As we clamber up the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, formerly the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and now a massive archaeological site, we reflect on this breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience and rejoice in the fact that it is only the first of many unforgettable events throughout our tour. In this magical site once dubbed 'the City of the Gods', we explore the Pyramid of the Moon, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Avenue of the Dead and discover a world unlike any we know. A stop in San Miguel has us touring Gothic churches, 18th century houses and attractive courtyards and visiting Dolores Hidalgo in Central Mexico brings us to the cradle of Mexican independence. Colonial cities, UNESCO Heritage Sites, archaeological sites of significance and colourful villages mark our route as we pass through charming countryside on our way back to Mexico City.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City. Arrival in Mexico City. Overnight in Mexico City. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Mexico City - Teotihuacan. This morning we transfer to the massive archaeological site of Teotihuacan (500 BC-AD 700). The site was the first major urban area in the New World and was named "the City of the Gods". On the site we will see the Pyramid of the Sun, which the adventurous can climb. Overnight near Teotihuacan. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Teotihuacan - Tula - San Miguel de Allend. This morning we travel to San Miguel via Tula, capital of the Toltecs. Tula achieved dominance between AD 950 and 1150. According to Aztec legends it was a magnificent place - palaces were decorated with gold, turquoise and jade. These riches were earned as tributes from conquered territories, for the Toltecs were great warriors. Overnight in San Miguel. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: San Miguel - Dolores Hidalgo - Guanajuato. This morning we will have a walking tour of San Miguel, starting at El Jardin, the main plaza, and on to the house of Ignacio Allende, an attractive example of an 18th century San Miguel house. Overnight in Guanajuato. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Guanajuato City Tour. This morning we enjoy a walking tour of the cobbled streets in this colonial city which became famous from silver mining. The city is alive with music everywhere; at the Jardin de la Union bands play year-round. We visit La Compania Church, University Campus, the Diego Rivera Museum, located in the house where he was born. Overnight in Guanajuato. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Guanajuato - Morelia. Today we travel to Morelia. Morelia has the atmosphere of a European cathedral town. Set at a bracing altitude of 1930 m (6,368 feet), it is the state capital of Michoacan and one of Mexico's most gracious cities. Overnight in Morelia. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Morelia - Patzcuaro - Morelia. Today we have an excursion to Patzcuaro, located 30 minutes from Morelia. We stop en route to visit the archeological site at Tzintzuntzan, which was the Tarascan capital at the time of the conquest. Overnight in Morelia. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Morelia. Today is at leisure in this charming town. Overnight in Morelia. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Morelia - Toluca - Mexico City. This morning we depart Morelia and travel across the plateau toward Mexico City via Toluca. Recently enlarged but still pleasant, Toluca is famous for being a food production center and a city of vibrant cultural activity. Overnight in Mexico City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Departure from Mexico City. Breakfast. Buen Viaje!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants)
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, hotel porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, and international air taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on not included meal costs, and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
