Colonial Mexico

Welcome to Mexico! Transfer to the hotel and free time. Our guide will contact you late in the afternoon.

Today we have a fantastic day acquaint ourselves with Mexico. We include a sightseeing tour of the city. We will visit the Plaza of Three Cultures, and the historic centre in which the Zócalo (main square) and its Metropolitan Cathedral stand out, the main Aztec temple, Chapultepec Park, the “Paseo de la Reforma” Avenue and the other main avenues of this impressive city. At the end of the visit we travel to the BASILICA OF GUADALUPE, the most visited Catholic temple in the Americas where the Virgin of Guadalupe is found. There we will be able to explore the old basilica dating back to the 18th Century and also the modern temple. In the afternoon we travel to the neighbourhood of XOCHIMILCO, a wonderful place with its canals and semifloating gardens. Here we include a ride in a “trajinera”, one of the boats festooned with flowers. In the evening we include a transfer to the Plaza de GARIBALDI, with its many bars, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and the Mariachis sing. Dinner is included in a traditional restaurant.

We’ll begin our journey by visiting El Oro de Hidalgo, a charming Pueblo Mágico that was once one of Mexico’s main mining centers. The gold and silver mines attracted investors and workers from all over the world, and today you’ll find Europeanstyle buildings, such as the old train station and Teatro Juárez. We’ll continue through an area of hills and forests where monarch butterflies migrate for the winter, and visit Mina de las Dos Estrellas, a mineturnedmuseum that highlights the region’s rich mining history and culture. Next, we’ll head to Tlalpujahua, another Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán, with a magnificent Baroque sanctuary and cobblestone streets. This town is famous for its handcrafted Christmas decorations, and you’ll be surprised by the presence of Santa Claus in many of its shops. There will be free time to stroll and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Pátzcuaro, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico, with preHispanic origins. Its colonial architecture, artisan markets, and unique atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination.

We’ll depart for Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its magnificent pink stone architecture and historic center. Highlights include the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and its university, founded in 1540. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Cuitzeo del Porvenir, located next to Mexico’s secondlargest lake. Here, you can visit the ExConvent of Santa María Magdalena, a Plateresquestyle architectural gem from the 16th century, and stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. Our journey will conclude in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila. Arrival is expected in the evening.

In the morning we include a visit to Guadalajara, the modern metropolis with its colonial historic center, its cathedral, its market, its Tapatía square. We will enter the Cabañas Hospice, declared Unesco World Heritage. After the visit, we will go on to the next town of TEQUILA, we include entrance to the MUNDO CUERVO distillery and will see how this famous Mexican drink is made (entrance and tasting included). After this, time for a stroll and lunch in the picturesque town of Tequila. After lunch, we return to Guadalajara.

We travel to the state of GUANAJUATO. Arrival at midday. In the afternoon we include a city tour of this very beautiful university city declared World Heritage, its steep slopes, its narrow streets, its churches, and we also include a cable car ride to admire the view from “el Pípila”.

We’ll travel through the mountains to Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of Mexican independence. Next, we’ll visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, known as the "Sanctuary of God and Country," also declared a World Heritage Site (please note that on some occasions we may not be able to visit the interior due to ongoing retreats). Afterwards, we’ll explore San Miguel de Allende, a stunning World Heritage city with beautiful colonial architecture and charming cobbled streets. There will be time to stroll around. Later, we’ll arrive in Queretaro, known for its magnificent colonial center, its Plaza de Armas, and its lively restaurants and pedestrian streets.

We’ll depart for Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Admission to its archaeological site is included. The Atlantean figures, imposing fourmetertall warrior statues, are the site’s main attraction. You’ll also see pyramids, palaces, and carved columns, showcasing the sophistication of this preHispanic civilization. We’ll then arrive in Puebla, a historic city renowned for its culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and ceramics. Highlights include its impressive Renaissance cathedral and its lively main square. Next, we’ll head to Val’Quirico, where the Europeaninspired architecture, particularly reminiscent of Italy’s Tuscany, and its medieval style will transport you to another era. Arrival in Mexico City is expected around 08:30 p. m.

Breakfast. End of our services. Transfer from the hotel to the airport not included.