Join Tiny World Tours and a group of like-minded adventurers on a rich and unique eleven-night tour of Mexico City (also known as CDMX) and interior central Mexico. Our tour will begin and end in the vibrant capital, Mexico City, with an introduction to its archelogical and anthropological treasures, its centuries of rich cultural history, and its dynamic role in modernism and contemporary culture—especially art, architecture, and cuisine. Our itinerary features important interior colonial cities (Queretaro, and San Miguel de Allende), as well as charming lesser-known towns, villages, markets, and Spanish missions. On our expedition, we’ll experience a stunning diversity of contrasting landscapes including bustling cities, deserts, savannas, highlands, mountains, jungles, lakes, streams, and waterfalls.

After exploring Mexico city for four nights, we will drive to Queretaro and spend the night in a delightful and atmospheric 18th century palace (now a unique hotel). The next day, our group will enjoy a dazzling drive from the high desert plain all the way to the Sierra Madre rainforest. The journey features amazing granite mountains, missions, markets, and archeological sites before arriving in small village of Xilitla the following day. day.

Among the highlights of this tour is Xilita’s Las Pozas, a surrealist garden in the rain forest of the Sierra Madres, Mexico. It is the creation of Edward James (1907-1984), a British aristocrat, poet, and visionary. In the late 1940s, he moved to the village of Xilitla, in the state of San Luis Potosí, where, in collaboration with local craftsmen and friends he fabricated elaborate symbolic shapes and organic designs that relate to a private cosmology predicated on surrealistic influences, and echo nature. Most of the structures are “follies” for amusement and surprise, never to be used for practical purposes. . Experienced guides will lead our group through the 80 acre Las Pozas site, sharing the process, history, and poetry of James’ masterpiece.

In Xilitla, our group will have exclusive use of the Edward Jame’s home, now a bed and breakfast, El Castillo, an easy walk to Las Pozas or to the charming town square of Xilitla. Las Pozas has recently been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and recently there have been many positive changes to the garden infrastructure and its unique towers, sculptures and other oddities. Swimming, hiking, relaxing, good times, and conversation will all be part of this experience.

Continuing on, the group will spend two night exploring the celebrated UNESCO designated town of San Miguel de Allende in the province of Guanajuato, filled with beautiful cathedrals, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture and rich Mexican history. On our final day, we’ll take a scenic route back to Mexico City, spending the last tour night at our favorite hotel adjacent to the Mexico City International Airport, providing a convenient departure the next day. Guests will also have the opportunity to extend their stay to attend the Zona MACO art fair, noted for the strength of the Latin American art galleries and exhibitions present.

DRAFT ITINERARY

05 FEBRUARY 2025 (WEDNESDAY): Night #10

• Breakfast at hotel (included )

• We’ll spend our morning learning about the many special attributes of this destination city, especially its rich cultural offerings.

• Join a guided History Walking Tour of San Miguel de Allende, exploring the town’s rich heritage, colonial architecture, and cultural landmarks.

  • Next, visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Baroque murals and spiritual significance. Often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Mexico,” this site is an important cultural and historical treasure.

  • Continue to Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory turned into a vibrant art and design center. Explore galleries, studios, and shops showcasing contemporary and traditional works. Lunch on-your-own.

• Evening on your own (recommendations & reservation help provided)

07 FEBRUARY 2025 (FRIDAY): Forward Travel / Return Home

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included), followed by check-out. Private airport transportation will be arranged for your departure.

For those wishing to extend their stay in Mexico City, consider exploring Zona MACO, one of Latin America’s most important contemporary art fairs. This event showcases modern and contemporary works from leading galleries and artists, offering a vibrant cultural experience. If you choose to attend, we can assist with additional hotel nights and recommendations for your extended visit.

Tour Highlights

This small group tour will especially be for you if you enjoy the following:

• Exploring vibrant cities and charming villages with rich cultural history

• Immersing yourself in Mexico’s art, architecture, and culinary scenes

• Visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations like the surrealist garden of Las Pozas

• Experiencing lively local festivals and centuries-old traditions

• Walking through colorful markets, ancient Spanish missions, and UNESCO World Heritage sites

• Enjoying a balance of structured activities and free time for personal discovery

• Savoring authentic Mexican cuisine and farm-to-table experiences

• Connecting with local communities and learning about Mexican heritage

What’s Included

• Expert-led 11-night/12-day tour through Mexico City and central Mexico

• Accommodations in carefully selected hotels and boutique properties

• Daily breakfast, plus additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private transportation throughout the tour

• Entrance fees to all included cultural sites, museums, and historical landmarks

• Guided tours of Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Xilitla, and other key locations

• Exclusive visit to Las Pozas surrealist garden with an experienced guide

• Cultural experiences, such as local market visits and Spanish mission tours

• Personalized service from knowledgeable local guides and your tour leader

• All taxes, service charges, and tips for included activities

• Assistance with checking international flight options

• Advice about optional travel insurance, including CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) policies

• Guidance on extending your stay with additional hotel nights or further travel within Mexico before or after the tour

What’s Not Included

• International airfare to and from Mexico

• Travel insurance (especially recommended for anyone with specific concerns…please inquire for advice)

• Meals not specified in the itinerary

• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

• Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary

• Tips for guides and drivers (outside of included services)

• Costs for additional hotel nights or extended stays before or after the tour

• Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) outside of included meals

Salient Tour Details:

• Tour Cost: $6,850 per person, double occupancy

• Estimated Single occupancy charge: $1,000 (only for single travelers requiring their own private room if available…please inquire if you are a single traveler seeking a roommate to avoid this charge)

• Minimum Participants: 6

• Maximum Participants: 14 (This ensures an intimate experience for all travelers)

• Tour Go/No-Go Decision Date (when it is determined if there are enough refundable deposit-paying registrants to meet the minimum): 15 November 2024

• If our minimum number is not met by our tour go/no go decision date, the tour will be cancelled and full refunds issued, or those still wishing to proceed may have the option for a modified itinerary with increased costs possible.

• Payment in full due date: 15 November 2024

• This trip begins and ends in Mexico City (Airport code: MEX) which is conveniently served by many airlines.

• Tour Design: Joel Peláez Cruz and Tiny World Tours (Mark & Dana)

• Tour Leader: Joel Peláez Cruz (with help from Mark & Dana)

Physical Activity and Expectations:

• This is a moderately active tour with average walking 2-4 miles per day in both urban and rural settings (and possibly even more if you enjoy walking).

• You’ll need to be able to climb up and down multiple flights of stairs (indoors and out)

• You’ll encounter uneven cobblestone streets, sidewalks, and trails.

Please Note:

• This itinerary is a sample and is subject to change. The final schedule will be determined approximately 30 days prior to departure to allow for the inclusion of special opportunities which may arise.  In the event that a requested visit is not available, a similar visit will be substituted.  A finalized itinerary and Travelers’ Notes document will be sent to all participants about two weeks prior to tour departure.

• An optional trip insurance policy such as a “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) policy may reimburse you for unforeseen cancellations or itinerary changes.

• We do our best to accommodate allergies and food preferences. Please inform us of any dietary needs at the time of booking.

• We also offer bespoke custom tours for groups. Contact us for more information.

Interesting Background Material:

2017 BBC Documentary “The English Eccentric Who Bankrolled the Surrealists”

2013 YouTube video video with interesting interviews

September 2016 Travel Article published in The Guardian

click here to view a 2013 W Magazine Las Pozas Fashion shoot article featuring Tilda Swinton

1995 Documentary Video on VIMEO: "Edward James: Builder of Dreams"

1998 Texas Monthy Artlcle by Pat Sharpe “Out of This World”

Reserve Your Space Now!

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(this web page was last modified 2025_01_21)