Travel Month – November
Planning a Puerto Vallarta weekend trip during Day of the Dead? Here’s everything you need to know.
There’s something magical about a spontaneous getaway with friends—especially when it takes you to a place as lively and colorful as Puerto Vallarta during one of Mexico’s most meaningful celebrations, the Day of the Dead.
I spent a long weekend here with three close friends, and it turned into the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
Our Stay: Relaxation at Fiesta Americana
We checked into Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like we had stepped into vacation mode. The Americana Fiesta sits gracefully along a long stretch of coastline where the Bay of Banderas curves gently and the Pacific laps the shore with a remarkable calm.
Our days started slow—lounging by the pool with tropical drinks in hand, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the easy rhythm of an all-inclusive stay. The beach right in front of the resort making it perfect for wading in the water or just relaxing by the shore and listening to the waves.
The Deep Roots of a Sacred Tradition
To understand what we witnessed that weekend, you need to understand what Día de los Muertos (Day of Dead) actually is — because it is so often misunderstood, particularly by those who confuse it with Halloween. They share a calendar proximity but almost nothing else.
Día de los Muertos has roots going back thousands of years to the indigenous Aztec, Maya, and other Mesoamerican peoples, who held elaborate festivals honoring the dead. When Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century with Catholicism, the two traditions blended — ancient indigenous ceremonies merged with the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd). What emerged is something uniquely, brilliantly Mexican.
The philosophy at the heart of Día de los Muertos is this: death is not an ending — it is a continuation. The dead are not gone; they are merely somewhere else. And once a year, on these sacred days, the veil between the living and the dead grows thin enough that loved ones can return. Rather than mourning, families celebrate — with food, music, color, candles, and laughter. The goal is to make the spirits feel so welcomed and joyful that they’ll want to visit again next year.
Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life at the hotel
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was experiencing the Day of the Dead celebrations at the hotel.
This isn’t a somber holiday—it’s a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to loved ones who have passed. The resort transformed into a cultural showcase filled with color, tradition, and meaning.
There were beautifully decorated altars (ofrendas) adorned with marigold flowers, candles, sugar skulls, and photos honoring ancestors. The scent of incense and fresh flowers filled the air, creating an atmosphere that felt both festive and deeply respectful.
In the evening, the celebration came alive:
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Traditional Mexican music and dance performances
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Guests and performers with intricate face paint resembling calaveras (skulls)
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A widespread buffet featuring authentic Mexican cuisine—tamales, mole, pan de muerto, and so much more
What stood out most was how the celebration blended joy with remembrance. It wasn’t just an event—it was a cultural experience that gave us a deeper appreciation for Mexican traditions.
Exploring Downtown Puerto Vallarta
The seafront boulevard had been transformed entirely. Large illuminated skeleton installations lined the walkway — the most striking being a mariachi band of skeletal musicians, each one life-sized and glowing, playing their instruments against the backdrop of the Pacific. They were simultaneously eerie and joyful, which is really the whole spirit of the holiday in one image. We stopped to photograph them from every angle, along with what felt like half of Puerto Vallarta.
Beyond the skeletons, the Malecón was alive in every direction. Street performers wove through the crowd, local artists had set up along the seafront, and the Day of the Dead energy gave everything an extra layer of colour and intention — marigold garlands strung between lamp posts, sugar skull decorations in every shop window, faces painted in elaborate calavera designs everywhere you looked.
The parade was the highlight. We caught it winding through the streets near the Malecón — a procession of dancers, drummers, and elaborately costumed figures moving through the crowd with that particular combination of solemnity and celebration that makes this tradition unlike anything else.
Afterwards we wandered off the main strip into the side streets, where the energy shifted slightly — quieter, more local. We browsed craft stalls selling hand-painted skulls, woven textiles and marigold wreaths, and picked up a few things that felt like proper souvenirs.
We had planned to spend an hour downtown. We stayed for more.
Snorkeling Adventure: A Day at Sea
For a bit of adventure, we booked a snorkeling trip through our hotel reception — and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the weekend.
The trip cost around $120 per person for a full six hours, with lunch and drinks included and some fun rides on the island thrown in — honestly exceptional value for what we got.
The two-hour boat ride out to Majahuita Cove was gorgeous in itself — open Pacific views, warm sea breeze, and that particular kind of excitement you get when you’re heading somewhere you’ve never been. The cove was calm and sheltered when we arrived, the water so clear you could see the bottom long before you jumped in.
Once we were in, it delivered everything you’d hope for — colourful fish weaving through the coral, warm water that made you want to stay in indefinitely, and the kind of quiet that you only really get underwater. The visibility was excellent on a clear sunny day, which made the whole experience feel almost effortless.
The lunch on the boat was a welcome break — relaxed, unhurried, with drinks flowing and good company. By the time we headed back, six hours had passed in what felt like two.
If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta and wondering whether to book a snorkeling excursion — do it. Book it through your hotel for convenience, get there early, and give yourself the full day. It’s worth every peso.
Final Thoughts
This trip to Puerto Vallarta was everything a weekend getaway should be—relaxing, fun, and culturally enriching.
Between poolside lounging, ocean swims, exploring the town, and experiencing the beauty of the Day of the Dead, it struck the perfect balance.
Traveling with friends made it even more special—lots of laughter, shared moments, and memories we’ll be talking about for years.
Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go.
If you’re planning a similar trip, here are some tips to make the most of your weekend:
1. Best time to visit
Best weather → December – March
Best value → May, October
Whale watching → December – March
Day of the Dead → Late October – early November (your trip!)
2. Book Early for Day of the Dead Weekend
This is a popular time to visit Puerto Vallarta, so hotels and flights fill up quickly. Booking a few months in advance helps secure better rates.
3. Carry Cash (Pesos Preferred)
Small vendors, taxis, and local shops often prefer cash. It’s helpful when exploring downtown areas.
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- Costa Rica – A 10-day trip to the Central American paradise
- Australia – A 2-week itinerary
Over to you
There’s something about travelling with friends that brings out a completely different side of a destination. Have you ever done a spontaneous getaway with your friends? Where did you go — and would you do it again?”