8-day tour: Mexico City & its surroundings

Mexico City

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City

On arrival at Mexico City International Airport, you will be picked up by your driver and taken to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy the atmosphere, perhaps some cocktails and a delicious meal at one of the city’s restaurants.

Mexico City

Day 2: Mexico City, tacos & mezcal tour

After breakfast, set off on a guided Mexico City tour starting with a stroll through the beautiful historic centre. You’ll visit the huge Zocalo with its famous cathedral as well as the Government Palace with its impressive murals by Diego Rivera. Next, head to Chapultepec Park to visit the National Museum of History before taking a walking tour of the fashionable Condesa district. Head back to the hotel to freshen up and relax before your evening tour – a taco and mezcal experience. Explore Mexico City’s delicious and diverse flavours as you visit some of its many taquerias. With the help of a mezcal master, you will also enjoy a tasting of traditional mezcals with their smoky, sweet, floral or herbal tones. Drink and eat your fill before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Mexico City - Xochimilco - Coyoacan

Day 3: Frida Kahlo's house, boating & ballet

After breakfast, you will set off to visit the bohemian area of Coyoacan, exploring its vivid streets and plazas as well as the famous house that once belonged to Frida Kahlo. Afterwards, continue to the small town of San Andres Mixquic to visit the monastery of San Andres Apostol and the Alumbrada. The tour continues to the colourful canals of Xochimilco, known as the floating gardens. While enjoying an idyllic boat ride, you can taste typical Mexican dishes, admire the views and listen to the sounds of mariachi bands passing by on other boats. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. Later, you will be picked up for a performance (ballet or opera) at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a cultural venue in the historic centre of Mexico City. If you prefer, opt to spend the evening at a Lucha Libre freestyle wrestling show instead.

Mexico City - Teotihuacan - Querétaro

Day 4: Teotihuacan hot air balloon ride

You’ll have an early start this morning for an extraordinary adventure: discovering Teotihuacan, the ‘City of Gods’, by hot air balloon. Spanning 22km2, this is the largest ancient ruined city in Latin America and its vastness is perfectly observed from the basket of a hot air balloon. Upon arrival, you can help prepare the balloon for take-off before gently lifting into the sky to see the sunrise over the majestic ruins. During the one-hour flight, you could cover a distance of between 3 and 30km, depending on the weather and wind conditions. After admiring the Sun and Moon Pyramids with a bird’s-eye view, you will enjoy an extended tour on the ground. Next, head to the historical centre of Queretaro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll take a short city tour. Tonight you'll stay in town at a family-run vineyard which offers an oasis of peace after the fast pace of Mexico City.

Querétaro - Bernal - Jalpan

Day 5: Road trip & hiking

Today you'll head out on a road trip. The first stop will be the small colonial town of Bernal to explore its picturesque streets and perhaps try a gordita – a famous street food snack of stuffed corn patties. Then, continue on to Rio Escanela (approximately a 3-hour drive), to enjoy a long guided walk along the crystal-clear river. The path leads you to the beautiful Puente de Dios (God's Bridge), a naturally-formed bridge across the river. Once you arrive, you can cool off in the natural pools (during the summer months). Afterwards, continue to Jalpan de Serra where you can have lunch and explore the city. Discover the prehispanic culture of the Sierra Gorda as well as the Franciscan missions, before an overnight stay.

Jalpan - Xilitla - San Miguel De Allende

Day 6: Jungle discoveries

After a tasty traditional breakfast at your hotel, you will spend an unforgettable day in Xilitla. Visit the eccentric Edward James Castle, with its fascinating collection of surreal buildings hidden in the jungle. These architectural structures were inspired by artists such as Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. After exploring, you will have some free time to cool off and relax in the natural pools and waterfalls that form part of the castle grounds (during the summer months). In the afternoon, you'll journey on to your hotel in San Miguel de Allende for an overnight stay. 

San Miguel De Allende

Day 7: Exploring San Miguel de Allende

Today, you will have time to spend enjoying the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, also known as the city of artists. Amongst other things, you can visit the impressive Neo-Gothic church hewn from beautiful rose-pink stone, as well as Ignacio Allende's house and museum, birthplace of the Mexican freedom hero. UNESCO-listed San Miguel de Allende wasn’t named Mexico’s most beautiful town for nothing, but its undeniable charm is only part of the appeal. Art fans will enjoy the city's rich heritage, while coffee lovers will find plenty of cafés to keep them energised for strolling the cobbled streets. People-watching in the leafy El Jardin square is another great option, as is sampling the cuisine at the city's traditional food markets.

San Miguel De Allende - Mexico City

Day 8: Airport transfer

Depending on your flight time, you will be picked up at your hotel in San Miguel de Allende and taken to Mexico City International Airport, for your return flight home.