An amazing journey through colonial cities and villages, of which many of them are world heritage sites under the patronage of UNESCO. Colorful buildings alternate with imposing churches and monasteries; all witnesses of the Mexican Independence and of the following Revolution.
Mexico City – Tepotzotlan – Tula – Queretaro (About 256 km)
1. Day: Ride to Queretaro. On the way you will visit Tepotzotlan, including its former monastery and today’s museum of the Franciscan order of Cuatitlan from the year 1580. The journey will continue to Tula, an archaeological site of the Toltecs and famous for its 16 feet tall sculptures called the Atlantes figures. Then you will travel to Queretaro, including a viewing of the city. Queretaro has a great historical significance, because of the conviction and execution of Emperor Maximilian of Austria happening there.
Overnight in Queretaro.
Queretaro – San Miguel de Allende – Dolores Hidalgo – Guanajuato (About 158 km)
2. Day: Drive from Queretaro to San Miguel de Allende. Same as the historical center of Queretaro, also the center of San Miguel de Allende is a world heritage site and it is under the patronage of UNESCO. After an extensive sightseeing the trip goes on to Dolores Hidalgo. It was on September 15th 1810 when the priest Hidalgo emitted the proclamation of Mexican Independence and it occurred in that specific location. The journey continues to Guanajuato, where the battle of independence began. Guanajuato was an important strategic place for the Spaniards, thanks to the high amount of silver on site. Today Guanajuato is a popular destination for students and artists.
Overnight in Guanajuato.
Guanajuato – Morelia (About 108 miles)
3. Day: A detailed sightseeing of Guanajuato in the morning including the regional museum, Juarez theatre, the cathedral and the “Callejon Del Beso” (the alley of the kiss), before going to Morelia, the capital of Michoacán. Since 1991 Morelia has been a world heritage site of UNESCO. The first University of America was founded there. Many colonial buildings are made of pink sandstone, giving an elegant character to the city. Nowadays it is one of the most important centers of education of Mexico.
Overnight in Morelia.
Santa Clara del Cobre – Tzin Tzun Tzan – Patzcuaro
4. Day: Today you will see the varied environment of Morelia including the locality of Santa Clara del Cobre, where as an old tradition still today copper is being processed. Tzin Tzun Tzan, location of the hummingbirds and archaeological site of the Purepecha, one of a few native population, who lived relatively in harmony with the Spanish conquerors. In Patzcuaro – UNESCO world heritage site – a lake is located. There the first catholic school has been founded and the second biggest square of America is the main square of Patzcuaro. Drive back to Morelia.
Morelia – Paricutin – Ixtapa/ Zihuatanejo (About 354 km)
5. Day: Drive from Morelia to Ixtapa – Zihuatanejo. On the way you will visit Paricutin. Paricutin has its name from the homonymous volcano, which exploded in 1943, burying the whole locality, except the top of the church, which can be seen today. The trip continues to Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo to the Hotel of your choice.
Monarch butterflies
In Michoacan from November to March, about 2 hours from Morelia, a unique spectacle takes place. From Canada millions of Monarch butterflies arrive in a forest locality with the name Oyameles, where they stay for wintering and copulating. The spectacle takes place around 2300 and 3500 meters high. For this special trip another night in Morelia is required or you can sleep at the Monarch place as well.
Service included:
Good middle class and typical Hotels during the Tour
Breakfast included
Private Guide and private vehicle with A/C
All entrance Fee’s
24/7 emergency contact
Not included:
Meals not mentioned
Personnel expenses
Tips for guide and driver
