COLONIAL TREASURES 2024
03 DAYS / 02 NIGHTS – Starts ANY DAY – Private
Itinerary
Get a small but great taste of colonial Mexico!
When, in 1521, the conquistadors of Cortez destroyed the Aztec empire of Montezuma, they founded the colony kingdom of New Spain, destined to last for three centuries, ranging from the current states of the Southwestern United States to the Panama Canal. The introduction of pack animals, from work and farm animals, of elementary metal technical tools such as hoes, plows, and wheels, of new crops such as wheat, flax, hemp, coffee, and sugar cane, and the use of fertilizers – all things previously unknown in the New World – gave newcomers unimaginable wealth. However, these rich immigrants left with nostalgia for the motherland and for their lifestyles, which they tried to fill in the new colony by building cities in the image and likeness of those left in the homeland.
All over the country, often above the remains of the previous ancient civilizations and most of the time using the same stones, they began to have graceful urban agglomerations with the typical Iberian structure with a square plan, gravitating on a large central square – the Zocalo – where the public and religious buildings found space, the sumptuous residences of the nobility and, slowly, also of the nascent middle class of the enriched mestizos. Your comprehensive tour of Colonial Mexico starts there, in Mexico City, and offers you the chance to catch glimpses from the past and see how this amazing land learned how to create and keep the perfect combination between the old and the new.
Bucket list
- Explore the best of colonial Mexico
- Visit Mexico City and get lost in one of the most beautiful historic centers in the world
- Visit Queretaro, Guanajuato for a deep look into authentic colonial history and culture
- San Miguel de Allende was voted as the favorite city in the world according to Travel and Leisure World´s Best Awards Survey
DAY 1: MEXICO CITY – QUERETARO – SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Today, we will leave the big city and we will pick you before at 09:00 am. This morning we will depart to Queretaro, an attractive city that has played a crucial role in Mexican history. It is situated at the bottom of a basin surrounded by hills from where you have excellent views. After a short tour around the town´s well-preserved historic center, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. You will visit The Aqueduct, The Cross Convent, and The Historical Center. Then, we will continue to San Miguel de Allende, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Let us show you the highlights of the city, including the famous “Parish of San Miguel,” the iconic church in Neo-Gothic style with the pink, sugar-candy pointing towers. These bizarre towers were designed by an untutored Indian, Zeferino Gutierrez, in the late 19th century. In the main chapel, you will see the much-revered image of the Cristo de la Conquista, made from cornstalks and orchid bulbs by Indians in Patzcuaro in the 16th century. In the evening you will have some free time for dinner and enjoy the night ambiance of the city – also a great opportunity for typical shopping crafts.
Included: Private Transportation, Walking Tour with Bilingual Speaking Guide in Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende (English-Spanish Language), Entry to places mentioned, Overnight Hotel in San Miguel de Allende.
DAY 2: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE – DOLORES HIDALGO – GUANAJUATO
After breakfast in the hotel, we will continue to the town of Dolores Hidalgo a small town where Miguel Hidalgo, father of Mexico, delivered his famous “Grito de Dolores” (Act of Independence). This act symbolizes the start of the Mexican independence movement in the early nineteenth century. Then, we proceed to Guanajuato recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. You will be surprised by the beauty of this city, with its winding lanes, its Plazuela shaded by Indian laurels, its large variety of decorative styles, its Mummy Museum (optional visit), and its curious underground avenue. The city is a real jewel among Mexico´s colonial towns. This visit, mainly on foot, includes the Hidalgo market, Juarez Theater, the University, the “Alley of the Kiss” and the monument of El Pipila, a hero of the Independence.
Included: Breakfast in Hotel, Private Transportation, Guided Tour with Bilingual Speaking Guide during all excursions (English-Spanish Language), panoramic visit, Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 3: GUANAJUATO (Transfer Out)
Breakfast at the hotel.
At the proper time, transfer from the hotel to Bus Terminal to continue your journey. A supplement will apply for transfer from Hotel to Bajio International Airport USD 42 per person. Or please ask for our transfer options to Mexico City or Guadalajara
Included: Breakfast in Hotel, PrivateTransportation
Operated by: SAT MEXICO CORPORATION
