Mariachi
A Land of Caribbean sunrises and golden Pacific sunsets, where a rich Indian past and centuries of colonial life form a colourful contrast with sparkling modern cities. Mexico City, the oldest in North America, situated on the site of an Aztec city discovered by Cortez in 1519, is today as great a metropolis as any in Europe. The Pyramids of Teotihuacán, just outside México City are an awe-inspiring site, rivalling the Pyramids of Egypt. Colonial gems such as San Miguel de Allende, Taxco and Oaxaca with a Spanish architectural heritage blending harmoniously with that of the ancient pre-Colombian. Acapulco, one of the world's most popular resort cities, stunningly situated on the Pacific coast. Mérida, capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, starting point for the Mayan sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal - magnificent monuments to the genius and creativity of one of man's most gifted races.
Day 1
Mexico City
Arrive into Mexico City, the nation’s vital heart. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Mexico City
This morning’s city tour includes the Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Park, the Zócalo, the Cathedral and the main boulevards of this bustling city. This afternoon, excursion to the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacán. En route also visit the Shrine of Guadalupe.B
Day 3
Mexico City - Patzcuaro
Travel overland, visiting en-route Toluca, and Morelia, considered the aristocrat of colonial cities, to Patzcuaro, once the capital of the Purepecha Indians, known for its famous butterfly-net fishing of superb whitefish and its stately colonial architecture.B
Day 4
Patzcuaro - Guadalajara
Morning city tour of this beautiful town which has lovely colonial buildings and includes the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga and the Plaza Gertrudis Bacanegra. Continue overland to Guadalajara, where the beautiful scenery and centuries of history makes this city come alive. It is known as the home of tequila, mariachi music and the charro tradition, Mexico’s ornately dressed horsemen who perform a Mexican-style rodeo known as charreadas.B
Day 5
Guadalajara
Morning tour of Guadalajara. Continue to the suburb of Tlaquepaque. Once a town in its own right, it still retains its unique character, with its cobbled streets and quaint plazas with tiny outdoor cafes. The heart of Tlaquepaque is El Parian, a popular place to relax, and enjoy the passing scene. It’s lined with restaurants, cafes and bars and Mariachis stroll by playing guitars.B
Day 6
Guadalajara - Guanajuato
Travel overland to Guanajuato, a perfectly preserved colonial city, with its plazas, winding cobblestone streets and unique underground passages. Colonial buildings are crowded together and their top-floor balconies of two facing homes are close enough for their respective occupants to kiss, hence the name Alley of the Kiss.B
Day 7
Guanajuato - San Miguel de Allende
Morning tour of Guanajuato, visiting the main points of interest. Continue overland to the charming colonial hillside town San Miguel de Allende, so strikingly lovely in its architecture that it has been designated a national monument preserving the homes of Allende, Morelos and Hidalgo.B
Day 8
San Miguel de Allende - Mexico City
Morning city tour. San Miguel de Allende’s tree shaded plaza, dominated by an unusual neo-Gothic parish church, is the heart of a cosmopolitan town with a colonial setting. There is no other place in Mexico quite like it. Continue overland to Mexico City visiting en-route San Juan del Rio Queretaro, a centre for handicrafts and polishing gemstones.B
Day 9
Mexico City
This morning transfer to Mexico City airport for your departure flight.B
