Northern Trails and Colonial Mexico

Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at Chihuahua airport, our transfer representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
After check-in, our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a city tour, during which you’ll visit the Pancho Villa Museum, the Cathedral, Quinta Gameros Museum, the Government Palace, and historic residential neighborhoods.

After breakfast, we’ll set out through scenic landscapes of mountains and forests, passing through towns inhabited by Mennonite communities. Traveling 260 km, we’ll arrive in Creel , a vibrant Pueblo Mágico known as the gateway to the Copper Canyon.
Here, we’ll embark on a tour that includes Lake Arareko, the historic San Ignacio Mission, Tarahumara caves still inhabited by local families, and the unique rock formations of the Valley of Mushrooms and Frogs.

Today, we’ll travel 130 km by road through breathtaking landscapes. Our tour includes a visit to Piedra Volada Falls, the Adventure Park, the suspension bridge, and scenic viewpoints. At the Adventure Park, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, including the cable car, zipline, zip rider, and rentals for ATVs and bicycles, as well as guided hikes led by Tarahumara guides. These activities are not included (tickets available at the park entrance).
After lunch (included), we’ll take a guided walk through the area to admire different views of the canyon and visit a traditional Tarahumara cave. We’ll then continue to the hotel, with dinner included .

Today, we’ll board the Chepe Express through the Copper Canyon, one of the world’s most spectacular tourist trains (tourist class). The train winds deep into the mountains, navigating rugged terrain, passing steep cliffs, and crossing 86 impressive tunnels and 37 remarkable bridges that span powerful rivers. Along the way, you’ll take in the most stunning views of the region, including the highest bridge on the route and the “El Descanso” Tunnel , the longest tunnel of the journey.
We’ll arrive in Los Mochis , where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. You’ll have free time to explore this city, founded in 1893 by American engineer Albert K. Owen as part of his utopian socialist project, "The Topolobampo Colony." Situated in a region rich in agricultural production, especially sugarcane, Los Mochis played a vital role in the area’s economic growth and development.

Free time in Los Mochis until your transfer to the airport. We’ll include a flight to Guadalajara , followed by a transfer to your hotel and leisure time to explore. You’ll then be in the capital of Jalisco , a colonial city known as the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila.

Total distance covered: 140 km.
Scenery: We’ll journey through the fertile valleys of the state of Jalisco, with sweeping views of the blue agave fields—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural significance in tequila production.
09:00 a.m. – In the morning, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Guadalajara, a city that blends modernity with deep-rooted traditions. We’ll explore its elegant historic center and admire landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Tapatía, the traditional San Juan de Dios Market, and the impressive Hospicio Cabañas (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing murals by José Clemente Orozco.
12:00 p.m. – Departure from Guadalajara. We’ll travel by road toward the picturesque town of Tequila, birthplace of one of Mexico’s most iconic beverages.
02:00 p.m. – Tequila. Arrival in this colorful town that preserves its traditional charm with cobbled streets, vibrant facades, and surrounding agave plantations. We’ll visit the renowned Mundo Cuervo distillery, where we’ll learn about the artisanal process of tequila production (admission and tasting included). After the visit, you’ll have time to explore the town, browse its local shops, and enjoy lunch at one of its traditional restaurants.
Note: Upon arrival in Tequila, the bus cannot enter the historic center; a walk of approximately 20 minutes will be required.
05:30 p.m. – Departure from Tequila. We’ll begin our return journey to the Jalisco capital, once again enjoying the scenic agave landscape.
07:00 p.m. – Guadalajara. Arrival with free time to continue exploring the city, do some shopping, or enjoy its lively nightlife.
Note: During high season, the distillery visit may be scheduled in the morning, in which case the order of visits will be adjusted without altering the planned content.

Total distance: 275 km
08:00 h.- Guadalajara –Departure-.
13:00 h.- GUANAJUATO – Arrival-.
Important Note: It is forbidden by law the entry of tourist buses into the historic centre.
On arrival, walk down to the Pípila viewpoint , time for photos. Afterwards, we will take the cable car ride to the centre. Free time to have lunch. After lunch, we will visit this beautiful university city declared World Heritage Site, its steep slopes, its narrow streets, its temples. We included a visit to this beautiful university city and World Heritage Site, with its narrow, steep streets and churches. Followed by free time. Visitors who are interested can visit the impressive “Mummies´ Museum”.
17.30/18.00 hrs: Transfer by sprinter vehicle to the hotel.

Total distance covered: 170 km.
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes along the route between Guanajuato and Dolores Hidalgo.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from Guanajuato. We’ll enjoy stunning mountainous landscapes along the way.
10:00 a.m. - Dolores Hidalgo. Known as the birthplace of Mexican independence, here you’ll have the opportunity to visit the church where Father Hidalgo issued the famous call for independence.
Important note: The city regulations prohibit tourist buses from entering the historic center.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Dolores Hidalgo. En route, we’ll visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, also known as the "Sanctuary of God and the Nation," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Please note: On some occasions, access to the interior may not be possible due to religious retreats.)
01:30 p.m. - San Miguel de Allende. A beautiful city with colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to stroll and explore its charming atmosphere.
Important note: The city regulations prohibit tourist buses from entering the historic center. In this case, the alternatives are a 15-minute walk or using a public transportation minibus. Please note that the quality of this public transport may be lower than desired.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from San Miguel de Allende.
06:30 p.m. - Queretaro. Arrival in this beautiful city, famous for its stunning colonial center, its lively Plaza de Armas, and its vibrant pedestrian streets and restaurants.

Total distance covered: 471 km.
Scenery: We’ll travel across the high plains of central Mexico, passing through cultivated fields, mountain ranges, and volcanic landscapes. This journey will unveil ancestral, colonial, and contemporary Mexico all in a single day.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Querétaro. We’ll begin our journey heading south, entering regions rich in history and cultural heritage.
10:00 a.m. – Tula. Arrival at the archaeological site of Tula (admission included), the former capital of the Toltec civilization—precursors to many Mesoamerican traditions. Among the most striking features are the Atlantes, four-meter-tall warrior figures carved in stone, symbolizing the Toltecs’ military might. The site also features remains of pyramids, palaces, and columns with intricate carvings, showcasing the sophistication of this ancient culture.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Tula. We’ll continue by road to one of Mexico’s most iconic colonial cities.
02:15 p.m. – Puebla. Arrival in this UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its exquisite cuisine (birthplace of mole poblano), colonial baroque architecture, and traditional Talavera pottery. Highlights include the grand Renaissance-style Cathedral, one of the most impressive in the Americas, and the lively Zócalo, a bustling square surrounded by arcades. Free time to enjoy lunch and stroll through its historic center.
05:00 p.m. – Departure from Puebla. We’ll continue our route toward an unexpected destination hidden in the Mexican landscape.
05:45 p.m. – Val’Quirico. Arrival in this unique village inspired by the European countryside, especially the Italian region of Tuscany. This medieval-style architectural complex features cobblestone alleys, charming plazas, and stone-and-wood facades. You’ll have free time to take photos, enjoy a drink, or browse its designer shops and restaurants.
06:45 p.m. – Departure from Val’Quirico. We’ll head back toward the Mexican capital.
08:30 p.m. – Mexico City. Arrival.

Today, we’ll explore Mexico City and the remarkable site of Teotihuacan, located just 40 km from the capital. After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey at the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where past and present merge seamlessly. From there, we’ll continue to the impressive archaeological site of Teotihuacan, where we’ll visit the monumental Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, the Citadel, and the Avenue of the Dead. We’ll also stop by a local artisan center. On our way back to the city, we’ll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Latin America. After returning to the hotel, the rest of the day will be free.

Breakfast. End of our services. Transfer from the hotel to the airport not included.