Colonial Mexico: Between Heritage and Tradition

Day 1 : México

Arrive in the Sprawling City of Mexico

Welcome to Mexico City!

Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel Majestic. Option included: Standard room.

Day 2 : Mexico

Experience the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for a visit of the surroundings of Mexico City. North of the city, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, built in the 17th century. It is the most important religious site of Latin America and a major pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics coming from all over the world. You can also see the Old Basilica that is slowly sinking into the ground. The Old Basilica shelters a reproduction of the Black Madonna, which can be seen behind the choir inside the modern basilica.

Magnificent Teotihuacan

Then, head to the archeological site of Teotihuacan with the pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcóatl), the Temple of the Feathered Snails and the Palace of the Jaguars. The ‘City of the Gods’ was built in the seventh century and was probably, with its 200,000 inhabitants, the most populated city in the world at that time.

A Tour Around Mexico City

In the afternoon, return to the center of Mexico City for a tour, starting with the Zocalo, one of the largest squares in the world. There stands the largest Cathedral in the Americas, built on the site of the former grand Aztec temple ‘Teocalli’. Its three naves shelter many chapels and altars adorned with gold, including the beautiful ‘Altar of Forgiveness’. The Palacio Nacional (National Palace) was built on top of the Palace of Moctezuma and features frescos painted by famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. Nowadays, it houses the President’s offices. The Templo Mayor (only outside) is a relic of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan… a pre-Columbian temple in the middle of urban jungle: absolutely amazing!

Suggestions for the evening (please contact us for more information):

-A lucha libre show (wrestling), a very popular sport in Mexico, in the greatest arena of the capital. A great atmosphere is guaranteed (Tuesdays at 7PM, Fridays at 8PM and Sundays at 5PM).

– Ballet Folklórico (Wednesdays and Sundays – 8:30PM) Option included: English speaking local guide for all the day. Option included: Entrance fees to Teotihuacan. Overnight stay at the hotel Majestic. Option included: Standard room.

Day 3 : México

Departure for the west of the country to visit the colonial cities of Mexico.

The Warriors of Tula

Today visit the archeological site of Tula, ancient capital of the Toltec civilization. Visit the archeological site with its impressive statues ‘Los Atlantes’. These are massive columns each carved in the likeness of Toltec warriors.

Explore Beautiful San Miguel de Allende

In the afternoon, travel to San Miguel de Allende, a charming, colonial city with narrow cobbled streets. The pastel colors, the dozens of handicraft shops and the colonial architecture, give a delightful atmosphere to the city. Wander around the city and visit the parish church, the Plaza de Allende and the churches of Santo Domingo, San Francisco and San Felipe Neri. See the Spanish architecture, experience the thriving arts scene and immerse yourself in one of the many of the local festivals that take place throughout the year. In 2008, this amazing city was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Option included: Entrance fees to Tula. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Overnight stay at the hotel Hacienda El Santuario.

Junior Suite with king size bed.

Day 4 : San Miguel de Allende

Vibrant Guanajuato

After breakfast, depart for Guanajuato , with its pastel colored houses and numerous flowered window boxes. Free day to explore Guanajuato. Roam through this ancient silver mine’s capital, designated a World Heritage site by Unesco. Take your time. Visit the monument El Pipila (Guanajuato savior) and the dam de la Olla. Also, take a visit to a silver mine (guide and helmet available), the ex-hacienda del Cochero (inquisition’s museum) and finally the San Cayetano temple.

In the late morning, visit the ‘Callejon del Beso’, the Alley of the Kiss. Listen to the tragic love story of a boy and a girl separated by the alley between their windows. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Overnight stay at hotel Meson de los Poetas. Standard room.

Day 5 : Guanajuato

The Medieval Spirit of Morelia

Departure from the hotel at 9:00AM by private transport to the city of Morelia . Today, discover the pink colonial city of Morelia . Its historical center has been designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Explore the treasures and secrets of this charming city. Visit the Palacio de Gobierno, the museum of the State of Michoacan, the San Nicolas de Hidalgo University, the sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the aqueduct of Morelia, the Cathedral, the Conservatory de las Rosas and the house of the handicrafts. Morelia is also home to one of the biggest film festivals in the world. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Overnight stay at hotel Casa del Anticuario.

Day 6 : Morelia

The Island of Janitzio

This morning, hop on a boat for a visit to Janitzio island which means ‘where it rains’. On the way, encounter the fishermen with their unique butterfly nets fishing in the lake. Once on the island, stroll up to the top and visit the statue of Morelos, a true architectural masterpiece, that tells the story of the Mexican revolution. Wander back down through the meandering streets of the island. For lunch, we suggest that you eat local food at a traditional fonda.

The Magic Town of Patzcuaro

In the afternoon, travel to the peaceful town of Patzcuaro , one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos and the center of the Tarascan population. On the way, stop in the village of Tzintzuntzan , known for its convent and wood crafts. Patzcuaro is a charming town with colorful markets and pleasant squares all surrounded by green mountains with pines and spruces. You can admire its adobe houses built over the quiet streets while listening to Michoacana folk music. Visit the ‘house of eleven patios’, an ancient Dominican convent built in the seventeenth century. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Option included: boat to Janitzio Island. Overnight stay at hotel Casa del Refugio.

Option included : Standard room.

Day 7 : Patzcuaro

Guadalajara, Home of Mariachi and Tequila

Today, travel to Guadalajara , the second largest town in Mexico, and the state capital of Jalisco. It’s also the hometown of the mariachis, the rodeos, tequila and Mexican humor!

In the morning, go for a walk to discovery the center of town and its main attractions: the cathedral built in 1616, the Plaza de los Laureles lined with beautiful laurel trees. Admire the murals by Gabriel Flores in the Presidencia Municipal (city hall), and then continue to la Plaza de Armas, south of the cathedral, where it is easy to imagine the city back in the colonial time.

Visit the Palacio de Gobierno, (nowadays the offices of the governor) with its murals by José Clemente Orozco, and more specifically the renowned portrait of Miguel Hidalgo, the Mexican pioneer of the Independence movement to free Mexico from Spain. Free time to explore the Plaza Tapatia, a commercial and pedestrian street. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Overnight stay at the hotel de Mendoza.

Day 8 : Guadalajara

Umbrella City of Tlaquepaque

Today, visit of San Pedro Tlaquepaque , a city in the state of Jalisco, famous for its ceramics, pottery and mariachi. Walk the infamous Calle Independencia, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and Instagram-worthy umbrellas overhead.

Spend the afternoon at leisure in the grand city of Guadalajara . Option included: English speaking tour guide. Overnight stay at the hotel de Mendoza.

Day 9 : Guadalajara

On the Road to Tequila

This morning head to the the Magic Town of Tequila , which gave its name to the famous beverage. Fields of blue agave will unfold before your eyes, while the distillation steam of the tequila is still tangible… You have the possibility to visit the Jose Cuervo distillery, where you can learn how the Mexicans make and appreciate this precious nectar (entrance fee not included).

In the afternoon, take a walk down the streets of this pueblo magico. Visit the zocalo in the centre of town and the small museum Casa Sauze (10 pesos entry) where it’s possible to find beautiful handicrafts for a reasonable price. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Overnight stay at the hotel Plaza Rubio. Breakfast is not included.

Day 10 : Tequila

The Grassy Ruins of Guachimontones

This morning, depart for the small archaeological site of Guachimontones. The Teuchitláns (inhabitants of Guachimontones) are characterized by the use of the material obsidian for the manufacture of tools and sculptures. They lived on agriculture and their irrigation system survived them. The site offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Teuchitlan lagoon below.

We recommend that, while you’re here, you try the local specialty: frogs legs!

Not far away from there, you can observe geysers and, depending on the season, bathe in hot springs which are situated on the side of the Tequila volcano

There is also the possibility to take a horseback ride in a local hacienda (contact us for more details).

Return to Tequila at the end of the day. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Option included: Entrance fees to Guachimontones. Overnight stay at the hotel plaza rubio. Without breakfast

Day 11 : Tequila

The Road to Puerto Vallarta

Free morning in Tequila then drive to the Pacific Ocean. Puerto Vallarta is a small colonial city between mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a lively city with traditional cobbled streets, incredible golden sunsets and white sandy beaches. The River Cuale divides the town into north and south. On the southern end is the quaint Romantic Zone where the Playa los Muertos attracts sun worshipers to its golden sand and countless beach bars. Further south the seaside villages of Boca de Tomatlan and Mismaloya where The Night of the Iguana was filmed. North of the river, the Old Town meanders uphill to Gringo Gulch, a picturesque residential area. Option included: English speaking tour guide. Overnight at the hotel Playa Los Arcos.

Day 12 : Puerto Vallarta

Sunny Puerto Vallarta

Day of leisure to enjoy the beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta . The is a great place in which to rest on the white sandy beaches during the day and party away with a cocktail in the evening.

Note : Transport is not included on this day. Overnight at the hotel Playa Los Arcos.

Day 13 : Puerto Vallarta

Sunny Puerto Vallarta

Day of leisure to enjoy the beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta . The is a great place in which to rest on the white sandy beaches during the day and party away with a cocktail in the evening.

Note: Transport is not included on this day. Overnight at the hotel Playa Los Arcos.

Day 14 : Puerto Vallarta

Hasta luego México

Transfer from the Hotel to Puerto Vallarta airport 3 hours before take off.