we will have lunch with Rosalba Morales of San Jeronimo Parenchecuaro, who is internationally recognized for her culinary cognizance and expertise. We will make a short stop to purchase candles from a local workshop for our ofrenda projects. Please bring some pesos with you. Following lunch, we will visit the charming village of Capula to visit the mesmerizing estate of local maestro Juan Torres, who was the first to create La Catrina from clay. From there, we will spend some time at the annual Catrina Festival, which is a street market lined with thousands of Catrina dolls and artisans selling earthenware and other art mediums. EVENING: We will return to Patzcuaro at around 6:00 PM. We will have a list of restaurant recommendations for your arrival, so you can choose where you’d like to eat tonight. MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch Included.
DAY
3
WALKING TOUR & MEZCAL TASTING
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: This morning we will meet at Once Patios by 9:00 AM for a lovely breakfast. Following breakfast, we will enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Patzcuaro’s historical centre, which includes colonial history and an exceptional mural by Juan O’Gorman. AFTERNOON: At 2:00 PM, we will enjoy a charcuterie lunch by yours truly and a mezcal tasting at El Carajo Mezcaleria. We will then have an interesting presentation by Jesus Alexandre about the arts of Michoacan and his Calaveritas del Mundo project. Our presentation should wrap-up by around 4:00 PM. EVENING: Free
DAY
4
A PATH OF MARIGOLDS
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Please meet us at 8:30 AM in front of El Carajo Mezcaleria, as we will be shopping for marigolds in the adjacent flower market this morning. By 8:50 AM, we will depart for breakfast at Casa Werma Buddhist Meditation Centre. We will depart by 10:00 AM for the boat docks in Ucazanastacua with a short commute to a tranquil, traditional island. Here, we will meet the local community and enjoy learning about the reed weaving of our friend Floriberta, who is preparing your baskets for your ofrenda project. AFTERNOON: We will have lunch in the community kitchen today, with traditional fare including quesedillas, guacamole and aguafresca. From there, we will spend the afternoon making marigold crosses by the lakeside. SPECIAL EVENT: Uruapan artist Jesus Alexandre has been exploring La Catrina and her iconic role in Mexican culture, innovating a unique modern response through the use of live subjects. His body of work, entitled “Las Calaveritas del Mundo” bridges cultures from around the world in fantastic theatrical installations, which are photographs to become part of his permanent international collection. Alexandre has travelled beyond Mexico’s borders to bring Las Calaveritas del Mundo to Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Latvia and Estonia. During our visit to the island, Alexandre will create an installation using face-paint and our marigold crosses, offering you a rare and wonderful opportunity to be part of his international collection. Alexandre will also give each of you a print from this experience, as a keepsake to frame and enjoy. EVENING: We will return to Patzcuaro at around 6:30 PM today. MEALS: Breakfast and lunch included
DAY
5
FORGED IN FIRE
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Please meet at El Carajo by 8:45 AM. We will have breakfast at Vista del Rey before whisking you off to the Pueblo Magico of Santa Clara del Cobre, where you will spend the morning and early afternoon forging your own little copper salt dish in the fire. Using traditional tools and old techniques, this fun project will be held in the workshops of award winning artists Napoleon Perez and Sergio Velasquez. AFTERNOON: Aside from your workshop, guests will also have free time to browse through the galleries, watch a copper demonstration and shop for gifts. We will have lunch at 2:00 PM with our friend Patricia, who will make us a traditional lunch and aquafresca. Beer is available, but not included. EVENING: This evening we will meet at 6:30 PM at Bistro Monarca Restaurant for our Altar Party. Our friend Yaya is making us a set menu this evening, and we will be putting together a traditional altar and discussing the different elements involved. Please bring a 4x6 (or smaller) photograph of a deceased loved one you’d like to honour this year. We ask you to bring a copy, rather than an original, as you may not be able to retrieve it before leaving. Guests have also brought non-perishable candies that were favourites of their loved one, to leave out for them. We have also had guests purchase spirits from the restaurant, to leave in a shot glass. These are all traditions of this region. Our evening will conclude with dessert and a presentation by our guide Jaime, which will go through the symbolisms behind various aspects of Dia de Muertos, including which are pre-Hispanic and syncretic, in keeping with Catholic influences. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
6
LA FIESTA DE LAS CATRINAS
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Free AFTERNOON: Free until 4:00 PM EVENING: Please meet us at El Carajo by 4:00 PM for La Fiesta de las Catrinas. We recommend dressing-up, as we are heading to an extravagant experience in an old-world location for what could be one of the most memorable costume parties of the year. There will be live entertainment, a fantastic meal and make-up artists to transform you into a traditional Posada-style Catrina. Gents in top hats and women with feather boas (or perhaps a special rebozo you’ve collected on your journey here) would make great accessories. We will be outside, so please bring a warm coat or wrap. If you can incorporate something warm into your costume, this will be ideal. The hacienda does have some outdoor heating and we will be under cover. Last call is at 10:15 PM. The van returns to Patzcuaro by 11:30 PM. There will be 3 vendors selling your choice of craft beer, artisanal mezcal and small batch, artisanal wine, the latter two which can be purchased by the bottle or by the glass. MEALS: Dinner at La Fiesta de las Catrinas includes 1 Mezcal + 1 Beer or Wine. All other drinks are separate.
DAY
7
ANGEL WINGS & HORSES
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Please meet us at El Carajo by 8:45 AM. We will have breakfast in the lovely garden of Tiendita Verde, then head to the boat docks for a ride to Lake Patzcuaro’s most famous Island of Janitzio. Please be prepared for a lot of stairs, as the island is a maze of winding steps lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. You will visit the cemetery to observe large marigold crosses and decorations being installed, as the community begins their preparations for the busiest night of the year. AFTERNOON: We will meet for lunch at Monarca Restaurant at 1:00 PM. From there, we will depart the island for the boat docks. If you are having fun and want to stay, please let us know and one of the guides can stay with you if you are nervous going back alone. EVENING: We will meet for dinner at Cerveceria Maestro by 6:00 PM. Our friends Aldo and Bruno make delicious craft beer and unique pizzas that have quickly become a local favourite. We will order a variety of pizzas to share while our guide offers some important insights about what we are about to experience. VIGIL DE LOS ANGELITOS: We will depart Ceverceria Maestro by 7:30 PM for a nearby village where the community commences their rituals and observations for the Souls of the Innocents. Most commonly described as a vigil for children, this also includes adults if they were unmarried, as they are considered innocent (virgins). Please bring around 100 Pesos for our ofrenda project, as we will be purchasing flowers, fruit and bread to create traditional ofrendas, which we will then bring to the homes of our hosts. It is important for guests to listen to our guide regarding local customs and protocols, as we are invited to observe these rituals and want to show respect for our hosts. MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner are included. 1 Pint of beer is included with your meal. All other drinks are separate.
DAY
8
PILGRIMAGE DEL PANTEONS
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 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.
DAY
9
LAST COMMUNION
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
MORNING: Free Time AFTERNOON: We will meet at El Carajo at 11:45 AM and head to Tiendita Verde for lunch. From there, we will visit two small cemeteries to witness the conclusion of Dia de Muertos, which is when the families break open their ofrenda baskets and feast. This is an especially beautiful way to conclude the vigils. EVENING: We are available to meet you for dinner, though generally most guests want to pack and rest without a time schedule. MEALS: Lunch is included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
10
FAREWELL TO THE DEARLY DEPARTING
Mexico City Airport
MORNING: Please meet your driver by 9:00 AM for the return journey to San Miguel de Allende. MEALS: All meals are separate. We recommend picking up some yogurt, a pastry and granola bars for the road trip. The driver will make pit-stops along the way.
"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. You will need to book your room from Sunday October 25 - Tuesday November 3 (9 Nights), which we are more than happy to assist you with. If you are open to sharing a rental home with other travellers, we work with a local property management company that has 3 properties available during Dia de Muertos, based on a first-come / first-serve basis. Each home features 3 bedrooms + private bathroom, making them perfect for friends and guests who don't know one another. All are centrally located and are equipped with full kitchen and living area. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me ASAP, as these will not last! We will send you links for the available properties so you can compare them to the hotels still available.
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 * Something dressy or costume-like for the Catrina Party * 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 for you on Friday October 30, so please bring a fancy costume and get ready for some fun! We will have make-up artists here to paint your faces (price not included).
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.
