11 Locations In Coco That You Can Actually Visit In Mexico

Pixar’s beloved animation Coco is a beautiful tearjerker with an authentically Mexican feel. In preparation for the film, a research team spent months gathering information at various locations in Mexico, learning about the traditions and music that energize the film. Here’s a list of 11 real-life locations that directly inspired the appearance and feel of Pixar’s love letter to Mexico.

San Andrés Mixquic, Mexico City

Cemetery

Set during the Day of the Dead celebrations held during the first two days of November, the film depicts several locations that are famous for their festivities. The cemetery of San Andrés Mixquic, a community in Mexico City, bears a striking resemblance to the cemetery depicted in the film.

Janitzio Island, Michoacán

Cemetery

An aerial shot of Janitzio island at night in Lake Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan, Mexico.

Another destination famous for its Day of the Dead festivities is Janitzio Island near Pátzcuaro, in the western state of Michoacán. On the night of November 1, families visit the grave of their deceased love ones and decorate it with candles, flowers and offerings. Locals hold vigil at the cemetery in the belief that the spirits of their loved ones return for another night on earth.

The Historic Center of Guanajuato

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In De la Cruz’s tomb, Miguel is magically transported to the Land of the Dead, a mysterious and beautiful realm where he meets his dead relatives. Many of the details of this land echo Guanajuato, the historic town in central Mexico. The Land of the Dead has a similar layout to the Mexican town, with colonial architecture, cobbled streets and balconies on many buildings.

Pyramids of Teotihuacán

Ruins, Historical Landmark

Teotihuacán Pyramid From Above, Drone Photo, Mexico

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Coco makes many references to Mexico’s pre-colonial past. The Land of the Dead is even built around pyramid-shaped ruins that call to mind Teotihuacán, the archaeological site found just outside of Mexico City.

San Juan Parangaricutiro, Michoacán

Church

The ruins of an old building buried by lava. Paricutin, Michoacan, Mexico.

The church tower in Miguel’s hometown is similar to San Juan Parangaricutiro in Michoacán. The eruption of the nearby Parícutin volcano in 1943 buried this church in lava and the bell tower still protrudes from the surface of the volcanic rock.

Palacio de Correos de México, Mexico City

Building, Post Office

staircase at the mail palace at mexicos city

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In Coco, the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead are separated by the Grand Central Station, an elegant building which is clearly based on the Palacio de Correos de México in Mexico City. Built in the opening years of the 20th century, this stylish art-deco building boasts marble floors, intricately carved stones and bronze window frames, just like the station in Coco.

El Gran Hotel, Mexico City

Hotel

With its enormous and decorative glass roof, the Grand Central Station also pays homage to the capital’s Gran Hotel Ciudad de México. This turn-of-the-century building is lavishly decorated in Art Nouveau style and boasts an elaborate stained glass window.