Family Adventure in Mexico - 14 Days
Highlights
- See the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacán
- Feast on street food in Mexico City
- Go horseback riding in San Miguel de Allende
- Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Welcome to Mexico City | Mexico City |
Day 2 | Discover Mexico City | Mexico City |
Day 3 | Teotihuacan | Mexico City |
Day 4 | Biking in Mexico City | Mexico City |
Day 5 | Xochimilco and Cultural Coyoacan | Mexico City |
Day 6 | Lovely San Miguel de Allende | San Miguel de Allende |
Day 7 | Canyon Horseback Ride | San Miguel de Allende |
Day 8 | Welcome to Puerto Vallarta | Puerto Vallarta |
Day 9 | Marietas Discovery | Puerto Vallarta |
Day 10 | Vallarta Under the Stars | Puerto Vallarta |
Day 11 | Swimming with Dolphins | Puerto Vallarta |
Days 12-13 | Relax in Puerto Vallarta | Puerto Vallarta |
Day 14 | Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico! Explore the capital on a walking tour of the historic center. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore the Museum of the Great Temple, and stroll through the main square, Plaza de la Constitución (or Zócalo, as it is commonly called).
Day 2: Discover Mexico City
This morning, you will dive into Mexico's past and explore the National Museum of Anthropology, the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. You will want to dedicate your time to two of its main exhibits, Aztec and Mayan. Afterward, choose from one of the many restaurants downtown, then explore more of Mexico City on your own. Don't miss a stop at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). At night, you'll attend a spectacle of Mexican dance: Ballet Folklorico de Amalia Hernandez.
Day 3: Teotihuacán
Meet your guide and head outside of the city to the impressive sprawling complex of Teotihuacán: the largest, most influential and revered city in the history of the New World. Walk down the Avenue of the Dead and marvel at the imposing stone structures it links, like the Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Sun, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel, stopping at the famous Basilica of Our Lady Guadalupe, a Roman Catholic church, on the way.
Day 4: Biking in Mexico City
Enjoy the best of Mexico City by bike! Visit Chapultepec Park and pedal down Avenida Reforma, stopping for pictures and street food in the historic center. Take the evening to shop and dine in a restaurant before the next day's full agenda.
Day 5: Xochimilco & Coyoacán
Visit the canals of Xochimilco, the last reminder of the rivers that once crossed the valley where Mexico City is now located. You will enjoy a lovely tour through the canals on a colorful trajinera (a decorated gondola-like boat) while tasting antojitos (Mexican snacks).
From there, head to the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán for a little exploration. Stop for a bite to eat before carrying on to spend some time in La Casa de Frida, also known as the "Blue House." This historic house-turned-art museum is dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The rest of your last day in Mexico City is yours to spend as you like.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Lovely San Miguel de Allende
In the morning, transfer to San Miguel de Allende, one of the most beautiful cities in central Mexico. Located in the state of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is known for its historic center and many architectural wonders. Go on a city tour, then take the evening to explore the colonial city independently.
Day 7: Canyon Horseback Riding
Today you will go to a traditional ranch near San Miguel de Allende, where you'll take a short cooking class to learn how to make tortillas and house-made spicy sauces. Later, go horseback riding in the nearby canyon before returning to the ranch for a traditional lunch.
Day 8: Welcome to Puerto Vallarta
Fly to Puerto Vallarta in the morning. You'll feel the warm air of the Pacific from the moment you step outside the airport. Transportation will be arranged to take you to Puerto Vallarta. After you check in to your hotel, you'll spend the afternoon strolling along the waterfront promenade, relaxing on the beach, and sampling fish tacos from food vendors.
Day 9: Marietas Discovery
Today, you'll take a day trip to the Marietas Islands, a group of uninhabited islands off the coast. They're only accessible by boat, so you'll get there in a catamaran and spend most of the day exploring this beautiful region. After boating around, you'll have the chance to kayak independently or snorkel through the islands' many natural caves.
Day 10: Vallarta Under the Stars
Hit the beach by day. At night, you'll go to a once-in-a-lifetime venue—an amphitheater in the heart of the rainforest—to see a unique theatrical presentation incorporating indigenous music, dance, and acrobatics. During the show, you'll learn about a native way of life and generations of people who've lived in this region. Afterward, head back to Puerto Vallarta for a nightcap with an ocean view.
Day 11: Swimming with Dolphins
Today you'll swim with dolphins—but not in a tank or a controlled setting. You'll get up close with the Pacific bottlenose in its natural environment: they travel in small groups in the ocean. This hands-on activity is fun for the whole family, and especially for kids.
Days 12-13: Relax at Vallarta
The sun, sand, and sea are waiting for you on the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Have a leisurely day on the sand, and when you need a break, head into town to explore local shops and seafood restaurants. Stop into the picturesque Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, and at night, stroll along the beachfront promenade of El Malecón, which is lined with bars and nightclubs.
Day 14: Depart
Enjoy one last sunrise at the beach—and a Mexican-style breakfast—before catching your ride to Cancun International Airport to board your flight home. Safe travels!