A Pilgrimage Through Mexico

Itinerary

1. Travel to Mexico City

   We fly from London to Mexico City, where upon arrival we will be transferred to our first hotel, Hotel Casa Blanca or similar for a three-night stay and dinner.

2. Mexico City Tour

   Our first full day in Mexico will be spent exploring the magnificent Mexico City, built on top of the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Our first stop is the Zocalo (main square), one of the biggest public squares in the world. We will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral - the biggest church in Latin America and join worship here.

   Under modern Mexico City lies the ruins of the pre-hispanic Aztec capital, one known as Tenochtitlán. The centre of this ancient capital was the Templo Mayor, the most important religious location for the Aztecs.

   Later, we’ll visit the Museum of Anthropology. The museum contains one of the world’s largest collection of archaeological and anthropological artefacts from pre-hispanic Mayan civilizations to the Spanish conquest. Located within Chapultepec Park, it is one of the most comprehensive and impressive in the world. One of the highlights is the Aztec Calendar - this 12-foot, 25 ton carved basalt slab was discovered buried beneath the Zocalo.

   Dinner in the hotel this evening.

3. 3 Cultures Plaza, Teotihuacan Pyramids & Guadalupe Shrine

   Today our first stop will be at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, where three cultures converge: Aztec, Spanish and contemporary Mexican. Afterwards, we travel to Teotihuacan. On the way we will make a stop in Tulpetlac for a short visit Parroquia de la Quinta Aparicón Guadalupana - according to legend the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared there.

   After this visit, we then drive for approximately 1 hour to Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world, held sacred by the Aztecs. We will explore its temples, palaces and pyramids, including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the immense Pyramid of the Sun, ranked among the biggest in the world. We’ll enjoy an included lunch during our visit.

   We return to Mexico City - and dinner in a local restaurant.

4. Peña de Bernal & Queretaro

   After an early breakfast, we leave Mexico City and travel to Peña de Bernal in the state of Queretaro (approximately 3.5hrs), one of Mexico’s colonial jewels. Known as the third largest monolith in the world, Peña de Bernal is loved for its unique mountain, charming streets and local cuisine. Here, we will visit Templo de San Sebastian. This was built between 1700 and 1725 and is one of the most important buildings in the area. An included lunch in Peña de Bernal before transferring to Queretaro.

   The city of Santiago de Querétaro is studded with charming and amazingly well-preserved baroque churches, temples and mansions boasting graceful balconies and ornate facades.

   Two-night stay at Hotel Hacienda Jurica or similar with dinner in the hotel.

5. Half-day Queretaro City Tour

   Today we visit this beautiful colonial city and gems. Its name means place of rocks; it was the place where the independence of Mexico was planned. During our tour we will see the Casa de la Corregidora (House of the Government), historic downtown, the Temple of the Cross among other significant buildings. Afterwards, we will have an included lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we have a free afternoon at leisure.

   In the evening we will join together for dinner in the hotel.

6. San Miguel Allende & Guanajuato

   We start our day with a scenic one-hour drive north to San Miguel de Allende, where we'll embark on a walking tour of the city's vibrant downtown. Along the way, we’ll explore some of San Miguel’s most iconic landmarks, including the San Miguel Archangel Parish, the historic house of Ignacio Allende, the Purísima Concepción Temple and its former cloister, which is now home to the Bellas Artes School. Our tour also includes a visit to the Angela Peralta Theatre, Soledad Square, and the Paso del Camino Real. A highlight of our visit will be the Monastic Complex, where we'll learn about the crucial role of the Franciscans in the foundation of San Miguel. Additionally, be visiting Feed The Hungry San Miguel de Allende to learn about their important work.

   Afterwards we continue to Guanajuato and visit Basilica Colegiata Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato and the city’s historical centre. Guanajuato was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988 and is nestled in a narrow canyon between huge mountains. Overnight stay at Hotel Posada Santa Fe or similar and dinner in the hotel.

7. Morelia

   After an early breakfast, we’ll join worship at Basilica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato. Afterwards, drive approximately 3hrs to Morelia and have an included lunch in a local restaurant upon arrival.

   In the afternoon, we will embark on a walking tour of Morelia’s historic centre. We will visit the Cathedral of Morelia, the Governor’s palace with an elegant baroque style, the murals from Don Alfredo Zalcethe, the Church of Santa Rosa de Lima, the music conservatory and the Candy Museum.

   Overnight at Hotel Mision Catedral or similar and dinner in a local restaurant.

8. To Puebla

   Today we have an early morning where we will join 6am mass at Morelia Cathedral. Following worship we have breakfast and depart Morelia for Puebla (approximately 5.5hrs).

   Mexico’s fourth largest city, Puebla, is known for the beautiful Talavera tiles that adorn its walls, domes and interiors, as well as the origin of Mexico’s national dish - Mole Poblano. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puebla is lined with churches, mansions and other pretty buildings which are a delight to stroll around.

   Two-night stay at Hotel Quinta Real Puebla or similar and dinner in the hotel.

9. Ocotlan & Puebla Walking Tour

   This morning we will drive to Ocotlan to visit the Temple and Chapel of the Virgin of Ocotlan, the patron saint of Tlaxcala and the neighbouring state of Puebla.

   Later on we will explore Puebla and visit the Cathedral (which is the second largest in the country), the Casa del Alfeñique, and the market El Parian - a crafts market and we will walk on the street 6th Oriente, known for its typical sweet shops. Included Taco lunch.

   Dinner in a local restaurant.

10. Oaxaca

    After breakfast we drive to Tehuacan to visit the Cathedral of Inmaculada Concepción - afterwards we can have a leisurely walk around this small town. During our visit of Tehuacan we will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

    Later we continue our journey to Oaxaca, located in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur, was once the centre of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilisations. After the Spanish conquered Oaxaca in 1533, the city quickly took on a Spanish flavour, with ornate buildings, churches, elegant archways, balconies, decorative grill work and charming plazas. Today, Oaxaca is a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and modern influences.

    Dinner and a two-night stay at Hotel Mision de Los Angeles or similar.

11. Monte Alban & Oaxaca

    Visit nearby Monte Alban and its archaeological site. Monte Alban is spectacularly situated on a mountain 400 meters above the Oaxaca Valley, a few kilometers west of Oaxaca. In addition, the early Zapotecs developed a great civilization here centuries before the birth of Christ and it is the greatest of the Zapotec cities and came to dominate the cultural, religious, and economic life of the region. It is also a triumph of engineering; the mountain top was levelled to allow for the creation of the ceremonial site. During our visit we will explore the Gran Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace and other beautiful structures.

    Afterwards, we return to Oaxaca where we will walk through the streets of the colonial city centre, along the Cathedral with its attractive baroque facade, the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, a church with a breathtaking interior that dazzles with gold ornaments, and the Casa Juarez, where Mexico’s great liberal reformer and President Benito Juarez lived. We will also have time to browse the colourful local markets and soak up the bustling atmosphere on the Zocalo (Main Square).

    In the evening, we’ll have dinner together at Hotel Mision de Los Angeles or similar.

12. Atlixco

    We’ll start the day with an early departure from Oaxaca to Atlixco (approximately 4.5hrs drive) to explore this colonial town on foot. Included lunch in a local restaurant.

    We return to Hotel Quinta Real Puebla or similar for an overnight stay and have a farewell dinner in a local restaurant with drinks included.

13. Return to Mexico City & Fly Back to London

    Our last morning in Mexico will be spent at leisure in Puebla before we drive back to Mexico City for our return flight to London.

14. Arrival in London

    Fly through through the night across the Atlantic and land in London in the morning.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates