Category: Mexico Journeys 2024

Oct 27 – Nov 4, 2024
Nine Days and Eight Nights

Puebla is a true piece of art. From its architecture to its exquisite cuisine, everything stands out in Puebla. This year, it will be our main destination during the Day of the Dead celebration. We will take you to enjoy the incredible altars of Huaquechula and the monumental flower arrangements in Atlixco, but we will also enjoy every day with the best of Puebla: a hidden gem that deserves our attention. In addition, we will stay at our favorite hotel in Marina in Mexico, Casareyna. Every day will be an oasis and a delight to the senses. You just have to live it.

QUICK LOOK

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP

• • Visiting small villages around Puebla to enjoy the fiesta
  • Being in the houses of the most remarkable folk artists and learning about their traditions
  • Enjoying with the local families their creations and perceptions about this fiesta
  • Visiting places off the traditional path, often on the market days
  • Sharing the cycle of life in a colorful way through parades and processions at the cemeteries in the small villages
  • Seeing the extravaganza of the fiesta in the main city, where the youth also participate in the celebration
  • Learning about the process of making amate-paper and the traditions behind this unique craft
  • Enjoying two fascinating archaeological sites: Cholula and Cacaxtla

GALLERY

ITINERARY

OCTOBER 27

We will pick you up from the International Airport in México City at 1:45 p.m. in order to travel to Puebla, where we will have our welcome dinner, tasting the delicious flavors of this traditional cuisine.

OCTOBER 28

You will visit the most interesting historic places in Puebla, such as the Cathedral, the Palofoxian Library and the Amparo Museum. Every corner of the city will be the perfect spot to be close to the traditions of Puebla.

OCTOBER 29

We will visit the extraordinary Baroque Museum designed by the architect Toyo Ito. Then we will visit two fabulous places: Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec.

OCTOBER 30

Today we will visit the archaeological site of Cholula. After this visit we will see one of the most important workshops of Talavera in Cholula where we will meet the artista Fernanda Gamboa. Then we will go to Izúcar de Matamoros in order to enjoy the beautiful marigolds and the extraordinary art of Alfonso Castillo Hernández.

OCTOBER 31

Today we will visit the Folk Art Museum of Puebla where we will learn about how the Day of the Dead is celebrated in different villages. Then we will visit Huaquechula, one of the most interesting destinations in Puebla. Finally, we will visit two important cemeteries where we will be involved with the local traditions.

NOVEMBER 1

Atlixco is very well know because of its splendid flowers. Today we will travel to this fascinating destination to be amazed by this spectacular tradition, We will appreciate the monumental flower offerings while we are immersed in this epic celebration.

NOVEMBER 2

Today we will visit the most emblematic historical buildings of Puebla including the Chapel of the Rosary, which is considered the most beautiful Baroque jewel of Puebla. Also we will admire two other fantastic places: the Conservatory of Music and the Alfeñique House. After lunch you will have the opportunity to discover the colors and festive atmosphere of Puebla.

NOVEMBER 3

Today will be an extraordinary day. We will visit one of the most outstanding archaeological sites: Cacaxtla. Its murals are fabulous, and the story behind them as well. Also, we will visit the murals of the Government Palace of Tlaxcala. We will learn about the incredible vision of the artist: Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin. After lunch we will visit with a group of weavers. In Tlaxcala, textiles have a relevant place  whose essence is preserved as part of the cultural identity; they also have their own memory that is transmitted through generations, where artisans and craftspeople seek to enrich them with original designs. We will learn about the extraordinary designs and the textiles’ traditions as well.

NOVEMBER 4

Today we will take the road back to México City. We will be at the international airport by 11:30 a.m.

COSTS (USD) & DETAILS

The tour includes:

Your trip includes:

• • Transportation: México City Airport-Puebla and return
  • Daily tours
  • A guide specialized in archaeology, ethnography and anthropology
  • Entrance fees to all the attractions detailed in the tour description
  • Accommodations
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Eight lunches, including seven culinary experience in Puebla. Every day, you will have the best gastronomical experience possible, tasting the most delicious flavors of Puebla

Not included:

• •  International Flights
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry and personal expenses

This trip was designed for only fourteen travelers.

April 20-28, 2024
Nine Days and Eight Nights

Hidalgo is the state with the most artisan branches, among which the following stand out: basketry, lapidary, weaving and embroidery, wood carving, candle making, confetti, metalwork and saddlery. The purpose of this trip is to get to know this vast production of cultural expression and to meet the artists and learn about their inspirations.

Hidalgo has a strong indigenous presence, including Nahuas, ñhañhus and a Tepehua minority. During the trip we will have the opportunity to listen to their three indigenous languages. Hidalgo is a living and vibrant cultural mosaic and has a vast cultural heritage visible in its religious art, civil, hydraulic, vernacular and popular architecture. Our trip is designed to enjoy every aspect of Hidalgo’s culture.

QUICK LOOK

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP

• • Visiting the incredible archaeological site of Tula, and learning about the Atlantes and the importance of this city since pre-Hispanic times
  • Using all your senses to explore two magical villages in Hidalgo: Huasca de Ocampo and Real del Monte
  • Finding the most extraordinary weavers in Hidalgo, who are preserving their traditions since pre-Hispanic times
  • Enjoying the best culinary experiences in Pachuca
  • Celebrating the most important music in Hidalgo with their particular dances; plenty of color, dances, music and the unique joy of the people to honor life
  • Discovering the best of the mask makers, potters and embroiderers that are in Hidalgo, where artists express with beauty and colors their identity and culture

GALLERY

ITINERARY

.APRIL 20

We will meet at the Benito Juárez airport in México City at 1:45 p.m, then we will take the road to Pachuca. There, we will have our welcome dinner, and we will have the introduction to the trip to Hidalgo.

APRIL 21

We are going to visit the most emblematic place in Pachuca, the Ex-convent of St. Francis of Assisi, which is one of the most interesting examples of Baroque Churrigueresco. Then we are going to visit the Monumental Clock, that helps us to remember the first century of the Independence of México (1910). After, we will visit the Macromural of Pachuca, where more than 209 houses are part of this masterpiece.

APRIL 22

On our way to Ixmiquilpan, an area that is very well known because of their textiles and miniatures (wood ítems inlaid with shell). Ixmiquilpan is the center of the Otomi producer.

Here in Ixmiquilpan we are going to enjoy the wealth of hñähñu folk art. You will appreciate the work carried out by the artisans with skill and precision on the back strap loom, a pre-Hispanic weaving technique used to make blouses, sashes, quechquemitl and shawls, as well as personalized works such as banners and scrolls used for patron saint festivities. Among the variety of figures depicted in the garments, flowers, regional plants, fretwork, crosses and birds stand out. This technique has been preserved over time in the family nucleus.

We will visit with the group, “Las Mendoza”, made up of 8 women who have a history of more than five decades, and their work is internationally recognized thanks to the quality of the pieces they make.

APRIL 23

We are going to visit the Magical Village of Huasca de Ocampo. The first stop will be the famous Hacienda Santa María Regla, with its incredible architecture and famous fortress. We are going to visit the San Juan Bautista Church and the Ex-convent which now is a museum. This day you are going to have a great opportunity to enjoy one of the most interesting places in Hidalgo.

APRIL 24

Today we are going to visit Actopan. Along with visiting this amazing place because of its extraordinary architecture and the murals of the convent, we are going to enjoy the traditional dances of Acatlaxquis.

APRIL 25

Tula, Hidalgo. This archaeological site is very well known for its distinctive architecture and sculpture that came to light in excavations initiated some 70 years ago. Its dense, urban character is evident in excavations at over 22 localities that uncovered complex arrangements of residential compounds. Evidence of craft production includes lithic and ceramic production. Tula possessed a large, densely settled hinterland that apparently encompassed the surrounding región, including most of the Basin of Mexico.

This visit will help us to portray the influence of the different cultural expression since pre-hispanic days to our time and the colorful expression of Folk Art in Hidalgo.

APRIL 26

El Mejay Chilcautla. In this village we are going to visit a group of fantastic weavers. We are going to learn about their techniques, designs and materials. This is going to be an unforgettable experience because we are going to meet two generations of artists that are preserving the tradition.

The most important music in Hidalgo is the huapango, known by the name of “son huasteco”. The dance of this rhythm is performed on a platform. We are going to be delighted with a group of dancers and singers of huapango.

APRIL 27

Today, we will travel to another magical village in Hidalgo, Real del Monte. We will discover the history and flavors of this beautiful town. We will visit the most emblematic places while  enjoying the exquisite local cuisine. Real del Monte has everything and we are going to enjoy it!

APRIL 28

We will take the road to México City, where we will arrive at the Benito Juárez International Airport by 12:30 p.m.

COSTS (USD) & DETAILS

Your trip includes:

• • Accommodations. We are going to use Pachuca as a base and move each day to the different locations.
  • Breakfasts at the hotel.
  • Lunches. We are going to taste the local flavors of Hidalgo, including their delicious pasties (empanadas) and much more!
  • Welcome dinner.
  • Fees and entrances to all the activities described on the Itinerary.
  • Comfortable transportation with A/C.
  • Guide with a focus on archaeology, history, anthropology and folk art.

Not included:

• •  International Flights
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry and personal expenses

This trip was designed for only fourteen travelers.