THE 2026 JOURNEY · OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 3
For travelers who want depth, real cultural connection, and the authentic version of Día de Muertos.
Hanal Pixán
THE JOURNEY
What it is.
What it isn't.
This is a six-day, small-group retreat in Mérida, Yucatán, built around Hanal Pixán, the Maya Day of the Dead. Hosted by Sara Renshaw of The Green Maya Project, and shaped with twenty years of relationships with the local families, ceremony leaders, and guides who keep the traditions alive.
This is not a tour. It is an experience — one that holds reverence and joy in the same hand. There are quiet moments of ceremony, and there are vibrant ones: walking with the souls in candlelit procession, dancing, faces painted, alongside Catrinas on Paseo Montejo, neighborhoods alive with altars and music. We join the community in celebration and honoring our loved ones who have crossed over.
What this isn't: a Halloween-style party week or a packaged Day of the Dead tour. Hanal Pixán is older, deeper, and more layered. We peel those layers back together — meeting the people, learning their ways, sharing our own.
If you are drawn to slow travel, ancestral wisdom, ceremony, and the kind of week where you arrive a stranger and leave with people who feel like dear friends — this journey was made for you.
THE JOURNEY, DAY BY DAY.
Six days, woven with intention.Every day is paced — moments of community, moments of stillness, and time to simply be. Times below are approximate. The journey has its own rhythm, and we follow where it leads.
DAY 1 — THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
ALL DAY — Arrival & Check-In Settle into your private suite at a colonial home turned gorgeous boutique hotel in Mérida's historic Centro. Take a slow afternoon — rest, walk the Plaza Grande, or simply unpack.
7:30 PM — Welcome Cocktails. The group gathers for handcrafted margaritas and mocktails, prepared to introduce you to Yucatecan flavors. Soft introductions, no pressure.
8:30 PM — Welcome Dinner A light, refreshing first meal together at the hotel. Sara shares an overview of the week ahead — what to expect, how the days move, ask what you may need.
DAY 2 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
6:30 AM — Sunrise Meditation Optional. A good morning practice in a lush, tropical courtyard.
7:00 AM — Stretch & Move, A short body practice to wake the muscles and start the day.
8:30 AM — Breakfast spread at the hotel — with oats, fresh tropical fruit, eggs from the farm, homemade tortillas, organic coffee, freshly squeezed juices.
10:00 AM — Cacao Ceremony with Abuela Ak'bal On her sacred lands, a respected Maya spiritual guide opens space for us to honor what we are carrying, what we are seeking, and the ancestors who walk with us. Cacao is a heart-opener, a ceremony that will stay with you.
12:00 PM — Lunch & Quiet Time A nourishing lunch followed by time to rest, journal, and contemplate the morning's ceremony.
5:00 PM — Mérida Hanal Pixán Evening. We step into the heart of the city: Plaza Grande's monumental altar, altar exhibits across Centro, Casas de Montejo, and the historic cathedral. As night falls, the cathedral's video mapping illuminates the season's stories on its façade.
8:30 PM — Dinner in the City A casual dinner together at one of Mérida's local spots, with time afterward to walk the Parque La Plancha .
DAY 3 — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 · U Hanal Palal — Children's Souls
6:30 AM — Sunrise Meditation Optional. The day ahead is full — a quiet morning sets the tone.
7:00 AM — Early Breakfast We eat early; the day begins with travel.
8:30 AM — Sacred Cenote — Sound Healing Ceremony at a secluded cenote, far from the tourist routes. Floating in still, crystal-clear water beneath the cave, Sara guides a sound bath with crystal singing bowls — sound and vibration moving through your body in deep stillness.
10:00 AM — Oxkintok Archaeological Site, one of the most contemplative and least visited Maya sites in the Yucatán. A local expert walks us through the history, and we pause for breathwork and meditation among the ancient stones — inviting our ancestors closer.
12:00 PM — Lunch in Umán — a charming town just south of Mérida, at a beloved local restaurant serving traditional Yucatecan dishes. We slow down here.
2:00 PM — Return to the Hotel. Free time. Rest, read, swim, shower, ready for the evening.
7:30 PM — Paseo de las Ánimas — The Walk of Souls: Tonight the city walks with its dead. The candlelit procession leaves the General Cemetery and winds through Mérida's streets to Parque de San Juan. We walk together, candles in hand, faces optionally painted, with families honoring their loved ones at street altars. One of the most moving nights of the year in México.
8:30 PM — Street Food & later A Light Hotel Dinner. The streets of Mérida overflow with vendors on this night — tamales, pibes, esquites, marquesitas, and seasonal specialties prepared just for Hanal Pixán. Wander, taste, and graze with the city. Back at the hotel, a simple light dinner waits for anyone who wants something quieter.
DAY 4 — SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 · U Hanal Nucuch Wiinico'ob — Adult Souls
6:30 AM — Sunrise Meditation. Optional.
7:00 AM — Stretch & Move your body. Yoga, swim, neighborhood run if you are so inclined.
8:30 AM — Breakfast, A leisurely Yucatecan breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 AM — Pan de Muerto, By Hand with local panadero A hands-on class baking Pan de Muerto, the traditional sweet bread of the season — shaped with the small "bones" and skull-form on top, fragrant with anise and orange.
12:00 PM — Lunch & Free Afternoon Lunch of the Pan de Muerto and Traditional pibes (the underground-cooked tamale). Yes dessert first! The afternoon is yours: swim, rest, optional massages or facials in the courtyard or in your room, shopping, wandering the city, or simply being.
* For the creative ones that are interested we will have face painting supplies or we can hire professional make-up artists - we just need to know before hand to plan accordingly.
7:30 PM — Dinner at Mikaela A celebrated Mérida restaurant for a beautiful evening meal before the parade. 8:30 PM — Catrinas Parade in front of our restaurant The Mérida night fills a main avenue with color, music, and the spectacular Catrinas in full costume. We join the community — faces painted, photographs welcome, dancing if the spirit moves you. Mexico's living art, in motion. Prepare for a late night, well 12am!
DAY 5 — MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 · U Hanal Pixano'ob — All Souls
7:30 AM— Sunrise Meditation & Yoga. A gentle practice — meditation, breath, and slow movement — before we head to the coast. (Optional)
9:00 AM — Leisurely Breakfast At the hotel.
10:30 AM — Departure for Pueblo Magico Sisal Beach We drive west to the Gulf coast — an hour through the Yucatán countryside.
11:30 AM — Beach Time at Sisal. A quiet stretch of white sand and emerald sea. The afternoon is yours. Swim, nap under a palapa, walk the shoreline, watch for flamingos in the distance, or simply be.
12:30 PM (or whenever you're hungry) — Seafood Lunch Fresh-caught seafood at a beachfront restaurant — ceviche, grilled fish, cold cervezas, or aguas frescas. Dietary alternatives chosen with care.
3:00 PM — Return to Mérida Back to the hotel for rest and reset.
7:30 PM — Mezcal Tasting & Farewell Dinner at a Private Hacienda We leave the city for the evening, driving just outside Mérida to a friend's private hacienda. Under the stars, we begin with a guided tasting of regional mezcals (with thoughtful mocktail alternatives), followed by a multi-course farewell dinner prepared by an acclaimed local chef. A long, lingering night together, the closing of the week.
DAY 6 — TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
6:00 AM onward — Early Breakfast Breakfast begins early for travelers with morning flights. Take your time — eat at your own pace, share one last coffee, sit in the courtyard, say your goodbyes when you're ready.
MORNING — Departures Private airport transfers are arranged around your flight schedule. Whether you leave at sunrise or midday, your departure is planned so the morning feels unhurried.
A LAST WORD — Wherever you go from here, may you carry México with you. The ancestors walked with us this week and they walk with you whenever you need them.
A note on the schedule: this is our intended rhythm, but México is alive and the journey moves with it. Times, vendors, and the occasional experience may shift slightly — we adapt as needed, always with intention and care.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Your home for the week.
You'll stay in a beautifully restored boutique hotel in the heart of Mérida's historic Centro — your home for five nights. Private king-bed suites with thoughtful detail, a tropical courtyard garden, and the quiet care of a small property where you're known by name.
The location is chosen with care. Many of the week's experiences are within walking distance — from the boutique hotel doorstep to Plaza Grande- the main cathedral, Paseo Montejo, Corredor Gastronómico de Mérida and the candlelit procession route.
The specific property is confirmed with each group; details are shared upon booking.
YOUR GUIDES.
Your week is held by Sara and a small circle of trusted local guides, ceremony leaders, and local partners — relationships built over twenty years in the Yucatán.
A small circle, a lovely history.
A single all-inclusive investment. No upsells, no surprises, no nickel-and-diming. Here's exactly what you're getting — and what's intentionally not included so you can shape the trip to fit you.
EVERY DETAIL
Included:
ACCOMMODATIONS
Five nights in a restored villa, now boutique hotel in Mérida's historic Centro. Private king-bed suite with thoughtful detail, tropical courtyard garden, daily housekeeping, and bilingual staff.
MEALS
All breakfasts at the hotel — yucatecan flavors, fresh fruit & juices, eggs from local farms, homemade tortillas, organic coffee…
Three group dinners, including the welcome dinner, a meal at Mikaela, and the farewell dinner at a private hacienda prepared by an acclaimed local chef.
Two group lunches at curated local restaurants.
A hands-on Pan de Muerto baking class with traditional pibes served fresh from the oven.
Welcome margaritas and a guided mezcal tasting (with thoughtful mocktail alternatives).
Organic coffee, herbal teas, fresh juices, sparkling and purified water in reusable bottles throughout the week.
CEREMONIES & EXPERIENCES
Cacao ceremony with Abuela on her sacred lands.
Breathwork and meditation among the ancient stones of Oxkintok.
A floating sound bath with crystal singing bowls in a secluded cenote.
Guided participation in Paseo de las Ánimas (the candlelit procession).
Attendance at the Catrinas Parade at Remate Montejo, with cultural context.
Mérida cathedral video mapping, altar exhibits, and curated Hanal Pixán city walk.
A full day at Pueblo Mágico Sisal on the Gulf coast.
Daily optional sunrise meditation and morning yoga.
GUIDES & LOGISTICS
Sara Renshaw as your host and guide for the full journey.
Bilingual local guides for cultural and archaeological experiences.
All ground transportation in private, comfortable vehicles.
Private airport transfer from Mérida (MID) on arrival and departure.
24/7 host support throughout the journey.
THE EXTRAS
Welcome gift bag of local goodies
Gratuities for hotel staff, drivers, and restaurant servers.
Entrance fees, equipment, and supplies for all included experiences.
A 1% contribution to mangrove reforestation in your name.
Not Included:
TRAVEL
International airfare to Mérida (MID).
Cancun (CUN) airport transfer available for an additional fee — let us know in your inquiry.
Travel insurance (strongly recommended — we can suggest providers).
Personal items, laundry, and incidentals.
MEALS NOT LISTED
Three dinners during the week are intentionally on your own — designed to give you freedom to explore Mérida's celebrated restaurant scene. Sara will share favorite spots based on your tastes.
Snacks and food purchased from street vendors during evening wanderings.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
In-room massages and facials (we'll arrange these for you).
Pre- or post-retreat extensions in Mérida or elsewhere in the Yucatán.
ALCOHOL
Alcoholic beverages beyond the welcome margaritas and mezcal tasting are at your own discretion.
GRATUITIES
Gratuity for head guides and Sara is optional and at your discretion — appreciated but never expected.
All dietary needs are accommodated with care: gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergy-sensitive — please share when you book. Pricing is per person and based on six nights, October 29 – November 3, 2026. Maximum 10 travelers per journey.
The Investment
SHARED ROOM (double occupancy)-$3500 USD per person
HOW BOOKING WORKS
A $1,000 USD deposit reserves your place. The balance is due September 30, 2026.
Booking closes September 15, 2026, or when the group fills — whichever comes first.
PAYMENT
We accept bank wire, Venmo, Paypal, credit card and cash.
Prices are in US dollars.
CANCELLATION
Your $1,000 deposit reserves your place and is non-refundable — it confirms your room and our commitments to the guides and families who prepare for your arrival. The balance is due September 30, 2026 and is non-refundable after that date. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment — we're happy to suggest providers.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum 10 travelers — kept intentionally small.
PRIVATE ROOM (single occupancy) — $3,920 USD per person
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Everything you need to know.
Hanal Pixán is a living tradition, not a performance staged for visitors. We enter as guests, give more than we take, and follow the lead of the families and elders who welcome us. You don't need to know the customs in advance — Sara will guide you gently as the week unfolds.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack light and breathable. Late October in Yucatán is still warm during the day, sometimes cooler in the evenings. Bring:
Lightweight, breathable, flowy clothing for warm days, bring something to cover from the sun.
A light pashmina or wrap for cooler evenings and ceremonial spaces.
Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and the procession
Water shoes for the cenote
Hat & sunglasses
A swimsuit or two and quick-dry towel (we provide proper towels)
One outfit you feel beautiful in for the farewell dinner
A journal for reflection, a book or two
An open heart
We provide biodegradable sunblock and non-toxic insect repellent, but please bring your favorite brands.
GETTING THERE
Fly into Mérida International Airport (MID). Private airport transfers are included in your journey — we'll coordinate timing once your flights are booked.
If you fly into Cancún (CUN), a longer private transfer can be arranged for an additional fee. We recommend arriving on or before October 29 and departing on or after November 3. If you'd like to extend your stay in Mérida or explore more of the Yucatán, we're happy to help you plan.
FAQ:
Q: I've never done a cacao ceremony. What should I expect?
This is unlike any cacao ceremony you may have heard of or participated in before. Ceremonial-grade cacao is prepared with deep intention and offered in a guided sacred space on Abuela's lands. It opens the heart gently and quietly. No experience required — just an open curiosity and willingness to receive. Sara will prepare you before you arrive.
Q: What is the breathwork and meditation experience at the archaeological site?
We practice breathwork and guided meditation among the ancient stones of Oxkintok — one of the oldest and least-visited Maya sites in the Yucatán, largely free of tourist crowds. A local expert guides us through the site's history first, then we settle into stillness. The practice invites ancestral connection in a place that has held it for centuries. Most travelers describe it as unexpectedly moving.
Q: What is the sound bath in the cenote like?
You float gently on your back in still, crystal-clear water while Sara plays crystal singing bowls above you. The cenote's cave amplifies the sound in ways that are difficult to describe — it moves through the water and through your body simultaneously. No swimming ability beyond basic floating is required. Most travelers describe it as one of the most unexpectedly profound moments of the week.
Q: What if a city event changes dates or gets cancelled?
Hanal Pixán is a living tradition — city events occasionally shift dates or formats. We monitor the official schedule closely and adapt accordingly. The city is alive with Hanal Pixán energy in every corner during this week and no day is ever empty of meaning.
Q: What if I'm not spiritual or don't have a religious practice?
You don't need one. Hanal Pixán honors something universal — the people we've loved and lost. The ceremonies don't ask you to adopt any belief system. They ask you to be present, curious, and open. Travelers who describe themselves as skeptics often find this the most unexpectedly moving week of any journey they've taken.
THE DAY OF THE DEAD, THE MAYA WAY 2026
❋
Six days in Mérida. A small group of ten.
October 29 – November 3, 2026.
Deposit $1,000 USD. Booking closes September 15 (or until full).
You have read through the journey, now it’s time to come and experience it.
Sara personally responds to every inquiry within 24 hours. No pressure. Just a conversation.