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

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.

• Transporte: walking
• Alojamiento: 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.

• Alojamiento: 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.

• Alojamiento: 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
• Distancias en coche: 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.

• Alojamiento: 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
• Distancias en coche: 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.

• Alojamiento: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Zacatecas
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: walking tour of the historic center of San Luis Potosí
• Distancias en coche: 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.

• Alojamiento: 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
• Alojamiento: 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
• Distancias en coche: 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.

• Alojamiento: 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)
• Distancias en coche: 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
• Distancias en coche: Morelia – Mexico City (~303 km ~ 4 h).