Complete Mexico City with Magical Towns – 9 Days, 8 Nights

Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY – DINNER AT VILLA MARIA (operates Tuesday to Saturday) 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 itinerary. Hotel check-in (rooms are available from 3:00 PM). Breakfast is not included on this day. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet Mexican dinner with mariachi music at the excellent Villa María restaurant in Polanco, decorated in traditional Mexican style. Drinks not included. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 2 – BASILICA – TEOTIHUACAN – MEXICO CITY After breakfast, we will visit the Plaza of the Three Cultures and the ancient market of Tlatelolco. We continue to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the sanctuary of Mexico’s patron saint, where we will admire the original cloak of Juan Diego with the image of the Virgin. Time to attend mass is guaranteed. We then visit the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, exploring the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and other significant ruins. We will also learn about the traditional pulque drink and obsidian crafts. Return to the hotel.

Day 3 – MEXICO CITY TOUR – COYOACÁN – XOCHIMILCO After breakfast, we begin our tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City, once called the “City of Palaces” for its colonial architecture. We will visit the Constitution Square (Zócalo), the National Palace with Diego Rivera’s murals (subject to government permission), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor. Panoramic view of main avenues and monuments. We continue to Coyoacán, a charming southern district known for its quiet streets and colonial mansions. Then we head to the ancient canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will board a colorful trajinera and see the chinampas. On the way back, we pass by the National University (UNAM) to admire murals, the Olympic Stadium, the National Library, and the Rectorate buildings. Return to the hotel.

Day 4 – CUERNAVACA – TAXCO After breakfast, we travel 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 filled with flowers create a unique atmosphere. Known as Mexico’s silver capital, Taxco offers a wide variety of silver items. Free time to explore, visit the Santa Prisca Cathedral, and enjoy the local charm. Return to Mexico City.

Day 5 – CHOLULA – PUEBLA (operates Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) After breakfast, we head to Puebla State, passing by the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. Panoramic visit to the archaeological site of Cholula, home to the largest pyramid by base in the world, and the Church of Our Lady of Remedies. We continue to Puebla City, known for its colonial architecture and colorful tiles. We will visit the Cathedral, Main Square, Rosary Chapel, and Santo Domingo Church. Free time for shopping. Return to Mexico City.

Day 6 – CHIGNAHUAPAN AND ZACATLÁN DE LAS MANZANAS (operates Wednesday and Sunday) After breakfast, we travel to the Magical Town of Chignahuapan, famous for its handmade Christmas ornaments. We will visit a family-run workshop that has been producing hand-painted blown glass ornaments for decades, some of which have reached the Vatican. We then visit the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, home to the largest indoor religious sculpture in Latin America. We also see the Moorish Kiosk in the main square. Next, we head to Zacatlán, known for its unique tile and glass mural, panoramic viewpoint, and floral clock. Free time to stroll and taste the region’s famous cider.

Day 7 – ATLIXCO AND VAL’QUIRICO “THE MEXICAN TUSCANY” (operates Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) After breakfast, we visit the Magical Town of Atlixco, founded in 1579 in Puebla State. This town blends urban growth with colonial heritage. We will walk through its historic center, visiting the City Hall with murals by Juan Manuel Martínez Caltenco, the Parish of Santa María de la Natividad, the Kiosk, Ex-Convent of San Francisco, Monumental Clock, and the Wide Staircase with its mural. We continue to Val’Quirico in Tlaxcala State, a medieval-style village inspired by Tuscany. Stroll through its stone alleys, gardens, and plazas, and enjoy its international cuisine. Great photo opportunities with its adobe, wood, and brick facades.

Day 8 – FREE MORNING – PLAZA GARIBALDI WITH FOLKLORIC SHOW IN THE EVENING After breakfast, enjoy free time for personal activities or optional tours. In the evening, we visit Plaza Garibaldi, formerly Plaza Santa Cecilia, where mariachis and other musicians gather to perform. We will attend a Mexican fiesta featuring mariachi music, traditional singers, charro performances, folk dances, and dancing. Includes one drink. Overnight stay.

Day 9 – MEXICO CITY AIRPORT After breakfast, transfer to the airport at the scheduled time for your flight home. Regardless of flight time, rooms must be vacated by 12:00 PM. End of services. Lunch and dinner are not included on this day.