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American Aborigine Societies stand in the History of Mankind as amazingly
developed cultures, comparable to the ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and
India. On the American Continent Incas, Aztecs and Mayas were outstanding
Civilizations with there own Political, Social, Religious and Economic structures.
Aztecs based in the High Lands of Mexico, were the Roman conquerors in the
Middle of the American Continent. Their influence and control spread knowledge,
trade and domination throughout Mexico and Central America. Aztecs and
Mayans got some construction techniques from the Toltecs, through the link of
the Aztec domination. We find Religious similarities, as well as an exchange of
the astrological awareness and agricultural techniques.
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Day 1
Arrival in México City
Mexico City, once the Capital of the
Aztec Empire, is 2,200 meters above sea
level and has in the Valley of the Nations
capital, a population exceeding 22 million
people, plus another 5 million in a radius
of 70 kilometers. Development of such a
megalopolis contains a path full of historic
and physical factors that permitted the City
to reach such size. All over, as well as nearby, you find the heritage of the Pre-Hispanic societies that populated
or influenced the configuration of such colossal urban settlement. The 16th Century witnessed the Conquest of
the Country by the Spanish expeditionary army and the religious missionaries, both changing believes and way
of life of the aborigine groups. A new architecture was enforced using as foundation for the new buildings, the
religious monuments of the existing people. Churches were placed on top of the aborigine temples and today
you find Colonial Churches with rich and artistic furnishings and in some cases next to the church, what was
not used as a foundation, has been uncovered to its original archeological formation. Mexico City has a Historic
District which central square known as the Zocalo right in the Center of the City.
Day 2
City Tour & Anthropology Museum
Mexico City Guided Tour, visiting major
attractions. We start where it all begun, we
go to El Zocalo. You will see the National
Palace with an extended series of Mural
Paintings that show a Graphic evolution of
the History of the Country and which were
painted by Diego Rivera. The Metropolitan
Cathedral The oldest and largest cathedral
in Latin America, a spectacular Building intended to distract the Aztec people from their own previous believes
and convert them to the new religion. Also, right in the rear of the Cathedral, the Templo Mayor Pyramids
and Museum, which were part of the big Ceremonial Center of the Aztecs, used as a foundation for other
religious buildings. Templo Mayor was not only the most visible sight of an immense urban complex, but also
represented the cosmic center of the universe for the Aztecs. You will see The Palacio de Bellas Artes a 19th
Century all white marble building performing as a theater as well as an Art Museum, with many fine sculptures.
To get a feeling of the City you will drive along the Paseo de la Reforma, inspired by the “Champs Elisée” in
Paris. Reaching the National Anthropology Museum.
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Day 3
México City – Guadalupe Shrine – Teotihuacán
We will undertake a guided excursion
to the famous Teotihuacan Pyramids,
starting with a visit to the Virgin of
Guadalupe Shrine. This Church is a place
of pilgrimage for millions of Mexicans
and other parts of the World. The
day will dedicate a visit to the ancient
archaeological zone of Tenochtitlan north
of Mexico City, with its impressive Toltec Pyramids dedicated to the Sun, the Moon, the Quetzalcoatl
Temple and the fortresses, the largest monuments of their type in the World.
Day 4
México City – Querétaro
Day four starts with the transfer to the
Colonial and outstanding Historical City
of Queretaro. In the morning, transfer to
Queretaro, one of Mexico’s most historic
cities. The first stop will be to visit the
Tula Archeological Site, which was the
most important of the Toltec Culture,
with a series of important buildings,
such as the Central Altar, the Coatepantli, also known as the wall of the serpents, The Burnt Palace and
the Ball Court. Still spectacular and one of the most regarded attractions are the “Atlantes” Gigantic
Stone Sculptures of enormous warriors that symbolized the army, prevalent before the Aztec take over.
We will reach Queretaro in the afternoon to visit the city. Queretaro was an important city during the
Colonial Period, surrounded by Gold and Silver mines, which produced wealth to build and impressive
colonial architecture, filled with eighteenth century mansions and churches, specially nominated by the
UNESCO. Queretaro is a state capital north west of Mexico City, which played an important role in
history, where the insurgent plans were prepared for the Independence from the Colonial Domination
of Spain in the Early 19th Century. Queretaro witnessed the burial of Austrian Emperor Maximilian of
Habsburg. It was also the siege of the Promulgation of the Constitution that emerged from the Mexican
Revolution 1910-1917. Overnight in Querétaro.
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Day 5
Querétaro – San Miguel de Allende – Guanajuato
We will continue the route of the most
outstanding cities of the 18TH Century,
which in 1810, played the role of the
“Cradle of Independence”. These cities
surrounded by important mining facilities,
also constructed monumental colonial
buildings of outstanding architecture.
First stop will be San Miguel de Allende
with elegant mansions and palaces which were the residence of the owners of the silver mines. Today San
Miguel is a City sponsoring art in all sorts of manifestations. Later, through a patch of mountains, we will
reach Dolores Hidalgo where the Bell of Independence was first sound on the 15th of September of 1810.
We then a bit later, will arrive to Guanajuato, a State Capital and a very important Colonial City during
the Spanish Domination. The Historic District is a very well conserved jewel and tourist destination.
Overnight in Guanajuato.
Day 6
Guanajuato – Morelia
We will depart from Guanajuato to the
Neighboring State of Michoacán. We will
towards Morelia through one of the most
fertile vegetable intensive agriculture
land and pass rivers and lagoons along
the way before we reach this other State
capital. Morelia was founded in 1541.
It was named Valladolid by Don Antonio
de Mendoza, the first Viceroy of “Nueva España” as the Country was known during the Colonial Period.
In 1828, it was renamed Morelia in honor of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon one of the Generals who
consolidated the Independence of Mexico. In Morelia, We will visit the State Museum: this 18th century
mansion was restored to contain the State Museum in 1986. It is divided into three sections: Archaeology,
History and Ethnology. There is example of an antique pharmacy dating from 1868. The city is really
imposing; you will feel back in the 17TH and 18TH century due to the excellent conservation of the
Colonial Heritage. Overnight in Morelia.
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Day 7
Morelia – Taxco
Departure to Taxco. Taxco de Alarcon,
Mexico’s silver capital, is a charming
colonial town nestled in the mountains of
the State Guerrero between Mexico City
and Acapulco. The has town winding
cobblestone streets and whitewashed
houses, with red tile roofs, and its impressive Santa Prisca cathedral. Taxco has nearby Silver mines and has an
important jewelry industry in an all combined setting that makes Taxco a lovely and picturesque town. Those
interested in purchasing silver will find the greatest selection and price in Taxco. Once you check in to the Hotel,
you will have a free afternoon to really enjoy this other charming Colonial City. Overnight in Taxco.
Day 8
Taxco – Acapulco
In the morning we will travel from Taxco
to Acapulco. A short 3 hour drive down the
Mountain will have us reach Acapulco,
a destination of strong tourist impact,
both national and international travelers.
Acapulco was the main gateway to the
Pacific Ocean during the Colonial stage of Mexico and goes back to the 16th and 17th Centuries from
where expeditions left and found the Route to the Philippines and India. Already in the 1940’s Acapulco
started pushing and building to get a slice of the Tourist demand from North America. In the Fifties and
Sixties the Jet Set and major Hollywood stars bought huge villas enhancing Acapulco´s name Worldwide.
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Acapulco
For your days of leisure you will find a
paradise on the Pacific Ocean. Nestled
at the edge of The West Sierra Mountain
formation, Acapulco is South of the
Tropic of Cancer and has a very stable
warm weather. The country side is
abundantly covered by green foliage and Nature has nice preserved areas, a joy to the eye and the spirit.
Acapulco is famous for a light and yellowish color of the sand on the beach. People call it the Gold Coast.
Contrast with the emerald green of the Ocean has enchanted people who always come back. Acapulco
Bay is “U” shaped with Solid Hills from where the view is simply breathtaking. But outside these hills
you find lagoons and mangroves where Nature has definite expressions that relate us to our origin and
tells us what life is all about. Acapulco Dinning is a Gourmet Challenge of Satisfaction and Acapulco
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very reputed Night Life goes on until Sun Rise. Attractions you might want to see besides the beautiful
beaches are Capilla de la Paz The Chapel of peace located on the scenic road to the Airport with an
elevation of 1200 Feet above sea level and a cross 130 feet High. The Zocalo, is the Town Square, in old
Acapulco giving you a genuine feeling of a Mexican town. It is quite close to La Quebrada where Cliff
divers plung from over 40 Meters. La Quebrada issurrounded by local shops, restaurants. You may visit
The Casa de la Cultura a School of Arts and Culture for locals to develop their talents. It has art gallery,
literature, music and dramatic performances. The San Diego Fort an 18th Century fortress with canons
used to scare away Pirates, today includes a museum of Acapulco History. Other places, the Navy Base
Museum, Municipal Market, Jardin Botanico de Acapulco and many more.
Included Services
» Welcome meeting at the airport in Mexico City by our Guide
» English / German speaking guide on arrival & departure and during the
days of tour.
» Accommodations in hotels mentioned below or similar
» Daily breakfast
» Visits mentioned in the itinerary, including entrances fees to the
archaeological sites and museums
» One lunch in Mexico City. Fixed menu in local restaurant
(No drinks included)
» Hotel accommodation at previously mentioned cities, and 3 nights
accommodation in Acapulco with breakfast included
» Government taxes
» Gratuities in hotels (bell boys and maids).
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Not Included Services
» Airport taxes and personal expenses
» Meals not mentioned in the program
» Tips during the roundtrip (to the tour guide and bus driver)
hotels
» Mexico City: Galería Plaza 5* or similar
» Querétaro: Hacienda Jurica 5*, Misión Juriquilla 5*, Misión San Gil 5*
or similar
» Guanajuato: Mision Guanajuato 5* or similar
» Morelia: Virrey de Mendoza 5* or similar
» Taxco: Hotel Monte Taxco 5* or similar
» Acapulco: Las Brisas Acapulco 5*