DAY 1 - ARRIVAL TO MEXICO CITY - Arrival at Mexico City International Airport, reception and welcome by our staff. During the transfer to the hotel, the guide will provide information about the tours. Hotel check‑in (rooms are available from 3:00 p.m.). Accommodation. (Breakfast and lunch cannot be included on this day).
DAY 2 – MEXICO CITY TOUR – COYOACÁN – XOCHIMILCO
After the included breakfast, we will begin our tour of the Historic Center of the “City of Palaces,” as Mexico City was once called for its beautiful colonial buildings. We will visit the Constitution Square (Zócalo), the National Palace with Diego Rivera’s famous murals (if permitted by authorities), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Aztec Templo Mayor (from the pre-Hispanic era), as well as the city’s main avenues and monuments.
We will then stop in the center of Coyoacán, located in the southern part of Mexico City, known for its pleasant atmosphere, quiet streets, and stately mansions. Afterwards, we will continue to the ancient canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will board a traditional trajinera (colorful boat) and admire the chinampas (floating gardens with flower and vegetable crops).
On the way back, we will pass by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) to admire Juan O’Gorman’s murals, the Mexico 68 Olympic Stadium, the National Library, and the Rector’s Office buildings. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
DAY 3 – TLATELOLCO – BASILICA OF GUADALUPE – TEOTIHUACÁN
After the included breakfast, we will head to Tlatelolco to visit the Plaza of the Three Cultures, a site representing the fusion of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern Mexico. We will enjoy a panoramic view of the ruins of the ancient pre-Hispanic market, where a wide variety of goods from across Mesoamerica were traded.
We will then continue to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the sanctuary of Mexico’s patron saint. Here, we will admire Juan Diego’s original cloak with the image of the Virgin. We will walk through Plaza Mariana, visiting the New Basilica, the Old Basilica, the Temple of El Pocito, and other temples, until reaching the monument known as “La Ofrenda.” Time will be provided to attend mass (guaranteed).
Finally, we will continue to the archaeological zone of Teotihuacán, where we will explore the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, as well as other important ruins. We will also receive a brief explanation about the production of pulque, the traditional pre-Hispanic “white liquor,” and about obsidian crafts.