Dec 16 – Dec 27, 2023
Christmas is one of the most important and revered holidays in Mexico, and like many other traditions, it is surrounded in festivals, crafts, food, music, and tradition.
This itinerary will take you to explore charming little towns and colonial cities, to discover the Mexican traditions surrounding Christmas, including visiting a small village that makes delicately ornate Christmas baubles.
Visit the small towns of Atlixco and Metepec, famous for their charm, Christmas spirit, and in the case of Metepec, their dedication to crafting “trees of life”, an art that creates detailed scenes with several elements made with terracotta, and painted in bright colours.
The city of Morelia welcomes us with its cool evenings, to spend Christmas right at the city centre, with opportunities to witness everyday life of locals, as the bustle in and out of shops, and around markets, in the spree of the holiday.
To close the experience, enjoy a visit to a Monarch butterfly sanctuary, where thousands of butterflies gather as they come to the Mexican forests in their annual migration, journeying south from Canada.
$2,749usd per person (in double room)
12 days, 11 nights
Starts in Mexico City, December 16th, 2023
Ends in Mexico City, December 27th, 2023
Upon arrival in Mexico City, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff who will escort you to your centrally-located hotel for check-in. Take the evening to relax and unwind after your journey, and get ready for an exciting experience ahead.
Accommodation at Zocalo Central; no meals included today
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, before enjoying a city tour of Mexico City. Discover hidden gems such as a traditional tavern and a candy shop, while also taking in the iconic Templo Mayor, the remnants of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan.
Afterwards, indulge in a walking food tour in downtown Mexico City, savouring the flavours of different types of tacos, a beloved dish that is synonymous with Mexico.
Accommodation at Zocalo Central; breakfast and lunch included today
Today, embark on a journey to the neighbouring state of Puebla, reaching the charming small Magical Town of Chignahuapan. Here, dozens of workshops have perfected the craft of creating Christmas baubles, many with delicately ornate designs. You will have time to explore the town on your own after visiting the local shrine and a Christmas bauble workshop.
After the visit, the journey continues to the colonial city of Puebla.
Accommodation at NH Puebla; breakfast included today
The city of Cholula lies just outside of Puebla, and is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored. Discover its colorful historic center, its ornately decorated temples, and the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest in the world by volume.
Back in Puebla, immerse yourself in the local culture with a guided city tour, stroll through its colonial-era streets and take in the sights and sounds of the locals preparing for Christmas celebrations. The city comes alive with Christmas lights and decorations in most streets and parks, making it a truly festive experience.
Accommodation at NH Puebla; breakfast included today
As you bid farewell to Puebla, make a stop in the Magical Town of Atlixco, known for its colorful and picturesque ambiance, especially during Christmas with its festive decorations. Take a leisurely stroll and discover the town at your own pace before setting off to the city of Cuernavaca, nestled in the mountains south of Mexico City.
Accommodation at Mision Grand Cuernavaca; breakfast included today
Enjoy a day tour to the Magical Town of Taxco, a small mountain city built on rugged terrain, with winding, irregular and steep streets. Explore the town and its local gastronomy, savoring traditional dishes like pozole (pork stew with corn), cecina (cured meat), and locally made cheese.
Take a guided tour and afterwards, stroll through the charming winding alleys, take in the views, do some shopping or continue to taste the local cuisine.
Accommodation at Mision Grand Cuernavaca; breakfast included today
After a filling breakfast at the hotel, you will head west until you reach the magical town of Metepec- here, local crafts masters have perfected the art of making Trees of Life: heavily adorned, colourful pottery sculptures created and painted by hand. The Trees of Life were once created to illustrate passages of the Bible, and nowadays depict many aspects of Mexican culture, creating some of the most intricate Mexican folk art pieces.
Following a visit to a workshop, you will make a stop in Toluca for lunch (not included), and visit the Botanical Garden, which boasts one of the largest stained glass installations of the world.
Continue to Morelia for a 4 night stay.
Accommodation at Mision Catedral; breakfast included today
Continuing the visit to Mexico’s magical towns, today you will have an easy paced itinerary visiting the small town of Patzcuaro, known for its colonial-era cobblestone streets lined with red-tile roof houses and its location on the edge of a lake.
Take a guided tour of the town and then embark on a boat ride to the island of Janitzio, famous for its 40-meter-high statue of Morelos, one of Mexico’s Independence heroes. Climb to the top of the statue and admire the views of the island, lake, and surroundings while taking in the murals depicting the life of Morelos along the interior walls.
Accommodation at Mision Catedral; breakfast included today
Discover the historic centre of Morelia under the guidance of your expert guide. Take a special walking tour of the city and explore its Christmas highlights, such as the local markets, flower stalls, and Christmas trees as locals prepare for Christmas Eve celebrations. The evening is free for you to enjoy at leisure.
Accommodation at Mision Catedral; breakfast included today
Spend Christmas day relaxing at your leisure, enjoying the hotel’s facilities or ask us to arrange a special experience for you.
Accommodation at Mision Catedral; breakfast included today
As you head back to Mexico City, make a very special stop to witness one of nature’s most magical moments. Take a detour to visit Monarch Butterfly reserve, where thousands of Monarch Butterflies flock to during their annual migration from Canada.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the reserve and marvel at the sight of countless butterflies fluttering gracefully around. After an awe-inspiring visit, continue the journey back to Mexico City.
Accommodation at Zocalo Central; breakfast included today
At the desginated time, your driver will pick you up for transfer to the airport. Thank you for traveling with us!
No accommodation provided today; breakfast included today
