The rocky highland state of Guanajuato is full of riches of every kind. In colonial times, mineral resources attracted Spanish prospectors to mine for silver, gold, iron, lead, zinc and tin. For two centuries the state produced enormous wealth, extracting up to 40% of the world's silver. Silver barons in Guanajuato city enjoyed opulent lives at the expense of indigenous people who worked the mines, first as slaves and then later as wage slaves. Eventually, resenting the dominance of Spanish-born colonists, the well-heeled criollo class of Guanajuato and Querétaro states contributed to plans for rebellion.
The cordial city of Guanajuato, declared Patrimony of the Humanity by UNESCO, and the "Ruta de las Minas" or Mines route, that cross-cuts its municipalities, and its scrumptious and honest gastronomy make this state an excellent destination which reunites Mexican traditions along with novohispano culture. Just as bright in its underground lifestyle as in surface, Guanajuato at the present time and for almost 40 years, is the headquarters of some of the most important cultural samples in the world: The Cervantino International Festival.
Day 1 (Wed): Mexico City. Queretaro - San Miguel de Allende
Departure from Mexico City (hotel overnight in MEX City not included) to Querétaro, where we will visit the Aqueduct, the Ex-Cross Convent and Historic Downtown. Head to San Miguel de Allende, where many intellectuals and retired people live in. Visit: San Miguel’s Parish with the Holy House Chapel, the Inquisitor House, the San Francisco church & Allende house. Enjoy a great variety of cafeterias and restaurants! Overnight.
Day 2 (Thu): San Miguel de Allende - Dolores Hidalgo - Guanajuato (B)
Breakfast. Departure to Dolores Hidalgo, where in 1810, the father Don Miguel Hidalgo, began the Indepen dence war. Also José Alfredo Jimenez, one of the most famous musician composers, was born there. Continuation to Guanajuato, where year after year is home of the International Cervantino Festival.
In the afternoon you will enjoy knowing this fabulous city, full of beautiful colonial alleys and plazas such as the University, the Juarez Theater, the Kiss Alley and the Diego Rivera’s house. Its streets and subterranean avenues are one of a kind in the country. Optionally the “callejoneada” is a classic, companioned with musical estudiantina. Other attractions are the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, the Museum of Quixote and the Mommies. Overnight.
Day 3 (Fri): Guanajuato - Zacatecas
Breakfast. Head to Zacatecas, a World Heritage Site. This beautiful colonial city of "pink cantera” has the most outstanding Mexican baroque style, the Cathedral. From "La Bufa" Hill you will be able to appreciate an interesting panoramic view of the city. We will descend in funicular and afterwards an educational visit of the mine of Eden. Optionally, by night, you may enjoy the "Callejoneada", a
performance companioned with musical "Tambora" group. Other attractions are the Coronel Brother’s Museums. Overnight.
Day 4 (Sat): Zacatecas - Guadalajara
Breakfast. We will continue on to Guadalajara the capital of state of Jalisco, where tequila and mariachi were born. Will visit Tlaquepaque town where the finest handcraft are made. Place of the Bustamante´s Art Gallery. Possibility of degusting Mexican cuisine accompanied by a breathtaking ambiance with mariachi music at a traditional restaurant. Overnight.
Day 5 (Sun): Guadalajara - Tequila
Breakfast. We will visit the principal points of interest: Government palace with splendid mural paintings of Orozco, Plaza Tapatia, Degollado Theater, Cathedral and the Rotonda of the Illustrate Men. Continue on to Tequila, typical town where the main distilleries (Haciendas) of this famous liquor are located. We will know the agave fields, the “jimador” man and the process of the tequila. Return to Guadalajara. Other attraction is the handicraft market at Tonalá town on Thursday & Sunday. Overnight.
Day 6 (Mon): Guadalajara **** - Pátzcuaro - Morelia
Breakfast. We will get to know Pátzcuaro, which in purépecha means “Heaven’s door”. This City is famous for its colonial beauty and unique for its customs. Within the attractions are the Basilica of Our Lady of Health, the “House of the Eleven Patios”, and the Historic Downtown. Optional you may visit the Island of Janitzio. Enjoy the wide variety of cafes and restaurants which offer typical dishes at the portals of Pátzcuaro´s downtown.
Day 7 (Tue): Morelia ***** - Mexico City.
Breakfast. Continue on to Morelia, a World Heritage site, worldwide known for its student habitat and its magnificent colonial constructions of “pink cantera”: the Cathedral, the Government Palace, Clavijero Palace, the Major Plaza, the market of typical candies, the Aqueduct, and the San Diego Chapel. Departure to Mexico City. End of services.