Colonial Mexico: Towns with History

Arrival and reception at Mexico City international airport. Transfer to hotel and accommodation.

Breakfast. In the morning we will have a panoramic tour of the city, where we will discover the plaza of three cultures, the historic center where the Zócalo and its Metropolitan Cathedral stand out, the Aztec main temple, Chapultepec Park, Paseo de la Reforma and the main avenues of this impressive city. Afterwards, we will travel to the BASILICA OF GUADALUPE, the most visited Catholic temple in America, where we will see the old 18th-century basilica and the modern temple. In the afternoon we will move to the neighborhood of XOCHIMILCO, a wonderful place with canals and semi-floating gardens where we will take a ride in a "trajinera". In the evening, we will enjoy an included dinner at a typical restaurant and experience the Plaza de Garibaldi full of numerous cantinas, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served while you listen to traditional mariachi music.

Breakfast. We will travel first to the Magical Town EL ORO DE HIDALGO, which was one of Mexico's main mining centers. Gold and silver mining attracted investors and workers from around the world, and we will find buildings of European style (such as the old station or the Juárez Theater). We will continue our route through an area of mountains and forests where monarch butterflies winter, and we will visit LA MINA DE LAS DOS ESTRELLAS, a mining-museum that promotes the history and mining culture of the region. We will visit the Magical Town of TLALPUJAHUA in Michoacán, with its magnificent Baroque sanctuary, its cobblestone streets, this town is known for the manufacture of Christmas decorations. You will be surprised by the presence of Santa Claus in many of its shops. Time for lunch (lunch not included). We will continue towards the Magical Town of PÁTZCUARO, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico, with pre-Hispanic origins, its colonial architecture, its crafts markets and its atmosphere make it unforgettable. Accommodation.

Breakfast. We will depart towards MORELIA, capital of Michoacán, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its magnificent pink stone architecture and historic center, where the Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas stand out, and its university was founded in 1540. Time to walk and have lunch. We will continue our route towards CUITZEO DEL PORVENIR, located next to Mexico's second largest lake, where you can visit the former Convent of Santa María Magdalena, with 16th-century Plateresque architecture and walk through its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. We will continue towards GUADALAJARA, capital of the state of Jalisco, a colonial city and birthplace of Mariachis and Tequila. Accommodation.

Breakfast. In the morning we will visit Guadalajara, a modern metropolis with its colonial historic center, its cathedral, its market, its Plaza Tapatía. We will enter the Hospicio Cabañas, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit we will head to the Magical Town of TEQUILA, and include entrance to the MUNDO CUERVO distillery to learn about the process of making the famous Mexican drink (entrance and tasting included). We will have free time for lunch in Tequila (lunch not included). Return to Guadalajara. Accommodation.

Breakfast. We will leave the hotel heading towards the state of GUANAJUATO. In the afternoon we will include a visit to the beautiful university city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its steep slopes, narrow streets and temples. We will climb "El Pípila" via funicular to admire the panoramic view of the city. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Through mountains we will travel to DOLORES HIDALGO, the birthplace of Mexican independence. Afterwards we will discover SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city with viceregal architecture and cobblestone streets. Time to walk around. In the afternoon we will visit the Sanctuary of ATOTONILCO, known as "Sanctuary of God and Country", also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (occasionally we may not be able to visit its interior due to retreats held there). We will then arrive at QUERÉTARO, with its beautiful colonial center, its Plaza de Armas and its lively restaurants and pedestrian streets. Accommodation.

Breakfast. We will head to TULA and visit its archaeological site, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Its greatest attraction is the Atlantes, imposing figures of four-meter-high warriors. Also pyramids, palaces and carved columns that reflect the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilization. We will arrive at PUEBLA, a historic city known for its gastronomic tradition, colonial architecture and ceramics. Its great Renaissance cathedral and active zócalo stand out. Later we will head to VAL´QUÍRICO, where we will appreciate its architecture inspired by the European countryside, especially in Italian Tuscany and its medieval style that transport you to that beautiful era. Return to Mexico City.

Breakfast. At the indicated time, transfer to Mexico City airport for departure. End of our services.