Colonial Mexico Trip: Exploring the Heartland

Day 1: Leon or Mexico City

Arrival and private transfer from the Leon or Mexico City International Airport to the World Heritage City of Guanajuato (:30 mins / 4:30 hrs.). Check in and enjoy a well deserved rest! (Overnight Quinta Las Acacias: Std. Suite) (No Meals Included)

Day 2: Enjoy a privately guided tour

Today, you will enjoy a privately guided tour of this incredibly interesting and historical city. You will visit the sites of most interest including: the central plaza (or Zocalo as it is known in all Mexican towns and cities in the Republic), Teatro Juárez, Callejón del Beso, Alhondiga de Granaditas (site of the first rebel victory in the War of Independence), Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera, the Museo de las Mómias, the Mina and Templo de la Valencia and more depending on time and interest. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, and you will finish your tour in the mid-afternoon. Enjoy the atmosphere in the city center before returning to your hotel for the night. (Overnight Quinta Las Acacias: Std. Suite) (Breakfast Included)

Day 3: Patzcuaro

After breakfast, you will be picked up and privately transferred to the highland colonial gem of Patzcuaro (3:00 hrs.). Mid-day arrival and check in to your lovely boutique hotel located right off of the Central Plaza and Basilica followed by free time to explore the city center on your own. Upon deeper exploration, the cobble stone streets and 17th C. Architecture give way to the Tarascan and Purepecha traditions of the indigenous inhabitants in a delightful blend of modern Mexico that piques your interest and imagination. (Overnight Casa de la Real Aduana) (Breakfast Included)

Day 4: Isla Janitzio

After breakfast, you will be picked up for a full day, privately guided tour of Isla Janitzio and the fascinating crafts villages that surround Lake Patzcuaro. This picturesque lake, is accented with the now famous island of Janitzio, one of the most important and visited villages for Dia de los Muertos ritual celebration. The moderate walk (:30 mins.) to the top of the gently sloped island is great to stretch your legs and acclimatize further to the crisp mountain air. Climb the several hundred steps to the top of the 140 ft. statue of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon and up onto his wrist to view the lovely panorama or simply relax in the small park at his feet enjoying the view. We return mid-day and will continue on to Santa Clara del Cobre for a delicious locally prepared lunch of Tarascan fare. During the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead Nov. 1st – 2nd), Isla Janitzio and the villages surrounding Lake Patzcuaro are swarmed with visitors clamoring to understand the mystical and somber rituals of the locals that go to sit vigil with their deceased family members in commentaries. However, during the rest of the year, the island and surrounding villages offer a window into pre-Columbian times and the friendly Purépecha indigenous people who are glad to share a smile or invite you into their work shops to browse the rich crafts traditions. We will have ample time to visit the silver shops for which Santa Clara is famous for before continuing on to the Purepecha ruins of Tzintzuntzan for a brief, but interesting visit. Late afternoon return to our hotel. (Overnight Casa de la Real Aduana) (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 5: Morelia

After breakfast today, you will have our last morning to enjoy the shops and plazas of Patzcuaro. You will be picked up at 11:00 a.m. and privately transferred to the economic center of Michohuacan, the impressive colonial city of Morelia (:40 mins.). Named after one of the most important fathers of the independence movement and hero of countless epic battles, Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, the exquisite colonial architecture and 16th century ambiance have made the historic center of Morelia a UNESCO world heritage site. Lunch is on your own at one of the many fine restaurants in the city center before returning to your lovely and well-situated hotel in the Historic City Center to check in. In the afternoon, you will have free time to see the important historic sites including: The Cathedral (which took over a century to build!), the Palacio Clavijero (site of the Jesuit school of St. Francis Xavier, and the Casa de Artesanias, where you’ll find a robust array of handicrafts from all over the state of Michohuacan and beyond). (Overnight Hotel los Juaninos: Superior Room) (Breakfast Included)

Day 6: Morelia

This morning is free for you to enjoy the city center and soak in the local flavor of the Plaza. It is here where the daily life of Morelianos is transacted and despite the international recognition and acclaim Morelia has received, this still remains very much a typical Mexican City. After lunch on your own, you will be picked up 2:00 p.m. for a privately guided tour to visit local artisans in the workshops. Depending on interest you may visit craftspeople working with clay, wood carving, weaving, furniture, and more. Alternately you may opt to focus on colonial history, architecture, or the archeological past of this rich city and surrounding country side. Late afternoon return to your lovely hotel for dinner on your own. (Overnight Hotel los Juaninos: Superior Room) (Breakfast Included)

Day 7: Leon/Toluca/Mexico City

Pick up and private transfer to the Leon/Toluca/Mexico City Airport (3:00/3:00/4:30 hrs.) for your onward flight home. End of Services