Day 1, October 26 – Arrival in MexicoArrival at Mexico City International Airport. Meet and transfer to your hotel. Casa Mali 4* Boutique www.dominioncondesa.com 03 nights / Suite
|
Day 2, October 27 – MexicoBreakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will visit the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is a fascinating experience that combines education, culture, art and nature. Known colloquially as CU, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architecture, murals and urban design. In some of its buildings you will be able to appreciate the impressive murals of David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O'Gorman. Afterwards we will have a panoramic visit to the Historic Center of Mexico City, it’s a captivating journey through centuries of rich history and culture. The heart of the Historic Center is the Zocalo, one of the largest city squares in the world, surrounded by stunning landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral which is an exquisite example of Spanish colonial architecture that took centuries to complete; the National Palace. We will walk through Madero Street to visit the House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos), it’s a striking architectural gem that stands out for its exquisite blue and white Talavera tiled façade, and finally, we will admire the Palacio de Bellas Artes, an opulent art nouveau and art deco palace that hosts concerts, ballet and exhibitions. Lunch at Café de Tacuba. Our final visit will be to the National Museum of Anthropology, which is one of the most recognized museums in the world, it houses an exceptional collection of archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic objects of the Indigenous cultures of Mexico.
|
Day 3, October 28 – Coyoacan + XochimilcoBreakfast at the hotel. Coyoacán which translates to “place of coyotes” in Nahuatl, is a historic neighborhood that has preserved its colonial charm while embracing a vibrant artsy atmosphere. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Coyoacán, you’ll be enchanted by the well-preserved colonial architecture. Colorful facades, charming courtyards, and lush gardens are a common sight. After this visit, we will head south of the city to visit Xochimilco, famous for its canals and floating gardens. We will enjoy a ride on a trajinera, a traditional wooden boat decorated with bright flowers, and navigate through the canals while enjoying live music. It is a unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of Xochimilco and also appreciate the natural beauty of the floating gardens and canals surrounded by lush vegetation. Lunch in Xochimilco in the trajinera. We will take the opportunity to go to the cemetery to learn about the rites and traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead festivities.
|
Day 4, October 29 – Teotihuacan + Xoxocotla + Atlixco + Puebla Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Teotihuacan, the "City of Gods," located 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City. These archaeological ruins are a must-see, featuring the massive Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, which dominate the horizon of the complex. It was the largest ancient city in the country and the capital of the Aztecs, who ruled the largest pre-Columbian empire. Surrounded by mountains, this magnificent city is believed to have been founded in the early first century AD and reached its peak around 500 AD, when its influence extended north to Guatemala and south to present-day Texas. We will continue our trip to Xoxocotla, where the celebrations for the deceased are unique and colorful. One of the highlights is the altars, which are usually adorned with flowers, candles, photographs, food, and personal items of each deceased person. Our next stop will be Atlixco, known as the "City of Flowers" due to its flower and ornamental plant production. Its historic center is charming, full of vibrant colonial houses, churches, and picturesque squares. Finally, arrival in Puebla for the night. Casona de la China Poblana 4* Boutique www.casonadelachinapoblana.mx 02 nights / Standard Junior Suite Room
|
Day 5, October 30 – PueblaBreakfast at the hotel. Today we will have the opportunity to explore a city that perfectly blends its rich heritage with a modern spirit. We will stroll through its cobblestone streets and lively squares. The tour will start in the heart of Puebla: the Zócalo Square and the Cathedral, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also discover the Chapel of the Rosary, a baroque masterpiece considered one of the most ornate in the Americas; the Palaquian Library, regarded as the first public library in the Americas. Be sure to visit the El Parián market, where you can buy souvenirs, textiles, and more. In the afternoon, we will explore Talavera pottery in the workshops and stores that line the streets. After lunch, we will visit the Amparo Museum, one of Mexico's most important cultural centers, which features several halls showcasing its collection of pre-Hispanic art, as well as an extensive collection of colonial and 19th- and 20th-century artworks.
|
Day 6, October 31 – Puebla + Oaxaca Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning we will continue to Oaxaca, a region famous for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, as we enter the state of Oaxaca, you will be amazed by the mountainous landscapes and spectacular views. In the evening night (19:00 aprox) you will visit the Cemetery of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán to witness ‘la velación’ of the Day of the Dead, a tradition that combines the ceremonial with the magical. The vigil begins on the night of the 31st of October and ends at sunrise on the morning of the 1st of November. During this time, those called by the tradition fill the tombs of their faithful with flowers, candles and some objects, such as the clay and wire dolls typical of Xocotlán. It is believed that if this tradition is not carried out, the spirits will be sad and will never return. (We will not stay at cemetery until sunrise, the visit will take 3 or 4 hr maximum). Grand Fiesta Americana 5* www.grandfiestamericana.com 05 nights / Deluxe Room
|
Day 7, November 1 – OaxacaBreakfast not included. Today we will visit this beautiful city, we will visit its charming Zócalo surrounded by colorful colonial buildings, such as its Cathedral which is a work of baroque art, you can also visit the Temple of Santo Domingo and the Benito Juarez Market where you will find handicrafts, traditional foods and local products such as mezcal, chocolate and crickets. We will have a little degustation of this products. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the city at your own rhythm.
|
Day 8, November 2 – OaxacaBreakfast not included. The Day of the Dead is a time when Mexicans believe the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living. The celebration is not somber but rather a joyful occasion to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. Families build altars (ofrendas) adorned with photographs, mementos, and favorite foods of the departed. Marigold flowers, with their vibrant colors and scent, are believed to guide the spirits back to their families. Oaxaca’s celebration is particularly famous for its deep cultural roots and elaborate traditions. The city’s unique way of honoring the dead through elaborate altars, festive activities, and communal gatherings makes it one of the best places to experience the Day of the Dead in its most authentic form. Enjoy these two-day walks through the city and visit various altars set up in homes, cemeteries, and public spaces. These altars are decorated with marigold flowers, candles, incense, and photographs of deceased loved ones. Each altar is unique and reflects the personal stories and memories of those being honored. Day at leisure. At 19:00 depart to San Felipe’s Cemetery, on this day the ‘alumbrada’ is celebrated, a day when thousands of candles illuminate the graves decorated with flowers to accompany the deceased on their return to the afterlife. (We will not stay at the cemetery until sunrise, the visit will take 3 or 4 hr maximum).
|
Day 9, November 3 – Tule + Teotitlan Del Valle + MitlaBreakfast not included.
The Tree of Tule is the tree with the largest trunk diameter in the world. Its exact age is unknown, but it is estimated to be over 2000 years old. This ahuehuete (montezuma cypress) has a crown circumference of approximately 58 meters and a height of 42 meters. The trunk diameter measures 14.5 meters, and it is estimated that at least 30 people with outstretched arms are needed to encircle the tree, while about 500 people can fit in its shade. It is located in the square of the Santa María del Tule church, about 12 km from the city of Oaxaca.
We will continue our trip to Teotitlan del Valle, located in the picturesque Oaxaca Valley, Mexico. This area offers a captivating blend of indigenous culture, craft heritage, and natural beauty. It is renowned for its intricate textiles, where skilled artisans weave rugs and tapestries using ancient methods passed down through generations.
Our next stop will be Mitla, which means "Place of the Dead." It was the last pre-Hispanic monumental center built in the central valleys of Oaxaca. This site is where stone was treated like a precious gem, and the Zapotecs displayed their reverence for the dead.
The most notable feature of this archaeological zone is the diverse decoration of its buildings, achieved through a carving system that sets it apart from the rest of the country.
There are 5 groups of structures known as: Grupo del Sur, Grupo del Adobe, Grupo del Arroyo, Grupo de las Columnas, and Grupo de la Iglesia. The first two are classified as ceremonial groups, consisting of mounds and central plazas, while the remaining three are cataloged as palaces, organized with rooms around square courtyards.
In the evening, we will return to Oaxaca, with the rest of the day free for personal exploration.
|
Day 10, November 4 – Monte AlbanBreakfast is not included.
Departure for the Monte Alban archaeological site; en route, you will enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and mountains surrounding this ancient Zapotec city. Monte Alban is located on the top of a strategic hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Oaxaca Valley.
During the visit, you will be able to explore impressive architectural structures, large plazas, and stepped pyramids that stretch throughout the complex. We will visit San Bartolo Coyotepec, known for its black clay pottery, which is unique in both originality and design. The rest of the day is free time to enjoy this charming colonial city.
|
Day 11, November 5 – Transfer From OaxacaBreakfast is not included.
At the scheduled time, transfer to Oaxaca International Airport for your flight home.
|