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Mexico Colonial Cities Vacations and Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Queretaro, Puebla are probably the most well known colonial cities in Mexico.
Vibrant Mexico City is the world's oldest and largest capital. Landmarks such as the National Museum of Anthropology, Teotihuacan pyramids, and Templo Mayor offer glimpses into ancient culture, while the bohemian Frida Kahlo Museum depicts more modern times. In surrounding towns, such as San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, and Guadalajara, Mexico's traditional arts and culture thrive.
Interesting Colonial Cities Tours & Attractions
Coyoacan & San Angel Tour
Mexico City is the oldest capital city in the Western Hemisphere. This excursion takes you to the southern part of the city, San Angel. This colonial town, founded by the Spaniards, houses an important part of the history of Mexico. Visit the convent of El Carmen, built by the Franciscan monks, along with many colonial and post-colonial residences that were built in this area. See the Anahuacalli, the museum of Diego Rivera, the most relevant muralist of the early 1930's. The museum is also the home of the world famous artist Frida Kahlo. Enjoy lunch at the Exhacienda of Cortes, were Hernan Cortes lived, followed by a visit to the Zocalo of Coyoacan and the Cathedral. (CCV)
Puebla & Cholula Tour
Spend a day exploring two historic cities beginning with a stop at the wonderful city of Cholula built over pre-Colombian monuments and characterized by its catholic temple. Explore the Great Pyramid, the largest pyramid ever built, admire beautiful prehispanic murals and visit the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church. Once you arrive in the colonial city of Puebla de los Angeles, seek out the highlights: the main square, the Cathedral, the Rosary Chapel and the House of Alfenique. While in Puebla enjoy the many baroque-style churches and appreciate great Mexican art in its wonderful museums. (CCV)
Pyramids & Shrines of Guadalupe
This experience offers an interesting mix of Mexico's ancient history and its colonial history. Begin with a visit to the most impressive complex of ruins in Latin America, the Pyramids of Teotihuacán. The great pyramid of the sun is Teotihuacán. It is the second in size and was built with 2.5 million tons of stone and soil. Walk down the city's main avenue "Street of the Dead" and visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Finally, after you visit the unforgettable pyramids, the Shrine of Guadalupe awaits, where it is said that Juan Diego saw a brilliant vision of the Virgin Mary who commanded him to build this church. This experience is one that provides great insight into the history of Mexico. (CCV)
Tula & Tepozotlan Tour
See the remains of the Giants of Tula and the Convent of Tepotzotlan, considered the greatest museum of Mexico's colonial arts. The museum houses the most important religious art of the last 350 years when this convent was in service. Continue to the Giants of Tule, a set of enormous Toltec civilization stones, warriors on top of an impressive pyramid dating back eight hundred years before Christ. Enjoy lunch in a local picturesque restaurant. (CCV)
Walking Tour of Mexico City
This excursion to Mexico City's historical center, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, begins in the beautiful Angel of Independence at the Paseo de la Reforma street. Admire the 70 year-old Palace of Fine Arts, a truly neoclassic construction with an impressive dome. The trip continues on Madero Street, an authentic vestige of colonial times. Among the buildings, there are several important churches, the first bank in Latin America, and the palace of the emperor Agustin de Iturbide. Arrive at the Plaza Mayor at the National Palace, where the interior is decorated with impressive murals by Diego de Rivera and Clemente Orozco. Lastly, enjoy lunch surrounded by rich history and glamour at the Casino Español, the first Spanish social club in Mexico. (CCV)
Xochimilco and University City
Visit the floating gardens of Xochimilco "The Place of Flowers" at the southern edge of Mexico City. See the exotic flowers and plants that grow in the floating gardens and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere during the boat ride. After discovering Xochimilco's amazing wildlife, visit University City. The National Autonomous University of Mexico straddles the Avenida Insurgentes. Visit the university's main library, a building famous for its tile mosaic exterior designed by Juan O'Gorman. Dimensional murals by Diego Rivera adorn the rectory on the main campus. (CCV)
Guadalajara & Tlaquepaque City
Guadalajara, referred to as "The Pearl of the West", is the second largest city in Mexico. This beautiful city is filled with fascinating arts and crafts that are known throughout the world. Journey to Tlaquepaque one of the most important handcraft producers of Mexico, where blown glass and ceramic are made. Get to know the heart of colonial Mexico by visiting the Minerva Fountain, Republic Square, the Government Palace housing a stunning mural painted by J. C. Orozco, the Teatro Degollado, and the Expiatory Church, a 20th century medieval neo-gothic church. (CCV)
Lake Chapala & Ajijic
Chapala Lake, the largest lake in Mexico, is located 30 miles south-east of Guadalajara and is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages along the shore. Visit the lake and the town of Chapala, its main square and its wonderful church. Afterward, drive along the shore admiring villages and the beautiful American residential colony before heading towards Ajijic, a rustic town with shops selling rugs, clothing, and leather goods. (CCV)
Tour to Tequila
Go to the land of tequila, the most popular drink of Mexico, located 30 miles west of the city of Guadalajara. Learn the history and process of making tequila, which has earned denomination of origin and is the only spirit distilled twice. Get the feeling of an authentic Mexican agave farm, as you discover tequila's history, planting, harvest, and distillation process. Taste the real tequila - one of the best of the world - before browsing a diverse selection of crafts and souvenirs. (CCV)
Ocotlan, Jalietza, San Bartolo Coyotepec
This excursion begins in San Bartolo Coyotepec, a picturesque town famous for making beautiful pottery. Its production depends on the four elements sacred to the ancient peoples: earth, water, wind and fire. The craftsmen of this village are particularly famous for their creativity in using ancient techniques. Continue on to Santo Tomas Jalietza, a town famous for its weavings done on back-strap looms. Weaving cotton cloth has been a Zapotec industry in Oaxaca for 2,500 years, and native weavers still use ancient cultural motifs. Find belts, jackets, placemats, and ponchos. Finally, arrive in Ocotlan De Morelos, where the Temple and the Dominican ex-convent stand. Fridays are the traditional market days. Find fruits and vegetables as well as handcrafts such as pottery, baskets, hardware, cutlery, leather goods, hats, and wood carvings. (CCV)
Oaxaca City Tour
Discover Oaxaca, rich in culture. This excursion introduces you to all the city's major attractions, including the 16th century baroque church of Santo Domingo and the governor's palace containing a beautiful series of murals. As an overture to this historical tour, visit the Santo Domingo Church; walk through the Andador Turístico into the Cathedral, City Hall and the markets. (CCV)
Monte Alban
Monte Alban, "the ancient city of the Zapotecas", is considered one of the most important Meso American archeological sites. The civilization of Monte Alban flourished from 500BC until 1500AD and served as a holy center for the ancient Zapotec culture. Visit an important ceremonial center, ancient tombs, the Olmec ball court, and the hospital. Arrazola sits in the shadow of Monte Alban and is rapidly becoming known throughout the world for its unique wood carvings. (CCV)
Mitla & Tule
Visit El Tule, one of the world's largest trees. This 2,000 year old Mexican juniper weighs approximately 636,107 tons and stands 41.85 meters high. Then, take a tour of Mitla, a palace of Zapotec construction with beautiful fretwork made of polished stones in geometric designs. Have a taste of Mezcal at a Mezcal Factory, and end the tour at Teotitlan Del Valle, an indigenous village of weavers. (CCV)
Cuilapan Zaachila & Arrazola
Explore Cuilapan, an unfinished but marvelous religious complex, constructed by the Dominicans in the 16th century. It is renowned for being the place of execution of the Mexican patriot, General Vicente Guerrero. Next, take a tour of Zaachila, a fascinating town known for its Thursday market. Finally, visit Arrazola and browse the selection of unique wood carvings. (CCV)
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