A broader circuit comprising Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca and Huatulco allows you to visit important archeological sites, including Teotihuacan (Mexico City), Cholula (outside of Puebla) and the two important sites of Mitla and Monte Alban near Oaxaca, as well as enjoy a beach escape to the southern Pacific coast.?If art, handicrafts or food are your passion, there is no better combination than Puebla and Oaxaca for abundance and variety.
Starting point
As previously stated in the Central Circuit Tour, Mexico City is the ideal starting point because of its international flight arrivals and easy access to the first-class bus system. The tourist sections of Mexico City are best visited on foot or by taxi but you can elect first class bus service or car rental to discover all other destinations included in this tour. |
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Mexico City
The Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is a recommended precursory visit to provide perspective on all that you will see along the way. Our hotels, La Casona, Condesadf and Habita are perfectly situated in safe zones to reach all key points in the city. From Mexico City, you may travel to Puebla on toll-free highway #190 (two lanes, but scenic) or toll-highway #150D, a little under two hours by car or first–class bus. |
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Cholula
You will find Cholula, the oldest city in North America, 12 kilometers before entering the city of Puebla on highway #190. Not to be missed is the enormous pre-Colombian pyramid, which was later buried under the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios church that now towers over the city. ?Popocatapetl, an active volcano, is visible from here. Three blocks from the main square, La Quinta Luna boutique hotel has a premiere location for those wishing to venture into the market place, taste traditional Poblano fare and walk over to one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Mexico. |
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Puebla
Famous for its talavera ceramics and gastronomic delights, is best discovered while staying at the Meson Sacristia de la Compañía boutique hotel located in the historic downtown area. Traditional cuisine such as mole and pipian are house specialties that have been recognized by international food critics and the hotel is steps away from the best markets and the architectural beauty of Puebla’s central square and surrounding buildings. The newest, very-talked about La Purificadora hotel is another fabulous option with it’s location next door to the church of St. Francis and the city’s convention center. Neighboring delights include a sculpture garden and Puebla’s contemporary art gallery. Continuing on your journey, highway #150 will take you to Oaxaca in about four hours. |
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Oaxaca and Huatulco
The city of Oaxaca and its superlative cultural, historic, gastronomic and artistic aspects are nicely complemented by a beach escape to Huatulco. The ruins of Mitla and Monte Alban and the tantalizing array of nearby market towns make it one of the world’s finest travel experiences. Both areas allow for excellent outdoor activities, such as horseback riding and hiking, but in different environments. ?In Oaxaca, we recommend staying at the beautiful Hacienda Los Laureles. The 30-minute flight to Hautulco is recommended, as the drive is an arduous five hours on hairpin turns until a new highway is completed. Once there, Quinta Real Huatulco will take your breath away, with its prestigious location overlooking Tangolunda Bay. |
Return trip
Return to Oaxaca by air and then on to Mexico City on toll road #190 and #150 via Tehuacan. Driving time is approximately six hours (plus potential traffic delays in the capital). Since this is the longest segment, an overnight in Mexico City or intermediate stop at Puebla or Cholula are recommended, rather than a same-day flight, which could be interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. |
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Zihuatanejo
Although Zihuatanejo is also located on Mexico’s south Pacific coast, it is actually geographically closer to such destinations as Patzcuaro, Morelia, Cuernavaca and Mexico City, which have excellent highways connecting them. As Huatulco does for Oaxaca, this beach destination and it’s spectacular luxury hotels La Casa Que Canta and The Tides Zihuatanejo perfectly complement visits to any of the colonial cities mentioned above. ?A new highway linking Morelia to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has shortened that trip, allowing you to drive between points in under four hours. |
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Acapulco
The famous destination of Acapulco can be the final stop on a circuit that combines Cosmopolitan Mexico City, colonial Morelia and laid-back Zihuatanejo. From Mexico City you would travel west to Morelia, continuing south to Zihuatanejo. From Zihuatanejo, a coastal highway will take you to Acapulco. Driving time between destinations is under 4 hours and can be done mostly on toll highways. The drive from Acapulco to Mexico city is only two and a half hours. but leave sufficient time to go around the city to get to the airport. This may take another hour depending on traffic.
Travelers that are shorter on time can consider Mexico City-Acapulco as a great city-beach combination that can easily be done by flying, driving or taking a first-class bus. In Acapulco, we recommend Casa Yal’ma Ka’an, a peaceful retreat both rustic and chic, located further south and far away from the crowds. |
