Mexico · UNESCO Heritage Sites

UNESCO Sites Mexico: Discover the Amazing Heritage and Nature (9 Days Tour)

9 Days Round trip from Morelia Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites across central Mexico
  • 02 Visit Teotihuacán, Xochicalco, Cholula, and other major archaeological landmarks
  • 03 Discover colonial cities including Puebla, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Morelia
  • 04 Enjoy a boat tour in Xochimilco and a boat ride to Isla de Janitzio
  • 05 See the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System
  • 06 Relax in the thermal springs and vapor rooms of Los Azufres
  • 07 Seasonal visit to Angangueo or the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
  • 08 Travel with bilingual English/Spanish guiding and private vehicle transport

Discover Mexico through a rich journey of UNESCO-listed heritage, archaeology, colonial cities, and natural beauty on this 9-day tour. From Mexico City and Xochimilco to Teotihuacán, Puebla, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Morelia, and beyond, the itinerary combines guided visits, walking tours, boat rides, and time to experience local culture along the way.

Travel through some of the country’s most remarkable historic centers and monuments, including Xochicalco, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque, and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco. The journey also includes relaxing moments in Los Azufres, with access to thermal springs and vapor rooms, plus a seasonal visit to Angangueo or the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

Discover Mexico through a rich journey of UNESCO-listed heritage, archaeology, colonial cities, and natural beauty on this 9-day tour.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Mexico City, Morelia, Puebla, Santiago de Queretaro, Cuernavaca, Teotihuacán, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Cholula, Janitzio, Pátzcuaro, Angangueo, Tepoztlán
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Mexico City

Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de México - the largest city in Latin America where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. Arrive at any time before meeting your group and Tour Leader in the evening: informational meeting, welcome dinner, and optional get-together with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants.

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• Transportation: walking

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City

• Meals Included: dinner

• Activities: welcome meeting

2
Day 02

Mexico City

Join your group to visit and explore the UNESCO-listed gems of Mexico City: Chapultepec Castle (walking tour), Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo (guided visit), Central Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (walking tour), Xochimilco (boat tour). Optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening.

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• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Activities Included: walking tours in the Chapultepec Castle & Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; guided visit toMuseo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo; boat tour in Xochimilco

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Xochimilco; Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

3
Day 03

Mexico City - Xochicalco - Cuernavaca - Tepoztlan

Firstly, go to Xochicalco - ruins of the ancient Mesoamerican city whose apogee came after the fall of Teotihuacán. After exploring the archeological zone, continue to Cuernavaca. Known as "the City of Eternal Spring", this capital of the state is flanked by imposing hills and is festive all year round.

After a walking tour of the Historic Center, optional lunch, visit to the UNESCO-listed Cuernavaca Cathedral and a nearby 40-meter-high San Anton Waterfall, head to Tepoztlán. Located at the foot of Tepozteco Mountain, this "Magical Town" is the result of the combination of the unique ancient traditions and wisdom that enrich its many cultural expressions, such as esotericism, pre-Hispanic and vice-regal treasures, the counterculture, ecotourism or the simplicity of its everyday life. Check-in, orientation walk of the Historic Center, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

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• Transportation: private vehicle

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Tepotztlán

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Activities Included: guided visit to Xochicalco; walking tours in Cuernavaca & Tepotztlán

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco; Cuernavaca Cathedral; Convento de la Natividad o de la Anunciación in Tepoztlán

4
Day 04

Tepoztlan - Tlayacapan - Oaxtepec - Puebla

After a guided hike to El Tepozteco Archaeological Zone, go to the "Magic Town" of Tlayacapan. Being there is like stopping time and enjoying a break in your life while observing the majesty of perfectly carved murals in the UNESCO-listed Former Convent of San Juan Bautista, with walls that seem to form a celestial vault to guard the recently discovered mummies.

After a walking tour around the Historic Center of the town, we will move to the nearby town of Oaxtepec to see the UNESCO-listed Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Finally, we will finish our day in Puebla - a vibrant capital of the same-named state that retains a fantastically well-preserved center, a stunning cathedral, and a wealth of beautiful churches. After check-in and some rest at our accommodation, we will go out for an evening orientation walk of the Historic Center and optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.

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• Transportation: private vehicle

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Puebla

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Activities Included: guided hike to El Tepozteco Archaeological Zone; orientation walks in Tlayacapan, Oaxtepec & Puebla.

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Ex-Convent of San Juan Bautista in Tlayacapan; Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán in Oaxtepec; Historic Centre of Puebla

5
Day 05

Puebla - Cholula - Teotihuacan - Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque - Queretaro

Start your day in Cholula - the oldest city in the Americas inhabited without interruption since its origins. There, see the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world's largest pyramid topped by the Virgen de Los Remedios church. After an orientation walk of the Historic Center of the town, go to Teotihuacán - a complex of awesome pyramids, set amid what was once Mesoamerica’s greatest city. After a guided visit to the archeological zone, we will go to visit an impressive Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque built by the Jesuits in the 16th century.

Finally, in the evening we will arrive at Queretaro - one of the most representative examples of Spanish Colonial cities with buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. After check-in and some rest at our accommodation, we will go out for an evening walking tour around the Historic Center and optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.

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• Transportation: private vehicle

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Querétaro

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Activities Included: guided visit to Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacán & Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System; walking tours in Cholula & Querétaro

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (3x): Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacán; Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System; Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro

6
Day 06

Queretaro - San Miguel de Allende - Guanajuato

In the morning, go to San Miguel de Allende - a small city with a huge cultural heritage and a cosmopolitan population that preserves its true colonial feeling. After a walking tour of its Historic Center and optional lunch, go to Guanajuato, passing by the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco on the way. This church complex built in the 18th century features the mural work of Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre that is often dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of Mexico." Evening arrival to Guanajuato - an opulent colonial city, located among gold and silver deposits, with its greatest peak in the 17th and 18th centuries. After check-in and some rest at our accommodation, go out for an evening orientation walk around the Historic Center and optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.

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• Transportation: private vehicle

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Guanajuato

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Activities Included: walking tours in San Miguel de Allende & Guanajuato; guided visit to the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco; cable car to Monumento Al Pipila in Guanajuato

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (2x): Protective town of San Miguel de Allende and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco; Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines

7
Day 07

Guanajuato - Isla de Janitzio- Patzcuaro - Morelia

In the morning, visit Janitzio - the main island of Lago de Pátzcuaro, famous for the butterfly fishermen that you can see on the 50-peso banknote. Afterward, continue our tour in Pátzcuaro - a picturesque colonial town founded in the 1320s as the capital of the Tarascan state. Finally, after a walking tour of Pátzcuaro and an optional lunch, we will go to Morelia. Known as the "City of the Pink Stone", it's home to numerous Baroque and Neoclassical monuments. Check-in, walking tour of the Historic Center, optional dinner, and get-together in one of the local restaurants in the evening.

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• Transportation: private vehicle

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Morelia

• Activities Included: walking tours in Morelia and Pátzcuaro; boat tour to Isla de Janitzio

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1x): Historic Centre of Morelia

8
Day 08

Morelia - Los Azufres

In the morning, take your time to explore the city independently or join your Tour Leader for a continuation of a walking tour of Morelia. In the afternoon, head to Los Azufres - a rustic spa resort situated in the middle of the mountains with several hot springs and a sulfur mud lake. Once there, relax your body and mind in thermal springs and vapor rooms, or get an optional massage. Optional farewell dinner and get-together in the local restaurant in the evening.

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• Transportation: private vehicle

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-own hotel/B&B in Morelia

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Activities Included: walking tours in Morelia & Pátzcuaro; boat tour to Isla de Janitzio; access to spa facilities in Los Azufres (thermal springs with sulfur mud, vapor rooms)

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1x): Historic Centre of Morelia

9
Day 09

Los Azufres - Mexico City

Morning departure to Mexico City.

In winter, on the way, we will visit the nearby Monarch Butterfly UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - a breathtaking over-wintering site of the eastern population of the monarch butterfly. In summer, instead, we will go to Angangueo - a small town with rich mining traditions located in high rugged forested mountains.

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• Transportation: private vehicle

• Meals Included: breakfast

• Activities Included: orientation walk of Angangueo (Mar-Oct) or guided hike in Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Nov-Feb)

• Objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1x): Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Nov-Feb only)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Morelia 13 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Local Expert Guides

English/Spanish bilingual private guide

Accommodation

8x nights in conveniently located, locally-owned hotels/B&Bs

Transportation

Private vehicle

Meals

8x breakfasts, 1x dinner

Activities

Walking tours & orientation walks: historic centers of Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Tepoztlan, Tlayacapan, Oaxtepec, Puebla, Cholula, Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Patzcuaro, MoreliaGuided visits: Luis Barragán House and Studio (Mexico City); Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone; Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System; 3x Archeological Zones – Teotihuacan, El Tepozteco and Xochicalco; Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Nov-Feb only). Boat rides in Xochimilco (Mexico City) and Isla de Janitzio (Pátzcuaro); cable car to Monumento al Pipila (Guanajuato)

What's Not Included

Personal expensesFlightsInsuranceTips

Know before you go

  • ACCOMMODATION: You will receive a list of accommodations together with trip notes 2 weeks before the tour. Most accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes.
  • ROOM TYPES: Single Room: Private room for 1 person with 1 individual bed (twin-size or similar).
    Double Room: Private room for 2 people with 1 double bed (queen-size or similar).
    Twin Room: Private room for 2 people with 2 individual beds (twin-size or similar).
    Triple Room: Private room for 3 people with 1 double bed (queen-size or similar) and 1 single bed (twin-size or similar).
    Quad Room: Private room for 4 people with 2 double beds (queen-size or similar).
    If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote.
  • FOOD: Meals and Gastronomic Experiences included in this tour can normally meet most of the common dietary restrictions. However, due to the active program of the tour and different menus in each place, satisfying a special diet or food preferences of a particular traveler will depend on circumstances and cannot be fully guaranteed.
  • PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking and hiking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness conditions.
  • ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional – just be sure to be in time for daily departures. Almost all activities such as walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities), orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns and villages), guided visits, and hikes focus on local nature, history, culture, and gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader. You will receive suggestions for optional activities in trip notes. Extra-day tours and activities can be booked by your Tour Leader for an extra fee.
  • GROUP TOUR: Take a scheduled trip with other travelers.
  • PRICE: * The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room option you choose.
  • VISA: All foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality, traveling to Mexico for tourism, business, or in transit to another destination, are exempt from presenting a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid visa issued by any of the following countries: Canada, Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom or any of the countries comprising the Schengen Area (more info).

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Morelia, MX
Tour start
Morelia, MX
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Morelia.

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