The Aztec Tour

Itinerary Description

Day 1 -3 Visiting huge pre-Aztec pyramids 

Arriving in Mexico City on Friday allows you to visit the city at the weekends, when it is quieter and there are more cultural activities and markets. Staying until Monday, visit the huge pre-Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan and the Saturday market. You may also chose to join local people and families for a walk in Chapultepec park or cycle on Avenida Reforma, which is closed to traffic on Sunday mornings. Then perhaps take a long lunch, and in the afternoon have tea and cakes, watching the world go by in Coyacan. There are excellent restaurants with superb fusion cuisine and hotels with spa, to enjoy. Stay longer to travel out of town and visit Cuernavaca. We have a range of half and full day excursions in Mexico City.

Itinerary Description

Day 4 - Enjoy the views of the volconoes

Today we drive to colourful Puebla, with great views of the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. On arrival, visit the colonial era centre, with beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, a stunning cathedral, the vibrant El Parian market and charming Los Sapos. After lunch we drive to Oaxaca, admiring the dramatic landscapes of the Sierra Madre on the way. Here we stay for 4 nights, with three full days to explore.

 

Day 5 - Oaxaca's colonial heritage 

Visit Oaxaca and discover its rich indigenous and colonial heritage. We visit the Zapotec archaeological site at Monte Alban, featuring pyramids, the tomb of kings, an ancient ball game court and a star observatory.

Itinerary Description

Day 6 - See Tule's giant tree

Full day visit to the surrounding area. Visit Tule's giant tree, over 1,000 years old and whose branches embrace and cover a small church. We then head to Teotitlan, known for a long tradition of weaving cloth in colourful, intricate patters. The next stop is the archeological site at Mitla, which has superb stone relief patterns on the temple facades. We finish a full day at a Mexican liquor distillery, where you may wish to try some tequila.

 

Day 7 - Excursion to the artisan town of Arrazola

Today we have an excursion to the artisan town of Arrazola to see the colourful Alebrijes papier-mache figures, and the black clay pottery of Coyotepetec. Later we will visit the little known ancient tombs at Zaachila, and the impressive fortress-like monastery at Cuilapan.

 

Day 8 - Stay at a beach resort on the Pacific coast

Transfer to the airport. You may also take a short flight to extend your stay at a beach resort on the Pacific coast at Huatulco, Puerto Escondido or Puerto Angel.