The Heart of Mexico

Welcome to Mexico City, the country’s capital and largest city, built on the site of the former Aztec capital and shaped by centuries of change. On arrival, transfer to your Stays with Stories experience, the Histórico Central Hotel, a restored 18th-century colonial building in the heart of the historic district. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers before heading to a local restaurant for dinner.

• Historico Central Hotel

Explore Mexico City’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, starting at Plaza de la Constitución, better known as the Zócalo. See the Metropolitan Cathedral, then visit the National Palace to view Diego Rivera’s murals, which trace Mexico’s history across its walls. Continue to Templo Mayor, the remains of the great temple of the former Aztec capital. Later, drive to Coyoacán for lunch at leisure before a self-guided visit to Frida Kahlo’s Blue House. This evening is yours to spend at leisure in Mexico City.

• Visit Casa Azul
• Mexico City Tour

Travel to the Xochimilco canals for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and board a private trajinera to a working chinampa. Here, local hosts are helping revive a 1,000-year-old farming system while supporting Mexico City’s green spaces and the endangered axolotl. After learning more about this unique landscape, enjoy a regional meal made with ingredients grown on the chinampa. Join a traditional Cacao Ceremony in the gardens, where you’ll experience the ritual of preparing and drinking cacao before returning to Mexico City.

• Sustainable Roots of Xochimilco
• Experience a Traditional Cacao Ceremony

Visit the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Continue to Teotihuacán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a Local Specialist leads your visit through one of Mexico’s most significant archaeological sites. Walk along the Avenue of the Dead and see the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, then explore the Temple of Quetzalpapálotl, known for its detailed carvings. As you explore, gain insight into the history and significance of this ancient city. After lunch at leisure, travel to San Miguel de Allende, where your evening is free.

• Visit Basilica de Guadalupe
• Visit Teotihuacán

Join your Travel Director for a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Miguel de Allende, exploring colonial streets, hidden courtyards and local corners along the way. See the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, known for its pink neo-Gothic spires, then join an Optional Experience for a hands-on papier-mache workshop with the Trejo family, who have practised the art of paper-mache for four generations. In a hands-on workshop, make your own alebrije or mask while learning the techniques behind this distinctive craft. After lunch at leisure, the rest of the day is free to explore more of San Miguel de Allende.

• San Miguel de Allende Orientation

Travel through the Sierra de Guanajuato to the city of Guanajuato, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its hillside setting, narrow lanes and colourful architecture. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation of the city, getting your bearings among its plazas, alleyways and historic buildings. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit museums, walk the city’s winding streets or take in views from one of its hilltop lookouts. Later, you can choose to join an Optional Experience, walking Guanajuato’s alleys with student musicians as they perform traditional songs and recount local legends.

• Guanajuato City Orientation

Join your hosts at Casa Carbonera for a Be My Guest experience centered on one of Guanajuato’s best-known regional dishes. Learn to make tortillas by hand, then sit down to a three-course meal with wine featuring enchiladas mineras, while hearing more about the family business and the traditions behind the kitchen. Later, continue to Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and one of Mexico’s best-known centres of mariachi and regional culture, where the evening is free for you to explore.

• Sit Down to Lunch at Casa Carbonera

Travel to Tequila, a town at the heart of Jalisco’s agave country and within the UNESCO-listed Agave Landscape. Visit a local distillery and join a Local Specialist to learn about the work of the jimadores and the production of Mexico’s most famous spirit. During a tasting, discover the differences between blanco, reposado and añejo. Head into the agave fields for a Jimador experience, where you’ll watch a skilled jimador demonstrate how the plants are harvested. Later, spend time in Tequila itself, exploring the birthplace of Mexico’s best-known spirit and seeing more of this Pueblo Mágico at the heart of the agave landscape before returning to Guadalajara.

• Visit a Local Tequila Distillery
• Jimador Experience in the Agave Fields

See more of Guadalajara on a city tour, with a light walk through the historic centre to view its grand colonial palaces and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You’ll also see the murals of José Clemente Orozco in the Government Palace, one of the city’s most important artistic landmarks. Continue to Tlaquepaque, known for its artisan heritage and traditional character. This afternoon, enjoy time to explore at your own pace and pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Later, join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant, with mariachi music adding a distinctly Jalisco atmosphere to the evening.

• Guadalajara City Tour

Your journey comes to an end today as you transfer to Guadalajara Airport for your onward flight. Say goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow travellers as you depart.