Full-day cultural excursions are offered each Saturday, plus on Sunday during the summer season.

At Instituto Chac-Mool the excursions we plan are an extension of our varied Mexican culture program. After learning about certain cultural aspects of Mexican history during the week, students are given the opportunity to live what they have learned through an organized outing. The school's Cultural Coordinator accompanies the group, along with additional teachers, depending on group size. Students can sign up for excursions while at the school, a sign up sheet will be available the week prior.

These trips are optional, and the most popular destinations include: Teotihuacan, Museo de Antropología in Mexico City, Centro Histórico in Mexico City, Ballet Folclórico in Mexico City (Sunday), Museo Dolores Olmedo y canales de Xochimilco in Mexico City, Taxco, and the Xochicalco archeological site. The charge is usually US$40-50 per person, depending on the destination. Transportation to and from the Spanish school is provided, as well as a guide. The fee usually includes entrance fees, with the exception of Ballet Folclórico and Las Estacas Parque Acuático, which requires students to purchase their own tickets.

Holidays in Mexico can be a special time to visit, our host families will welcome you into their plans and we do offer classes during the holiday seasons (see our short list of days we don't offer classes).

Many holidays offer Instituto Chac-Mool the opportunity to offer special excursions and events including:

• Jan. 6 ~ Día de los Santos Reyes   The Day of the Three Kings   A Feast of Epiphany to mark the end of the Christmas festivities, where the three kings bring gifts to the children. Enjoy the roscas de reyes, a rich, delicious bread hiding a small plastic doll inside.
• Feb. ~ Carnival   Carnival   A several day celebration beginning the weekend before Lent, typically late February. Tepoztlan, near Cuernavaca, is well known for their carnival celebrations and dance of the Chinelos, the famed dancers of the Mexican state of Morelos. Food, music, dancing.
• March/April ~ Semana Santa   Holy Week  The week ending with Easter Sunday. A major Mexican holiday with many celebrations in most every town. Good Friday features a major event in Taxco, about an hour from Cuernavaca.
• Sept. 15 ~ El Grito de Independencia   Independence Day  Mexico celebrates independence from Spain with a reenactment in every zócalo of Mexico. The celebration period is complete when a government official gives el grito, the cry of Independence, at 11:00pm.
• Nov. 1 ~ Día de Todos Santos   All Saints' Day  Begins the celebration of Días de los Muertos by honoring the souls of children.
• Nov. 2 ~ Día de los Muertos   Day of the Dead All Souls' Day  A colorful celebration honoring the departed. Visit nearby graveyards where graves are decorated with flowers and food, where family members spend time with their dearly departed.
• Dec 16 - Jan 6 ~ Las Posadas   The Inn   Candlelight processions usually of children in costume acting out the holy family searching for shelter. Includes special parties and events for children.
• Dec 24 ~ Noche Buena   Christmas eve   Christians often attend a midnight mass but usually before (or sometimes after!) there are parties with homemade foods such as tamales and other family favorites. Piñatas made of brightly-colored papier-mâché may be filled with candies and small prizes for the children.
• Dec. 25 ~ Navidad   Christmas The week before Christmas features candlelight processions, parties, and piñatas filled with candy and toys.

Join Instituto Chac-Mool for special activities and events for Días de los Muertos in late October, early November. This includes an evening Sunday, November 1 visit to a cemetery in the nearby traditional town of Ocotepec, Morelos. You'll be able admire all of the unique altars adorned with candles, flowers, food and gifts that were favorites of the dearly departed.

Ocotepec is located just 5 minutes outside of Cuernavaca and Instituto Chac-Mool students only pay public transportation. Be sure to ask about our October and November tuition specials.

Enjoy Días de los Muertos photos in our Foto Galeria.

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