Discover Mexico's Magical Heritage Journey
Start and end in Mexico City on this 13 day sweep through central and southern Mexico. Drift along Xochimilco’s canals, tour the historic centre and visit the Basilica of Guadalupe – then soak up mariachi at Plaza Garibaldi. Expect artisan towns and colonial gems – Pátzcuaro, Morelia, Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara – plus a tequila distillery tour and tasting. You’ll visit highland cities – Guanajuato for cable car views and San Miguel de Allende. Explore ancient wonders at Tula and Monte Albán, sample Oaxaca’s flavours, cruise Sumidero Canyon and meet Tzotzil communities, before time in San Cristóbal – then fly back to Mexico City.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
Mexico CityEnds
Mexico CityMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Mexico that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
MexicoPassengers
R 41 540,00
R 5 000,00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Mexico City
El oro de hidalgo
Mine two star
Tlalpujahua
Patzcuaro
Morelia
Cuitzeo del porvenir
Guadalajara
Guanajuato
Dolores Hidalgo
San Miguel de Allende
Queretaro
Tula
Puebla
Oaxaca
San Pablo Villa de Mitla
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Sumidero Canyon
Chiapa de Corzo
Zinacantán
San Juan Chamula
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico. On arrival in Mexico City, we’ll meet you for your transfer to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is free – you can relax after your flight or take a short stroll near the hotel if you wish. Our guide will contact you in the late afternoon.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Mexico City
This morning we head to Xochimilco to glide along its canals on a trajinera – a colourful, flower-decked boat – among the semi-floating gardens. Afterwards, we take a panoramic city tour, passing the Plaza of the Three Cultures, the historic centre with the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Aztec Templo Mayor, as well as Chapultepec Park, Paseo de la Reforma and the city’s main avenues. You’ll have free time for lunch around the Zócalo.In the afternoon, we visit the Basilica of Guadalupe – the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas and home to the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe – where we see both the old 18th-century basilica and the modern temple. In the evening, we continue to Plaza Garibaldi, famous for its cantinas, restaurants and bars where tacos and tequila are served and mariachi bands perform. Dinner is included at a typical Mexican restaurant.
Day 3 - Mexico City - Mine two star - Tlalpujahua - Patzcuaro
We begin the day travelling into the mountains and forests where monarch butterflies spend the winter. We visit La Mina de las Dos Estrellas – a mine–turned–museum that showcases the region’s mining heritage – before continuing to Tlalpujahua, a Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán known for its Baroque sanctuary, cobbled streets and handcrafted Christmas ornaments, with many shops displaying Santa Claus figures. You’ll have free time to stroll and choose a place for lunch. We then continue to Pátzcuaro for a panoramic tour of this colonial city, noted for its pre–Hispanic origins, architecture and craft markets.
Day 4 - Patzcuaro - Morelia - Tlaquepaque - Guadalajara
We depart Pátzcuaro for Morelia, capital of Michoacán – a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its pink-stone architecture and graceful historic centre. We tour its main sights, including the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the University of Morelia, founded in 1540. You’ll have free time to stroll and choose a place for lunch. Continuing our journey, we stop in Tlaquepaque – a Pueblo Mágico alive with mariachi music, live performances, artisan shops and tempting local cuisine. We then continue to Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco and a vibrant colonial city known as the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 5 - Guadalajara
In the morning, we explore Guadalajara, a modern metropolis with a handsome colonial centre. Our city tour takes in the Cathedral, the historic market and Plaza Tapatía, and includes entry to Hospicio Cabañas – a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the visit, we continue to the nearby town of Tequila for a guided tour of the Mundo Cuervo distillery to see how this emblematic Mexican spirit is produced – entrance and tasting included. You then have free time to wander the picturesque streets and choose a spot for lunch. We return to Guadalajara after lunch.
Day 6 - Guadalajara - Guanajuato
We travel from Guadalajara to the state of Guanajuato, arriving around midday. In the afternoon, we take an included city tour of this beautiful university city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – exploring its steep slopes, narrow streets and historic churches. We also ride the cable car to the El Pípila viewpoint to admire the city from above.
Day 7 - Guanajuato - Dolores Hidalgo - San Miguel de Allende - Queretaro
We travel through the mountains to Dolores Hidalgo – the birthplace of Mexican independence. We then visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, known as the Sanctuary of God and Country and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – please note that access to the interior may not be possible during religious retreats. We continue to San Miguel de Allende, another World Heritage city with elegant colonial architecture and cobbled streets, where you have time to stroll at your own pace. Later, we arrive in Queretaro, known for its magnificent colonial centre, Plaza de Armas and lively restaurants along pedestrian streets.
Day 8 - Queretaro - Tula - Puebla
We depart for Tula, where we include entrance and a visit to the archaeological site, the ancient Toltec capital. The highlights are the Atlantes – imposing warrior figures around four metres tall – along with pyramids, palaces and carved columns that reflect the sophistication of Toltec culture. We then continue to Puebla for a panoramic tour of this historic city, known for its cuisine, colonial architecture and Talavera pottery. We’ll see its magnificent Renaissance–style cathedral and the lively Zócalo. Overnight in Puebla.
Day 9 - Puebla - Oaxaca
We travel by road through the mountains into the state of Oaxaca, arriving by late morning. We include a guided visit of Oaxaca’s UNESCO listed historic centre, known for its outstanding heritage. We then continue to Monte Albán – set on a mountaintop about 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley – where tickets and a guided tour are included. Afterwards we return to Oaxaca and you have free time to keep exploring at your own pace.
Day 10 - Oaxaca - San Pablo Villa de Mitla - Tuxtla Gutiérrez
We set off early from Oaxaca, making a brief stop in San Pablo Villa de Mitla – a Pueblo Mágico – where you can stroll by the 16th–century Church of San Pablo and along its rustic streets. We then continue through the mountains of Oaxaca towards the Isthmus, with an included lunch en route. By late afternoon we arrive in Tuxtla Gutiérrez – the capital of Chiapas.
Day 11 - Tuxtla Gutiérrez - Sumidero Canyon - Chiapa de Corzo - Zinacantán - San Juan Chamula - San Cristobal de las Casas
From Tuxtla Gutiérrez, we set out for the Cañón del Sumidero and board a boat to glide between its towering walls – cliffs rise to almost 1 km and the navigable stretch runs for about 14 km. We then continue to Chiapa de Corzo for a leisurely stroll through this colonial town rich in tradition. Afterwards, we delve further into Maya culture with visits to Tzotzil communities – in Zinacantán we see the women’s traditional dress and visit weaving workshops, and in San Juan Chamula we visit the church where Christian practices mix with pre‑Columbian rites. We continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where you have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful colonial city founded in 1528.
Day 12 - San Cristobal de las Casas - Mexico City
We transfer from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Tuxtla Gutiérrez Airport for our included flight to Mexico City. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel and check in.
Day 13 - Mexico City
Breakfast at the hotel – our services conclude afterwards. Airport transfers are not included, so you will need to make your own way to the airport.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Mexico City
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Mexico City
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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