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 Mexico is a magical place where old traditions and modernity live together with all its contradictions. In the bustling capital city, plunge into the chaotically alive environment of one of the world's largest metropolis, home to nearly 25 million people. For every bustling urban metropolis, there are countless quiet villages and towns that have stood for centuries seemingly untouched by time.
Almost 500 years later, the impact of Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés' arrival on Mexico's shores can be seen in the tall, ornate churches that crown the hillsides and plazas of the country's cities and the whitewashed walls of haciendas. But traces of much earlier inhabitants remain in some remarkable ancient temples and pyramids, and in the long-standing traditions of dozens of indigenous cultures.
At the ruins of Teotihuacan, ponder the mysteries of the past and marvel at the ingenuity required to build such monumental structures before the age of modern technology.
• Mexico City
• Mexico City's Zocalo (Old Town)*
• Teotihuacan *
• Frida Kahlo's House in Coyoacan
• Tepoztlan
• Historic Center of Puebla *
• Cuernavaca
• Ruins of Xochicalco *
• Taxco
• Caves of Cacahuamilpa
* UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day 1 - Thursday, March 2, 2017
 Arrange your flight to arrive in Mexico City by mid-afternoon today. The main airport is the Benito Juarez Airport, so you use the airport code MEX when searching for flights. Most international flights will arrive at Terminal 1. Upon arrival, collect your luggage, go through customs and look for a driver holding up a Toto Tours sign. You will be transferred to our centrally located hotel, and you will have free time until our group meets in the early evening.
We begin with welcome drinks at our hotel's cocktail lounge, followed by a brief presentation by our guide about Mexican City history and culture. Then we will stroll toward the Zocalo and have dinner at one on the excellent restaurants nearby. After dinner we will continue our stroll along a delightful pedestrian mall filled with entertainers, ending with a nightcap at one of the rooftop bars facing the beautiful Zocalo. Overnight in Mexico City.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Hilton Hotel Reforma, Mexico City, 5*
Day 2 - Friday, March 3, 2017
 This morning travel about 30 miles northeast of the city to tour Teotihuacan, the largest (almost 7 square miles) and most impressive trading and religious center of ancient America. The Pyramid of the Sun, the tallest in Mexico, is 216 ft. high and covers approximately 10 acres at the base. Other impressive structures include the Pyramid of the Moon; the Citadel containing the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, so named for its carvings of feathered serpents; and the Quetzalpapalotl Palace.
Returning to the hotel in late afternoon, we have a free evening. Overnight in Mexico City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hilton Hotel Reforma, Mexico City, 5*
Day 3 - Saturday, March 4, 2017
 We begin the day at the Saturday Art Market in San Angel and stay for lunch. Then we travel to Coyoacan to visit Frida Kahlo's home and the Diego Rivera Museum. Coyoacan is an attractive area of upscale shops, coffee houses and bars. We would have free time to explore it or return to our hotel area for dinner.
The final activity would be a visit to the Mariachis and Mariachi Bars at Plaza Garibaldi, which do not get jumping until after 9:00
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hilton Hotel Reforma, Mexico City, 5*
Day 4 - Sunday, March 5, 2017
 After an early breakfast, we check out of our hotel rooms and load our luggage on to our motorcoach. We walk to the Palace of Fine Arts to see the 9:30 am show by the Ballet Folklorico, the internationally famous dance company.
Afterwards, we drive to Puebla, located about 85 miles southeast of Mexico City. This beautiful colonial city, built in 1532, is one of the oldest European settlements in Latin America. The city is also a shopper's dream, known for such handicrafts as ceramics, glassware, and pottery.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and then we will check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the old town on your own. Overnight in Puebla.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Meson Sacristia de la Compania Boutique Hotel, Puebla, 4*
Day 5 - Monday, March 6, 2017
 After breakfast, we check out of the hotel early and tour the main sights in Puebla, before driving west to Cuernavaca. Nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring", Cuernavaca has long been a favorite escape for Mexico City residents and foreign visitors because of its warm, stable climate and abundant vegetation. Aztec emperors had summer residences there, and today many famous people as well as Mexico City residents maintain homes here.
Upon arrival, enjoy a later lunch, followed by afternoon check-in at our hotel and a free evening. Overnight in Cuernavaca.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Mision del Sol Resort & Spa Hotel, Cuernavaca, 4*
Day 6 - Tuesday, March 7, 2017
 This morning, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of the city's main sites, which we only glimpsed yesterday. We may visit the Palace of Cortes, Cuernavaca Cathedral, State Government Palace, Juárez and Morelos Gardens, and/or Chapultepec Ecological Park.
During our tour, we will allow free time for you to buy yourself some lunch (on your own). The evening is free. Overnight in Cuernavaca.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mision del Sol Resort & Spa Hotel, Cuernavaca, 4*
Day 7 - Wednesday, March 8, 2017
 After another leisurely morning, we drive to Taxco, stopping along the way to visit The Ruins of Xochicalco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mayan traders founded it in 650 AD, along several of the major Mesoamerican trade routes. Xochicalco has finely crafted sculptured reliefs (most notably on the Temple of the Feathered Serpent), several step-pyramid temples, palaces, ballcourts, sweat-baths, an unusual row of circular altars, and a cave with a carved stairway, and some free-standing sculptured stelae.
In the afternoon, we continue on to Taxco, stopping for lunch along the way – perhaps at Café Theodora in Miacatlan. The evening will be free to explore the lovely Colonial City of Taxco. Overnight in Taxco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Taxco, Taxco, 3*
Day 8 - Thursday, March 9, 2017
 After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour. All sights are within walking distance of the hotel. Chief among them are Museo Casa de Las Lagrimas, Casa Figueroa, the Casa Humbolt, and the Cathedral. Given its beginnings as a mining town, Taxco is known for its silversmiths, and we can see many at work, and purchase silver items at a good price. There is also a silver mine that can be visited.
The afternoon and evening are free. Overnight in Taxco.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Taxco, Taxco, 3*
Day 9 - Friday, March 10, 2017
 We enjoy breakfast at our hotel before taking an alternate route back to Mexico City. It goes past the Caves of Cacahuamilpa, one of the largest cave systems in the world, which we will visit. Stop for lunch in Ixtapan de la Sal, a pretty resort town along the way.
We may be able to return in time for a catered dinner and drinks on the boats of Xochimilco. Overnight in Mexico City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: NH Collection Mexico City Reforma Hotel, Mexico City, 4*
Day 10 - Saturday, March 11, 2017
 Today is entirely free to do some more exploring of Mexico City on your own, or visiting some of the city's many museums.
Our group gathers in the evening and walks to a fantastic restaurant for our Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Mexico City.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: NH Collection Mexico City Reforma Hotel, Mexico City, 4*
Day 11 - Sunday, March 12, 2017
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. We will organize small group transfers to the airport by public taxis (optional). If you wish to extend your stay in Mexico City, please let us know on your reservation form so that we can keep your room available for another night.
Meals: Breakfast
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• 10 nights hotel accommodations:
- 3 nights at Hilton Hotel Reforma, Mexico City;
- 1 night at Meson Sacristia de la Compania Boutique Hotel, Puebla;
- 2 nights at Mision del Sol Resort & Spa Hotel, Cuernavaca;
- 2 nights at Best Western Hotel Taxco, Taxco;
- 2 nights at NH Collection Mexico City Reforma Hotel, Mexico City
• Hotel breakfasts daily plus Welcome & Farewell Dinners;
• Other meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Ground transportation in climate controlled motorcoach;
• Sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary.
• This is a fully escorted tour, with guides added during tours.
• International airfare to Mexico City (MEX);
• Hotel transfers;
• Ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.);
• Meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary;
• Camera fees, laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Travel Insurance;
• Tips to drivers and guides and other conveyance attendants are not included; tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
Hilton Hotel Reforma, Mexico City
 Located next to the Alameda Central and a 5-minute walk from Reforma Avenue, the luxurious Hilton Mexico City Reforma offers stylish rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub and a gym.
The spacious rooms and suites offer elegant contemporary décor, and many have city views. All rooms offer cable TV, a work desk and a modern bathroom with a hairdryer and a selection of toiletries.
 Hilton Mexico City Reforma is situated on the edge of Mexico City's historic centre, a 10-minute walk from Bellas Artes Palace. The Zocalo Square, Templo Mayor and Cathedral are all within a 15-minute walk.
You can explore the city's finest architecture, shops and art galleries on nearby Reforma Avenue. The main financial district is 2 km away, while Mexico City International Airport is 10 km away.
Meson Sacristia de la Compania Boutique Hotel, Puebla
 Set in the centre of Puebla, Sacristía de la Compañía offers attractive accommodation set around an interior courtyard. This charming hotel has an à la carte restaurant.
Set in a 19th-century building, the Sacristía de la Compañía features brightly painted walls and antique furniture. All suites come with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
 Guests can enjoy Mexican cuisine in the Sacristía's pretty restaurant. The hotel also offers cookery classes.
The Compañia is set close to many popular landmarks in Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Zócalo Square is a 5-minute walk from the hotel, while the city's cathedral is 600 m away.
Mision del Sol Resort & Spa Hotel, Cuernavaca
 Set in beautiful gardens 7 km from Cuernavaca, Misión del Sol features a spa, tennis court, gym and free yoga and meditation workshops. Each bright room and villa has a balcony overlooking the gardens.
Misión del Sol Resort & Spa is designed around Feng Shui principles of space and light. Each bright, open-plan room includes air conditioning, a safe and a private bathroom with toiletries.
 Misión del Sol's spa offers a Temazcal, a traditional Mexican steam bath with aromatic herbs for an extra charge. A wide range of massages, relaxation and beauty treatments is available.
The El Sol Restaurant offers creative, nutritious cuisine made with organic ingredients, including white meat, vegetables and fresh seafood. You can enjoy garden views from the terrace dining area. A wine cellar is also available for guests to select wine bottles.
Best Western Hotel Taxco, Taxco
 Best Western Taxco is located 200 m from Taxco main square and from Santa Prisca Cathedral. It features a business centre, free parking and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
The rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning and a coffee machine. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
 At Best Western Taxco you will find a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities offered include tour desk and luggage storage.
This property is 50 m from Museo de Arte Virreinal and 20 m from the craft market. Toluca International Airport is 90 minutes' drive away.
NH Collection Mexico City Reforma Hotel, Mexico City
 The NH Mexico City Reforma features an outdoor pool, a restaurant and air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. It is set in the centre of the popular Zona Rosa district and has its own on-site theatre.
All the rooms come with a Nespresso machine, 48-inch TV, safety box for laptop and European plugs. The bathrooms have rain showers and telephone shower.
 The Restaurant NH serves creative Mexican cuisine. A breakfast buffet is available each morning. Room service is also available.
NH Mexico City Reforma is one block from Insurgentes Subway Station, which provides easy access to Zocalo. Reforma 222 Shopping Mall is 7 minutes' walk away, while Paseo de La Reforma is less than 300 m from the hotel.
Entry Requirements
For U.S. Citizens a valid passport is the only document required to enter Mexico for stays of up to 60 days.
Immunizations & Health
No immunizations are currently required for travel to Mexico, but it is wise to have your inoculations up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements
There is currently no separate departure tax required of visitors leaving Mexico other than that included with the cost of your airline ticket.
What to Bring
In March, average daily temperatures in Mexico City and Puebla range from a low of 50 degrees at night to a high of 75 degrees during the day. It will be a few degrees warmer in Cuernavaca and Taxco. You won't need a suit jacket or tie, as the tour is informal and dinner attire will be casual, but you will want nice casual outfits for concerts and dinners. Try to pack light and bring only one piece of luggage plus your carry-on. Create mix and match outfits, and think about layering! Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry at home.
Money Matters
Mexico's currency is the Mexican Peso (MXP), with bills in 20, 50, 100 and 500 MXP denominations and coins in .50, 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos. Although most tourist centers widely accept U.S. dollars, we recommend using Pesos during your visit. Money exchange facilities offer the best exchange rate. On February 25, 2016, the exchange rate was 18.22 MXP to the U.S. $1.00.
Tipping in Mexico
Tipping guidelines for Mexico are nearly the same as tipping guidelines used in the United States or Canada, with some exceptions. Most service employees earn very little or no base salary and the tips they earn comprise the vast majority of their overall income. In restaurants, it is customary to leave your server a tip of 15% of the cost of the food/beverages before the value added tax.
Travel Insurance
We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Mexico.
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