Colonial cities and mexican craftsmanship

A walking tour of the city, including the Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world. The continent’s largest cathedral stands before you. Its three naves house numerous chapels dripping with gold, including the “Chapel of Forgiveness.” This building stands on the exact site where the great Aztec temple known as “Teocalli” once stood. Next, you’ll head to the National Palace, the seat of the Presidency. It stands on the site of Moctezuma’s Palace and features frescoes painted by Diego Rivera, the famous Mexican muralist. Then the Templo Mayor, a remnant of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan… a pre-Columbian temple in the middle of an urban jungle, surprising!

Overnight in a hotel in the historic center.

After breakfast, depart by private transport for the southern part of the city, where you’ll visit the small, bohemian village of Coyoacán, which remains a hub for many artists. We’ll visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, where the Mexican painter’s presence is still palpable. In the late morning, you’ll head to the San Ángel neighborhood, which was once a rural community separate from Mexico City but has since been swallowed up by the city’s expansion. It preserves beautiful examples of colonial and pre-revolutionary architecture. A 3.5-kilometer walk connects Plaza San Jacinto (San Ángel) to the Jardín Centenario (Coyoacán).

Overnight in a hotel in the historic center.

Meet in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Paso de Cortes, located between the Popocatepetl (5,452 m) and Iztacihuatl (5,286 m) volcanoes. From there, we’ll go on a hike (1 to 2 hours) with stunning panoramic views of the two legendary volcanoes. We’ll continue our journey and arrive in Puebla by late afternoon. This gem was the first city built in Mexico in 1531 upon the arrival of the Spanish. It served as the headquarters of General Ignacio Zaragoza’s army, which defeated French forces on May 5, 1862. It was from that date onward that Puebla took the official name of Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza. Walking tour of the city center.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Puebla

We’ll travel along the Route of the First 16th-Century Monasteries, built as part of the evangelization and colonization of northern Mexico. These historic monuments comprise a group of 14 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll visit the Convento Agustino de San Juan Bautista in Yecapixtla. Afterward, you’ll have free time in the charming Pueblo Mágico of Tepoztlán, nicknamed the “Village of Magicians.” You can climb to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the valley from the Temple of Tepozteco. Continue on to Cuernavaca. Overnight stay at a hotel in Cuernavaca

This morning we’re visiting the site of Xochicalco. According to some researchers, Xochicalco emerged after the abandonment of Teotihuacán to fill the economic and political power vacuum created by that event.

Visit to the Cacahuamilpa Cave

The Cacahuamilpa Cave is one of the largest caves in the world and is located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. With a length of over 20 kilometers and a height of over 70 meters, it features impressive stalactites and stalagmites as well as underground rivers. Next, we head to the picturesque colonial town of Taxco, whose charm has remained undiminished by time. The world capital of silver, it is a must-see in Mexico not only for its architecture but also for the purity of the silver found there.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Taxco

Today we’re taking advantage of a free day to explore deeper the treasures of Taxco. As the first mining center in the Americas, Taxco prospered until the 18th century thanks to its silver mines. The work of the silversmiths and jewelers is of great finesse, and silver is displayed in all its forms. With the mines now exhausted, the city is experiencing a renaissance made possible by the beauty of its architectural heritage. Stroll through the cobblestone streets around Plaza Borda and admire the whitewashed colonial houses that create a picturesque atmosphere. Why not cool off at the waterfalls of Pozas Azules or Mil Cascadas?

Overnight stay in a hotel in Taxco

This morning, take some time to visit the Taxco market. After lunch, we’ll head to Valle de Bravo. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities there, such as boating, hiking, paragliding, and horseback riding. The town itself is full of charm with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and colonial architecture.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Valle de Bravo

Valle de Bravo is situated around Lake Avandaro. This small village with paved streets is known for its white-walled houses, the beautiful forests that surround it, and its lake, where visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports (sailing, water skiing…). You can rent a rowboat or go horseback riding; the area is also ideal for paragliding, with enthusiasts launching from the summit of Cerro de la Cruz, located 2,500 meters above sea level. Nearby stands the majestic Nevado de Toluca, a volcano steeped in mystery and legend; a silent colossus visited by mountaineers and the curious alike.

Overnight in a hotel in Valle de Bravo

Enjoy a free morning in Valle de Bravo, then depart for the state of Michoacán, a hub of gastronomy and crafts. Visit downtown Morelia from the hotel. This colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Baroque cathedral is an architectural gem with the tallest spires in Mexico. Explore the regional museum and the Casa de las Artesanías, which showcase indigenous art and local crafts. Morelia is also home to the oldest university in the Americas, San Nicolás.

Overnight at a hotel in Morelia

In the morning, depart for Pátzcuaro, the heartland of the Tarascan people. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the House of the Eleven Patios, a former 17th-century Dominican convent. Along the way, you’ll discover the “pueblo mágico” (magical town) of Santa Clara del Cobre. It is known for its rich tradition of copper craftsmanship, with local artisans using ancestral techniques to create unique pieces of hammered copper. Then, in the afternoon, we’ll take a boat to visit Janitzio Island. On the way, we’ll stop at the “Fishermen’s Village” to admire their famous boats. Once we disembark on the island, we’ll visit the Morelos Monument, a true architectural marvel that recounts the history of the Mexican Revolution.

Overnight in a hotel in Morelia

This morning, enjoy one last meal to savor Morelia’s culinary specialties to the fullest. Midday, set off for the beautiful city of Guanajuato. Explore this magnificent, colorful city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Guanajuato

A day dedicated to exploring the city on your own. Discover this former capital of the silver mines. Feel free to venture off the beaten path in the heart of Guanajuato! We suggest visiting the monument to El Pipila (savior of Guanajuato) and the Olla Dam. You can also visit a mine (specialized guide and helmet available on site), then the former Hacienda del Cochero (Inquisition Museum), and finally the Temple of San Cayetano.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Guanajuato

After breakfast, departure for San Miguel de Allende, a colonial town with narrow cobblestone streets. On the way, stop in Dolores Hidalgo, the peaceful little town where Father Miguel Hidalgo issued his famous cry for Mexican independence (the Grito de Dolores) on September 16, 1810. Winery tour and wine tasting. Today, take a walk through the vineyards, tour the production facility, and visit the underground cellar. Vinícola Tres Raíces is a Mexican winery founded in 2015, and they opened their cellar and restaurant to the public in October 2018. Here, the key word is sharing. Through wine, wine tourism, and gastronomy, all your senses will be awakened. Arrival in San Miguel de Allende. This is a tiny colonial town with incredible charm. The pastel colors, dozens of artisanal shops, and colonial architecture give the town a delightful atmosphere.

Overnight stay at a hotel in San Miguel de Allende

A free day to enjoy the charms of the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende. We’ll have a chance to enjoy a bit of adventure in the afternoon. Zip lines and suspension bridges (Parque Aventuras). Experience the ultimate adventure 150 meters above a natural canyon, where you can enjoy direct contact with nature. The activity lasts about 2 hours. 7 zip lines, 1 suspension bridge.

Overnight stay at a hotel in San Miguel de Allende

Magnificent Teotihuacan. Early in the morning, you set off for Teotihuacan. You’ll see two major monuments: the Pyramids of the Moon and the Sun; the Temple of Quetzalcóatl, known for its feathered serpent; as well as the Temple of the Feathered Snails and the Palace of the Jaguars. The “City of the Gods” dates back to the 7th century and was likely, with its 200,000 inhabitants, the most populous city in the world at that time.