The Route of Sun and Tradition (2025)

Jour 1

Welcome to Mexico! Transfer to hotel and free time. Our guide will contact you late in the afternoon.

Jour 2

Today we have a fantastic day acquaint ourselves with Mexico. We include a sightseeing tour of the city. We will visit the Plaza of Three Cultures, and the historic centre in which the Zócalo (main square) and its Metropolitan Cathedral stand out, the main Aztec temple, Chapultepec Park, the “Paseo de la Reforma” Avenue and the other main avenues of this impressive city. At the end of the visit we travel to the BASILICA OF GUADALUPE, the most visited Catholic temple in the Americas where the Virgin of Guadalupe is found. There we will be able to explore the old basilica dating back to the 18th Century and also the modern temple. In the afternoon we travel to the neighbourhood of XOCHIMILCO, a wonderful place with its canals and semi-floating gardens. Here we include a ride in a “trajinera”, one of the boats festooned with flowers. In the evening we include a transfer to the Plaza de GARIBALDI, with its many bars, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and the Mariachis sing. Dinner is included in a traditional restaurant.

Jour 3

We’ll begin our journey by visiting El Oro de Hidalgo, a charming Pueblo Mágico that was once one of Mexico’s main mining centers. The gold and silver mines attracted investors and workers from all over the world, and today you’ll find European-style buildings, such as the old train station and Teatro Juárez. We’ll continue through an area of hills and forests where monarch butterflies migrate for the winter, and visit Mina de las Dos Estrellas, a mine-turned-museum that highlights the region’s rich mining history and culture. Next, we’ll head to Tlalpujahua, another Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán, with a magnificent Baroque sanctuary and cobblestone streets. This town is famous for its handcrafted Christmas decorations, and you’ll be surprised by the presence of Santa Claus in many of its shops. There will be free time to stroll and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Pátzcuaro, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico, with pre-Hispanic origins. Its colonial architecture, artisan markets, and unique atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination.

Jour 4

We’ll depart for Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its magnificent pink stone architecture and historic center. Highlights include the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and its university, founded in 1540. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Cuitzeo del Porvenir, located next to Mexico’s second-largest lake. Here, you can visit the Ex-Convent of Santa María Magdalena, a Plateresque-style architectural gem from the 16th century, and stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. Our journey will conclude in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila. Arrival is expected in the evening.

Jour 5

In the morning we include a visit to Guadalajara, the modern metropolis with its colonial historic center, its cathedral, its market, its Tapatía square. We will enter the Cabañas Hospice, declared Unesco World Heritage. After the visit, we will go on to the next town of TEQUILA, we include entrance to the MUNDO CUERVO distillery and will see how this famous Mexican drink is made (entrance and tasting included). After this, time for a stroll and lunch in the picturesque town of Tequila. After lunch, we return to Guadalajara.

Jour 6

We travel to the state of GUANAJUATO. Arrival at midday. In the afternoon we include a city tour of this very beautiful university city declared World Heritage, its steep slopes, its narrow streets, its churches, and we also include a cable car ride to admire the view from “el Pípila”.

Jour 7

Amidst the mountains, we will travel to DOLORES HIDALGO, the city that is the cradle of Mexican independence. Afterwards we head to SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, a beautiful city with vice regal architecture and cobbled streets declared World Heritage. Time for a stroll. In the afternoon, we visit the ATOTONILCO Sanctuary, known as the “Century of God and the Patria”, World Heritage site (sometimes it will not be possible to visit inside due to the retreats that take place there). We then go to QUERETARO, with its very beautiful colonial center, its main square, its busy restaurants and pedestrian streets.

Jour 8

We’ll depart for Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltecs. Admission to its archaeological site is included. The Atlantean figures, imposing four-meter-tall warrior statues, are the site’s main attraction. You’ll also see pyramids, palaces, and carved columns, showcasing the sophistication of this pre-Hispanic civilization. We’ll then arrive in Puebla, a historic city renowned for its culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and ceramics. Highlights include its impressive Renaissance cathedral and its lively main square. We’ll spend the night in this lively and active city.

Jour 9

We travel to the state of Oaxaca, through mountainous regions with pleasant landscapes. Arrival in OAXACA at the end of the morning - Visit included to this UNESCO World Heritage City of Aztec origin with its impressive monumental heritage. Shortly after, we go up to the site of MONTE ALBAN, which is set deep in a 400-metre mountain above the Valley of Oaxaca – entry tickets and visit are included. This is the most magnificent of the Zapotec cities. Free time in Oaxaca, an extremely beautiful colonial city which is full of life.

Jour 10

We leave for SAN PABLO VILLA DE MITLA, a magical town. We allow time for a walk together to the Church of San Pablo dating back to the Sixteenth Century and through its beautiful rustic streets. We continue our route in the sierras of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus. Lunch is included en route. At the end of the afternoon, we arrive in TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, the capital of the state of Chiapas.

Jour 11

We see the CAÑON DEL SUMIDERO, on a boat we sail up this impressive canyon almost 1 km deep and 14 km long. Then we take a stroll in CHIAPA DEL CORZO, a colonial site of tradition and culture. After this, we go further into the Mayan culture and visit beautiful villages inhabited by the Tzotziles Indians. In ZINACANTAN we can admire the dresses of the women and the beautiful shops and weaving workshops. In SAN JUAN CHAMULA we will be surprised by its church which mixes Christianity with pre-columbine traditions in its rites. Continuation to SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS. Afternoon free in this very beautiful colonial city founded in 1528.

Jour 12

Today, we’ll embark on an 8-hour excursion with a local tour operator. From San Cristóbal de las Casas, we’ll visit Las Grutas del Mamut, named due to its rock formation resembling a prehistoric mammoth. This massive cave is filled with impressive rock formations that captivate visitors.We’ll then continue to El Arcotete Ecotourism Park, a scenic site surrounded by lush, varied vegetation and abundant wildlife. Here, a striking natural stone archway, shaped over thousands of years by the flow of the Fogótico River, awaits us. This unique formation combines elements of a natural arch and caves, with numerous caverns, rock formations, and stalactites to explore.Our final stop will be the Rancho Nuevo Ecotourism Park, home to a cave stretching 10.2 kilometers in length and reaching depths of up to 550 meters. An illuminated pathway extends 750 meters into the cave, allowing us to admire the fascinating shapes formed by stalactites and stalagmites over time. This geological marvel is nestled in a conifer forest, where you can also enjoy horseback riding, camping, hiking, and spelunking activities.We’ll return to San Cristóbal de las Casas where you’ll have free time.

Jour 13

Today, we’ll include a 5-hour excursion with a local tour operator to Moxviquil, a true example of a learning community for sustainibility. This expansive area, lush with vegetation, offers a range of activities such as native birdwatching, observing pollinators and insects, exploring the beautiful orchid garden, and taking part in the signature interpretive hiking trail, a unique experience that connects visitors directly with nature.Afterward, we’ll visit the Museum of Maya Medicine, dedicated to sharing and preserving Tsotsil-Tseltal healing practices in Chiapas. The museum features a variety of settings that showcase traditional medical practices, as well as the methods and therapeutic resources used by community healers, including the Jilol (pulse reader), Koponej witz (mountain prayer specialist), Tzakbak (bone-setter), Jvetome (midwife), and Acvomol (herbalist).We’ll then return to our hotel, with the rest of the afternoon free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Jour 14

According to your flight schedule, we’ll include a transfer to Tuxtla Gutiérrez airport, where you may take the most convenient flight (not included) to Mexico City airport (or another destination), marking the end of your journey.