Colonial Mexico: Guadalajara, San Miguel & Mexico City
November 10, 2027 thru November 18, 2027
From the lively plazas of Guadalajara to the grand boulevards of Mexico City, discover the cultural heart of Mexico on a journey filled with UNESCO World Heritage cities, magnificent colonial architecture, Indigenous traditions, and unforgettable local experiences. Travel through the blue agave fields to Tequila, explore elegant Morelia, experience the Purépecha heritage of Tzintzuntzan and Pátzcuaro, and wander the colorful streets and plazas of Guanajuato and enchanting San Miguel de Allende.
The journey concludes with three nights in fascinating Mexico City, giving you time to experience the capital both independently and with your guide. Cruise the historic canals of Xochimilco, explore the monumental Historic Center, and stand among the ancient remains of the Templo Mayor, once the heart of Aztec Tenochtitlan. With comfortable hotels, expert guidance, included sightseeing, and a relaxed pace, this 9-day adventure offers a wonderfully immersive way to experience the history, cuisine, art, architecture, and warm hospitality of Mexico.
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Transportation
Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
Transportation
Motorcoach/Transfers
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
Activity Level 3
Moderate
Meals
16 meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners) included
Availability
Available
Documents Required
Passport
Tour Highlights
- Historic Guadalajara – Explore grand plazas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Government Palace, and José Clemente Orozco’s dramatic murals.
- Tequila & Blue Agave Country – Journey through spectacular agave fields to Tequila for a festive Mexican experience and local distillery visit.
- Colonial Morelia – Discover this UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for its magnificent cathedral and distinctive pink-stone architecture.
- Purépecha Culture & Pátzcuaro – Experience the Indigenous heritage of Tzintzuntzan and the cobblestone streets, artisan traditions, and plazas of charming Pátzcuaro.
- Colorful Guanajuato – Wander through one of Mexico’s most picturesque cities, including the Garden of the Union, Alley of the Kiss, and historic plazas.
- San Miguel de Allende – Enjoy two nights in this celebrated UNESCO city, known for colorful colonial architecture, galleries, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas.
- Historic Querétaro – Explore another of Mexico’s colonial gems, filled with elegant architecture, pedestrian lanes, and tree-lined plazas.
- Mexico City & Xochimilco – Spend three nights in Mexico’s fascinating capital, including the Historic Center, Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral, and a colorful trajinera cruise through Xochimilco.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
- All transfers & motorcoach transportation
- 8 nights’ hotel lodging
- 16 meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners)
- Admissions & tours as described
- Professional bilingual tour director
- Your Sun Tours tour escort
- Baggage handling
- Tour director, driver & local guide tips (excluding housekeeping)
Day 1 – Welcome to Guadalajara
Arrive in Guadalajara, Mexico’s vibrant second-largest city, where elegant colonial architecture, colorful traditions, and a thriving modern culture come together. Upon arrival at Guadalajara International Airport, meet your local representatives and transfer to the historic Hotel Morales, ideally located for exploring the heart of the city.
After time to settle in and relax, gather this evening for a Welcome Dinner with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers. It’s the perfect introduction to the flavors and hospitality of Mexico and the exciting journey ahead.
Overnight: Hotel Morales, Guadalajara
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Guadalajara & the Town of Tequila
After breakfast, discover the historic heart of Guadalajara on a guided walking tour through its handsome plazas and architectural landmarks. Visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and the Government Palace, home to powerful murals by renowned Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco.
Later, travel into the countryside through the remarkable blue agave landscape to Tequila, the Pueblo Mágico that gave Mexico’s famous spirit its name. Enjoy a festive Mexican fiesta before exploring the town and visiting a local distillery to learn how blue agave is harvested, cooked, fermented, and distilled into tequila. Return to Guadalajara later this afternoon after a memorable day celebrating one of Mexico’s most recognizable traditions.
Overnight: Hotel Morales, Guadalajara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Colonial Treasures of Morelia
This morning, leave Guadalajara behind and journey to Morelia, one of Mexico’s most elegant colonial cities and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into the centrally located Alameda Hotel before enjoying free time for lunch and a first look at this beautiful city.
This afternoon, join a guided walking tour through Morelia’s magnificent historic center, known for its harmonious architecture constructed from warm pink cantera stone. Explore the Main Plaza, admire the soaring Morelia Cathedral, and visit such landmarks as Clavijero Palace and the historic Conservatory of the Roses. Along the way, discover the stories, art, music, and traditions that have shaped this remarkable city.
Overnight: Alameda Hotel, Morelia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Tzintzuntzan & Pátzcuaro
Today, venture deeper into the state of Michoacán and the heart of Purépecha country, home to one of Mexico’s oldest and most enduring Indigenous cultures. Begin in Tzintzuntzan, once the capital of the powerful Purépecha Kingdom. Visit the historic Ex-Convent of Santa Ana, founded in the 16th century, and enjoy time to experience this peaceful community and learn about the traditional crafts and customs that remain an important part of village life.
Continue to beautiful Pátzcuaro, a lakeside Pueblo Mágico filled with cobblestone streets, red-and-white colonial buildings, bustling plazas, and artisan shops. A guided walking tour introduces us to the town’s history and cultural heritage, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Health. After time to soak in Pátzcuaro’s distinctive atmosphere, return to Morelia for the evening.
Overnight: Alameda Hotel, Morelia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Colorful Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende
Travel through the agricultural landscapes of the Bajío region to Guanajuato, a colorful UNESCO World Heritage city dramatically tucked among the hills of central Mexico. Begin near the lively Garden of the Union, followed by free time to enjoy lunch and the atmosphere of the historic center.
This afternoon, explore Guanajuato’s maze of narrow cobblestone streets, plazas, tunnels, and brightly painted buildings with a local guide. See the Shrine of Our Lady of Guanajuato, romantic Alley of the Kiss, historic Alhóndiga de Granaditas, bustling Hidalgo Market, and the impressive University of Guanajuato. Later, continue to enchanting San Miguel de Allende, where we settle in for a relaxing two-night stay.
Overnight: Real de Minas Hotel, San Miguel de Allende
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – The Beauty of San Miguel de Allende
Enjoy a full day discovering San Miguel de Allende, one of Mexico’s most celebrated colonial destinations. Its beautifully preserved historic center is a delight to explore, with cobblestone streets, colorful façades, shaded courtyards, ornate wrought-iron balconies, massive wooden doors, and inviting plazas around nearly every corner.
San Miguel has long attracted artists, writers, and creative travelers from around the world, giving the city a distinctive cosmopolitan spirit while preserving its traditional Mexican character. Explore the historic center and enjoy time to appreciate the shops, galleries, cafés, architecture, and lively central square that have made San Miguel one of Mexico’s most beloved destinations.
Overnight: Real de Minas Hotel, San Miguel de Allende
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Historic Querétaro to Mexico City
Depart San Miguel this morning for Querétaro, another of central Mexico’s great colonial treasures. Steeped in history, the city is known for its elegant architecture, graceful balconies, pedestrian lanes, tree-lined plazas, and beautifully preserved historic center. Enjoy time to explore and have lunch independently before continuing toward the nation’s capital.
Upon arriving in Mexico City, enjoy a panoramic introduction to this enormous and fascinating metropolis. Travel along iconic Paseo de la Reforma, see the Angel of Independence, and pass the greenery of Chapultepec, with views of historic Chapultepec Castle. We then arrive at the Marquis Reforma for a three-night stay.
Overnight: Marquis Reforma, Mexico City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Xochimilco & Historic Mexico City
This morning, travel to Xochimilco, famous for the canals that preserve a remarkable piece of the region’s pre-Hispanic landscape. Step aboard a brightly decorated trajinera for a leisurely cruise along the waterways, surrounded by the colors, music, and lively atmosphere that make Xochimilco one of Mexico City’s most distinctive experiences.
Later, explore the extraordinary Historic Center of Mexico City, where centuries of history are layered around the great central plaza. Visit the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral and discover the archaeological remains of the Templo Mayor, once the sacred heart of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.
Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a special Farewell Dinner, celebrating the fascinating cities, cultures, traditions, and experiences shared during our journey through the heart of Mexico.
Overnight: Marquis Reforma, Mexico City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Depart Mexico City
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Say adiós to Mexico as our journey concludes, taking home wonderful memories of colonial cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Indigenous traditions, colorful architecture, historic plazas, tequila country, and the vibrant culture of Mexico City.
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change. **Passport Required!**
Fun Facts
Tequila has a hometown!
Authentic tequila takes its name from the town of Tequila, Jalisco, surrounded by vast fields of blue agave.
Morelia is known as the “Pink City.”
Many of its magnificent colonial buildings were constructed from locally quarried pink cantera stone.
Mexico City was built atop an Aztec capital.
Beneath today’s metropolis lie the remains of Tenochtitlan, once one of the largest and most impressive cities in the Americas.
Hotel Information
Morales Hotel
Guadalajara, MX
Alameda Hotel
Morelia, MX
Real de Minas Hotel
Guanajuato, MX
Marquis Reforma
Mexico City, MX
Package Pricing
$4,725 per person
Double occupancy
Deposit: $250
$5,335 per person
Single occupancy
Deposit: $250
Final Payment Due:
July 6, 2027
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
All transfers & motorcoach transportation
8 nights' hotel lodging
16 meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners)
Admissions & tours as described
Professional bilingual tour director
Your Sun Tours tour escort
Baggage handling
Tour director, driver & local guide tips (excluding housekeeping)
Booking Policy
**Passport Required!**
Cancellation Fees:
- None – through July 6, 2027
- $250 – July 7 – August 4, 2027
- 60%* – August 5 – September 1, 2027
- 100%* – After September 1, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection is encouraged. Please click here for more information.
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING 3
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING 3: Moderate
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking, 2-3 hours of walking each day. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.
Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Airport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A passport is required for travel outside of the United States. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers may be assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Maid tips are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour, you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
Southern Mexico has a tropical climate, and in November, it is transitioning from the rainy season to the dry season. Here's a general overview of what to expect in terms of weather in Southern Mexico during November:
Temperature: Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit. Nights can be cooler, especially in elevated regions.
Rainfall: Although November marks the end of the rainy season, occasional showers and even some heavier rain events can still occur. However, the frequency of rain typically decreases as the month progresses.
Humidity: Humidity levels can still be relatively high in November, but it often feels less oppressive than during the peak rainy months.
Variability: As with any region, microclimates can mean that specific locations might experience different weather patterns. For instance, mountainous areas might be cooler and can have different rainfall patterns than coastal areas.
Clothing: It is always best to dress in layers for your comfort. Please wear shoes that are appropriate for walking on various terrains.
Always check a reliable weather forecast specific to the exact location you plan to visit in Southern Mexico to prepare appropriately.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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