Avoid the crowds and fall in love with colonial Mexico over 5 fantastic days of city tours and activities. Your journey will begin in Guanajuato, a charming city once thriving on its silver and gold deposits, and now enriched with colonial architecture and brightly coloured houses that will fill the air with magic. The history continues on to the city of San Miguel Allende, where you will learn more of the Mexican Independence movement that ended the 300 year colonial rule under Spain, giving Mexico its unique identity today
Central America
Mexico’s Colonial Heartland
5 Days, Departs daily. From USD $1,335pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Wander through the cosy alleyways and brightly coloured houses of Guanajuato - a city enriched with hundreds of years of history and culture
- Visit the Museum of Mummies, Valenciana Mines, and the Sanctuary of Altotonilco
- Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Learn about the Independence of Mexico during its fight for freedom against the Spanish army
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Extend your trip to discover the more Icons of Mexico, including the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza and Uxmal!
- Add on a trip to Belize and enjoy its laid back charm, pristine jungle and Caribbean Islands
- Find yourself warping back in time as you discover the Essence of Cuba.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Leon: Arrival & transfer to Guanajuato Hotel
Arrival & transfer to Guanajuato Hotel
Upon arrival at Leon airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in Guanajuato, around a 1hr 15 minute drive away.
The extraordinary Unesco World Heritage city of Guanajuato was founded in 1559 due to the region's rich silver and gold deposits. Opulent colonial buildings, stunning tree-filled plazas and brightly colored houses are crammed onto the steep slopes of a ravine. Excellent museums, handsome theaters and a fine marketplace punctuate the cobblestone streets.
Day 2 - Guanajuato: City Tour
City Tour
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and begin your city tour with a visit to the famous Museum of the Mummies of Guanajuato. The exhibition includes a number of naturally mummified bodies that resulted from a cholera outbreak in the city back in 1833. Following on, you will also visit the Valenciana mine and its majestic temple, one of the most beautiful in the country with its 23.5 carat gold-framed altarpieces and tunnel zones. If you have yet to find yourself in a mine 200ft deep within the surface of the Earth, then the Valenciana will be a perfect start.
The tour will take you to the Mirador del Pipila monument, a famous statue set on a panoramic hill that depicts El Pipila, an important figure during the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. The steep stairways leading to the top of the hill will have you at a perfect spot to overlook the whole city of Guanajuato.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - Guanajuato: Travel to San Miguel de Allende via Dolores & Atotonilco
Travel to San Miguel de Allende via Dolores & Atotonilco
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the cradle of the Mexican independence movement as well as some of the most beautiful colonial cities in the country. The tour will begin in Dolores Hidalgo, where you will go to the mausoleum of the singer-author Jose Alfredo Jimenez. The absence of tourists in this town will perhaps make this a highlight of your trip as you learn about the history of Mexico's independence in peace and quiet.
Afterwards, visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, also known as the Mexican Sistine Chapel. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can step inside to admire its detailed murals, ceiling paintings and architectural designs that are deeply moving. The next stop will be San Miguel de Allende, stroll through the baroque architecture and neo-gothic style churches that were built around the 17th century. Check in to your hotel in the afternoon before spending the evening at your leisure.
Breakfast included.
Day 4 - San Miguel de Allende: City Tour
City Tour
After breakfast, you will visit the most interesting monuments of the city, including the Parish of Sangiual Arcangel with incredible history of Zeferino Gutierrez, the house of Captain Ignacio Allende, and the Temple of Immaculate Conception. San Miguel encapsulates the religion, history and hard work that people value, which can be experienced with your visit to the Fanciscan Monastic Complex, and the Old Town of San Miguel el Grande. Your guide will tell you an interesting story on how the Independence of Mexico in the House of Conspiracies was forged.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - San Miguel de Allende: Transfer to Mexico City Airport
Transfer to Mexico City Airport
You will be transferred from your hotel in San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City Aiport for your departing flight.
Breakfast included.
Please contact us for dates
Superior
Guanajuato, Mexico - Hotel Mision Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - Mision San Miguel de Allende
Deluxe
Guanajuato, Mexico - Mision Grand Casa Colorada
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - Hotel Real de Minas
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- English speaking guided tours
- Transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- Airfares
- Airport arrival/departure taxes where applicable
- Hotel taxes where applicable and payable directly at hotels
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Central America
Let us take you on an authentic journey throughout this rich and versatile region with its spectacular Caribbean beaches, smouldering volcanoes and lush green jungles sheltering a rich variety of fauna. Throw in its fascinating history, hidden Mayan ruins and the rhythm of Cuban salsa and we’re certain you’ll find this region is a treat to the senses.
Downloadable travel guide
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