The Essence of Mexico

Experience the true essence of Mexico on this multi-day land tour! Travel from one amazing location to another all with the expert knowledge of a multilingual guide. Visit historical and cultural landmarks that have shaped Mexico into the beautiful country it is today.

• Day 1. Mexico City
• Day 2. Mexico City
• Day 3. Mexico City – Queretaro
• Day 4. Queretaro - San Miguel de Allende – Guanajuato
• Day 5. Guanajuato – Morelia
• Day 6. Morelia – Patzcuaro
• Day 7. Patzcuaro -Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara
• Day 8. Guadalajara – Tequila – Guadalajara
• Day 9. Guadalajara – Airport

Day 1. Mexico City

Meet and greet at the Mexico City airport and transfer to the hotel.
Meals: No provided meals this day

Day 2. Mexico City

Start with a visit to Barragan House built in 1948, whose originality lies in its vernacular architecture, as well as the use of striking colors. It is now a museum of Barragans work and is frequently visited by aspiring architects.
Follow that with another kind of colorful experience, stop at a pinata workshop and learn about the origin of this unique tradition and how these festive ornaments are made. Later, create your own pinata to take home with you.
Take a break to explore before continuing to the famous Zocalo in the Historic Center, the world's third largest public square. This area includes the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral (the largest in Latin America), the extravagant architecture of the National Post Office, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
End the day with a splendid dinner at the top of the Latin American Tower, an emblematic building with wonderful panoramic views of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3. Mexico City – Queretaro

On the way to Queretaro, a state with a perfect climate for viticulture, you’ll stop at a working vineyard to observe the process of producing a local wine - including a chance to taste the results!
Queretaro is another world heritage site and considered to be a colonial treasure, encompassing the famed aqueduct constructed with rose stones. Visit the Convent of Santa Cruz and later enjoy the Art Museum, located inside the former Convent of San Agustin, considered one of the most important baroque cloisters in the Americas.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner




Day 4. Queretaro - San Miguel de Allende – Guanajuato

In the morning, admire the wonderful landscapes en route to San Miguel de Allende before arriving to a ranch and embarking on a horseback ride through the impressive Coyote Canyon.
After lunch, arrive to San Miguel de Allende, an enchanting city famous for its buildings and their history. The town, a favorite for artists and intellectuals, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico and was made a world heritage site in 2008.
Later, visit the Parish of San Miguel Arcangel which has become a symbol of the city due to its beautiful temple built at the end of 17th century. Then some souvenir hunting as you stroll through a handicraft market before continuing to Guanajuato.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5. Guanajuato – Morelia

Explore Guanajuato. Walk through its streets and admire the famous buildings of one of the most fantastic colonial cities in the whole country. Then visit the monument of Pipila to admire the incredible beauty of the city with magnificent views of its main attractions that include the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, the Juarez Theater, the central building of the University of Guanajuato, the Union Garden and the Alhondiga de Granaditas.
Later travel to Morelia, a fantastic colonial city that has more than 200 historic buildings and 15 public squares. Built with the typical pink stone of the region, and all of them witnesses to important historical events. The Historical Center of Morelia was named a world heritage site in 1991.
End the day with a walking tour to admire the Clavijero Palace, the College of San Nicolas, the Portal Aldama, the Plaza of Villalongin, the Plaza de Armas, the Aqueduct, and the Palace of Arts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6. Morelia – Patzcuaro

Today visit Patzcuaro, classified as one of Mexico’s magical towns. The inhabitants are known as ‘Purapechas’ and will impress you with their musical language. Later, admire the Basilica of Our Lady of Health and enjoy a refreshing ice cream typical of Patzcuaro.
During your visit of the Huitzimengari Palace you can admire local artisans at work producing beautiful pieces made of wood, iron, straw, textiles and clay. A great opportunity to find a perfect souvenir!
In the evening, enjoy a unique experience of meditation, self-liberation and personal reunion combined with a delicious dinner and an exceptional walk under the stars on Yunuen Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner




Day 7. Patzcuaro -Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara

On the way to Guadalajara stop in Tlaquepaque, well known for its gastronomy and crafts, most notably, ceramics and pottery. Wander along Calle Independencia, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants to the historic center, where you will find several crafts shops worthy of being visited, as well as art galleries with mariachis. At the end of this corridor you will encounter the beautiful Jardin Hidalgo, often featuring Mariachis performing in a central gazebo.
After, visit the Soledad Sanctuary, various museums, and the famous Parian. Enjoy a Torta Ahogada cooking class and learn to make this typical dish of Jalisco and Mexican culture.
Later, travel to Guadalajara a city overflowing with culture, history, and tradition. Upon arrival, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Expiatorio and the Cabanas Cultural Institute before finishing the day at the Plaza de los Mariachis to enjoy the incredible music of these world-famous musicians. The origins of Mariachis and their music are from the state of Jalisco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8. Guadalajara – Tequila – Guadalajara

Today you’ll make a getaway to Tequila, another of Mexico’s colorful Magical Towns and the land of the “blue gold,” the blue agave from which the iconic Mexican drink tequila is produced. The town, beautifully adorned with endless landscapes of agave crops, was declared a World Heritage Site in 2006.
You’ll visit La Rojena Distillery, the oldest distillery in the Americas, producing artisanal tequilas for more than 250 years. Learn the entire production process, from the brick-built ovens for cooking the agave, to the distillation room with its copper stills, to the thousands of barrels stacked high in the aging halls. Later, stop at a handicraft factory for some souvenir hunting before returning to Guadalajara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 9. Guadalajara – Airport

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast

• Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation
• English-speaking host and crew
• Entrance fees
• Bottled water

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
• Bring bathing suit, towel, hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunblock, an extra T-shirt, insect repellent and camera
• Bring money for food, drinks, tips and souvenirs (tipping is optional)