Countryside Escapes Outside of Mexico City: Mexico City, Tepoztlan and Puebla

Begin this 10-day journey by exploring the heart and soul of the capital, Mexico City. Tour top sites with expert guides and learn about Mexico’s culture – from its rich, pre-colonial past to its current standing as one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Then, begin the exploration of the countryside near Mexico City with a trip to Morelos state and its Pueblo Magico, Tepoztlan. Visit the historic palace and Cathedral of Cuernavaca and learn about the city’s allure to both Aztec emperors and Spanish conquistadors. Then, stroll the streets of the colonial city of Puebla and visit some of its beautiful churches.

After, crest the amazing Paso de Cortes where, in 1519, Hernán Cortés first glimpsed the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City). Take in views of two spectacular volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, which shape the pass’ saddle.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mexico City – Explore the historic center of Mexico’s capital and learn about art, culture, and politics while visiting iconic museums

Tepoztlan – Located at the foot of Tepozteco Mountain, and known as the reputed birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec feathered serpent God, Tepoztlan is one of the most charming “Pueblos Mágicos” in Morelos

Cuernavaca – Discover tranquility and colorful landscapes in Cuernavaca, also known as the City of Eternal Spring

Puebla – Enjoy a private tour of Puebla’s historic city center, home to more than 70 churches and thousands of colonial buildings

Paso de Cortes – Enjoy spectacular views of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes

Cantona – Explore this impressive archeological site, the largest urban settlement ever discovered in Mesoamerica

Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City

After being greeted at the airport, enjoy a private transfer to the hotel for check-in and some free time.

Overnight: Four Seasons Mexico City

Day 2: Privately guided tour of Mexico City’s Historic Center & the MUNAL Museum

Discover Mexico’s Mesoamerican, Colonial, and revolutionary history by exploring the historic center of the capital with a personal, expert guide.

Visit a cathedral built upon an Aztec temple and see the painted representation of Mexico’s past by famed muralist Diego Rivera in the National Palace. Then, walk through some of the center’s iconic streets, enjoying their diverse architecture, on the way to the Palace of Fine Arts.

Afterward, visit the MUNAL (Mexican National Art Museum), which holds an impressive collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. See the fabulous landscape paintings of Jose Maria Velasco and pieces by David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rivera and many other well-known Mexican artists. Upon completion, head back to the hotel for the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Four Seasons Mexico City

Note: Some sites from today´s itinerary may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. In this case, your travel planner will make adjustments for the best experience on the day, based on your preferences, availability, and travel dates.

Day 3: Private Art, Politics & Love Triangle: Kahlo, Trotsky, & Rivera

Enjoy a full day learning about the art, culture, and politics that shaped movements and pushed boundaries in Mexico.

Study Frida Kahlo´s artwork and tumultuous personal life, Leon Trotsky´s revolutionary politics, and Diego Rivera´s passionate lifestyle, art, and legacy.

This experience takes place in Mexico City´s charming southern neighborhoods of Coyoacan and San Angel and includes visits to Frida Kahlo´s Blue House, the Leon Trotsky House Museum, and the Diego Rivera Casa Estudio. A visit to San Angel´s Saturday Bazar is optional – only available on Saturdays.

Overnight: Four Seasons Mexico City

Day 4: Private transfer to Tepoztlan

Today after breakfast and hotel check out, take a private transfer to Tepoztlan, in the state of Morelos; home for the next two nights. Restroom stops may be made along the way.

Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Amomoxtli

Day 5: Privately guided excursion to Tepozteco pyramid

Enjoy a 40-minute, privately guided hike to Tepozteco Pyramid, admiring gorgeous views along the way. Learn all about the archeological site’s intriguing history before heading to the town’s market to wander through the ex-Convent of the Nativity, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests may optionally choose to tour Taxco, a beautiful hillside town famous for its silver production. Wind up and down the narrow, cobbled streets before arriving at the main plaza, where locals congregate on benches under the shade of the trees.

Back at the hotel, relax and enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the garden/pool area or refresh with a cool drink at the restaurant’s bar surrounded by native cacti.

Overnight: Amomoxtli

Please note: The hike to Tepozteco Pyramid is considered a moderate-to-intermediate level hike. The climb up lasts between 40 minutes to an hour ­­and there are no railings to hold on to for support.

Day 6: Private tour to Xochicalco and Cuernavaca City tour

Journey to the archeological zone of Xochicalco in the State of Morelos. Visit the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and observe representations of Quetzalcoatl, an ancient deity, similar to those found at Teotihuacán and some other Maya sites.

After, explore Cuernavaca’s historic palace and cathedral and learn of the city’s attraction to both Aztec emperors and Spanish conquistadors. Also visit a palace-turned-museum, now dedicated to the history of Morelos. A guide will then lead an exploration of the city, traversing the central gardens.

Next, visit the MMAC (Museo Morelense de Arte Contemporáneo), the contemporary art museum in Cuernavaca. Through the preservation, research, and exhibition of national and international artworks, it contributes to the knowledge and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art.

Upon completion, head back to the hotel for the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Amomoxtli

Day 7: Private transfer to Puebla via Paso de Cortes with a traditional lunch en route

Travel to the city of Puebla, roughly a two-hour drive from Tepoztlan, through the Paso de Cortes, a mountainous port 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, located between the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes.

The pass acquired its name from the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who entered the valley of Mexico in 1519, seeking the conquest of Mexico-Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. It is said that from this point, Cortes sent an expedition to climb the volcanoes in order to obtain sulfur for the production of gunpowder for their firearms.

On route to Puebla, make a stop to enjoy a regional lunch of fresh, blue corn quesadillas stuffed with chicken tinga or squash blossoms and a warm cup of atole or coffee.

Please note: Weather conditions at the Paso de Cortes may interfere with mountain-volcano views and/or may not be available due to sleet or landslides.

Overnight: Hotel Cartesiano

Day 8: Private Talavera workshop & Puebla Historic Center tour

Talavera Poblana, traditional Mexican and Spanish pottery and earthenware, has been a labor of love for skillful artisans for centuries, and this morning experience begins with a visit to Uriarte Talavera, the largest fabricator of Talavera in all Latin America. Here, enjoy a private factory and showroom tour, and then join in a ceramic hand-painting workshop experience.

After, visit the historic center of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Can’t-miss highlights include the renowned Capilla del Rosario, boasting Mexican Baroque architecture and 23-carat gold leaf adornment throughout the church; the beautiful Palacio Nacional; the Zócalo (the main square), and the impressive Biblioteca Palafoxiana, founded in 1646 and the oldest library in the Americas. At the end of this culture-filled day, sit back and enjoy a private transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Cartesiano

Day 9: Private Full-day tour to Cantona archeological site

Head to the Mesoamerican archeological site of Cantona (also known as La Casa del Sol), a thriving commercial center during the 7th and 10th centuries. Consisting of numerous small pyramids, this site boasts two-dozen ball courts, 100 plazas, 2,000 living spaces, and 20 different entrances.

After exploring this impressive archeological site, stop for lunch at a local but well-kept restaurant, run by a group of women from the community. Enjoy a traditional meal and contribute to the local economy.

Optionally, guests may also visit the Barroco International Museum, designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, for a guided tour uncovering the Baroque period.

Overnight: Hotel Cartesiano

Day 10: Departure Day

After breakfast and hotel check out, enjoy a private transfer to Mexico City International airport.

Dates

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.

Prices

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.

Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.