Just Back From: Mexico’s Day of the Dead with Heloise

Travel Expert Heloise Buxton joined a group tour during Mexico's incredible Day of the Dead celebrations, and shares her experience and gives tips on visiting.

How did you get there?
I flew from London to Mexico City with American Airlines via Dallas, returning from Cancun via Miami.

Where in Mexico did you go?
The Eagle group tour itinerary starts in Mexico City and takes you across the country, visiting plenty of Aztec and Mayan sites and the country's different landscapes. I then finished with a few nights relaxing on the Riviera Maya’s beaches.

What was your overall impression of the country?
I found Mexico to be a vibrant, exciting country with so much history and culture to discover. I think it can get a bad reputation as a country, but the destinations we travelled to felt completely safe for visitors. I would happily recommend it as a trip to anyone thinking of going.

Have you been before? If so, any notable differences?
This was my first time visiting Mexico. The variety the country has to offer is what most attracted me to Mexico. I love experiencing new cultures, food and music as well as exploring different landscapes like the jungle around Palenque and the hills surrounding Oaxaca.

Which was your favourite…

Place: It has to be Oaxaca. I’ve always wanted to visit and having the opportunity to go during Day of the Dead was really special. Around every corner, there was another parade or celebration with everyone coming together to celebrate loved ones, and the buzz throughout the city was amazing. The processions go on all day, with almost everyone dressed up and their faces painted, and dancing and chatting goes on into the night.

Beyond the Day of the Dead celebrations, there is also a famous culinary scene in the city and I was very excited to explore it. The market is a fascinating place to wander through and a great location to try some local authentic dishes.

Hotel: A great way to finish the Eagle tour is to spend a few days relaxing on the Riviera Maya. The tour is amazing, but Day of the Dead can get a bit intense and it’s nice to have an opportunity to chill out before going home. I was lucky enough to stay at the Belmond Maroma, which is a beautiful hotel sitting right by the beach.

Excursion: The town of Chamula from San Cristobal. Learning about the lives of the indigenous people who live here was fascinating and the church we visited is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

What were your most memorable moments?
We took an evening trip via a short taxi drive from Oaxaca to see the Xoxo graveyards. I didn’t know what to expect but it was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Each grave was covered in vibrant Magnolia flowers and gifts including breads, sweets and even beer. A group of friends had gathered around one grave with a guitar to sing songs and have a beer with someone they had lost. Seeing how they celebrate life and get together each year to remember their loved ones was such a moving experience.

What tips do you have for travellers visiting the same destinations?
Mexico has so much to offer, and fitting a lot in to your trip is worth it, as long as you’re prepared for some long travel days. At the same time, factor in a few days to relax – Mexico's beaches are the perfect place to do this!

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?
The weather is really varied in Mexico with different altitudes and climates. A jacket was definitely needed in the evenings in Oaxaca and San Cristobal, and a raincoat for Palenque even though it was quite steamy!

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled?
There is such a famous culinary scene in Mexico that we all know about. Different regions each have their own speciality – so try as much as you can! Some of my favourites include pozole, a traditional Mexican soup made from corn, pork or chicken and spices served with tortilla, avocado and aji. This is delicious comforting food and worth trying. During Day of the Dead celebrations we were served Pan de Muerto, which is a sweet bread similar to brioche, usually shaped into a skull and bones and served with a mug of hot chocolate.

Any restaurant or bar recommendations?
I was on a group tour and the tour leader recommended some great bars and restaurants in every location. The tour leaders know these destinations so well and getting their inside knowledge on local places to eat and drink was invaluable.

Sum up your trip in a sentence?
A trip of a lifetime, filled with rich culture, beautiful landscapes and fantastic food.

How can visitors experience Day of the Dead?
Heloise travelled on Journey Latin America's Eagle group tour on the special Day of the Dead departure, arriving in Oaxaca to experience the festivities. The tour also takes in many of Mexico's highlights, including Mayan and Aztec ruins, the beaches of the Riviera Maya and majestic colonial towns.
Alternatively, do a tailormade tour to Mexico and visit other highlights of this fascinating country. Contact our travel experts to plan your Mexico holiday.