Mexico City & Teotihuacan

Mexico

Culture

Ancient history meets modern metropolis

5 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro


Once known as the City of Palaces and straddled by the twin volcanoes of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, Mexico City is one of the world`s greatest cities. Visit it`s historic centre and discover its ancient heritage before visiting two of the world`s most impressive archaeological sites - firstly Teotihuacan with its pyramids, the Avenue of the Dead and a hotly disputed ancestry. Secondly take in El Topozteco, a monument to the Aztec God of pulque, an ancient alcoholic drink made from agave and still consumed today. Finally stop in Tepoztlán to sample some of its famous ice-cream.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Stroll the beautiful historic centre of Mexico City
  • Marvel at the vast sprawl of Teotihuacan
  • Drink a glass of pulque at El Topezteco
  • Sample the famous ice-cream of Tepoztlán

Places Visited

Mexico City - Teotihuacán - Tepoztlán - El Tepozteco

What's Included

International return flight (where indicated)
Airport pick-up & drop-off
Ground transport
Accommodation
Entrance fees to sites
Some meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
Drivers and guides

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Mexico City

Arrive into Mexico City where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and brought to your hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight in hotel.

Meal plan: n/a

When humans arrived in the Mexico valley in 30,000 BC, the valley floor was a chain of lakes. The water has been receding ever since and agriculture became an important way of life. The Aztecs arrived from northwest Mexico and settled in the Chapultepec region. The tribe were forced to flee however and in 1325 arrived on an island on the western shore and built their city there - Tenochtitlán. This was to rule over most of Mexico in the 15th and early 16th centuries before the Spanish conquest in 1519. Tenochtitlán was almost completely destroyed before being rebuilt on Spanish orders as the capital of Nueva España (New Spain), later becoming Mexico City. Today it is the third largest city in the World and the country’s main hub for the Arts. Since the Mesoamerican classical period, the inhabitants of the settlements around Lake Texcoco have been creating complex works of art. In the 20th Century, many artists immigrated to Mexico City from other regions of the country, resulting in the city becoming the home of the avant-garde movement of muralism.
 
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Day 2 : Mexico City

Visit the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Mexico City including the Plaza de la Constitución (El Zócalo), Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace and the Templo Mayor. Optional visits to the anthropological Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum. Overnight in hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 3 : Teotihuacan

Visit the famous archaeological site of Teotihuacan (a.k.a. "The City of the Gods"). According to legend this is where the gods gathered to plan the creation of man. Teotihuacan was the largest Pre-Columbian city in the Americas, reaching a total population of 150,000 at its height and is the site of some of the largest ancient pyramids in the world, such as the Temple of the Sun. Drive back to the City. Afternoon free in the city. Why not visit the famous Basilica de Guadaloupe or the canals and gardens of Xochimilco?

Meal plan: Breakfast

Basilica de Guadaloupe is a Roman Catholic church, built near where ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in 1531. It is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics and some approach the church on their knees. It is said that Juan Diego beheld the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill and from then on, she received credit for any miracles that occurred and in 1737 became patron of Mexico and later of Latin America. The Basilica was not completed until 1709. Due to a bomb in the Old Basilica and the fact that it was weak ground was causing it to sink, a new Basilica was built. Repairs have now been completed on the old one and it is open once more. 

Xochimilco is best known for its canals, which are left from what was an extensive lake and canal system which connected most of the settlements of the Valley of Mexico. These canals, along with artificial islands called chinampas attract tourists and other city residents to ride on colorful gondola like boats called “trajineras” around the 170 km of canals. This canal and chinampa system, as a vestige of the area’s pre-Hispanic past, has made Xochimilco a World Heritage Site; however, environmental degradation of both the canals and the chinampas is severe and ongoing, putting that status in question for the future. 

The huge pyramid complex of Teotihuacán was the first city in the "New World". Built between 250 BC and 700 AD, at the peak of its civilisation the area boasted a population of some 125,000-250,000 people spread over 2,300 apartment complexes. Only walking the mighty "Avenue of the Dead" will you understand the dimensions of the site.  This fabulous archaeological zone of Teotihuacan lies in a mountain-ringed offshoot of the Valle de México. For centuries Teotihuacán was the capital of largest pre-Hispanic empire in Mexico. However, unable to sustain its burgeoning population, it fell in the 8th century. The earliest Mexican murals are found at Teotihuacán and depict what awaited those who were killed by Tláloc, the water god. The Teotihuacán buildings were simple but grand in scale. Teotihuacán is known for its two pyramids – the sun and moon pyramids. The Sun Pyramid was completed by 150 AD and the rest of the city between 250 and 600 AD. The Sun Pyramid (Pirámide del Sol) is the world’s third-largest pyramid whose base is 222m on each side and is 70m in height. The Moon Pyramid (Pirámide de la Luna), completed in 300 AD, is smaller but built on slightly higher ground. 
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Day 4 : Tepoztlan - El Tepozteco

Drive south to the "Pueblo Mágico" of Tepoztlan. Visit this pretty town famous for its spas, meditation, alternative medicine and its traditional city centre. Hike about one hour to the small archaeological site of El Tepozteco, a monument to the Aztec God of pulque, an ancient alcoholic drink made from agave and still consumed today. Stop for a traditional lunch at a local fonda (restaurant) before driving back to Mexico City. Rest of the afternoon free.

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Largely undiscovered by foreign tourists, Tepoztlán occupies the floor of a broad, lush valley. The bizarrely shaped mountains creating the valley are visible from almost everywhere in town. It is believed that Tepoztlan was the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec serpent god who was widely worshipped in ancient Mexico. Many locals swear that the valley possesses mystical curative powers. The nearby El Tepozteco Pyramid was built in the Aztec era between 1100 and 1350 AD and is dedicated to Ometochtlli-Tepoztécatl – god of pulque (an alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant). Indeed, after hiking up to the pyramid, you can taste some pulque which is native to Mexico. 



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Day 5 : Mexico City - Departure

After breakfast you will be dropped to the airport or bus station as required.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Extensions

Mexican Sea Activities (1-10 days)

Swim, dive and cruise the shores to discover Mexico's marine life

Mountains of Mexico

Explore Mexico's stunning mountains on foot

Rafting in Mexico

Unforgettable rafting and free-fall experiences in the heart of the jungle

Canyons of Mexico (1-5 days)

Delve into Mexico's tapestry of craggy cliffs and copper-green canyons

Mexican Beaches (1-7 days)

Unwind on Mexico's idyllic white sand beaches

Ancient Wonders of Mexico (19 days)

Trace Olmec, Aztec, Zapotec & Mayan roots

Mayan Lives - Then & Now (17 days)

Trace the path of Mayan history - from antiquity to today

Classic Mexico & Cuba (15 days)

Discover the highlights of two Latin gems

Classic Mexico (14 days)

Aztec ruins, Oaxacan flavours & colonial towns

Treasures of Oaxaca (10 days)

The last bastion of indigenous Mexico

Day of the Dead Festival (10 days)

The festival where death never felt so alive.

Flavours of Mexico (9 days)

A culinary tour of Mexico's gastronomy capital

Zapotecan Village Trek (8 days)

Indigenous village trek in a world of biodiversity

Mexico City & Teotihuacan (5 days)

Ancient history meets modern metropolis

Reviews

The hiking was amazing with spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides. The luxurious but rustic wooden cabins were really welcoming after a long days hiking.

Caroline , Zapotecan Village Trek, Mexico

It is not surprising that UNESCO has added Mexican cuisine to its list of cultural treasures worth preserving. The variety and quality of Oaxacan food is awe inspiring and ranges from street food to creative chefs in top class restaurants. All aspiring young chefs should visit the Sunday market in Tlacolula, a real feast for the eyes and the palette. We have learnt a huge amount on this tour about life in Mexico and the problems of Mexico`s indigenous people.

Jeannie Saville , Flavours of Mexico, Mexico

Having travelled to Mexico on various trips over the years I was surprised to find Oaxaca was so different. Many traditions that have died out elsewhere are still alive and kicking in Oaxaca. And the food is sublime.

Bill Dodd , Flavours of Mexico, Mexico
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