Between Candles & Copal
Day of the Dead in San Cristóbal, Chiapas
A Journey of Culture, Art, and Living Traditions
Experience Mexico beyond tourism through a meaningful cultural journey into Día de los Muertos and Indigenous traditions in Chiapas.
This small-group experience invites culturally curious travelers to explore the richness of Day of the Dead celebrations while traveling through San Cristóbal de las Casas and surrounding communities.
Participants learn alongside local experts, artisans, and community members—gaining deeper understanding of the spiritual, cultural, and artistic practices that honor memory, life, and connection.
Immersion Overview
Group Size: Small group experience (8–12 participants)
Ideal for: Curious travelers interested in Day of the Dead, Indigenous traditions, art, and cultural experiences. No Spanish is required.
50% Downpayment deadline is Monday, August 24, 2026
Checks made out to Natik may be sent to 2700 Mayan Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33316
Dates: October 29 – November 5, 2026
First day in Mexico City
The rest of the trip is in Chiapas: San Cristobal de las Casas, Romerillo, Zinacantán, Chamula, Comitán, Chinkultik, Lagos de Montebello, Chiapa de Corzo, Sumidero Canyon
Length: 8 days / 7 nights
Cost: $2,000 per person
Includes: Transportation, hotels, breakfast, lunch, expert guides, entrance fees, and activity expenses.
NOT Included: airfare, dinner, alcohol, gratuities, personal expenses.
Immersion Highlights
✔ Cultural exploration in Mexico City and San Cristóbal de las Casas, a vibrant center of Indigenous traditions and artistic expression.
✔ Experience Día de los Muertos through visits to cemeteries, altars, and Indigenous communities, to learn about daily life, and cultural traditions practiced with respect and guidance.
✔ Connection with women artisan collectives through weaving workshops, conversations, and direct purchasing opportunities.
✔ Learn from local experts about Indigenous spirituality, Day of the Dead, and the cultural history of Chiapas.
✔ Explore markets, textile museums, amber workshops, and artisan spaces, and a boat journey in Sumidero Canyon.
Time for reflection, rest, and personal exploration throughout the journey.
Meaningful engagement with Natik Esperanza and insight into community-centered work.
Why Travel With Natik
Participants experience:
• Authentic cultural immersion
• Respectful engagement with sacred traditions
• Meaningful connections with Indigenous communities and artisans
• Insight into cultural practices, spirituality, and identity
• Reflection on memory, tradition, and global connection
This is not conventional tourism. It is a journey centered on learning, respect, and cultural exchange.
General Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Mexico City, then fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez Chiapas
Participants arrive in Mexico City Airport and are transported to the hotel. Welcome dinner and a walk through the historic district.
Day 2 – Cultural Introduction to Mexico
Spend the morning at the world-renowned Museum of Anthropology and after lunch enjoy Chapultepec park, the lake, and the ancient Papantla ritual where four flyers spin down a 30-meter pole while a musician plays a flute and drum on top.
Drive by the giant Alebrije effigies along Avenida Reforma on the way to the airport. Fly with the group to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas and check into the Hotel Casa Na Balom.
Day 3 – Indigenous Communities & Artisan Connection
Introduction to the cultural and historical context of San Cristobal de Las Casas begins with a walking tour of the downtown, visits to the central Cathedral and other churches, view the many Day of the Dead altars displayed in public areas, and visit the textile museum.
Day 4 – Day of the Dead Immersion
Learn from a local guide about Día de los Muertos traditions, symbolism, and Indigenous spirituality in preparation for community experiences.
Participate in accompanied visits to four culturally different cemeteries in the region, view altars and community spaces, experience the celebration with respect and cultural context.
Have lunch in an indigenous home and learn about a family-founded textile cooperative and educational program supported by Natik.
Day 5 –
We’ll begin the day with a guided tour of Nabalom museum & garden, walk through the local artisan and food markets, and enjoy a traditional family style lunch in one of the oldest buildings in San Cristobal. In the afternoon we’ll be immersed in the historic, social, cultural, and religious aspects of cacao. We’ll even make our own bars of chocolate from cacao seeds!
Day 6 – Archeological Site, Colonial Hacienda, and Nature
Today is a scenic journey to experience the Chinkultik Maya Arqueological site outside Comitán, view the multi-colored lakes of Montebello with a scenic picnic, and enjoy a locally-produced cup of of coffee at a historic colonial hacienda before heading back to San Cristobal at the end of the day.
Day 7 – Chiapa de Corzo and Sumidero Canyon
We’ll head down the hill to the Colonial city of Chiapa de Corzo to check into the Hotel La Ceiba and take a two-hour boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon. We’ll have lunch in the historic center of Chiapa de Corzo, enjoy shopping and the option of the Spa offerings at the hotel, culminating with a farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Departure
Transfer to Tuxtla Gutiérrez for international departures.
Join the Journey
If you are looking for a respectful and meaningful way to experience Day of the Dead while learning from Indigenous communities, artisans, and local experts, we invite you to learn more about this Natik journey. anita.smart@natik.org