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Mexico City & Teotihuacan
Ancient history meets modern metropolis
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- Price £675
- Was £725
- Price £675
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- Please contact us for flights from your nearest airport
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- Single sup £225
- Duration : 5 days
- Single sup £225
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- ACTIVITY
- OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
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.
· Marvel at the vast sprawl of Teotihuacan
· Stroll the beautiful historic centre of Mexico City
· Drink a glass of pulque at El Topezteco
· Sample the famous ice-cream of Teopoztlán
- Mexico City
- Teotihuacan
- Tepoztlan
Mexico City has some of the most fascinating history and there is a superb mix of ancient roots and modern life. This is reflected in the character of our handpicked accommodation making it authentic and a memorable experience. Below is the accommodation available on this tour.
Day 1
Arrive into Mexico City, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight in hotel. Meal plan: N/A
Day 2
Vist Mexico City centre and its sites. Overnight in hotel. Meal plan: B
Day 3
Visit Teotihuacan in the morning. Afternoon free in city. Meal plan: B
Day 4
Visit Tepoztlan. Hike to archaeological site, El Tepozteco. Lunch at local fonda then drive back to Mexico City. Rest of the afternoon free. Meal plan: B, L
Day 5
After breakfast you will be dropped to the airport or bus station as required. Meal plan: B
For full itinerary, click on one of the links below
· Marvel at the vast sprawl of Teotihuacan
· Stroll the beautiful historic centre of Mexico City
· Drink a glass of pulque at El Topezteco
· Sample the famous ice-cream of Teopoztlán
Day 1
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 destroyed before being rebuilt on Spanish orders as the capital of Nueva España (New Spain), later becoming Mexico City.
Day 2
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: B
Day 3
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: B
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 150AD and the rest of the city between 250 and 600 AD. The Sun Pyramid (Pirámide del Sol) is the worlds 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.
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 areas 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.
Day 4
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: B, L
Largely undiscovered by foreign tourists, Tepoztlan 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. 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.
Day 5
After breakfast you will be dropped to the airport or bus station as required. Meal plan: B
-- END OF SERVICES --
Day 1
Arrive into Mexico City, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight in hotel. Meal plan: N/A
Day 2
Vist Mexico City centre and its sites. Overnight in hotel. Meal plan: B
Day 3
Visit Teotihuacan in the morning. Afternoon free in city. Meal plan: B
Day 4
Visit Tepoztlan. Hike to archaeological site, El Tepozteco. Lunch at local fonda then drive back to Mexico City. Rest of the afternoon free. Meal plan: B, L
Day 5
After breakfast you will be dropped to the airport or bus station as required. Meal plan: B
Mexico City has some of the most fascinating history and there is a superb mix of ancient roots and modern life. This is reflected in the character of our handpicked accommodation making it authentic and a memorable experience. Below is the accommodation available on this tour.
- Mexico City
- Teotihuacan
- Tepoztlan
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL THE UNKNOWN EXPERIENCE
1. Choose your adventure
Look through our brochure or on our website for ideas. Download the trip dossier and detailed itinerary for any trip you are interested in for more information. Remember we would be happy to customise any trip to suit your needs if required.
2. Call us to confirm availability
Call our travel experts on 020 7183 6371 to confirm availability and ask us any outstanding questions. Alternatively you can email us at info@traveltheunknown.com.
3. Secure your place and complete your booking
Secure your place by sending a deposit of £100 (a holding deposit) and returning your booking form by email or by post. This will secure your place on the trip of your choice.
The total deposit required will depend on the trip chosen but is typically 25-40% of the ground arrangements price plus the full cost of the international flight if you decide to book this with us. The final balance will fall due 10 weeks before your departure date.
To book, now call 020 7183 6371 and speak to one of our travel experts or email us at info@traveltheunknown.com.
4. Book your flights
We want to give you maximum flexibility with flights so we can arrange your flights from the airport of your choice or if you prefer you can arrange your own flights and our representative will meet you at your arrival airport and take you to your hotel.
TELEPHONE
020 7183 6371 (UK)
(347) 329 5524 (USA)
+44 20 8823 0705 (Other)
POST
Travel The Unknown
Hyde Park House
5 Manfred Road Putney
SW15 2RS United Kingdom
WHAT TO FILL IN HERE
Fill in as much detail as you can including the name of the trip you wish to book, the date of departure, whether you require international flights, the number and type of rooms required, any additional services desired (tours, transfers, overnights) and any special requirements. We will then contact you as soon as possible to complete your booking. Our contact details are below if you require any assistance.
TELEPHONE
020 7183 6371 (UK)
(347) 329 5524 (USA)
+44 20 8823 0705 (Other)
POST
Travel The Unknown
Hyde Park House
5 Manfred Road Putney
SW15 2RS United Kingdom
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Mexico Regional Information.pd....pdf | 547 | KB |
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Booking Conditions.pdf | 300 | KB |
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Booking Form.doc | 61 | KB |
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Mexico-city-and-teotihuacan-ac....pdf | 244 | KB |
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Trip Notes - MCT.pdf | 212 | KB |
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Itinerary-mct.pdf | 207 | KB |
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