ITINERARY GREAT PILGRIMAGE TO MEXICO
Day 1, ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY
- Arrival at the Benito Juárez International airport in Mexico City.
- Receive a warm welcome and assistance at the airport.
- Transfer from the airport to the Hotel Regente City 4* or a similar hotel.
- Check-in at the hotel, featuring Bed & Breakfast accommodations in a standard room, including local and hotel taxes.
- Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 2, EXPLORING MEXICO CITY
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
- Begin your pilgrimage by visiting the Square of the Three Cultures and the Santiago Tlatelolco Church. This church holds historical significance as it was visited by Juan Diego after the Virgin Mary's apparitions.
- Take a panoramic tour of the Tlatelolco archaeological site, followed by a visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe. Here, you can photograph the original mantle of the Virgin and attend Mass.
- Explore other important religious sites, such as the Church of El Pocito and the Tepeyac Hill, where the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego.
- In the afternoon, continue your journey to the majestic Teotihuacán pyramids, Tulpetlac (Juan Diego's hometown) and the 16th-century Acolman Monastery.
- Return to the hotel for a free evening.
Day 3, MEXICO CITY - XOCHIMILCO
- After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a Mexico City tour.
- Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Santo Domingo Plaza, and its church, including the Chapel of the Virgin del Rosario, the first of its kind in the Americas.
- Explore the National Palace and catch a glimpse of the Templo Mayor from the outside.
- Discover other significant churches, including the Church of San Francisco and the Temple of the Professed.
- Continue your tour through Insurgentes Avenue, Siqueiros Cultural Poliforum, and the Insurgentes Theater.
- Reach the charming district of San Ángel, where you can visit the 16th-century San Juan Bautista Temple.
- Later, experience a Trajinera ride in Xochimilco, reminiscent of ancient Aztec canals.
- Journey to Coyoacán, where you'll explore the 16th-century residential neighborhood and visit the San Juan Bautista Temple and the Santa Catarina Church.
- Return to the hotel for a free evening.
Day 4, MEXICO CITY - TEPOTZOTLÁN - QUERÉTARO
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- Depart for Tepotzotlán to explore this picturesque town and visit the San Francisco Javier Temple and its exceptional colonial religious art museum.
- In route, stop in Cuautitlán, birthplace of Juan Diego.
- Continue your journey to San Juan del Río and Querétaro, one of Mexico's most beautiful colonial cities. Visit its aqueduct, squares, mansions, and historic churches, including the Convents of Santa Rosa and Santa Clara, as well as the renowned Temple of the Cross.
- Spend the evening at your leisure in Querétaro.
Day 5, QUERETARO - SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE - GUANAJUATO
- Start the day with a delicious breakfast.
- Visit San Miguel de Allende, a city renowned for its colonial era civil and religious architecture. Explore Parish of San Miguel Arcangel, a Gothic Temple unique in Mexico.
- Continue your journey to Guanajuato, where you'll visit the Parish of Our Lady of Guanajuato, the Valenciana Mine, and the Church of Villaseca.
- Explore one of the mines and the Mummies' Pantheon.
- Enjoy a free evening in Guanajuato.
Day 6, GUANAJUATO - CERRO DEL CUBILETE
- After breakfast, embark on a tour to Cerro del Cubilete and Cristo Rey in Guanajuato.
- Visit the hill of the goblet and the Cristo Rey sanctuary, a significant religious symbol in Mexico.
- Explore the hilltop, located 2,600 meters above sea level, and admire the Art Deco architecture of the Christ the King monument.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Guanajuato and visit the chapel beside the monument.
- Have lunch (not included) and return to your hotel in Guanajuato for a free evening.
Day 7, GUANAJUATO - SAN JUAN DE LOS LAGOS - GUADALAJARA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Check out and depart for San Juan de los Lagos, a 2-hour drive from Guanajuato.
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, one of Mexico's most important religious centers. Explore the impressive cathedral and experience the annual Procession of the Virgin.
- Enjoy lunch (not included) and continue your journey to Guadalajara, a 2-hour drive.
- Check-in at One Guadalajara Centro Hotel 4* or a similar hotel.
- Spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 8, GUADALAJARA - TEQUILA
- Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.
- Embark on a Tequila tour to discover the origin of Mexico's national drink. Explore old distilleries, admire the agave landscape (UNESCO Natural Heritage), and immerse yourself in the Magical Town of Tequila.
- Experience the essence of blue agave fields, the aroma of cooked agave, and the taste of tequila at artisan distilleries.
- Enjoy lunch (not included) and return to your hotel in Guadalajara.
Day 9, GUADALAJARA CITY TOUR - ZAPOPAN - RETURN TO MEXICO CITY
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- Take a city tour of Guadalajara, starting with La Minerva, Los Arcos de Guadalajara, and the Matute Remus Bridge.
- Explore exclusive areas from the 18th century, visit the Expiatory Church, and immerse yourself in the charming Magic Town of Tlaquepaque.
- Shop for traditional regional souvenirs.
- Have lunch (not included) and continue to Zapopan to visit the Virgin of Zapopan.
- Transfer back to Mexico City and check-in at Hotel Regente City 4* or a similar hotel.
- Enjoy a free evening.
Day 10, DEPARTURE FROM MEXICO CITY
- Have breakfast at the hotel.
- Check Out of the hotel.
- Private Transfer to Benito Juarez International Airport for your return flight home.
END OF SERVICES
Reserve now and embark on this unforgettable 10-day pilgrimage through Mexico's historic and religious sites.
Tour inclusions:
- Bed & Breakfast accommodations in 4* hotels
- Airport welcome and transfers.
- Guided private tours as indicated.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Hotel and local taxes.
Tour does not include:
- Health insurance.
- International flight.
- Other services not indicated in the program.
- Beverages during meals.
- Tips for porters, hotel staff, and guides.
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS:
Mexico's greatest pilgrimage is done in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe every December 12, commemorating the day when the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared before Juan Diego.
The Basilica of Guadalupe receives millions of pilgrims who travel for days from their place of origin throughout the country. All pilgrims prepare their clothes and carry banners, candles and offerings. Many pilgrimages also include a music band that leads the way and a parade floats carrying people who represent the moment when the Virgin appeared before Saint Juan Diego.
The present church was constructed on the site of an earlier 16th-century church that was finished in 1709, the Old Basilica. When this basilica became dangerous due to the sinking of its foundations, a modern structure called the New Basilica was built next to it; the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is now housed in this New Basilica.
The painting, which is preserved in the modern Basilica of Tepeyac measures approximately 66 x 41 inches and the image of the Virgin occupies about 56 inches of it. In the circular form Basilica, you can see the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe from any interior point; but if desired, there is a walkway below the altar with conveyors that allows better visibility.