Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Mexico - Mexico City - San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato - Guadalajara - Puerto Escondido
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine: your Mexican adventure begins today. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy some nibbles in the lounge before boarding your international flight, arriving in Mexico City 11 hours later.
On arrival, you’ll be met by a private transfer to take you to your elegant hotel in the Roma neighbourhood, where you'll spend three nights. Roma boasts a delightful mix of art deco architecture, authentic taco joints and layers of culture, so spend the rest of the day exploring on foot.
Mexico City’s UNESCO-listed historic centre bears witness to a turbulent history dating back to Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital. Today, you’ll explore the city with a friendly local guide, visiting iconic sites, like the Cathedral, National Palace, Templo Mayor and Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles). Admire the esplanade of the Palace of Fine Arts, before wandering along Madero Street, a historic street lined with splendid buildings.
Next, head to the Jamaica Market. Open every day of the year, it's Mexico City's most renowned market, selling everything from flowers and vegetables to meat and kitchenware. Stop and sample some local flavours for lunch before heading to the National Museum of Anthropology, home to magnificent collections of pre-Columbian and folk art.
This evening, we can arrange for you to see a lucha libre match in Mexico City Arena, home to Mexico’s colourful masked wrestlers.
This morning is all about Mexico's most famous painter, Frida Kahlo. Set in the heart of the Coyoacan neighbourhood is the Casa Azul (‘Blue House’), a museum dedicated to Kahlo’s life and work. Having lived here from 1929 to 1954, the house immerses you in the artist’s colourful spirit with displays featuring self-portraits, clothing and other household items. Wander through the peaceful house and discover paintings, traditional pottery and plants: all mementoes of Kahlo’s final days, as she painted in this very house until the end of her life.
After leaving the museum, be sure to stroll through the bohemian Coyoacan neighbourhood. A touch more traditional than the heart of the city, Coyoacan was actually a village before it was absorbed by the city in the early 20th century. Despite its newfound city status, hotels and skyscrapers haven't yet sprung up here, and the village has retained its provincial charm: cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a pleasant central market where you can devour quesadillas, tortas or sopes.
Travelling with an architecture aficionado? We can also arrange a private tour of Mexico City's architectural landscape.
This morning, say goodbye to Mexico City as you pick up your rental car and drive three-and-a-half hours to San Miguel de Allende. Along the way, don't miss the village of Tepotzotlan, with its church, monastery and the Museo Nacional del Virreinato, which houses an interesting collection of colonial art. You could also stop in Tula, a major archaeological site and former capital of the Toltec Empire, which is renowned for its 15ft warrior statues.
Upon arrival in San Miguel de Allende, check in to your charming hotel – your home for the next two nights. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing before flopping into bed, ready for another day of exploring tomorrow.
From colourful facades and picturesque streets to bustling markets and traditional shops, San Miguel de Allende is undoubtedly one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities.
We’ve left today free for you to explore at your own pace. Discover the city’s rich history, particularly that of the Mexican War of Independence, in which San Miguel became a ‘Forge of Independence’ under local revolutionary Ignacio de Allende. Stroll through the city centre and marvel at its charming facades, which house the workshops of talented artisans specialising in iron, brass, copper, and silver.
A must-see while you’re here is the Chapel of Jimmy Ray Gallery at the Casa de Las Ranas compound. Opened in 2012 by Anado McLauchlin, an artist from the United States, the gallery’s collections and displays centre on the importance of freedom of expression in a colourful and abstract style.
Today, it’s time to say adios to San Miguel and drive one and a half hours to Guanajuato, a city perched at an altitude of over 6500ft in a narrow ravine.
In the 18th century, Guanajuato became the world's most important silver-mining centre, which funded the construction of impressive Baroque architecture and drew in Jesuits who laid the foundations for today's University of Guanajuato.
On arrival, check into your central hotel and head out to explore, either independently or with a local guide. Guanajuato’s UNESCO-listed historic centre promises pleasant walks along cobblestone streets and cultural enrichment at the house of the painter Diego Rivera or the museum dedicated to Don Quixote. Don't miss the Alhondiga de Granaditas, once the site of an important battle during the War of Independence and now home to the Regional Museum and breathtaking murals by Jose Chavez Morado.
This morning, hop back in the car and drive three-and-a-half hours to Guadalajara, where you’ll check in for two nights at a central hotel. Affectionately known as ‘the pearl of the west’, Guadalajara is famous for being the birthplace of mariachi music and Mexican Rodeo. Spend your evening exploring the streets, marvelling at the colonial architecture and listening out for the feel-good sounds of a wandering mariachi band.
On the agenda today is a private tour of Guadalajara. Accompanied by a local guide, explore this beautiful city on foot, discovering its rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. You’ll see the city’s history reflected in the works of painters and muralists Gerardo Suarez, Jacobo Galvez, and Jose Clemente Orozco, whose monumental frescoes adorn the hall of the Hospicio Cabanas. You’ll also visit other emblematic sites such as the Degollado Theatre, the Regional Museum, the Government Palace and Guadalajara Cathedral.
While you’re here, why not visit Tlaquepaque and Tonala? Both set on the southern outskirts of Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque and Tonala are known for their thriving art scenes. Wander past displays of handcrafted ceramics, glass and jewellery and enjoy a drink in Tlaquepaque’s lively Plaza del Parian, or head to Tonala’s bustling arts and crafts market, held every Thursday and Sunday along Avenida Tonaltecas.
Today, it’s time to swap cities for sunshine. Drive to Guadalajara Airport, return your trusty rental car and board your one-and-a-half-hour flight to Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast.
Nestled among swaying coconut palms, Puerto Escondido is renowned for its laid-back vibe and year-round summer atmosphere. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, where you’ll stay for three nights overlooking the ocean.
In Puerto Escondido, there's a beach for everyone. Seasoned surfer? Head to Zicatela. Family atmosphere? Try Playa Principal. Fancy a dip? Manzanillo or Angelito. A romantic stroll? Bacocho. As if that’s not enough, you can also explore small villages and markets, embark on boat trips, go horseback riding or spend the day birdwatching. Come evening, sip a cocktail while watching a beautiful Pacific sunset.
During your time in this beautiful port town, we’ll arrange an unforgettable encounter with one of the most endangered marine species: the sea turtle. Three species of sea turtles live along the coast of the Oaxaca region, thanks to the efforts of organisations that collect their eggs, incubate them in secure locations and release the hatchlings once they are strong enough to survive in the ocean. You’ll participate in this final phase, returning these fascinating animals to their natural habitat.
Today it’s time for your Mexican holiday to come to a close. After one last seaside breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight. With a quick stopover, your overnight flight will take around 15 hours, arriving back in the UK the following day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
