Authentic Central Mexico

Authentic Central Mexico

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8 Days From

$2299

$2184

Authentic Central Mexico

8 Days Starting in mexico and ending in Mexico City, Mexico

Visiting: Mexico City, Santiago de Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Tour operator:

Culture Trip

Tour code:

MXC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

25-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, History

Private Available:

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From:
$2299
$2184 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This city-hopping adventure through the heartlands of Mexico is a love letter to a nation of ancient history, artistic sensibility and independent spirit. We’ll start in Mexico City, where epic skyscrapers live alongside ancient canal systems, while charming old neighbourhoods and bustling food markets are as vibrant as ever. We’ll turn back time at the ancient sites of Teotihuacán and Tula, before embarking on a magical tour of gorgeous colonial-era cities that became the forge in which Mexican independence was fired. Unique art galleries, rural vineyards, beautiful churches and charming old cobbled streets await – not to mention a whole host of amazing foodie experiences.

Highlights

  • Float down the canals of Xochimilco by boat

  • Dine at the iconic Cafe de Tacuba, a CDMX institution

  • Visit the former home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

  • Transport yourself to ancient Mesoamerica at Teotihuacán and Tula

  • Master the art of Mexican cooking in San Miguel de Allende

  • Sip wine at a quaint vineyard in rural Guanajuato

  • Visit the most important destinations from the early throws of Mexican independence

  • Discover beautiful colonial-era architecture in five different cities

Places You'll See

Authentic Central Mexico

Authentic Central Mexico

Authentic Central Mexico

Authentic Central Mexico

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival In Cdmx

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Centro Historico

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Mexico City! Upon arrival at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) you can make your way to our first hotel of the trip. Depending on when you get here, you should have plenty of time to relax and refresh before we gather in the lobby for a welcome meeting with the group and our Local Insider. You’ll then be whisked over to the iconic Cafe de Tacuba for dinner. This place is over a hundred years old, and its hearty cuisine and cosy atmosphere is the perfect introduction to Mexican dining. We recommend capping off the meal with an indulgent cup of Mexican hot chocolate.

Activities Included:
Welcome meeting
Welcome dinner at Cafe de Tacuba

Day 2 : An Epic Introduction To Mexico City

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Centro Historico

Meals Included: Breakfast

Mexico City is one of the most vibrant, exciting cities on the planet, as well as one of the largest. Fill up on breakfast at the hotel ahead of a walking tour of the city’s most significant sites, including the epic Zócalo square and Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. You’ll get fascinating cultural and historical insights along the way before heading to Chapultepec Park, home to well-pruned gardens, impressive monuments and a 150 year-old castle. Grab yourself lunch as we explore Mercado San Juan, teeming with fresh produce, classic Mexican street food and a few alternative delicacies… Our tour of CDMX ends with a trip to the top of Torre Latinoamericana, an icon of the city’s skyline, standing at around 166 m (545ft) tall. Suddenly the huge city sights you saw this morning will look tiny amid this sprawling metropolis, home to around 25m people, and surrounded by epic volcanoes.

Activities Included:
Mexico City walk
Visit to Chapultepec Park
Visit to Mercado San Juan
Visit to Torre Latinoamericana

Day 3 : Art History, Unesco-Listed Canals And A Fine Dining Experience

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Centro Historico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our deep dive into Mexico City continues this morning as we head to the charming cobblestone streets of Coyoacan. This historic neighbourhood is most famous for our first stop, the Bauhaus former-home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. You’ll get to see incredible paintings, photographs and personal objects that illuminate the lives of Mexico’s most famous artists, before a further guided wander through the area’s atmospheric streets. Next up is a visit to the Unesco-listed Xochimilco, an ancient Aztec lake originally created to supply water. Today it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to explore the floating gardens via colourful trajineras boats, which is exactly what we’ll do. After some free time this afternoon, we’ll reconvene for dinner at Azulisimo restaurant. It’s one of the finest in the entire city thanks to the mastery of Chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, who has crafted a menu imbued with Mexican tradition and local ingredients.

Activities Included:
Visit to Frida Kahlo's home
Walk around the Coyoacan district
Boat tour on Xochimilco
Dinner at Azulisimo

Day 4 : Discover Ancient Mesoamerica At Teotihuacán And Tula

Location: Santiago de Querétaro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Madero Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we leave Mexico City behind for the gorgeous colonial city of Queretaro. Before that, however, we have quite the historical detour to embark on. We’ll start with a visit to the remarkable pyramid complex of Teotihuacán. This Unesco World Heritage site is an ancient Mesoamerican city, around 2,000 years-old, having once been home to around 250,000 people, making it the largest metropolis in the Americas at the time. Its scale, and age, is quite something to behold, especially when walking along the Avenue of the Dead. Our next stop is Tula, the ancient Toltec capital, which dates back to 856 AD. You’ll get to explore the Temple of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli and the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, which is topped by a series of striking Toltec warrior-shaped columns. We should finally arrive in Queretaro late in the afternoon. You’ve covered a lot of ground today, and digested a lot of history, so spend the evening as you wish – we do recommend a good stroll around the Unesco-listed city centre, though.

Activities Included:
Visit to Teotihuacan site
Visit to Tula site

Day 5 : Baroque Beauty, A Foodie Masterclass And Local Artistry In Colonial Mexico

Location: San Miguel de Allende

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Imperio de Angeles

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We’ll start today with a guided walking tour of Querétaro, a city characterised by its utterly gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture, but also by its crucial place in Mexican history, having been a starting point for the independence movement and the place where Mexico’s current constitution was passed. Then we’ll take a short transfer to the nearby city of San Miguel de Allende, another colonial gem with a Unesco-listed Baroque old town. Here you’ll start with a culinary masterclass at Sazón cooking school, gobbling down your delicious creations for lunch. After that we’ll visit Fabrica Aurora Art to learn about the thriving local art scene, followed by a stroll around Mercado de Artesanías, where you can buy some hand-embroidered shawls or a piece of decorative pottery. Finally, we’ll have a late afternoon walking tour of the city, before an evening spent at your own leisure in San Miguel de Allende.

Activities Included:
City tour of Queretaro
Sazon cooking class and lunch
Fabrica Aurora visit
Mercado Artesanias visit
San Miguel de Allende city tour

Day 6 : Religious Sites, Icons Of Independence And A Glorious Vineyard Visit

Location: Guanajuato

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Meson de los Poetas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The next destination on our city-hopping adventure is Guanajuato, but first a stop at Mexico’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, the Sanctuary of Atotonilco. After that we’ll drive to Dolores Hidalgo, the cradle of Mexican independence. You’ll learn all about the Cry of Dolores in 1810 at the Museo de la Independencia Nacional, before heading to Cuna de Tierra winery. You’ll stroll through picturesque vineyards and learn about the region’s winemaking prowess, before sitting down for a sumptuous tasting session. After that it’s time to finally head to Guanajuato, taking a brief moment to stop at a scenic viewpoint before reaching the city, checking-in to the hotel and heading out for dinner at an authentic local restaurant.

Activities Included:
Visit to Atotonilco
Visit to Dolores Hidalgo and Museo de la Independencia Nacional
Visit to Cuna de Tierra vineyard (tasting included)
Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 7 : Explore The Last Colonial-Style City On Our List

Location: Mexico City

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Centro Historico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you’ll be treated to a guided tour of Guanajuato, another gorgeous city in Central Mexico, marked by its Spanish colonial architecture and Unesco-listed old town. Bask in the beauty of Plaza Allende, the Basilica and the famous University of Guanajuato, as well as the pretty facades and old town houses of Plaza de la Paz. Having had a thorough exploration of the city, it’s time to head back to where we started, Mexico City. The drive isn’t short, but there is a wonderful farewell dinner awaiting us back in the capital. Don’t worry if you don’t doze off dreaming of delicious Mexican delights, the road home is very scenic. We should arrive late in the afternoon, so there’ll be some more time to enjoy the many wonders of CDMX before and after dinner – perhaps our last night should be marked with a few rounds of mezcal and tequila?

Activities Included:
Guanajuato city tour
Farewell dinner

Day 8 : Time To Say Goodbye!

Location: Mexico City

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to say adiós and muchas gracias to Mexico! You’ll get to tuck into one last tasty breakfast before our trip officially ends and you make your way back to the airport, reflecting on a week of history, culture, art, architecture, revolution, great food, great wine and great company – this country really does have it all.

What's Included

  • Local Insider

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation

  • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

  • Welcome dinner at Cafe de Tacuba

  • Mexico City walk

  • Visit to Chapultepec Park

  • Visit to Mercado San Juan

  • Visit to Torre Latinoamericana

  • Visit to Frida Kahlo's home

  • Walk around the Coyoacan district

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Visas (if required)

  • Optional activities

  • Insurance

  • Resort Taxes (Where applicable)

Accommodation

NH Centro Historico
Location-wise, it doesn’t get better than this – the NH Centro Historico is bang in the centre of everything, steps from Zocalo square, Metropolitan Cathedral, City Museum and archaeological zone. Rooms are modern, comfortable and clean and you'll find an on-site gym, an alfresco terrace and a sumptuous breakfast buffet.

Madero
History and comfort combine at Hotel Madero, a stylish boutique in the heart of Querétaro. Original features have been kept throughout this mid-18th-century building, while the rooms are more modern in style. Tired from all that exploring? Hit up the spa for a massage or facial treatment.

Imperio de Angeles
The quaint, cosy surrounds of this colonial-style hotel perfectly captures the charm of its city, San Miguel de Allende. Start the day with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, or wind the evening down around the pretty garden courtyards that surround it. You can also enjoy hearty Mexican classics – and a tequila or two – at Cassia Restaurant and bar.

El Meson de los Poetas
Housed in an 18th-century mansion, El Mesón de los Poetas has 41 rooms within walking distance of the most important stops in the city, including the Diego Rivera museum and the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. There’s an onsite art gallery for more cultural diversions and a restaurant for a hearty breakfast, while rooms are traditional and comfortable.


Please note that, while unlikely, the accommodation indicated may be subject to change (see T&C’s). On a rare occasion, alternative arrangements may be necessary – this may be due to a lack of availability at our preferred accommodation, or other reasons outside our control. We’ll do everything we can to prevent this from happening; however, in cases where it is unavoidable, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Check out our Q&As

  • Why should I travel with Culture Trip?

    We know the world's best bits – our award-winning content proves it. Now we’re using that expertise to bring you curated trips that combine thoughtful planning with authentic experiences and hand-picked accommodation. Led by Local Insiders, our trips bring together small groups of curious travellers who embrace the value of shared experiences, cultural immersion and travel that never feels rushed.

  • Can I book extra nights accommodation before or after my trip?

    Yes, call or email one of our Travel Experts who will be able to add accommodation to your booking.

  • Do I need to buy travel insurance?

    Yes - all travellers must have travel insurance before they join one of our trips. You are strongly advised to take out your policy at the time of booking to protect your holiday payments in the event of cancellation.

  • When will I know if my trip is guaranteed?

    We usually wait until we have a few travellers booked on a trip before we guarantee it will run. The latest we will guarantee a trip is 60 days ahead of departure, often it will be long before.

  • What kind of luggage should I bring?

    It depends on the type of trip you have booked, but we usually recommend a soft sided bag or case as they are easier to handle on a trip.

  • How much money should I bring?

    This will depend on how long your trip is, your destination and how much you intend to spend on personal expenses and any meals that aren’t included. It is a good idea to check out the cost of a local lunch and dinner in your destination before you travel.

  • Will there always be a guide on the trip?

    Absolutely yes. We pride ourselves on our expert Local Insiders - they are an integral part of what makes our trips so special. Your Local Insider will accompany you throughout the trip and is there to help and assist in any way possible as well as ensure everything works to time.

  • Is there any age limit on the Trips?

    You must be 25 or over to travel on our trips, however there is no upper age limit. You just need a sense of adventure.

  • What visas do I need?

    Depending on your passport and your destination, you may need a visa to travel on one of our trips. It is up to you to ensure you have any and all necessary visas before you travel. We recommend you check with a specialist visa agency at least 6 weeks before you travel.

  • What is not included in the trip?

    We don’t include the following in our trips: insurance (however you must have insurance to travel on one of our trips), flights, tips for local guides, optional activities and other meals and services not mentioned in your itinerary.

  • Do I need any vaccinations?

    As a tour operator we are unable to give medical advice, however we suggest you contact your doctor, a professional medical travel clinic or check out the World Health Organisation website for more details.

  • Are flights / transport to the destination included?

    No - our travellers come from all over the world so flights and / or transport to the start destination are not included.

  • How fit do I need to be to take one of your trips?

    We offer a variety of different trips, most of which do not require a specific level of fitness. Some of our trips are more active, but we include details on each specific trip information page. If you are unsure please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Travel Experts.

  • What happens if I need to amend or cancel my booking?

    You can change the date of your tour up to 60 days prior to departure and cancel at any time, although cancellation conditions may apply.

  • How many meals are included?

    Breakfast is included daily and then depending on your itinerary, some lunches and dinners. This is clearly indicated in the trip details or ask your Travel Expert to confirm.

  • Do I need to tip?

    Tips are not included in the price of your trip but are entirely optional and at your discretion.

  • What is the group size?

    Our maximum group size is 16, although our average group size is 10-12 people. Group travel is a great way to meet other people, and you will have the safety of travelling with a group, but you can also decide how much time you want to spend by yourself.

  • What happens if I am travelling on my own?

    Most accommodations on our trips are reserved on a twin share basis. Therefore, if you are travelling on your own you will be sharing a room with another Culture Trip traveller of the same sex. However, most of the time it is possible to pay a supplement for your own room. Please ask your Travel Expert for more information.

  • What kind of transport do you use on your trips?

    We use a mix of public and private transport on our trips, but usually a small and comfortable minibus, so we can access more remote destinations that larger groups can’t get to.

  • Can I travel in my own private group?

    Yes you can. Our team of Travel Experts can put together a bespoke trip to suit all group sizes in most destinations around the world. Please contact us for more details.

  • Are airport transfers included?

    Your arrival transfer from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to your start hotel is not included. If you would like to add an arrival transfer onto your booking, you can contact our Travel Experts who will be able to assist. If you would prefer to make your own way to the hotel, taxis are available at the airport. The hotel is located 8.5 kms (5 miles) from the airport and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Your departure airport transfer from Mexico City back to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is not included. If you would like to add a departure transfer onto your booking, you can contact our Travel Experts who will be able to assist. If you would prefer to make your own way back to the airport, your Local Insider or the hotel reception will be able to arrange a taxi for you.

  • I booked but cannot travel anymore. What are the amendments and cancellation options?

    We understand plans can change and that’s why we offer flexible booking conditions. You can change or cancel your booking at any time up to 56 days prior to departure and receive a full refund of any funds you have already paid towards your trip.

  • Do I have to make full payment at the time of booking?

    You do not have to make full payment at the time of booking. We only require a small, fully refundable deposit of $100 to secure your spot on the trip. Full payment is due at the latest 56 days prior to departure.

  • Do I have to take part in all the activities? Will there be free time on my trip?

    The amount of free time varies per trip. Please enquire with our travel experts to get a proper understanding on the amount of free time on the trips you are interested in. You do not have to take part in all activities but we strongly encourage you to do so! We have carefully crafted each trip to show you the best of every destination, so you’d be missing out! Also taking part in activities is a great way to get to know your travel companions and make new friends. Nothing like a positive and supportive group environment to venture outside of your comfort zone and surprise yourself!

  • What is a Local Insider?

    We believe there’s no better way to discover a new place and a new culture than by experiencing it through the eyes and experience of a local. That’s why we only work with local guides - whom we name our Local Insiders. They know their region inside out and have a passion for sharing it with travellers. All our Local Insiders have years of experience guiding and speak English. Importantly, they like to travel the way we like it too: away from crowds, tourist traps and queues. Focussing on the true essence of a destination, teaching you all about the local culture and profusely sharing local hidden gems and insights.

Reviews of this Operator

Hannah  

My experience with Culture Trips was outstanding!

03-Feb-2022

My experience with Culture Trips was outstanding! I went on the trip to Iceland in 2021, my very first international trip, and it was absolutely incredible! I felt like it exceeded beyond all expectations. Culture Trips made the whole process of signing up for the trip very easy and understandable, and I always had great customer service whenever I reached out with a question. With the help of Culture Trips and our local insider, I felt like our travel group was well taken care of during the entire experience. Our itinerary was pack full of adventure and we learned so much about the Icelandic culture and nature by our incredible local insider guide. A truly unforgettable experience! Thank you all again for making this dream come true!

Ruby and Leslie  

Culture Trip didn’t miss a thing and I had stress free travel!

29-Apr-2023

Culture Trip staff were so responsive and the insiders and local guides, even the drivers, were all excellent and professional and knowledgeable! They had every T crossed and I dotted and every single detail managed so I would have stress free travel. My group was friendly and the activities planned were aligned with the areas culture and history, and FOOD! I will use Culture Trip again and have referred them to many already. This overall experience was awesome!

Brenda  

My trip to Egypt with Culture Trip was one of the best trips I've ever done!

25-Nov-2022

My trip to Egypt with Culture Trip was one of the best trips I've ever done! The accommodations, the activities, and especially the "local insider" guide were superb. Traveling in a small group (5 total on the tour) was so nice, I felt a bit sorry for other tourists being herded around in a big group on a big bus. We went on activities that you just couldn't do with a big group. Our local guide was more like a friend we all knew who lived there and was showing us his favorite places!

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Dates & Availability

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Saturday - Saturday

May 11, 2024 - May 18, 2024
$2299 $2184 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115 (USD)

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Jun 08, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024
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Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
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Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
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The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115 (USD)

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Saturday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
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The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115 (USD)

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Saturday - Saturday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
$2299 $2184 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
$2299 $2184 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Culture Trip allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 55 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Culture Trip allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform culture trip, 55 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Culture Trip requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 55 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of culture trip charges.

    At 54 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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