This circuit is a fine introduction to the historic events that have shaped Mexico, as well as its archaeological legacies and its geographical beauty.
Starting Point
The best place to start is Mexico City, thanks to its many international flight arrivals. The recommended form of transportation is via the excellent first class busses of Mexico. In fact, the airport has direct first class bus departures to most destinations on this route or satellite terminals can be reached from within the city for all points outbound. If renting a car, wait until you’ve finished touring Mexico City as driving here is challenging and the city can be explored on foot, by metro and taxi. |
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Mexico City
This is one of the most populated and fascinating cities in the world–a unique blend of cultures dating back more than 2,000 years. You’ll need more than a couple of days to see the highlights of Chapultepec Park and its National Museum of Anthropology, the Zona Rosa, and the historic center with its colonial architecture superimposed on the ruins of an Aztec city. Mexico City is fascinating and diverse and so are our hotels here. While contrasting in style, they all have excellent locations to discover all this city has to offer. While La Casona is a traditional, elegant home that is demure and discreet, Condesadf is smart, chic and closest to the emerging Condesa area restaurant and bar scene. Another unique option is Habita, an un-conventional, ultra-modern base from which to socialize with local fashionistas. Mexico City Historical Center sponsors excellent free guided tours. A side trip to the pyramids of Teotihuacan can be done in one day. From here, depart to Puebla on toll-free highway #190 (two lanes, scenic) or toll-highway #150D, just under two hours away. On clear days, Popocatapetl will loom impressively in front of you en route, best seen from seat # 1 on your bus. (To do this tour in reverse, you can exit Mexico City on toll-highway #95D to Cuernavaca and Tepoztlan). |
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Puebla and Cholula
The historic center of Puebla is wonderful for walking and is filled with fine talavera ceramics as well as architecture and antiques inherited from its colonial settlers. Within three blocks of the Zócalo and closest to the best markets for all these handcrafts is the charming Mesón Sacristia de la Compañía, a quaint hotel and dining must in this destination. A newer, trendier lodging option is the stunning La Purificadora hotel. Equally well located, it has quickly become a hub for business and pleasure travelers in the know. Just 30 mintues away is the America’s oldest city, Cholula, with its astounding pyramid and tunnel system. La Quinta Luna hotel is significant for its historic building and thus a perfect spot to settle in while absorbing the history and culture. Between these two cities, a minimum three day visit is recommended. |
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Tepoztlan
Leave Puebla southward on highway #190, switching to highway #160 at Izucar de Matamoros and on to Cuernavaca (all toll-free) and Tepoztlan. Cuernavaca’s Museum of Cuauhnahuac is historically important, located in the Cortés Palace, the former home of conquistador Hernán Cortés. Interesting sites to visit in this area include the silver city of Taxco, the caves at Cacahuamilpa, the rapids of the Amacuzac River and the pre-Hispanic observatory of Xochicalco. All sites are accessible from the mystical town of Tepoztlan where our newest Spa hotel, Sitio Sagrado, will offer the perfect pampering treatments after days spent exploring the areas’ sites of interest. |
Return Trip
The return trip to the Mexico City limits is just over an hour. Be sure to leave ample time to reach the airport if you are not staying overnight, as traffic is unpredictable. |
Circuit extensions
Highly recommended extensions are Oaxaca City and Huatulco for their cultural importance, beaches and ecological attributes (see South circuit itineraries, page 138), or the closer Bajio colonial cities of Morelia and Queretaro (see Bajio circuit on page 98) for their historical significance and cultural communities. |
