Colonial Treasures II

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES ON SUNDAYS (CHECK DEPARTURE CALENDAR)

DAY 1. CITY OF ORIGIN / MEXICO CITY

Reception at the airport by our staff and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

We recommend booking an optional night tour to the famous Garibaldi Plaza for a warm Mexican welcome with live mariachi music, along with an unforgettable pre-Hispanic and folkloric show.

DAY 2. MEXICO CITY – BASILICA OF GUADALUPE – TEOTIHUACÁN PYRAMIDS

Breakfast. The tour begins with a first stop at Tlatelolco, to visit the “Plaza of the Three Cultures”, one of the most significant squares in Mexico City, as it reflects three key stages of Mexican history: pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary.

Continue to the Basilica of Guadalupe, where you will see the original cloak of Juan Diego with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Proceed to the Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone, whose name means “the place where men become gods.” Discover the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Quetzal-Butterfly Palace, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcóatl), as well as walk along the Avenue of the Dead.

Lunch included (drinks not included). In the afternoon, visit a handicraft workshop to learn about the production of pulque (a pre-Hispanic drink), weaving, obsidian work, and silver. Accommodation.

CIRCUIT STARTS ON SUNDAYS (CHECK CALENDAR)

DAY 3 (SUN). MEXICO CITY / QUERÉTARO / SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Departure to Querétaro, in a highway journey of approximately 2.5 hours.

Querétaro is one of the cities with the greatest economic and industrial growth, and best quality of life in Mexico. Arrival at its historic center for a pleasant walking tour through some of its most emblematic landmarks of this iconic colonial city: the Municipal Palace (Casa de la Corregidora Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez), the Casa de la Marquesa de la Villa del Villar del Águila, and the impressive Aqueduct, an 18th-century masterpiece of engineering with 1,280 meters in length and arches over 23 meters tall. Visit to the Temple of Santa Cruz. Other highlights include Plaza de Armas and Cerro de las Campanas, a historic site where Emperor Maximilian of Austria was executed in 1867. Free time for lunch (not included).

Continue to San Miguel de Allende (approx. 1.5-hour drive). This city has been recognized for several years as the most beautiful in Latin America by publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure. In its harmonious historic center, the highlight is the Parish of San Miguel Arcángel, a 17th-century architectural jewel with a neo-Gothic façade, alongside the Main Square. Other landmarks include the Municipal Palace, the Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, the Instituto Allende, and the Royal Convent of the Conception.

Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets filled with handicraft shops. Panoramic view of the homes of famous Mexican artists such as Cantinflas and Pedro Vargas. At the Artisan Market, discover the famous heart-shaped crafts, a symbol of San Miguel, as well as art inspired by Frida Kahlo. Accommodation.

DAY 4 (MON). SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE / ATOTONILCO / DOLORES HIDALGO / GUANAJUATO

Breakfast. Departure to nearby Atotonilco to admire the “Mexican Sistine Chapel,” officially the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, an 18th-century baroque temple with chapels decorated with paintings by Juan Rodríguez Juárez and murals by Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre. UNESCO World Heritage Site (2008).

Continue to Dolores Hidalgo, cradle of Mexican Independence. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Dolores, where Father Miguel Hidalgo gave the famous “Grito” that sparked the independence movement on September 16, 1810.

Stop at the tomb of the renowned Mexican composer José Alfredo Jiménez, author of iconic songs such as El Rey, Ella, La Media Vuelta, and Amanecí en tus Brazos. Free time for lunch (not included).

Travel towards Guanajuato, passing through the Sierra de Santa Rosa, immortalized in José Alfredo Jiménez’s song Camino de Guanajuato. Upon arrival, visit highlights such as La Valenciana Church and the Alhóndiga de Granaditas.

Explore Guanajuato’s iconic streets and underground tunnels. Other landmarks include Hidalgo Market, Juárez Theater, Diego Rivera’s House, Baratillo Square, and the Alley of the Kiss. Visit the Pípila Viewpoint for a panoramic view.

Optional evening activity: join a traditional callejoneada (musical night walk with local student minstrels). Accommodation.

DAY 5 (TUE). GUANAJUATO / VICENTE FERNÁNDEZ RANCH / TLAQUEPAQUE / GUADALAJARA

Breakfast. Departure to the Ranch of Vicente Fernández (RIP), the legendary Mexican singer (approx. 3.5-hour drive). Although access to the ranch itself is not permitted, there will be time to take photos at the entrance and visit the ranch-style souvenir shop and Mexican restaurant.

Continue to Tlaquepaque, a Pueblo Mágico near Guadalajara, famous for its artisan galleries of ceramics, blown glass, and crafts. Visit its main square with the kiosk, the El Refugio Cultural Center, and pedestrian streets full of Mexican charm. Lunch included at a traditional restaurant (drinks not included).

Short transfer to Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city. Walking tour of its historic center: Cathedral, Plaza de los Laureles, Plaza de Armas, Government Palace (with Orozco murals), and Rotunda of Illustrious Men. Visit to Libertad Market (the largest in Latin America), Independence Square, and the Degollado Theater (entrance not included). Optional visit to the Cabañas Cultural Institute. Accommodation.

DAY 6 (WED). GUADALAJARA / TEQUILA / GUADALAJARA

Breakfast. Departure to Tequila (approx. 1.5-hour drive), a Pueblo Mágico and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the blue agave fields and a traditional hacienda distillery to learn about tequila production and its denomination of origin. Tasting included during the tour. Free time for lunch (not included).

Return to Guadalajara in the afternoon. Accommodation.

DAY 7 (THU). GUADALAJARA / TZINTZUNTZAN / PÁTZCUARO / MORELIA

Breakfast. Morning visit to the Expiatory Temple of the Blessed Sacrament, a neo-Gothic masterpiece designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari, who also worked on Mexico City’s Palace of Fine Arts and Postal Palace.

Continue to Tzintzuntzan (approx. 3.5 hours). Visit the Chapel of Solitude, the Posas Chapels, centuries-old olive trees planted by Vasco de Quiroga, and the 16th-century fresco mural of the Señor del Rescate. Explore local crafts, mainly made from palm.

Travel to Pátzcuaro (approx. 3.5 hours), a Pueblo Mágico. Highlights include the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, the Casa de los Once Patios, the Gertrudis Bocanegra Library, Don Vasco Plaza, and the local market. Free time for lunch (not included).

Continue to Morelia, capital of Michoacán. Walking tour to discover its pink stone architecture: Guadalupita Church, Cathedral, Government Palace, Plaza de Armas, Aqueduct, Tarascas Fountain, and Morelos Monument.

At the Candy Market, taste traditional sweets such as ate, cajeta, chongos zamoranos, and palanquetas. Visit the Santa Rosa de Lima Church, the Rosas Garden, and see (panoramic) the Music Conservatory and the home of famous singer Marco Antonio Solís “El Buki.” Accommodation.

DAY 8 (FRI). MORELIA / MEXICO CITY

Breakfast. Transfer back to Mexico City (approx. 4-hour drive). Accommodation.

DAY 9. MEXICO CITY / CITY OF ORIGIN

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Airfare not included. End of our services.

 SAFE TRAVELS, SEE YOU SOON!

Included:

• Transfers airport–hotel–airport in Mexico City
• 3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Mexico City
• 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in San Miguel de Allende
• 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in Guanajuato
• 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Guadalajara
• 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in Morelia
• Visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe and Teotihuacán Pyramids with lunch included (drinks not included)
• 1 lunch in Tlaquepaque (drinks not included)
• Entrance to Tequila distillery
• Local and hotel taxes
• Visiting: Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Atotonilco, Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara, Tequila, Pátzcuaro, Morelia.

 Not Included:

• Airfare
• Personal expenses
• Services and meals not clearly specified
• Tips

Notes:

• Prices in USD per person
• Regular services
• Rates subject to change without prior notice
• Not valid during Formula 1, long weekends, or high season
• Final itinerary confirmed upon passengers’ arrival, subject to operational logistics. Tours scheduled according to the number of participants.
• Minimum 2 passengers required