MEXICO'S SILVER ROAD
Visit some of Central Mexico’s greatest treasures, from the UNESCO protected cities and sites of Mexico City Centro, Teotihuacan, Xochicalco and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere to the Pueblo Magico’s of Taxco, Tlalpujahua, Patzcuaro and Paracho. This tour will bring you from Latin America’s most Cosmopolitan city to what is fondly called the “Soul of Mexico,” through the authentic and remote P’urepecha Meseta, to the modern city of Guadalajara. Experience elegant restaurants, street food, and comida economica, which is a local tradition here. Visit artist studios, and have lunch with P’urepecha artists in the traditional towns of Angahuan and San Jose de Gracia. Art mediums to be enjoyed include silver & gemstone jewellery, obsidian, pottery, leather, woven and embroidered museum quality textiles, wood carved masks, copper pieces and various styles of ceramic art.
"I met wonderful, warm artists...our guide knew exactly what I wanted to see and experience and went out of her way to accommodate us. Did I mention I'll be back for more? Yes, of course!"
*****
Sarah Swan
QUICK INFO
PRICE DETAILS
Please contact us for information about your
group size. Price is based on cost-sharing for 2-16.
GROUP DETAILS
Age Group: All Ages
Group Size: 2 (Min) - 16 (Max)
TOUR LOCATION
Mexico City to Guadalajara
We recommend flying from Guadalajara to CDMX for your return flight, if travelling internationally
TOUR DATES
May 31-June 13, 2023
HOTEL LOCATIONS - 12 NIGHTS
CDMX x 2 Nights
Teotihuacan x 1 Night
Taxco x 2 Nights
Tlalpujahua x 1 Nights
Patzcuaro x 3 Nights
Paracho x 2 Nights
Guadalajara x 1 Night
"There was an age, however, when the transition from savagery to civilization, with all its impressive outward manifestations in art and architecture, took place for the first time."
- James Henry Breasted
BASIC ITINERARY
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023: CDMX
Overnight in Mexico City
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023: CDMX
Museum of Anthropology
Thursday Feb 23, 2023: Teotihuacan
Ancient City of Teotihuacan
Friday Feb 24, 2023: Taxco
Ancient City of Xochicalco; Taxco Centro
Saturday Feb 25, 2023: Taxco
Silver Galleries of Taxco; Taxco Centro
Sunday Feb 26, 2023: Tlalpujahua
Glass and Pottery Shops of Tlalpujahua
Monday Feb 27, 2023: Patzcuaro
Sierra Chincua Monarch Butterfly Reserve
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023: Patzcuaro
Day of rest and free time to explore the centro
Wednesday Mar 1, 2023: Patzcuaro
Visit the Copper Town, Catrina Town and other art studios
Thursday Mar 2, 2023: Paracho
Resistance town of Cheran; 2 villages with textiles
Friday Mar 3, 2023: Paracho
Church Ruins of San Juan; Textile Studios
Saturday Mar 4, 2023: Guadalajara
Ceramic Towns of the Meseta; Transfer to City
Sunday Mar 5, 2023: Home
Fly to CDMX for Connecting flight
EXPLORE ANCIENT CULTURES
Our introduction includes the iconic Museum of Anthropology, which has significant importance in the world, for how this collection was amassed. Spend two days engrossed in the ancient cities of Teotihuacan and Xochicalco.
DO YOU WANT TO COLLECT ART?
This region is bursting with countless mediums! Copper, Ceramics, Wood Carvings, Textiles....and beyond that, you get to purchase directly from the artists on our tour, as we will introduce you to the artists of our region! Not only can you purchase pieces directly, you will have the chance to meet the artists, and in two instances, have lunch with two artisan families....
LEARN ABOUT INDIGENOUS NARRATIVES
This tour may begin with the ancient city of Teotihuacan, and the incredible Xochicalco -but we don't leave indigenous narratives in the past. On this tour, you will be travelling through the lands of current indigenous narratives - including the P'urepecha, who are not a well-known cultural group, but as you will learn, a very important and powerful civilization.
On April 15, 2011, 8 powerful P'urepecha women from Cheran decided it was time for the matriarchy to resist colonial power constructs - and in the name of Emiliano Zapata, they lit fires around the village, over-turned their municipal powers, kicked out the local police, and rose to power as a self-governed indigenous-ruled government.
AND YES - THERE'S MORE
This tour is full of surprises. If you love art, history and indigenous discourses, just ask us for more information.
This is a very special tour that transcends the norms of Mexico's coastline.
Don't expect tropics, beaches, tourist resorts, or warm weather.......
Get ready to engage the heart of Mexico's most important landscapes, and her cultural heart
TOUR ETIQUETTE
Our group of 2-16 guests will be on the road for 14 days together. (The other 2 days are travel days) Most of our driving distances will be broken-up, with the exception of one drive that will take us from 4-5 hours, depending on pit stops.
Be Flexible: Traffic jams or delays can happen anywhere. Sometimes museums are closed without notice, and we will need to find a new activity. We will always try our best to keep our schedule and activities fluid.
Be Punctual: We ask guests to be 5 mins early for departure times, so we can load the van and maintain our schedule as best as possible.
Switch Seating: This isn't always necessary if guests are happy with their seating arrangement, but different seats offer different views. We will share the front seat between guests, so everyone enjoys the most comfortable seat, and panoramic view of the road and road-side attractions.
Read your Itinerary: We will print itineraries for everyone, and ask you to please check it over at night, so you know what is happening the following day. We will always discuss departure times for the following day, but it is helpful if guests pay attention to our schedule of events and activities.
Taking Photos: If you are taking up-close photos of the locals, please ask permission. This is especially important with indigenous peoples, and children. Most often, you will be met with a warm smile.
Sales People: Please acknowledge sales people in the streets, even if you aren't interested in what they have on offer. As guests, we must be mindful to show respect for the local people, including those who are homeless and asking for change.
Tipping: It is standard for foreigners to tip between 15-20% in restaurants. If you purchase anything in the grocery stores, and someone bags your items, the standard tip is 5 Pesos per bag. (They pay for their own bags, and do not make a wage. They are often seniors who have no pensions). A standard tip for hotel rooms is $40 Pesos per night. We recommend tipping each morning, as someone different may be cleaning your room each day.
Questions?
Please contact Jennifer at info@soulofmexicotours.com
