This tour is only available during October and on November 1 and 2.
Learn the truth about the Day of the Dead and Hanal Pixan, the original local Mayan tradition.
In Mexico, pre-Hispanic celebrations of the dead existed well before the Spanish Catholic traditions arrived, which later resulted in the more modern Day of the Dead we now know.
This is a great opportunity to learn about the whole history and culture from thousands of years ago until today, including ancient Mayan legends and sacred funeral rites.
The tour takes you for an interactive Mayan encounter, where you'll wander through a village with the rich local history and culture laid out before you.
After being shown how to paint your face in traditional Mayan colors, your guide will take you to different workshops, in thatched palapa huts, where you'll find out about Hanal Pixan and the origins of the Day of the Dead.
You'll get to see how authentic Hanal Pixan food and drink is made and try some yourself, such as cochinita, tamales, elotes, pan de muerto, agua de sabores and chukwas.
Next you'll make two different types of calavera - the traditional skull figures that always form part of Day of the Dead celebrations. In one workshop you'll make decorative versions from clay and in the other you'll make edible versions with amaranth seeds.
Following a break for a theatrical performance complete with Mayan smoke and drums, you'll have time for a chocolate workshop too, grinding cocoa beans by hand the same way the Mayans have done for thousands of years.
The complete visit lasts about 60 minutes, and you'd never imagine you could pack so much in about the Day of the Dead and the captivating lives of the Mayan people.
At the end, be sure to visit the little thatched gift store too, where you'll find the unique keepsakes and presents that you've been searching for all vacation.
This exclusive excursion is not offered by cruise lines or package vacation agencies. Expect a fun, authentic, hands-on Mayan experience. It's designed by experts in pre-Hispanic Mexico who have a desire to share their knowledge with you.
The price includes private round-trip transport from your cruise terminal or accommodation, which takes about 20-30 minutes each way.
Monday to Saturday, earliest start time 8:30am, latest start time 3pm.
Infants (0-5 years) go for free but must travel on an adult's lap and share an adult's food.
Comfortable clothes and shoes, sun protection, bottle of water.
Guided tour of the replica Mayan village with Day of the Dead workshops, theatrical performance and wheelchair access.
Traditional food such as cochinita, tamales, elotes, pan de muerto, agua de sabores and chukwas.
Private round-trip transport from cruise pier or hotel.
Souvenirs, additional drinks, food and optional tips.
Your private transport can pick you up from your hotel, cruise pier, ferry pier or a downtown meeting point at any time from 8:30am until 3pm.
For cruise passengers arriving to the Punta Langosta pier the meeting is right there at the terminal, about a 2 minute walk (most NCL , Disney and some others).
Guests staying at hotels will be picked up from the lobby or main vehicle entrance.
The Mayan encounter and Day of the Dead workshops are wheelchair accessible but the price does not include wheelchair accessible transport. If you need wheelchair accessible transport please contact us for prices.
This tour is only available during October and on November 1 and 2. For groups of more than 8 people please email us to reserve.