4 Day Retreat
Oct 30 – Nov 3, 2025
(Thursday to Monday)
Be part of a transformative experience during a long weekend dedicated to those who have passed, and our relationship with them. Immerse yourself in a historic community still practicing traditional Day of the Dead celebrations, led by a team of experienced creatives and holistic practitioners. This unique retreat offers a special opportunity to deal with grief in a festive and intentional manner. Join us for this extraordinary journey!
“The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year on November 1st and 2nd. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on November 1st and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2nd.” Learn more…
— History.com
4 nights accommodation in bedroom for 1 or 2 people. Singles in small bedroom with Queen-size bed and shared bathroom in hall, couples in suite with King-size bed, adjacent sitting room w fireplace, and private bath.
Traditional Mexican meals, prepared with organic, fresh ingredients by a guest chef according to your dietary preferences.
October 30: dive-in
3pm > Welcome Reception (check-in, refreshments and property tour)
4-6 pm > Cultural Workshop about our tradition to honor the deceased. We will immerse in ritual through craft and altar decoration, guided by local artisans and community members.
6-9 pm > Evening Celebration with traditional dinner, live music by a Catrina singer, and custom face painting by local artist. This is a great way to jump right into our traditions, to heal the pain of loss, ultimately celebrating life!
October 31: process
Morning > A 40-min wellness session of your choice: a relaxing massage or a “limpia” cleansing by witchdoctor. You can set an intention towards grief, or focus on other important topics of your own.
3-5 pm > “Grief & the Unknown” Workshop: In this 2-hour workshop, you are invited to reflect on guided prompts related to processing grief and exploring the unknown while practicing various techniques to respond in drawing, writing, and meditation. Led by Christine Hogg, a poet, artist and designer based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Through experiences in the arts, travel, language learning, and a career in education, she developed a commitment to creating spaces for open dialogue and honest communication.
Instagram: @christine.f.hogg Web: christinehogg.design
November 1 & 2: explore
Fieldtrip
Overnight visit to surrounding villages, famous for Day of the Dead folklore and traditions:
Departure from hacienda November 1st at 9:00 am
Return at hacienda November 2nd at 12:00 noon
- Pátzcuaro, the epicenter of this ancient tradition, where we’ll visit the colorful artisan market.
- Santa Fe de la Laguna, we’ll eat at the home of the renowned María del Rosario Lucas Bautista, a great traditional chef, and Nicolás Fabián Fermín, a consecrated master craftsman.
- Tzintzuntzan, the ancient capital of the Purhépecha empire, where we will appreciate its spectacular ofrendas with magnificent designs.
- Yunuén Island (accessible by boat) in the heart of Lake Pátzcuaro, where we will witness the glow of the candles that illuminate the night.
- Cucuchucho, a small pantheon decorated in a traditional way, with a very cozy atmosphere, away from the largest crowds.
- Arócutin, a town that preserves its pantheon in front of the church, also with less tourist influx, which allows a more intimate connection with tradition.
Includes:
– Tour led by 2 experienced local tour guides
– Travel in private van from the hacienda and back
– Boat excursion to Yunuén Island, in Lake Patzcuaro
– Nov 1st dinner, prepared by local chef
– 1 night accommodation near Pátzcuaro
– Nov 2nd breakfast
More info:
November 3: integrate
9:30 – 10:30 am > Sound Ecology Walk, exploring the aural landscapes of experience (nature’s songs, ancestral voices, mind echoes, internal silences, and oral beauty of the cosmos). Sound does not only happen outside our ears but also deep within our internal and biological human experience.
10:30 – 11:30 am > Authentic Movement Session, a somatic practice where participants move with closed eyes from inner-directed impulses, allowing a deep connection to the self. Moving from our center reverberates in all areas of our lives. After moving there is time for reflection and group sharing in a safe structure.
12pm -2pm > Lunch and departures
“I came to Guapamacátaro not knowing what to expect. Wow! I learned so much not only about the culture there, but the Hacienda itself. On the retreat, we were immersed in the excitement and history that makes Day of the Dead meaningful. I have traveled all over the globe. I’d definitely go to this retreat (and especially the Hacienda) again. It’s perfect.”
— Sara Cahn, 2022 retreat participant
Guapamacátaro Art & Ecology 