TEQUILA ROUTE AND FASCINATING MEXICO CITY – 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS

Day 1 – Wednesday: Arrival in Mexico City Arrival at Mexico City International Airport. Reception and welcome by our staff. During the transfer to the hotel, the guide will provide information about the upcoming tours. Hotel check-in (rooms available from 3:00 PM). Overnight stay.

Day 2 – Thursday: Cholula & Puebla – Mexico City After breakfast, we head to the State of Puebla, passing by the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. Panoramic visit to the archaeological zone of Cholula, home to the largest pyramid in the world by base, and the Church of Los Remedios. Continue to Puebla, famous for its colonial architecture decorated with tiles. Highlights include the Cathedral, Main Square, Rosario Chapel, and Santo Domingo Church. Free time for shopping. Return to Mexico City.

 Day 3 – Friday: Mexico City Tour – Coyoacán – Xochimilco Breakfast included. Tour of the Historic Center, once called “The City of Palaces” for its colonial architecture. Visits include Constitution Square (Zócalo), National Palace with Diego Rivera’s murals (subject to government permission), Metropolitan Cathedral, and a panoramic view of the Aztec Templo Mayor. Continue to Coyoacán, a charming district with quiet streets and elegant mansions. Then head to Xochimilco, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to board a colorful trajinera (boat) and admire the chinampas (floating gardens). On the way back, stop at UNAM University City to see murals by Juan O’Gorman, the 1968 Olympic Stadium, National Library, and Rectorate buildings. Return to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 4 – Saturday: Cuernavaca – Taxco Breakfast included. Departure to the Magical Town of Taxco, a colonial city nestled in the Sierra Madre del Sur. Its cobblestone streets, white houses with red-tile roofs, and iron balconies overflowing with flowers create a unique atmosphere. Known as Mexico’s silver capital, Taxco offers a wide variety of silver goods. Visit Santa Prisca Cathedral and enjoy free time to explore. Return to Mexico City.

Day 5 – Sunday: Tlatelolco – Basilica of Guadalupe – Teotihuacán Breakfast included. Visit Tlatelolco and the Plaza of the Three Cultures, representing pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern Mexico. Panoramic view of ancient market ruins. Continue to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico, to admire Juan Diego’s original tilma with the Virgin’s image. Walk through Plaza Mariana, visiting the New Basilica, Old Basilica, El Pocito Chapel, and “La Ofrenda” monument. Time to attend mass (guaranteed). Next, explore Teotihuacán archaeological site, including the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Learn about pulque (traditional pre-Hispanic drink) and obsidian crafts. Lunch included (drinks not included).

Day 6 – Monday: Departure from Mexico City – Querétaro – Atotonilco – San Miguel de Allende Pick-up between 5:00–5:30 AM. Breakfast in route. Stop in Querétaro to see the Temple of the Cross and the impressive colonial aqueduct. Continue to Atotonilco Sanctuary, UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Sanctuary of God and the Nation” and nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of America.” Proceed to San Miguel de Allende to visit the Neo-Gothic Parish of San Miguel Arcángel, Our Lady of Health Church, San Antonio de Padua Church, and the Allende Cultural Institute. Stroll through town to see landmarks like the first gas pump, Casa de los Perros, Noah’s Ark, and a traditional pharmacy. Overnight stay in San Miguel de Allende.

Day 7 – Tuesday: Guanajuato – Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara Breakfast included. Departure to Guanajuato, “The Cervantine Capital of America.” Hear the legend of the Alley of the Kiss and admire landmarks such as Juárez Theater, University of Guanajuato, Basilica, Alhóndiga de Granaditas, and the Pipila Monument. Continue to Tlaquepaque, famous for fine Mexican handicrafts, boutiques, restaurants, and mariachi music. Arrival in Guadalajara. Note: Check out of hotel in San Miguel de Allende with luggage. Overnight stay in Guadalajara.

Day 8 – Wednesday: Guadalajara Tour – Tequila “Magical Town” – Hacienda Tequilera Tres Mujeres – Cantaritos del Güero Breakfast included. Tour Guadalajara, “The Pearl of the West,” visiting Degollado Theater, Hospicio Cabañas, Cathedral, and Government Palace. Continuing to Tequila, admiring the UNESCO-listed agave landscape in route. Visit the town’s church, portals, and main square. Tour a tequila hacienda to learn the production process, from jima (harvesting) to distillation, and enjoy tastings. End the day at the famous Cantaritos del Güero, savoring a 500 ml cantarito cocktail (tequila-based). Overnight stay in Guadalajara.

Day 9 – Thursday: Guadalajara Airport Breakfast included. Transfer to the airport for flight home. Note: Rooms must be vacated by 12:00 PM. Meals are not included on this day.