Short Stay in Mexico

Day 1

Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Day 2

Visit the city during a half-day tour (4–5 hours). Tour starts at the hotel and leads the travelers to the downtown Mexico, via the historical Avenue de la Reforme, built at the request of Emperor Maximilian and dotted with many monuments. Then, visitors will take the Avenue Juarez, bordered by the Alameda Park, and later discover the Palace of Bellas Artes, the work of an Italian architect—Adamo Boari. Madero street will take the adventurers further to Zocalo, where they will visit the National Palace, home to the government. Its walls are covered with frescoes by Diego Rivera—one of the greatest contemporary Mexican painters.

Later, travelers will discover the Cathedral, a remarkable example of colonial architecture, and the Templo Mayor. They will continue their tour to the Chapultepec Park through the residential area of ​​Las Lomas, one of the most luxurious in the capital. After that, they will return to the hotel.

Shopping

• Plaza Del Angel in Zona Rosa

Also known as London Market, this antique market is a concentration of luxury boutiques near Plaza San Angel. On Sundays, bibliophiles come to the market to buy and sell their goods.

• Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Day 3 — Mexico

Day at leisure.

Optional tour

• Full-day tour of Taxco and Cuernavaca (9–10 hours)

Depart south of the city for Cuernavaca, taking a modern highway (in Cuernavaca in about 1 hour). Travelers will discover Cuernavaca known as the “city of eternal spring”, thanks to its exceptional climate. They will then visit the cathedral which was first built as a mission in 1552 and then obtained a cathedral status in 1891.

The journey then continues through the winding roads in the mountains of the western Sierra Madre, surrounded by valleys and pine forests. Travelers will pass through the mountains of Guerrero State to reach the picturesque colonial mining town of Taxco, also known as the Silver Capital. There, they will visit the famous church of Santa Prisca (built with Taxco mining money). They can visit shops and admire jewelry while strolling through city’s cobbled squares and streets, framed by rustic and picturesque houses with red roofs, that have been inspired by many artists. Depart to Mexico City at 5 p.m. Scheduled arrival around 8 p.m.

Day 4 — Mexico

Day at leisure.

Optional tours

• Half-day tour of Xochimilco and the National University (4–5 hours)

Panoramic tour of the Plaza de Las Cibeles, the World Trade Center, La Plaza—where bullfighting is practiced, the Théâtre Insurgentes, and then transfer to the University City (UNAM CAMPUS) to see the big library, tower of the Intendance, Olympic stadium, and the fresco of the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera.

In Xochimilco, sail on a brightly colored boat called “trajinera” that takes visitors through the mystical canals of Lake Xochimilco (50 minutes).

• Coyoacan & Frida Kahlo (not available on Mondays)

Visit what was once the city of Coyoacan. It is now part of the Mexican capital and it fascinates with its great legacy of colorful colonial architecture.

Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and Frida Kahlo Museum, also called Casa Azul. This is the old house of the painter, filled with some of her works, many personal belongings, and where Frida lived with her husband, Diego Rivera. You’ll have some time to walk around Plaza Hidalgo and enjoy the cafes or visit the popular market in this area.

On Saturdays, this tour can be replaced with the “Saturday Bazaar, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo” option.

• Half-day tour of the Shrine of the Guadalupe & Pyramids of Teotihuacan (6–7 hours)

Panoramic tour of the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, then a visit to the basilica—a sanctuary that houses the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Departure to the archaeological area of ​​San Juan Teotihuacan.

Visit an obsidian workshop, where you can see the process of maguey plants and the work of artisans on pieces of obsidian. Visit the Quetzal-Mariposa Palace, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and the Street of the Dead. If travelers wish, they can be driven to a restaurant for lunch (not included).

Shopping Suggestions

• La Lagunilla

The La Lagunilla market brims with finds such as twentieth-century furniture, clothing, toys, records, books, and accessories. It is advisable to arrive early and bring cash.

• La Ciudadela

This sprawling market is one of the best places in Mexico City to find great crafts under one roof. It is very popular because of its history and kindness of the owners and artisans of the market. Buyers can find silver jewelry, lamps, scarves, and tin ornaments from Mexico. Huichol Indian handicrafts are also sold there.

Open daily from 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Day 5 — Mexico

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

This itinerary is subject to change. However, the content will always be respected. The staff speaks English and Spanish