UNESCO Sites Mexico: Colonial Heritage and Charming Towns Tour (9 Days)

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico – the second-largest city in Latin America, where ancient history and modern uniqueness blend seamlessly. Arrive at your convenience before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the evening for an informational meeting.

After the meeting, enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and share your excitement for the journey ahead. An optional get-together will follow at one of the local restaurants, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and bond with the group.

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

Day 2: Mexico City

Join your group to visit and explore the UNESCO Sites Mexico: We begin the day by exploring the Chapultepec Castle, a historic gem offering stunning views of Mexico City. Next, we’ll head to the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, where you’ll dive into the creative lives of two of Mexico’s most iconic artists.

Afterward, we’ll visit the Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its murals and striking architecture. We’ll then end the day with a relaxing boat ride through the canals of Xochimilco.

Optionally, join us for dinner and an evening get-together with the group to reflect on the day’s explorations.

• Meals Included: Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City.
• Activities Included: A guided exploration of the Chapultepec Castle and Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; a guided visit to Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo; exploration around Xochimilco on folk puntboats.
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Xochimilco; Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Visit to Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.

Day 3: Mexico City – Xochicalco – Cuernavaca – Tepoztlan

Start the day by visiting Xochicalco, the ruins of an ancient Mesoamerican city that flourished after the fall of Teotihuacan. Explore the archaeological zone, uncovering the stories of a civilization that thrived during a pivotal period in Mexican history.

Next, we’ll head to Cuernavaca, known as “the city of eternal spring.” This charming capital is surrounded by imposing hills and offers a festive atmosphere year-round. After exploring the historic center, enjoy an optional lunch, then get ready to visit the Cuernavaca Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just nearby, we’ll marvel at the stunning San Anton Waterfall, which drops 40 meters.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Tepotztlán, a “Magical Town” nestled at the foot of Tepozteco Mountain. This charming town blends ancient traditions, esoteric beliefs, and the rich culture of pre-Hispanic and vice-regal treasures. Explore its streets and learn about its counterculture and ecotourism.

After checking into your accommodation, join the group for a walking tour through Tepotztlán’s historic center, soaking in the town’s unique atmosphere.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Tepotztlan.
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: guided visit to Xochicalco; guided explorations in Cuernavaca and Tepotztlan.
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco; Cuernavaca Cathedral; Convento de la Natividad o de la Anunciación in Tepoztlan.

Day 4: Tepoztlan – Tlayacapan – Oaxtepec – Puebla

Start your day with a guided hike to El Tepozteco Archaeological Zone, where you’ll explore the ancient ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Next, we head to Tlayacapan, a charming “Magic Town” that feels like stepping back in time. Here, you’ll be captivated by the beautifully carved murals inside the Former Convent of San Juan Bautista. This UNESCO-listed site features walls that seem to form a celestial vault, protecting the recently discovered mummies.

After exploring Tlayacapan’s historic center, we’ll continue to Oaxtepec, where we’ll visit the Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll discover the unique history and architectural beauty of this former monastery.

In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Puebla, the vibrant capital of Puebla State. Known for its well-preserved colonial center, Puebla boasts stunning landmarks such as the Puebla Cathedral and numerous beautiful churches. After checking in, we’ll take a walk around the historic center, soaking in the atmosphere of this culturally rich city.

Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Puebla.

• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: a guided hike to El Tepozteco Archaeological Zone; orientation walks in Tlayacapan, Oaxtepec, and Puebla.
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Ex-Convent of San Juan Bautista in Tlayacapan; Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Oaxtepec; Historic Centre of Puebla.

Day 5: Puebla – Cholula – Teotihuacan – Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque – Queretaro

Start your day in Cholula – the oldest city in the Americas inhabited without interruption since its origins. There see the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world’s largest pyramid topped by the Virgen de Los Remedios church. After a guided walk in the historic center of the town, go to Teotihuacan – a complex of awesome pyramids, set amid what was once Mesoamerica’s greatest city. After a guided visit to the archeological zone, we’ll go to visit an impressive Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque built by the Jesuits in the 16th century.

Finally, in the evening we’ll arrive at Queretaro – one of the most representative examples of Spanish Colonial cities with buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. After check-in and some rest at our accommodation, we’ll go out for an evening walk around the historic center and an optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Queretaro.
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: guided visit to the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan and Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System; a guided walk to Cholula and Queretaro.
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan; Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System; Historic Monuments Zone of Queretaro

Day 6: Queretaro – San Miguel de Allende – Guanajuato

In the morning, we head to San Miguel de Allende, a small yet culturally rich city known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and colonial charm. As we stroll through the cobbled streets, you’ll experience the fusion of tradition and modernity in this picturesque town.

After some free time, enjoy an optional lunch before continuing our journey to Guanajuato. On the way, we’ll stop at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco, a stunning church complex built in the 18th century. Here, you’ll marvel at the exquisite mural work of Antonio Martinez de Pocasangre, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico.”

In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Guanajuato, an opulent colonial city nestled among gold and silver deposits. Its greatest peak was during the 17th and 18th centuries when it became one of Mexico’s most prosperous cities. After checking into our accommodation, we’ll go for an evening orientation walk around the historic center, soaking in the city’s colorful streets and architectural beauty.

To cap off the day, enjoy an optional dinner at one of the local restaurants, where you can indulge in delicious regional cuisine while reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Guanajuato.
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: sightseeing excursion in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato; a guided visit to the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco; cable car to Monumento al Pipila in Guanajuato.
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (2x): Protective town of San Miguel de Allende and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco; Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines

Day 7: Guanajuato – Isla de Janitzio- Patzcuaro – Morelia

Start your day with a visit to Janitzio, the main island of Lake Patzcuaro, famous for its picturesque butterfly fishermen, depicted on the 50-peso banknote. Take in the stunning views of the lake and island as you explore this charming place.

Next, continue to Patzcuaro, a beautiful colonial town founded in the 1320s. Once the capital of the Tarascan state, Patzcuaro boasts a rich history, with its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture offering a glimpse into the past.

Finally, we head to Morelia, known as the “City of the Pink Stone” for its stunning Baroque and Neoclassical monuments. Upon arrival, we’ll take a walk through the historic center, soaking in the city’s grandeur and beauty.

In the evening, we’ll gather at a local restaurant for a get-together and optional dinner, reflecting on the day’s experiences and the charm of these remarkable places.

• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Morelia.
• Activities Included: A guided exploration in Morelia and Patzcuaro; a water transfer to Isla de Janitzio.
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1x): Historic Centre of Morelia

Day 8: Morelia – Los Azufres

In the morning, you have the option to explore Morelia at your own pace or join your Tour Leader for a deeper exploration of the city. You can visit its charming streets, local markets, or enjoy the beauty of the historic center independently.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Los Azufres, a rustic spa resort nestled in the mountains. Known for its natural hot springs and sulfur mud lake, this tranquil destination offers the perfect setting to unwind. Once there, you can soak in the thermal springs, relax in vapor rooms, or indulge in a rejuvenating optional massage to melt away any remaining stress.

In the evening, we’ll gather for an optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the amazing experiences of the tour. Enjoy your last meal with the group, reminiscing about the journey and the memories made.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Morelia.
• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: guide in Morelia and Patzcuaro; boat ride to Isla de Janitzio; access to spa facilities in Los Azufres (thermal springs with sulfur mud, vapor rooms).
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1x): Historic Centre of Morelia

Day 9: Los Azufres – Mexico City

We begin our journey with a morning departure to Mexico City. In winter, we’ll make a stop at the Monarch Butterfly UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a breathtaking natural site where the eastern population of the monarch butterfly overwinters. Witness this incredible migration spectacle, a marvel of nature that captivates all who visit.

In summer, we’ll head to Angangueo, a charming town steeped in rich mining history, located in the rugged, forested mountains. This “Magical Town” offers a glimpse into Mexico’s mining past, making it a perfect stop on our journey.

Both destinations offer unique, unforgettable experiences and are the perfect way to conclude your visit to the UNESCO Sites in Mexico. Whether you’re marveling at the delicate wings of the monarch butterfly or exploring the cultural and historical richness of Angangueo, you’ll leave with lasting memories of Mexico’s natural and historical wonders.

• Meals Included: breakfast.
• Activities Included: orientation walk of Angangueo (Mar-Oct) or guided hike in Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Nov-Feb).
• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1x): Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Nov-Feb only).