Who this is for: This pilgrimage is for those who feel drawn to a slower, devotional way of traveling—people who want to experience Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with reverence, curiosity, and an open heart. If you’re longing for a shared spiritual container (daily contemplation and integration) alongside meaningful cultural immersion—altars, music, sacred spaces, markets, and time by the lake—this journey may be a beautiful fit.
2026 Ajijic Día de los Muertos Pilgrimage
October 29 – November 8, 2026
Day 1 — Thu, Oct 29 (Ajijic) 🚌 Airport transfers, 🍽️ dinner included.
Arrive in Guadalajara (GDL) and travel by group shuttle(s) to Ajijic—our home base on the shores of Lake Chapala. Tonight we gather for a welcome reception in the hotel courtyard, letting the body land and the heart orient to a slower pace. We’ll begin with a simple opening orientation to set intentions and devotions to Día de los Muertos.
Day 2 — Fri, Oct 30 (Ajijic / AHS Visit) ☕ breakfast included for lodgers 🍽️ dinner included.
Today is about devotion in community. We’ll visit Awakening Heart Sangha (AHS)—receiving a tour of the villa and spending time together in this local spiritual space. We’ll share a catered dinner and close with a group activity, letting voice and heart become prayer before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 — Sat, Oct 31 (Goat Farm + Chapala) ☕ breakfast included for lodgers
We begin with a goat farm tour—a simple, earthy encounter with food, craft, and the texture of rural life. From there we move to Chapala for the malecón (boardwalk) and cathedral, and to feel the town shifting into the pre–Día de los Muertos atmosphere. We return to Ajijic for contemplation/meditation at the hotel.
Day 4 — Sun, Nov 1 (Ajijic OR Ixtlahuacán — Día de Muertos Day 1) ☕ breakfast included for lodgers
We step into the first full day of Día de los Muertos—meeting altars, symbols, and community expression as they appear in Ajijic or Ixtlahuacán. We’ll move gently and respectfully, allowing the day to unfold according to the local schedule and what feels most aligned for the group. We close the day with contemplation/meditation.
Day 5 — Mon, Nov 2 (Ajijic OR Ixtlahuacán — Día de Muertos Day 2) 
☕ breakfast included for lodgers.
This is often the peak day—when public and private remembrance meet in a powerful shared field. We continue exploring Ajijic or Ixtlahuacán, with special attention to the day’s most meaningful offerings: altars, processions, music, and sacred beauty. In the evening, we intend to attend the parade + skull wall lighting (this is a link to the 2025 schedule. Exact timing confirmed closer to late October). We’ll keep a wide evening window so we can participate without rushing.
Day 6 — Tue, Nov 3 (Foco Tonal + Jamay)
☕ breakfast included for lodgers
Today is a day that blends place, artistry, and local rhythm. Foco Tonal offers a unique encounter (artistic/cultural/spiritual—experienced best in person), and Jamay brings us into a different lakeside tone—slower, quieter, and often unexpectedly tender. We return to Ajijic for contemplation/meditation and a spacious evening.
Day 7 — Wed, Nov 4 (Wednesday Market + Hot Springs + Namaste Village) ☕ breakfast included for lodgers 🍽️ dinner included.
We shift into integration through ordinary beauty. We’ll visit the Wednesday Market, wandering among produce, textiles, artisan goods, and local life. Then we head to the hot springs for restoration—warm mineral waters, spaciousness, and nervous system settling—before returning for a group dinner at Namaste Village and contemplation/meditation.
Day 8 — Thu, Nov 5 (Guachimontones + Etzatlán / Cielo Tejido) ☕ breakfast included for lodgers 🍱 bagged lunch included.
We depart early for Guachimontones, the circular pyramids—an archaeological landscape that invites awe and perspective. From there we continue to Etzatlán to experience 
Cielo Tejido (Woven Sky)—a place where art, sky, and collective creativity meet. This is a longer drive day, so we’ll hold it as a pilgrimage day: early start, steady pacing, and a quiet return to Ajijic for contemplation/meditation.
Day 9 — Fri, Nov 6 (Travel to Guadalajara + Tlaquepaque) ☕ breakfast included for lodgers 🚌 Guadalajara transfers for lodgers.
We transition from lakeside village life into the energy of the city. After checking out, we travel to Guadalajara and spend time in Tlaquepaque, known for artisan shops, color, and craft—an ideal place to wander, purchase meaningful items, and enjoy a leisurely meal. After spending time in Tlaquepaque there will be a 2-hour optional walking tour of the center for those who feel called. We’ll check in to our Guadalajara hotel and close with contemplation/meditation.
Day 10 — Sat, Nov 7 (Guadalajara Day + Closing Dinner)
☕ breakfast included for lodgers 🍽️ dinner included.
Today we explore Guadalajara through sacred space and living culture. We’ll visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, then make our way through the vibrant San Juan de Dios market—a sensory immersion in everyday Mexico. In the evening we gather for a celebratory closing dinner at Casa Bariachi, completing the day with contemplation/meditation and a simple closing together.
Day 11 — Sun, Nov 8 (Return Home / Optional Extension) ☕ breakfast included for lodgers 🚌 airport transfers.
Departures from Guadalajara. Some participants may choose an extended stay (self-arranged) and return to Ajijic. We’ll keep the morning simple—breakfast, goodbyes, and travel—so the pilgrimage ends with spaciousness.
Important Lodging & Shuttle Information
Lodging (Overnighters)
- Ajijic — La Nueva Posada: Oct 29–Nov 6 (breakfast included)
- Guadalajara — Hotel de Mendoza: Nov 6–Nov 8 (breakfast included)
Airport Transfers (Lodgers)
Airport transfers are included for lodgers using group vans: GDL ⇄ Ajijic ⇄ Guadalajara ⇄ GDL.
We will share shuttle windows and flight guidance with registered participants.
Commuters (No Lodging)
Commuters arrange their own lodging and join group transportation for scheduled activities/excursions (local transport only).
Pilgrimage Retreat Fee (USD) — Airfare Not Included
- Lodger (Shared Room): $1,525 per person*
- Lodger (Single Room): $2,450 per person
- Commuter (No Lodging): $550 per person
There are limited spaces so please register early.
*NOTE: Shared lodging is $1,525 per person. Most shared rooms have two equivalent beds. A small number of rooms have a king bed plus a single bed. If you are assigned the single bed in a king+single room, you will receive a $150 credit on your pilgrimage fee. Room assignments are finalized after registration closes.
Included in the retreat fee (high level)
- Breakfast included for lodgers (breakfast is not included for commuters).
- Meals included: 4 dinners + 1 lunch + 1 snack
- Transportation during the pilgrimage (and airport transfers for lodgers at scheduled time)
- Included experiences: goat farm tour, hot springs day, Guachimontones admission + guide, and group activity at Awakening Heart Sangha
Deposit + Payment Schedule
$250 non-refundable deposit
Final payments due July 15, 2026
Register Here: REGISTRATION LINK
Photos of Lake Chapala Region: PHOTO LINK
Questions: CONTACT US
Plan on arriving in GDL by 3 p.m. local time to participate in group transportation shuttle.