Essential Central Mexico

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On sale!

£929 was £1239

Discount: 25%

Offer end: Feb 28 2025

Duration: 9 days

Begins: Puerto Vallarta

Ends: Mexico City

Trip Code: CMVM

From

£929 per person

Angebot anfordern

or Call 01273 099433

    Just hearing the name Mexico is enough to conjure up images of mariachis, tequila, beaches, and heavenly food. Lucky you, this trip from Mexico's Pacific coast to its capital captures all of those things. Starting in Puerto Vallarta, you'll head to Guadalajara, a rich cultural centre with music, festivals, and nearby distilleries. Next, you’re off to the smaller towns of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, where you’ll get immersed in Mexican history, not to mention its stunning scenery and architecture. Lastly, you’ll arrive in bustling Mexico City where you’ll say “adios!” to one heck of a trip.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    2 - Light
    Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Small Group experience; Max 16, avg 12.
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your Foodie Moment: Guanajuato City and Street Food Tour, Guanajuato
    • Tequila distillery visit, tasting and lunch
    • City tour of Guadalajara
    • Orientation walk in San Miguel de Allende
    • City tour of San Miguel de Allende
    • Free time in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    Accommodations

    Hotels (8 nts).

    Meals

    8 breakfasts, 1 lunch

    Allow USD245-320 for meals not included.

    Transportation

    Private vehicle, public bus, walking.

    Staff & experts

    CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

    Day 1 : Puerto Vallarta

    Arrive at any time. Attend the welcome meeting in the evening and then opt to grab dinner with the group.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta

    Acommodation

    Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta

    Day 2 : Puerto Vallarta

    Get ready for a full free day in Puerto Vallarta for optional activities. Your CEO will help arrange and give you some insider recommendations, but you could spend some time on the beach, go whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), a day trip with snorkelling to Isla Marietas or find a nice place to grab some food and people watch. In the evening meet with the group to trade stories and go out to search for some delicious local street food.

    Free time:

    Puerto Vallarta Full day 07:00 19:00

    Enjoy a full free day for optional activities in Puerto Vallarta, like whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), beach hanging, or a day trip with some snorkelling at nearby Isla Marietas. Spend the evening in search of the most delicious local food you can find.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta

    Optional Activities - Day 2

    Whale Watching - Puerto Vallarta

    Puerto Vallarta

    Take to the open seas in search of migrating humpback whales. Observe local marine life and enjoy this unforgettable half-day adventure with commentary from a marine biologist. Have those cameras at the ready should you see any action. Please note that this tour is seasonal and only available (Dec-Mar).

    Beach Time

    Puerto Vallarta

    Explore the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Sparkling blue waters, pristine sandy beaches, and gorgeous sun-kissed weather make a beach trip the perfect relaxing activity. Opt to lounge or swim in the water until your heart is content.

    Sunset Sailing Tour

    Puerto Vallarta

    Set sail and awaken your senses to the stunning sights in Banderas Bay on a sunset cruise. Relax with some music, a drink, and some snacks as you watch the sun sink below the horizon casting impressive colors across the bay. A great way to cap off a day in paradise.

    Marietas Island Snorkel Tour

    Puerto Vallarta

    Looking for the perfect active day in Puerto Vallarta? Head out on this snorkeling tour to the Marietas Islands. Hop on a boat and cross the calm waters in search of dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales along the way. Then, get underwater for a look at the colourful array of tropical fish just below the surface.

    Food & Drink Tour Puerto Vallarta

    Puerto Vallarta

    Set out with a food guide through the streets of Puerto Vallarta on a food and cocktail tour. Learn about the culutral roots of mezcal, tequila, and raicilla. Taste michelad, Mexico's signature beer cocktail and stop at some popular local sports for food tastings of some pretty delicious tacos.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 3 : Puerto Vallarta/Guadalajara

    Travel inland to Guadalajara this morning. Make a stop along the way near the town of Tequila to visit a distillery to learn about how tequila is traditionally made with a tasting included and lunch. Continue on arriving in Guadalajara in the early evening for a CEO-led orientation walk.

    Private Vehicle

    Puerto Vallarta - Guadalajara 5h - 6h 333km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Guadalajara Orientation Walk

    Guadalajara

    Set off on foot to get to know this city in western Mexico. Known for tequila and mariachi music Guadalajara packs a lively atmosphere appealing to any traveller. Wander the colonial plazas and spot landmarks like the Teatro Degollado and the Palacio del Gobierno houses.

    Tequila Distillery Visit & Tasting

    Tequila

    Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Visit a distillery in a town between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight –a tasting session with lunch. Sip, don't shoot!

    Acommodation

    Casa Vilasanta

    Acommodation

    Casa Vilasanta

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 4 : Guadalajara

    Enjoy a free morning today to discover Guadalajara's charm. In the afternoon, set off on a city tour including the nearby vibrant city of Tlaquepaque. Think mariachis, historical centres, and loads of fun and street food. The rest of the evening is open to do as you please. Maybe go for another walk through the main square and find a cool tavern to grab a drink with the group.

    Free time:

    Guadalajara Evening

    Spend some time shopping, eating, and relaxing in Guadalajara for your last night in the area.

    City Tour of Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque

    Guadalajara

    See more of Guadalajara on this in-depth city tour including some free time to explore the gastronomy hub of Tlaquepaque. See the work of Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco and discover the best views in the city.

    Acommodation

    Casa Vilasanta

    Acommodation

    Casa Vilasanta

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 5 : Guadalajara/Guanajuato

    Travel by public bus to Guanajuato today. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour to discover the city's beautiful architecture, tunnels, cultural history, and of course, street food.

    Guanajuato City and Street Food Tour

    Guanajuato

    Gain a deeper understanding into this town located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Filled with brilliantly coloured buildings around a central park and loads of great places to try some local eats. Make a stop to a local bakery, head to a stall for some fresh squeezed juices, then try some tlacoyos, a sort of folded taco, stuffed with cheese and chicken. Next, head underground to see the labyrinth of tunnels below the city. And spend the remainder of the tour learning about the history and culture of this place while eating different kinds of street food from tamales to sopes, you'll taste vibrant flavours.

    Local Bus

    Guadalajara - Guanajuato 3h - 4h 275km

    Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Santa Regina

    Acommodation

    Hotel Santa Regina

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 6 : Guanajuato/San Miguel de Allende

    Wander through Guanajuato during your free morning. Grab a bite to eat on your own before the bus ride to San Miguel de Allende. Here the group will go on a CEO-led orientation walk before time to have dinner on your own.

    Free time:

    Guanajuato Morning

    Free morning to grab a pastry on your own and walk through the main square one last time before moving on. Plenty of time for a quiet morning coffee and some people watching.

    Local Bus

    Guanajuato - San Miguel de Allende 1h30m - 2h 80km

    Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Orientation walk of San Miguel de Allende

    San Miguel de Allende

    Your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk of San Miguel de Allende. This colonial-era city is located in Mexico's central highlands and is home to a budding art scene and many cultural festivals. Wander the cobblestoned streets and learn the history and stories of this place while in the shadow of the pink towers rising above the El Jardín main plaza.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Hacienda Monteverde

    Acommodation

    Hotel Hacienda Monteverde

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 7 : San Miguel de Allende

    Start off with a half-day city tour of San Miguel de Allende. See various historical sites like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri. Learn the cultural significance of various places and admire the architecture of this place before a free afternoon for various optional activities.

    San Miguel de Allende City Tour

    San Miguel de Allende

    Get to know the historical and cultural significance of local landmarks in San Miguel de Allende on a half-day city tour. Visit important sites like, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.

    Free time:

    San Miguel de Allende

    Enjoy some free time for optional activities in the area like, horseback riding, a cooking class, tequila tasting, or a visit to some nearby hot springs. Your CEO can help you organize whichever you choose.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Hacienda Monteverde

    Optional Activities - Day 7

    Cooking Class - San Miguel de Allende

    San Miguel de Allende

    Opt to reserve a private cooking class to test your culinary skills and learn how to make some traditional regional cuisine. The teacher will teach the class to create authentic dishes that can be replicated at home, when you're finished dig in and enjoy your dish!

    Horseback Riding in San Miguel de Allende

    San Miguel de Allende

    Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Ride through the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende on this leisurely 2-hour horseback riding tour admiring the scenery. Trot through Benito Juárez Park, toast your evening in a Mexican ‘cantina’; and listen to a moving serenade performed by ‘mariachis’ before a candlelit dinner inspired by Mexican culinary classics.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Hacienda Monteverde

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 8 : San Miguel de Allende/Mexico City

    Hop on the local bus to Mexico City this morning and arrive around midday. Enjoy a free afternoon and opt for an evening out on the town.

    Local Bus

    San Miguel de Allende - Mexico City 3h - 4h 265km

    Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Acommodation

    Hotel PF Suites

    Optional Activities - Day 8

    National Museum of Anthropology

    Mexico City

    The National Museum of Anthropology houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the world. It's a must see if you're interested in the past or present-day history of Mexico. On the top of the highlights, see the Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar) an important piece in Aztec culture and mythology that illustrates the history of the universe. With over 20 exhibit halls, you may not be able to see the whole museum in just one day so grab a map and pick and choose what you're most interested in.

    Taco Street Food Crawl

    Mexico City

    Is it possible to find the perfect taco? Hit the streets of Mexico City to find out! One of Mexico's most famous (and delicious) dishes is known across the globe – but to find the best you need to go straight to it's origins. Prepare for a feast that you won't soon forget.

    District of Coyoacán Visit

    Mexico City

    Coyoacán is a quiet but vibrant Mexican neighbourhood, most notably known for the Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home turned museum after her death. The quaint tree-lined streets of this district will enchant you and give you a window into real Mexican living. With a good street food scene, spend some time walking around and find stalls or restaurants on the hunt for the neighbourhoods best tostadas, a corn tortilla topped with all sorts of things from shrimp, chicken, beef, and other proteins and beans, cheese, corn, sour cream, and avocado.

    Acommodation

    Hotel PF Suites

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 9 : Mexico City

    Depart at any time.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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