Day 1: Mexico city
Welcome to Mexico! Transfer to hotel and free time. Our guide will contact you late in the afternoon.
Day 2: Mexico city
Today, we’ll explore Mexico City and the remarkable site of Teotihuacan, located just 40 km from the capital. After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey at the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where past and present merge seamlessly. From there, we’ll continue to the impressive archaeological site of Teotihuacan, where we’ll visit the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Citadel, and the Avenue of the Dead. We’ll also stop by a local artisan center. On our way back to the city, we’ll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Latin America. After returning to the hotel, the rest of the day will be free.
Day 3: Mexico city - Tepoztlan - Cuernavaca - Taxco
After breakfast, we’ll depart from Mexico City and head to the state of Morelos in Tepoztlan, a charming Pueblo Mágico known as a spiritual and wellness destination set against a striking green hillside with a small pyramid at the top. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the town’s streets or browse its artisan market.We’ll then continue to Cuernavaca, the capital of Morelos and known as “The City of Eternal Spring.” Founded in pre-Hispanic times, this city later became a retreat for Aztec nobility and the colonial Spanish elite. Highlights include the Palace of Hernán Cortés, the cathedral, and the city’s beautiful gardens and parks. Free time for lunch.Our journey will then take us to Taxco in the state of Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most picturesque Pueblos Mágicos nestled among mountains. With its colonial charm, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and renowned silver craftsmanship, Taxco is an unforgettable destination. You’ll have time to explore the city before settling in for the night.
Day 4: Taxco - Chilpancingo - Acapulco
After breakfast, we’ll journey through the mountains to Chilpancingo de los Bravo, the capital of Guerrero. This vibrant city embodies the life and spirit of Mexican cities and holds a significant place in Mexico’s independence history. Our guide will accompany you to the regional museum, featuring large murals that depict Mexico´s rich history.We’ll then continue to Acapulco, famed for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax on its popular beach, lined with various restaurants where you can enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit La Fortaleza, a 17th-century fort designed to protect the city from pirate attacks (admission included). Afterward, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have free time to unwind.
Day 5: Acapulco - Zihuatanejo
After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey along the Pacific Coast, traveling 230 km to reach Zihuatanejo, a charming tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and quaint cobblestone streets. Originally a quiet fishing village, Zihuatanejo has retained its unique charm. This trip includes a short boat ride (10 minutes) to Playa Las Gatas, accessible only by sea, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim, relax, and have lunch at one of the many restaurants. After returning by boat, it will be time to get settled into your accommodation and enjoy some free time. Note: During peak season, accommodation options in Zihuatanejo may be limited. In such cases, we may depart in the late afternoon to stay in the city of Lázaro Cárdenas.
Day 6: Zihuatanejo - Janitzio - Patzcuaro
The scenery will slowly transform as we leave the desert landscapes behind and enter the green mountains of Michoacán. Our first stop will be Lake Pátzcuaro, where we’ll board a boat for a 30-minute journey to Janitzio, an island inhabited by the Purépecha community, known for preserving its traditions and unique butterfly-net fishing. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants, stroll through the traditional streets, and, if you wish, climb to the impressive statue of José María Morelos.We’ll return by boat to Pátzcuaro, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Mexico, with its pre-Hispanic roots, colonial architecture, artisan markets, and charming ambiance that make it truly unforgettable.
Day 7: Patzcuaro - Morelia - Cuitzeo del porvenir - Guadalajara
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 second-largest lake. Here, you can visit the Ex-Convent of Santa María Magdalena, a Plateresque-style 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.
Day 8: Guadalajara
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.
Day 9: Guadalajara - Guanajuato
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”.
Day 10: Guanajuato - Dolores hidalgo - San miguel de allende - Queretaro
Amidst the mountains, we will travel to DOLORES HIDALGO, the city that is the cradle of Mexican independence. Afterwards we head to SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, a beautiful city with vice regal architecture and cobbled streets declared World Heritage. Time for a stroll. In the afternoon, we visit the ATOTONILCO Sanctuary, known as the “Century of God and the Patria”, World Heritage site (sometimes it will not be possible to visit inside due to the retreats that take place there). We then go to QUERETARO, with its very beautiful colonial center, its main square, its busy restaurants and pedestrian streets.
Day 11: Queretaro - Tula - Puebla
We’ll depart for Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Admission to its archaeological site is included. The Atlantean figures, imposing four-meter-tall warrior statues, are the site’s main attraction. You’ll also see pyramids, palaces, and carved columns, showcasing the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic 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.
Day 12: Puebla - Oaxaca
We travel to the state of Oaxaca, through mountainous regions with pleasant landscapes. Arrival in OAXACA at the end of the morning - Visit included to this UNESCO World Heritage City of Aztec origin with its impressive monumental heritage. Shortly after, we go up to the site of MONTE ALBAN, which is set deep in a 400-metre mountain above the Valley of Oaxaca – entry tickets and visit are included. This is the most magnificent of the Zapotec cities. Free time in Oaxaca, an extremely beautiful colonial city which is full of life.
Day 13: Oaxaca - San pablo villa de mitla - Tuxtla gutierrez
We leave for SAN PABLO VILLA DE MITLA, a magical town. We allow time for a walk together to the Church of San Pablo dating back to the Sixteenth Century and through its beautiful rustic streets. We continue our route in the sierras of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus. Lunch is included en route. At the end of the afternoon, we arrive in TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, the capital of the state of Chiapas.
Day 14: Tuxtla gutierrez - Sumidero canyon - Chiapa del corzo - Zinacantan - San juan de chamula - San cristobal de las casas
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 pre-columbine traditions in its rites. Continuation to SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS. Afternoon free in this very beautiful colonial city founded in 1528.
Day 15: San cristobal de las casas
Today, we’ll embark on an 8-hour excursion with a local tour operator. From San Cristóbal de las Casas, we’ll visit Las Grutas del Mamut, named due to its rock formation resembling a prehistoric mammoth. This massive cave is filled with impressive rock formations that captivate visitors.We’ll then continue to El Arcotete Ecotourism Park, a scenic site surrounded by lush, varied vegetation and abundant wildlife. Here, a striking natural stone archway, shaped over thousands of years by the flow of the Fogótico River, awaits us. This unique formation combines elements of a natural arch and caves, with numerous caverns, rock formations, and stalactites to explore.Our final stop will be the Rancho Nuevo Ecotourism Park, home to a cave stretching 10.2 kilometers in length and reaching depths of up to 550 meters. An illuminated pathway extends 750 meters into the cave, allowing us to admire the fascinating shapes formed by stalactites and stalagmites over time. This geological marvel is nestled in a conifer forest, where you can also enjoy horseback riding, camping, hiking, and spelunking activities.We’ll return to San Cristóbal de las Casas where you’ll have free time.
Day 16: San cristobal de las casas
Today, we’ll include a 5-hour excursion with a local tour operator to Moxviquil, a true example of a learning community for sustainibility. This expansive area, lush with vegetation, offers a range of activities such as native birdwatching, observing pollinators and insects, exploring the beautiful orchid garden, and taking part in the signature interpretive hiking trail, a unique experience that connects visitors directly with nature.Afterward, we’ll visit the Museum of Maya Medicine, dedicated to sharing and preserving Tsotsil-Tseltal healing practices in Chiapas. The museum features a variety of settings that showcase traditional medical practices, as well as the methods and therapeutic resources used by community healers, including the Jilol (pulse reader), Koponej witz (mountain prayer specialist), Tzakbak (bone-setter), Jvetome (midwife), and Acvomol (herbalist).We’ll then return to our hotel, with the rest of the afternoon free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 17: San cristobal de las casas - Tuxtla gutierrez
According to your flight schedule, we’ll include a transfer to Tuxtla Gutiérrez airport, where you may take the most convenient flight (not included) to Mexico City airport (or another destination), marking the end of your journey.
