As stated in several exchanged emails we are very sorry that the Puerto Vallarta cemeteries were closed for Day of the Dead - very hard to believe as the city also locked out all the local families who traditionally celebrate at night. They have never been locked at night for Day of the Dead in the past. At 10 pm the night before when we were at the cemetery and discovered it had been locked there were many families outside sitting on the curbs and areas and many that our guide Alejandro spoke with informed us that a mass was scheduled the next night so that it would be open. That being said, this was a Day of the Dead tour and not a cemetery tour.
Let me quote our website: "We present a selection of three distinguished tours, meticulously curated to facilitate a comprehensive exploration of the revered Mexican Celebration of the Day of the Dead.
"The main focus of this tour is to celebrate "All Saints Day" with the Mexican children who will be parading seeking candy and gifts. We encourage our tour participants to pre-purchase large bags of candy to distribute. How much - too much to carry at the beginning of the night. Your load will lighten quickly, and the extent of candy procurement and subsequent dissemination directly contributes to the jubilance of local children, who, in turn, impart a profound sense of delight to your own soul."
"Rest assured that in addition to partaking in this heartwarming aspect of the celebration, our itinerary encompasses a comprehensive exploration of Day of the Dead traditions. As we traverse the route leading to the cemetery, we shall encounter many iconic catrinas and meticulously crafted altars, offering participants an insightful glimpse into the intricate customs and symbolism surrounding this sacred observance. "
"Our Traditional Day of the Dead tours will be very similar to the Halloween tour described above except less emphases is placed on candy distribution and "trick or treating." However, we will distribute candy following the lesser know Day of the Dead tradition of Calaverita. There will still be an organized parade on the Malecon both nights but will focus strictly on the Day of the Dead. Hence, we shall have the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricate details of altars, catrinas, and the profound symbolism woven into this significant day, allowing for a more comprehensive and emotionally resonant exploration."
Let me be clear, the stated #1 main focus of this tour was to distribute candy. You and your group of 9 "gentlemen" did not get any sense of joy or delight from the tour as not one of you came prepared to distribute any candy or gifts to the Mexican children who all the others on all of our 3 days of tours pre purchased and brought to distribute on the tours. The second focus of the tour was the multi course traditional Day of the Dead meal at a very traditional Mexican restaurant. The meal was enjoyed by all others as the Mexican food was exceptional and the service was also great served by several waitresses with painted faces and dressed as Catrinas. We even served unlimited Agua Frescas and top shelf premium 1800 tequila and premium Rum Chata. Also fruit flavored pulque. Your group abandoned the tour at the cemetery and skipped the tour around the cemetery walls enjoying and studying the Day of Dead inspired Mexican murals and the return to the restaurant for more immersion in Day of the Dead with universally traditional Atole and Pan de Muerto. And more premium tequila and other beverages. None of your group even accepted the free "Viva Mexico" bags at the beginning of the trip.
In follow up emails we even offered as a courtesy free day tours of the cemetery, or a free bar tour however not only did you reject this you stated if we did not refund your money you not only would make a bad review but that you would dispute your credit card and you did dispute your credit card for the entire amount for all 9 people. We are sorry the cemetery was closed however this has become a legal issue. And let's be clear, as all tour companies, we have as a term of service that you had to approve when you made the reservation that we reserve the right to modify any tour due to weather, closures, or events beyond our control.