Overview

The Colonial Tour around Mexico is a 9-day adventure exploring the magnificent heritage and natural beauties of Central Mexico. Follow the famous La Ruta de la Plata (“the Silver Road”), the oldest and longest historic route created during the New Spain era by Spanish conquistadors in the Americas. Wander through UNESCO-listed gems like Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Zacatecas, and savor the spirit of Mexico’s heritage and natural beauty on this unforgettable trip!

Highlights

Explore Mexico City, Latin America’s largest city, and discover its rich culture, history, and world-class attractions.
Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico’s largest and most visited museum, showcasing incredible cultural treasures.
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed colonial centers of Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Zacatecas, and Morelia, each brimming with charm.
Enter Mina El Eden, the only mine in Mexico that allows visitors to explore its fascinating depths and history.
Discover the mysterious ruins of La Quemada, the remains of a once-thriving pre-Columbian city, full of ancient secrets.

How is this tour different?

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de México! The unique capital of Latin America, where history blends seamlessly with modern life. Upon your arrival, take some time to settle in and explore the city at your own pace. Whether you decide to wander through the historic streets, visit a local café, or explore the nearby attractions, Mexico City offers a wealth of experiences.

In the evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. This is your chance to connect with the group and hear more about the exciting adventures that await. Over dinner, share your travel experiences and get ready for an unforgettable journey. Afterward, join the optional get-together, where you can relax and bond with your new friends.

Transportation: walking
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
Meals Included: dinner
Activities Included: welcome meeting

Day 2: Mexico City

In the morning, our Colonial Tour will start with a walking tour through the historic center of Mexico City. Wander through the vibrant streets, discovering iconic landmarks such as Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Afterward, dive into Mexico’s fascinating past with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, home to incredible artifacts from ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations.

Once the tour ends, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you want to shop at the local markets, relax at a café, or explore more cultural sites, your Tour Leader will be happy to offer personalized suggestions based on your interests.

In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for an optional dinner and get-together to share stories and enjoy some delicious local dishes.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: walking tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Museum of Anthropology

Day 3: Mexico City – Queretaro – San Miguel de Allende

In the morning, we’ll continue our heritage tour with a visit to Querétaro, one of Mexico’s most iconic colonial cities. The UNESCO-listed historical center is home to stunning architecture from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, giving you a glimpse into life during the colonial era. Explore charming streets, admire historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this remarkable city.

Afterward, we’ll head to San Miguel de Allende, another UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich cultural heritage. The town blends a cosmopolitan atmosphere with its preserved colonial charm, making it a fascinating place to explore. Wander through its cobblestone streets, and discover why this city is celebrated for its vibrant art scene and historic significance.

Once we arrive, enjoy a walking tour of San Miguel de Allende, where you’ll experience the town’s culture and beauty firsthand. Afterward, check-in at your accommodation, and in the evening, join the group for an optional dinner and get-together to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Miguel de Allende
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: walking tours of the historic centers of Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende
Driving Distances: Mexico City – Querétaro (~220 km ~ 3 h). Querétaro – San Miguel de Allende (~65 km ~ 1.2 h).

Day 4: San Miguel de Allende – Dolores Hidalgo – Guanajuato

Start your day with a visit to Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of Mexico’s independence. It was here, in 1810, that Miguel Hidalgo issued the famous Grito de Dolores, sparking the fight against Spanish rule. Take a walking tour through this “Magical Town”, where history is alive in its charming streets and landmarks. After the tour, enjoy an optional lunch in the town center, savoring local specialties.

Next, we’ll continue our journey to Guanajuato, a colonial city nestled in the heart of gold and silver mines. Known for its UNESCO-listed historic center, Guanajuato flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries and boasts opulent buildings and vibrant streets, a testament to its former wealth and significance. During our walking tour, you’ll explore the city’s winding alleyways, colorful buildings, and impressive monuments.

Once we arrive in Guanajuato, check-in to your accommodation and relax. In the evening, join the group for an optional dinner and get-together, reflecting on the day’s historical discoveries and cultural experiences.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Guanajuato
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: walking tours of the historic centers of Dolores Hidalgo and Guanajuato
Driving Distances: San Miguel de Allende – Dolores Hidalgo (~42 km ~ 50 min). Dolores Hidalgo – Guanajuato City (~54 km ~ 1.2 h).

Day 5: Guanajuato – San Luis Potosí – Zacatecas

After breakfast and check-out from our accommodation in Guanajuato, we’ll head to San Luis Potosí, a city rich in history and culture. Known for its numerous baroque constructions, colonial mansions, and Novo-Hispanic churches, San Luis Potosí was once the most important city in northern Mexico. We’ll take a walking tour through the UNESCO-listed historic center, exploring the city’s beautiful architecture and learning about its colonial past. After the tour, enjoy an optional lunch in one of the local spots.

Next, we’ll continue our journey to Zacatecas, another UNESCO World Heritage colonial city, famed for its stunning baroque architecture and cultural significance. As we arrive in Zacatecas, check in at our accommodation and take some time to relax. In the evening, join us for an optional dinner and a get-together with the rest of the group, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Zacatecas
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: walking tour of the historic center of San Luis Potosí
Driving Distances: Guanajuato – San Luis Potosí (~174 km ~ 2.5 h). San Luis Potosí – Zacatecas (~178 km ~ 2.5 h).

Day 6: Zacatecas

Today, we’ll dive into the charm of Zacatecas, the northernmost gem of our journey. Start the day by exploring the city’s historic center, famous for its narrow streets, idyllic balconies, and romantic atmosphere. As we stroll through its enchanting lanes, you’ll feel transported back in time, surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture.

Next, we’ll take a cable car ride up to La Bufa, a mountain with a distinctive shape that offers breathtaking views of the city. La Bufa is one of Zacatecas’ most iconic landmarks, and from here, you’ll have a stunning panoramic perspective of the entire city and the surrounding landscape.

Afterward, we’ll visit Mina El Edén, the only mine in the country that still allows visitors to explore its depths. Learn about the mining history of Zacatecas as we walk through the tunnels, experiencing firsthand the conditions that shaped the city’s past.

Once the tour concludes, we’ll check in at our accommodation and unwind. In the evening, enjoy an optional dinner and a get-together with the rest of the group, sharing the memories of an unforgettable day in Zacatecas.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Zacatecas
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: walking tour of the historic center of Zacatecas, cable car to La Bufa, guided visit of Mina El Eden

Day 7: Zacatecas – La Quemada – Aguascalientes

In the morning, we’ll continue our heritage tour with a visit to La Quemada, the only major pre-Columbian ruins in this region of Mexico. Once home to a flourishing city, La Quemada offers a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that thrived here. After a guided visit to the archaeological zone, you’ll learn about its rich history and the people who once inhabited the area.

Next, we’ll head to Aguascalientes, a prosperous industrial city known for its handsome colonial center, numerous museums, and thermal springs. Aguascalientes, which translates to “hot waters” in Spanish, is famous for its rejuvenating natural hot springs, which have been a part of the city’s culture for centuries.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our accommodation and then head to visit the 200-year-old thermal springs, where you’ll have the opportunity to relax and soak in the healing waters. Afterward, we’ll take a walking tour through Aguascalientes’ historic center, admiring its colonial architecture and charming streets.

In the evening, join us for an optional dinner and get-together with the group, where we can reflect on the day’s experiences and share stories from our journey.

Meals Included: breakfast
Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Aguascalientes
Activities Included: guided visit to La Quemada Archeological Zone; visit of thermal springs and a walking tour of the historic center of Aguascalientes
Driving Distances: Zacatecas – La Quemada (~45 km ~ 50 min). La Quemada – Aguascalientes (~103 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 8: Aguascalientes – San Juan de Los Lagos – Cuitzeo – Morelia

After breakfast and check-out from our accommodation in Aguascalientes, we’ll head to San Juan de Los Lagos, a town founded in 1542 and currently the second most visited religious site in Mexico. We’ll start with an orientation walk through the historic center, where you can admire the cathedral and other local landmarks.

Next, we’ll continue to Cuitzeo, a picturesque “Magical Town” located by the shores of Lake Cuitzeo. Here, we’ll take a leisurely orientation walk through the town’s beautiful colonial center. We’ll also visit the 16th-century Ex Convent of Santa María Magdalena, which now houses the Museum of the Print, showcasing works of art and prints that tell the story of the region’s rich history.

After an optional lunch, we’ll proceed to the final destination of our trip – Morelia, a city often referred to as the “City of the Pink Stone” due to its stunning pink limestone architecture. This UNESCO-listed city boasts numerous Baroque and Neoclassical monuments that showcase its cultural and architectural richness.

Upon arrival in Morelia, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a walking tour of this charming city, taking in its historical beauty. In the evening, we’ll gather for an optional dinner and a get-together with the rest of the group to reflect on the day’s experiences.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Morelia
Meals Included: breakfast
Activities Included: walking tours/orientation walks of the historic centers of San Juan de Los Lagos, Cutzeo, and Morelia; guided visit to Ex Convent of Santa María Magdalena (Museum of the Print)
Driving Distances: Aguascalientes – San Juan de Los Lagos (~139 km ~ 2 h). San Juan de Los Lagos – Cuitzeo (~222 km ~ 3 h). Cuitzeo – Morelia (~34 km ~ 40 min).

Day 9: Morelia – Mexico City

Last day of our journey together. Opt to return to Mexico City with the rest of the group in the morning, stay longer to explore Morelia, or join some of our next tours.

Meals Included: breakfast
Driving Distances: Morelia – Mexico City (~303 km ~ 4 h).

Prices

This tour is private: only your group will participate.
The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).

Inclusions

Included ✅

Local Expert Guides

English/Spanish bilingual Tour Leader service.

Accommodation

8x nights in conveniently located hotels/B&Bs

Transportation

Transportation in a private vehicle throughout the tour

Meals

8x breakfasts, 1x dinner

Activities

Walking tours and orientation walks: Mexico City, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Juan de los Lagos, Cuitzeo, Morelia. Cable car to La Bufa (Zacatecas) & El Pipila (Guanajuato) hills; guided visit of La Quemada Archeological Zone, Mina El Eden (Zacatecas), thermal springs (Aguascalientes)

Excluded ❌

Personal expenses

Flights

Flights are not included: check our partner deals.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.

Tips

Details

Minimum number of participants	Automatic confirmation (your departure is automatically confirmed and 100% guaranteed).
Meeting Point	The tour starts with a welcome meeting in the lobby of your hotel (exact name and location to be provided in trip notes before the tour).
Departure Time	06:00 PM (can be adjusted on request)
Languages	English Spanish
Suitability	Couples 🫶 Kid-friendly 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 LGBT+ 🏳️‍🌈 Senior 👩‍🦳 Solo 🎒 Women Only 🧘‍♀️ Youth 🎉
What to take with you?	Comfortable clothes and shoes; swimming suit and slippers; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen; travel insurance, personal ID, some cash; good mood and curiosity.
Accesibility	🛑 Not wheelchair accessible.
Pets	🛑 Not permitted.
Things to know before booking	PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking and some hiking. Therefore, travelers should have moderate physical fitness conditions. ACCOMMODATION: An exact list of accommodations is sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes. ROOM TYPES: Single Room: Private room for 1 person with 1 individual bed (twin-size or similar). Double Room: Private room for 2 people with 1 double bed (queen-size or similar). Twin Room: Private room for 2 people with 2 individual beds (twin-size or similar). Triple Room: Private room for 3 people with 1 double bed (queen-size or similar) and 1 single bed (twin-size or similar). Quad Room: Private room for 4 people with 2 double beds (queen-size or similar). If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote. TRANSPORT: The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include car, 7-seater, minivan. ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional – just be sure to be in time for daily departures. AGE: Due to the required physical condition, the recommended age of participants in this tour is 12-69 years. However, potential participants outside of the above-mentioned age group can still participate upon request if (1) they are in good physical condition (2) that will allow them to cope with the pace of the group tour. GROUP vs PRIVATE TOUR: Group tour – take a scheduled trip with other travelers. Private tour – take a trip on your own, with friends or family. Private tours are customizable (you can depart any day and we can add additional stops & activities on your request) and thus may cost more than group tours. FOOD: Meals and Gastronomic Experiences included in this tour can normally meet most of the common dietary restrictions. However, due to the active program of the tour and different menus in each place, satisfying a special diet or food preferences of a particular traveler will depend on circumstances and cannot be fully guaranteed.. PRICE: * The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room option you choose. VISA: All foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality, traveling to Mexico for tourism, business, or in transit to another destination, are exempt from presenting a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid visa issued by any of the following countries: Canada, Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom or any of the countries comprising the Schengen Area (more info).

Cancellations

Most of our 1-day tours can be canceled up to 48 hours prior to the departure.

Please see our Cancellation Policy for more info.

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Frequently asked questions:

How do I book a multi-day tour?

Booking is simple: choose whether you want to join a group tour or book a private tour, select your desired tour and dates on our website, complete the booking form, and securely pay online. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with all the details.

What is included in the tour price?

The price generally covers:

Accommodation in centrally located, tourist-class hotels or guesthouses with private facilities
Transportation between destinations (car, 7-seater, or van, depending on group size)
Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Breakfasts
Services of a local bilingual tour leader

Meals beyond breakfast, personal expenses, activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and tips are not usually included unless specified.

How many participants are needed to confirm a group tour?
What happens if there aren't enough participants?

To maintain a high level of service and ensure smooth operations, we confirm group departures with 3+ participants. Since we cannot always guarantee group departures, we’ve introduced private departure options. These are priced to break even while still offering competitive rates.
If, at the time of booking, your selected tour and departure date don’t have enough participants to confirm, we typically offer the following options:

Wait for more bookings: We can temporarily confirm your spot, but please note that we reserve the right to cancel the booking and issue a full refund if the group doesn’t meet the minimum number of participants at least 1 month before departure.
Book a private departure: Click “Check availability” to see pricing options. With a private departure, the tour is exclusively for your group, and you can modify the itinerary (subject to confirmation) and choose any departure date for more flexibility with flights.
Invite more companions to join your group tour: By bringing in more people to meet the minimum number of participants, we can immediately confirm the departure.
Join a confirmed group departure: If your schedule is flexible, you can join one of our other confirmed group departures at a discounted rate.

Can I book a private tour instead of a group one?

Yes. Private tours are customizable and can depart any day. Additional activities or stops can be added at your request (subject to price modifications).

Why does the price per person change when booking private tours?

As a significant part of the tour costs are fixed, the price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group. The more people you book for, the lower the price per person becomes. Please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar to see the final price.

Are flights included?

No, flights from your place of residence and the starting location of the tour are not included. However, we are always happy to help you find the best deals (contact us if you need assistance). You can also check flight options on the website we personally use and recommend to our customers.

What hotels will I stay in?

An exact list of accommodations will be sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class (3* or similar), locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 1 month before departure when the sales for the tour are closed, and we know the final number of participants. If you're interested in exact locations, contact us, and we will send you a list of accommodations we used on previous departures (subject to change based on availability).

What types of rooms are available?

Typical room options available on our multi-day tours include:

Single Room: 1 person, 1 bed
Double Room: 2 people, 1 double bed
Twin Room: 2 people, 2 single beds
Triple Room: 3 people, 1 double + 1 single bed
Quad Room: 4 people, 2 double beds

If these options don’t fit your needs, please contact us, and we can provide a personalized quote.

Is there a single supplement fee?

Yes. Solo travelers should book a single room, which will have a slightly higher price compared to sharing with another traveler. If preferred, we can also pair you with another traveler of the same gender (subject to availability) to avoid the supplement. If you are interested, please book a single room and mention it in the “Special requirements” section. If we find another person on the same departure who wants to share a twin room, we will refund the proportional difference. Otherwise, your booking as a single room will remain.

Is there any age limit for participants?

Our multi-day tours with group departures are designed for travelers aged 12–69 with moderate physical fitness. Participants outside this range may still join if they are in good condition and can keep up with the group’s pace. If you are confident you can maintain the pace with the activities of the tour or a group departure, feel free to book the tour or contact us in advance if you have any doubts. Private departures generally do not have age limitations due to customization of pace and itinerary.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?

Unless you have a companion who can assist you with a wheelchair, small-group tour departures are generally not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not permitted. Given the possible customization of the pace and itinerary, private tours are generally more likely to accommodate travelers with reduced mobility (subject to confirmation; contact us for more info).

What should I pack for the tour?

We generally recommend bringing:

Comfortable weather-appropriate clothes and walking shoes
Swimming suit and slippers
Small backpack for daily excursions
Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Personal ID, some cash in local currency, and travel insurance
Good mood and curiosity!

Are meals included?

Most of our multi-day tours include daily breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are usually not included, so you can explore local cuisine. Your guide will recommend and take you to good-value, local restaurants. Included gastronomic experiences can usually accommodate common dietary restrictions, but special diets may not always be fully guaranteed.

Can children, seniors, or solo travelers join?

Yes. The tour is suitable for couples, families, seniors, solo travelers, youth, women-only groups, and LGBT+ travelers. Please consider the physical activity level before booking.

How many people are usually in a group?

Our small-group tours usually have 6–12 participants, creating a friendly and personalized experience.

What is the average daily travel distance?

It depends on the tour and the day of the tour—some days we stay in one location, while others involve moving between locations. On average, you can expect about 200 km per day (1.5–3 hours of driving) with regular sightseeing, meal, and rest stops.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.

Can I extend my stay or add extra activities?

Yes. We can arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations and add extra activities upon request.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Each tour has its own cancellation policy. Please check the booking terms for more info.

Are tips included?

Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel/restaurant staff are not included. While absolutely optional, tips are an important part of the local culture and a significant source of income for the people involved and their families.

How do I stay connected during the tour?

Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, but data coverage can be limited in remote areas. We recommend informing friends or family of your itinerary before departure. All accommodations on this tour, as well as many restaurants/cafés in Mexico, have Wi-Fi. If needed, you can also get a prepaid local SIM card with data (available in most convenience stores), ideally Telcel’s “Paquete Amigo Sin Límite,” which offers the best coverage in the country and free calls to the USA and Canada.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You can contact us via any available means—our team is happy to assist you.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Tour type	Multi-Day tour
Theme	Arts & Culture 🎎 History & Heritage 🗿
Tour organizer	Vibe Adventures originals
Group or Private?	Small group ? Some logistical details might vary based on the option you choose: see “Details”, “Inclusions” and “Prices” for more info.
Organizer	? Business name of the tour organizer in the booking confirmation might differ. If any questions or requests about the tour after the booking, please get in touch with the organizer via the phone number or email provided in the booking confirmation.

Colonial Tour: Travel La Ruta de la Plata Around Picturesque Towns (9 Days)