Unforgettable 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. We’ll spend the night in this lively and active city.

We’ll travel toward the state of Oaxaca, passing through mountainous regions with beautiful scenery along the way. We’ll arrive in Oaxaca by late morning and enjoy an included visit to this UNESCO World Heritage city, originally founded by the Aztecs and renowned for its impressive historical heritage. We’ll then head up to Monte Albán, set atop a mountain rising 400 meters above the Oaxaca Valley. This ancient site—tickets and guided tour included—is the most magnificent of the Zapotec cities. We’ll return to Oaxaca, where you’ll have free time to continue exploring the city at your own pace.

We’ll depart early in the morning, making a brief stop in SAN PABLO VILLA DE MITLA, a charming Pueblo Mágico. You’ll have time for a stroll near the 16thcentury Church of San Pablo and along its picturesque rustic streets. We’ll then continue our journey through the mountains of Oaxaca toward the Isthmus. Lunch will be included en route. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ, the capital of the state of Chiapas.

We see the CAÑON DEL SUMIDERO, on a boat we sail up this impressive canyon almost 1 km deep and 14 km long. Then we take a stroll in CHIAPA DEL CORZO, a colonial site of tradition and culture. After this, we go further into the Mayan culture and visit beautiful villages inhabited by the Tzotziles Indians. In ZINACANTAN we can admire the dresses of the women and the beautiful shops and weaving workshops. In SAN JUAN CHAMULA we will be surprised by its church which mixes Christianity with precolumbine traditions in its rites. Continuation to SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS. Afternoon free in this very beautiful colonial city founded in 1528.

A stage of beautiful mountain scenery inside Chiapas, visiting areas inhabited by communities that have maintained their Mayan language and traditions. A stop in OCOSINGO, the regional capital. After that we continue to AGUA AZUL, admission included to the National Park, lunch included and time to walk or bathe among the more than 50 waterfalls between three and 30 meters tall. We go on to MISOL HA, an impressive waterfall that you can walk behind. Continuation to PALENQUE dinner included and accommodation. Note: in some instances, roadblocks might be expected in the region of Ocosingo due to local social issues. In that event, we would take an alternative route visiting the City of Villahermosa and the ecological reserve of Yumka instead of the usual stops at Ocosingo, Agua Azul and Misol Ha.

We visit the impressive archaeological site of PALENQUE, a Mayan city surrounded by jungle, where we will see its temples, pyramids and ball game. Admission and tour with local guide included. Afterwards, we travel to the Gulf of Mexico through the state of Tabasco. CAMPECHE, arrival in this Mexican port city known for its colonial buildings and its 17th century fortifications created to face pirate attacks. Dinner included.

We’ll head toward the state of Yucatán, and after just over two hours, we’ll arrive in Mérida. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant capital, rich in both colonial and Maya heritage. Highlights include the fortified Cathedral of Mérida, the limestone Church of the Third Order, and the House of Montejo—a 16thcentury mansion and a symbol of Plateresque colonial architecture. You’ll have the afternoon free; we suggest visiting the Museum of the Maya World on your own. In the evening, a transfer to the Zócalo will be included, where you can enjoy dinner and soak up the local atmosphere.

Transfer to the airport, to take a flight to México City. Arrival, transfer from the airport to the hotel and accommodation.

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