Mexico Magic Towns: Magic Towns, Nature & Culture (10 Days)

Jour 1 : Mexico

Prepare for Mexico City Side Trips! Start at Mexico City, the largest city in Latin America, where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. Arrive at any time before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the evening: welcome meeting and optional get-together in one of the local restaurants/bars.

• Hébergementhôtel/chambre d'hôte à Mexico, bien situé et appartenant à des locaux
• ActivitésRéunion d'accueil

Jour 2 : Mexico

Spend the first part of the day discovering Mexico City’s Historic Centre, where history and culture come to life. Your Tour Leader will guide you through iconic landmarks and take you to the National Anthropology Museum, home to some of the country’s most significant artifacts.

After the tour, enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. You may choose to wander through the vibrant streets, visit local shops, or relax in one of the many cafes.

In the evening, join your group for an optional dinner and get-together. It’s a great chance to share stories from the day and bond with fellow travelers over delicious food and drinks at a local restaurant.

• Hébergementhôtel/chambre d'hôte à Mexico, bien situé et appartenant à des locaux
• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Activités: walk in the Historic Center of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Anthropology Museum

Day 3: Mexico City – Teotihuacan – Tepotzotlán – Arcos del Sitio – Villa del Carbon

Firstly, in the morning, head to UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan, one of the greatest pre-Hispanic cities in Mexico and the former capital of the ancient empire. Once there, take a leisurely walk around the archaeological zone, visiting its impressive palaces and climbing its imposing pyramids. Afterward, continue our trip to Mexico City Side Trips tour in Tepotzotlan – a beautiful colonial town that houses famous UNESCO-listed the Temple of San Francisco Javier.

After an optional lunch of local specialties and a guided walk around the center of the town, we’ll move to another nearby architectural gem, the Arcos del Sitio. Also known as the Xalpa Aqueduct, its construction is spectacular since it has 43 arches divided into four levels, reaching a height of 61 meters and a length of 438 meters. Finally, in the late afternoon, reach Villa del Carbon – a “Magical Town” that preserves intact the splendor of the colonial era, a time when the main economic activity was the exploitation of coal. Check-in, walk around the historic center, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants/bars.

• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B house in Villa del Carbon
• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Activités: guided visits to Teotihuacan Archeological Zone and Arcos del Sitio; walk in Tepotzotlan and Villa del Carbon
• Distances en voiture: Mexico City – Teotihuacan (~50 km ~ 1.5 h). Teotihuacan – Tepotzotlán (~66 km ~ 1.5 h). Tepotzotlán – Arcos del Sitio (~12 km ~ 20 min). Arcos del Sitio – Villa del Carbón (~20 km ~ 30 min).

Day 4: Villa del Carbon – Taxhimay Dam – Aculco – El Oro

In the morning, we’ll head to Taxhimay Dam, where we’ll take kayaks to explore the submerged village of San Luis de las Paras. This village was intentionally flooded in 1934 to create the water reservoir, leaving behind remnants of the past for us to discover.

Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to the “Magical Town” of Aculco. Here, we’ll stroll through its charming historic center, sampling the many local cheese varieties. We’ll also visit the nearby natural wonders, including the stunning Cascadas de Tixhiñú and Cascada de la Concepción.

Finally, we’ll arrive in El Oro, another captivating “Magical Town.” Once a major gold mining hub, El Oro is filled with history. After checking in, we’ll take a walk around its historic center. In the evening, you’ll have the option to enjoy dinner and socialize with the group at a local restaurant or bar.

• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in El Oro
• Activités: kayak/boat trip in Taxhimay Dam; visits to Cascadas de Tixhiñú and Cascada de la Concepción; cheese tasting in Aculco, walk in Aculco and El Oro
• Distances en voiture: Villa del Carbón – Taxhimay Dam (~18 km ~ 30 min). Taxhimay Dam – Aculco (~47 km ~ 1 h). Aculco – El Oro (~61 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 5: El Oro – Centro Ceremonial Mazahua – Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Zone – Toluca – Metepec

Start your morning exploring the mining glory of El Oro by visiting its Mining Museum and Socavon De San Juan. Afterward, go to visit Centro Ceremonial Mazahua and Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Zone before reaching Toluca – a state capital surrounded by peaceful mountains, alpine forests, and ancient ruins. Once there, walk around Toluca’s compact historic center and visit the Cosmovitral – an impressive botanical garden with over 400 species of plants, trees, shrubs, and outstanding stained glasses. Afterward, move to a nearby “Magical Town” of Metepec that stands out for its landscapes and even more so for the indigenous artisan creations that are true works of art. Check-in, walk around the historic center with local liquor tasting, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of local restaurants/bars.

• Repas: breakfast; local liquor tasting in Metepec
• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Metepec
• Activités: guided visits to Mining Museum and Socavon De San Juan (El Oro), Centro Ceremonial Mazahua, Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Zone and Cosmovitral (Toluca); walking in Toluca and Metepec
• Distances en voiture : El Oro – Centro Ceremonial Mazahua (~28 km ~ 40 min). Centro Ceremonial Mazahua – Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Zone (~78 km ~ 1.5 h). Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Zone – Toluca (~9 km ~ 20 min). Toluca – Metepec (~6 km ~ 15 min).

Day 6: Metepec – Nevado de Toluca – Valle de Bravo

Start your day with a visit to Toluca’s Nevado, a national park surrounding the towering Nevado de Toluca volcano, the fourth-highest peak in Mexico. We’ll hike towards its crater, taking in the views of the twin lakes – Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna, set in the heart of this majestic landscape.

Next, we’ll head to Valle de Bravo, a charming colonial town known for its natural beauty. On our way, we’ll stop by two stunning waterfalls, adding to the scenic beauty of our journey.

As the day winds down, we’ll enjoy the sunset and take in breathtaking panoramic views from a local viewpoint. Afterward, we’ll explore Valle de Bravo’s historic center. In the evening, you’ll have the option to enjoy a delicious dinner and gather with the group at one of the local restaurants or bars.

• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Valle de Bravo
• Activités: hiking to Nevado de Toluca; visits to Velo de Novia Real and El Molino Waterfalls; walking in Valle de Bravo
• Distances en voiture: Metepec – Nevado de Toluca (~32 km ~ 1 h). Nevado de Toluca – Valle de Bravo (~61 km ~ 1.5 h).

Day 7: Valle de Bravo – Sierra de Nanchititla State Park

Start your day with an exciting water ski session at the beautiful Centro de Espiritualidad Carmel Maranatha, where you’ll receive instructions if needed. After the thrilling activity, continue your Mexico City Side Trips to visit the stunning Cascada De Nanchititla, a magnificent waterfall towering at 105 meters high.

Take in the breathtaking views of this natural wonder before heading to Sierra de Nanchititla State Park, where you can relax and unwind amidst the serene surroundings.

In the evening, enjoy an optional dinner and a get-together with the group, making the most of your time in this tranquil park.

• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Hébergement: eco-cabins in Sierra de Nanchititla State Park
• Activités: waterskiing in Valle de Bravo; entrance and hiking to the waterfalls in Sierra de Nanchititla State Park
• Distances en voiture : Valle de Bravo – Sierra de Nanchititla State Park (~111 km ~ 2.5 h).

Day 8: Sierra de Nanchititla State Park – Grutas Estrella – Tecomatepec – Ixtapan de la Sal

Start your day going to Grutas Estrella – a natural wonder inside which you can admire the various natural forms of stalactites and stalagmites. After a guided walk of the caves, go to Tecomatepec – a charming village that is famous for its clay crafts and the hospitality of its inhabitants. There, we’ll visit a local 16th-century church, walk around its small center, and visit one of its clay workshops. Afterward, move to the resort town of Ixtapan de la Sal which offers all-year-round sunny weather, curing thermal waters, and lush vegetation. Check-in, walk around the historic center of the town, followed by an optional dinner and evening visit to local thermal springs.

• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Ixtapan de la Sal
• Activités: guided visit to Grutas Estrella; walking in Tecomatepec and Ixtapan de la Sal; visit of the thermal springs in Ixtapan de la Sal
• Distances en voiture : Sierra de Nanchititla State Park – Grutas Estrella (~83 km ~ 2 h). Grutas Estrella – Tecomatepec (~18 km ~ 30 min). Tecomatepec – Ixtapan de la Sal (~25 km ~ 40 min).

Day 9: Ixtapan de la Sal – Tenancingo – Malinalco

Start your day with a visit to the nearby town of Tenancingo, where you’ll see the impressive 30-meter-high Monumento a Cristo Rey, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the vibrant historic flower market, known for its variety and colorful displays.

Next, continue your journey to the “Magical Town” of Malinalco, where you’ll visit the Cuauhtinchan Archaeological Zone, home to fascinating ruins. Stroll through the charming colonial center, admire the ancient Augustinian Ex-convent, and explore local handicraft workshops that showcase traditional artisan skills. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the best local food specialties.

In the evening, after checking in and enjoying some free time, join the group for an optional dinner and a get-together at one of the local restaurants or bars, making the most of the evening in this picturesque town.

• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Hébergement: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Malinalco
• Activités: guided visits to Monumento a Cristo Rey, Tenancingo Flowers market, Museo de Malinalco, Cuauhtinchan Archeological Zone; walk in Malinalco
• Driving Distances: Ixtapan de la Sal – Tenancingo (~21 km ~ 30 min). Tenancingo – Malinalco (~16 km ~ 30 min).

Day 10: Malinalco – Chalma – Lagunas de Zempoala National Park – Mexico City

Start your day with a visit to the nearby community of Chalma, the second-most-important pilgrimage site in Mexico, where you’ll have the chance to explore its religious significance and captivating atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing hike in Lagunas de Zempoala National Park, known for its beautiful landscapes and serene lakes.

In the early afternoon, return to Mexico City, bringing an end to our Mexico City Side Trips.

• Repas: petit déjeuner
• Activités: orientation walk of Chalma; hiking in Lagunas de Zempoala National Park.
• Distances en voiture : Malinalco – Chalma (~6 km ~ 15 min). Chalma – Lagunas de Zempoala National Park (~62 km ~ 1.5 h). Lagunas de Zempoala National Park – Mexico City (~64 km ~ 1.5 h).