Colonial Jewels Of Mexico / 7 Days

Firstly, we will leave the big city and pick you up before 09:00 am. This morning we will depart for Queretaro, an attractive town that has played a crucial role in Mexican history. Situated at the bottom of a basin surrounded by hills from where you have excellent views—after a short tour around the town’s well-preserved historic centre, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

You will visit The Aqueduct, The Cross Convent, and The Historical Center. Then, we will continue to San Miguel de Allende, one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities. You will visit the city’s highlights, including the famous “Parish of San Miguel,” the iconic church in Neo-Gothic style with pink sugar-candy pointing towers. These bizarre towers were designed by an untutored Indian, Zeferino Gutierrez, in the late 19th century. In the main chapel, you will see the image of the Cristo de la Conquista, made from corn stalks and orchid bulbs by Indians in Patzcuaro in the 16th century.

Lastly, in the evening you will have some free time for dinner and enjoy the night ambience of the city – also an excellent opportunity for typical shopping crafts.

Included

Shared Transportation, Walking Tour with Bilingual Speaking Guide in Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende (English-Spanish Language), Entry to places mentioned, Overnight Hotel in San Miguel de Allende.

8 hours activity

Mexico – Querétaro – 2hrs 45 min

Querétaro – San Miguel de Allende – 1hr 15 min

After breakfast in the hotel, we will continue to the town of Dolores Hidalgo. Miguel Hidalgo, the father of Mexico and father of this village delivered his famous “Grito de Dolores” (Act of Independence). In fact, this act symbolizes the start of the Mexican independence movement in the early nineteenth century. Then, we proceed to Guanajuato, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. You will be surprised by the beauty of this city, with its winding lanes, its Plazuela shaded by Indian laurels, its large variety of decorative styles, its Mummy Museum (optional visit), and its curious underground avenue. The city is a real jewel among Mexico´s colonial towns. This visit, mainly on foot, includes the Hidalgo market, Juarez Theater, the University, the “Alley of the Kiss”, and the monument of El Pipila, a hero of the Independence.

Included

Breakfast in Hotel, Shared Transportation, Guided Tour with Bilingual Speaking Guide during all excursions (English-Spanish Language), panoramic visit, and Overnight at the Hotel. 

8 hours of activity.

San Miguel de Allende – Guanajuato – 1hr 10 min

Firstly, we will take the route to the beautiful city of Zacatecas, a magnificent historical monument of the vice royal era, located on the hillside of the Cerro de la Bufa.

Constructions and squares of pink stone, ironwork on balconies, and narrow and cobbled streets create an extraordinary profile. The city was founded in 1548, initially as a residence for those working in the surrounding mines. At the time, it became a cultural centre with beautiful architecture.

Then visit the cathedral, built-in 1752, which is considered a masterpiece of the baroque style. Its main entrance is carved in pink quarry stone; it resembles delicate lace with garlands of flowers and foliage with a large rose in the middle.

You will have a gorgeous panoramic view of the city from Cerro de la Bufa, where we take the cable car and visit the Eden mine.

Finally, a great experience entering the pit, as we hop on a small train with narrow wagons, like those used in the New Spain era to transport precious minerals. 

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Guided Tour with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Entry to places mentioned, and Overnight at the Hotel.

8 hours activity 

Guanajuato – Zacatecas – 4 hrs. 15 min

Then we will travel to western Mexico, to the pottery village of Tlaquepaque. Tlaquepaque is probably Mexico’s largest and most influential arts and crafts centre, hosting wares from all over the country. Present-day Tlaquepaque is still rich in local tradition and art. It attracts many of Jalisco’s most talented artists and has a reputation for the quality and diversity of its products. The heart of Tlaquepaque is El Parian, a favourite place to relax, enjoy a local bite, or merely sit and watch the world go by, enjoying the steady pace of life in this small town. We proceed to nearby Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and home of many of Mexico’s most beloved traditions. 

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Guided Tour with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), Entry to places mentioned, and Overnight at the Hotel.

8 hours activity 

Zacatecas – Guadalajara – 4 hrs. 20 min

Starst with a visit to a few places in Guadalajara: Government Palace, Degollado Theater and a panoramic view of Hospicio Cabañas. Then, we will transfer to the town of Tequila, to the origins of Mexico’s most famous liquor. On the way to Tequila, we will enjoy spectacular views of agave plantations. In the colourful town of Tequila, we will visit one of the most recognized haciendas dedicated to the production of Tequila to learn about the production process of Mexico’s national drink. Of course, we will also have the opportunity to taste some tequila! Afterwards, return to Guadalajara. 

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Visit Tequila Distillery and Tequila Tasting, Guided Walking Tour in Guadalajara with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), and Overnight Hotel in Guadalajara.

 8 hours activity

Guadalajara . Tequila – 1 hr

After breakfast, the following stop will be Patzcuaro, a magical town located on a large lake, famous for its colonial beauty and unique traditional customs.

The “Basilique of Our Lady of Health,” “House of the Eleven Patios,” and the historic centre are among its attractions. Don’t miss the traditional “Danza de Los Viejitos” (Dance of the Old Men), probably the most entertaining Purépecha tradition. After some free time, we proceed to Morelia at the end of the afternoon. This beautiful city was founded in 1541 by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, with the name of Valladolid. In 1828 its name was changed to Morelia in honour of Don Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, the hero of the Mexican independence movement. Morelia is known as the aristocrat among Mexico’s colonial cities. Enjoy the wide variety of cafes and restaurants with typical dishes from the region. 

Included

Breakfast in the Hotel, Shared Transportation, Guided Tour with a Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), and Overnight in Morelia.

Tour through the historic centre of Morelia, listed as a World Heritage. Here you can see some of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture from the XVII and XVIII centuries. Then we will visit the Cathedral – with a Baroque exterior and Neoclassic interior – Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Clavijero Palace, and the monumental Aqueduct.

After that, we will depart towards the town of Tepotzotlan for a short visit to this beautiful place and its impressive church (nowadays the Vice Regal Museum). We continue towards Mexico City late in the afternoon, arriving around 06:00 pm.

Possibility for drop off at the airport, without extra charge or inquiry about an extension in Mexico City (overnight not included)

Included

Breakfast in the hotel, Shared Transportation, Walking Tour in Morelia with Bilingual Speaking Guide (English-Spanish Language), drop off in Mexico City Hotel Zone or Airport.

Morelia to Mexico City – 4hrs