Essential Central Mexico
Essential Central Mexico
Guadalajara Central Cathedral
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
Palacio De Bellas Artes Mexico City
$1399
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Central Mexico" tour, a cultural journey through the heart of Mexico. Begin your adventure by unwinding on the stunning Pacific beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Experience the vibrant city of Guadalajara, where you can enjoy mariachi music and savor tequila at a local distillery. Discover the rich history and colorful streets of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, with guided tours and free time to explore. Delight in the region's culinary offerings, from street food tours to local delicacies. Travel comfortably by private vehicle and public bus, staying in charming hotels along the way. Conclude your trip in the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, with opportunities to explore its dynamic culture. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and gastronomy, ensuring an unforgettable Mexican experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Vallarta
Location: Puerto Vallarta
Accommodation: Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta
Accommodation Name: Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta
Arrive at any time. Attend the welcome meeting in the evening and then opt to grab dinner with the group.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Puerto Vallarta
Location: Puerto Vallarta
Accommodation: Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta
Accommodation Name: Hotel Soy Local Puerta Vallarta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for a full free day in Puerto Vallarta for optional activities. Your CEO will help arrange and give you some insider recommendations, but you could spend some time on the beach, go whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), a day trip with snorkelling to Isla Marietas or find a nice place to grab some food and people watch. In the evening meet with the group to trade stories and go out to search for some delicious local street food.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a full free day for optional activities in Puerto Vallarta, like whale watching (seasonal, Dec-Mar), beach hanging, or a day trip with some snorkelling at nearby Isla Marietas. Spend the evening in search of the most delicious local food you can find.
Day 3: Puerto Vallarta/Guadalajara
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Tequila, Guadalajara
Accommodation: Casa Vilasanta
Accommodation Name: Casa Vilasanta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel inland to Guadalajara this morning. Make a stop along the way near the town of Tequila to visit a distillery to learn about how tequila is traditionally made with a tasting included and lunch. Continue on arriving in Guadalajara in the early evening for a CEO-led orientation walk.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Mexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Visit a distillery in a town between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight –a tasting session with lunch. Sip, don't shoot!
ACTIVITY: Set off on foot to get to know this city in western Mexico. Known for tequila and mariachi music Guadalajara packs a lively atmosphere appealing to any traveller. Wander the colonial plazas and spot landmarks like the Teatro Degollado and the Palacio del Gobierno houses.
Day 4: Guadalajara
Location: Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque
Accommodation: Casa Vilasanta
Accommodation Name: Casa Vilasanta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning today to discover Guadalajara's charm. In the afternoon, set off on a city tour including the nearby vibrant city of Tlaquepaque. Think mariachis, historical centres, and loads of fun and street food. The rest of the evening is open to do as you please. Maybe go for another walk through the main square and find a cool tavern to grab a drink with the group.
FREE TIME: EVENING Spend some time shopping, eating, and relaxing in Guadalajara for your last night in the area.
ACTIVITY: See more of Guadalajara on this in-depth city tour including some free time to explore the gastronomy hub of Tlaquepaque. See the work of Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco and discover the best views in the city.
Day 5: Guadalajara/Guanajuato
Location: Guadalajara, Guanajuato
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Regina
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Regina
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel by public bus to Guanajuato today. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour to discover the city's beautiful architecture, tunnels, cultural history, and of course, street food.
ACTIVITY: Gain a deeper understanding into this town located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Filled with brilliantly coloured buildings around a central park and loads of great places to try some local eats. Make a stop to a local bakery, head to a stall for some fresh squeezed juices, then try some tlacoyos, a sort of folded taco, stuffed with cheese and chicken. Next, head underground to see the labyrinth of tunnels below the city. And spend the remainder of the tour learning about the history and culture of this place while eating different kinds of street food from tamales to sopes, you'll taste vibrant flavours.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 6: Guanajuato/San Miguel de Allende
Location: Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hacienda Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wander through Guanajuato during your free morning. Grab a bite to eat on your own before the bus ride to San Miguel de Allende. Here the group will go on a CEO-led orientation walk before time to have dinner on your own.
FREE TIME: MORNING Free morning to grab a pastry on your own and walk through the main square one last time before moving on. Plenty of time for a quiet morning coffee and some people watching.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Your CEO will lead you on an orientation walk of San Miguel de Allende. This colonial-era city is located in Mexico's central highlands and is home to a budding art scene and many cultural festivals. Wander the cobblestoned streets and learn the history and stories of this place while in the shadow of the pink towers rising above the El Jardín main plaza.
Day 7: San Miguel de Allende
Location: San Miguel de Allende
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hacienda Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start off with a half-day city tour of San Miguel de Allende. See various historical sites like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri. Learn the cultural significance of various places and admire the architecture of this place before a free afternoon for various optional activities.
ACTIVITY: Get to know the historical and cultural significance of local landmarks in San Miguel de Allende on a half-day city tour. Visit important sites like, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Iglesia de San Francisco, and Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.
FREE TIME: Enjoy some free time for optional activities in the area like, horseback riding, a cooking class, tequila tasting, or a visit to some nearby hot springs. Your CEO can help you organize whichever you choose.
Day 8: San Miguel de Allende/Mexico City
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City
Accommodation: Hotel PF Suites
Accommodation Name: Hotel PF Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hop on the local bus to Mexico City this morning and arrive around midday. Enjoy a free afternoon and opt for an evening out on the town.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 9: Mexico City
Location: Mexico City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts). -
Meals
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch -
Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group at the start of the tour.
-
Foodie Moment
Guanajuato City and Street Food Tour.
-
Tequila Distillery Visit
Visit a tequila distillery with tasting and lunch included.
-
City Tour of Guadalajara
Enjoy a guided city tour of Guadalajara.
-
Orientation Walk in San Miguel de Allende
Participate in an orientation walk in San Miguel de Allende.
-
City Tour of San Miguel de Allende
Explore San Miguel de Allende on a guided city tour.
-
Free Time
Enjoy free time in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City.
-
Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
-
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
International Travel
International flights to and from the destination are not included.
Transport
Private vehicle, public bus, walking.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 8 nights, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through Central Mexico using a mix of private vehicles, public buses, and walking, ensuring a flexible and immersive experience.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of private vehicles, public buses, and walking to get around.
-
What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?
The tour includes hotel accommodations for 8 nights.
-
Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
-
What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 people, with an average of 12.
-
Is there a minimum age requirement to join the tour?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a welcome meeting, a tequila distillery visit with tasting and lunch, city tours of Guadalajara and San Miguel de Allende, an orientation walk in San Miguel de Allende, and free time in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City.
-
What is the role of the group leader on this tour?
The group leader, or CEO, is there to take the hassle out of your travels, provide information on the places you visit, offer suggestions for activities, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They are not traditional guides but have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited.
-
Are there any important notes regarding accommodation?
Yes, some properties may not have elevators, so you may need to climb stairs with your luggage.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026 Jan
2027 Feb
2027 Mar
2027 Apr
2027 May
2027 Jun
2027 Jul
2027 Aug
2027 Sep
2027 Oct
2027 Nov
2027 Dec
2027
Friday - Saturday
May 02, 2025 - May 10, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 16, 2025 - May 24, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Essential Central Mexico
9 Days Starting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and ending in Mexico City, Mexico
Visiting: Puerto Vallarta, Tequila, Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25837
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
