HEAVENLY MAGIC
Puebla, weekend itinerary

Puebla is colonial Mexico at its best. This is a city where the entire historical Center was declared “Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 1987. Puebla moves something in you and the emotional sensations are plentiful and memorable. So is the food (a fusion of Pre-Hispanic and Spanish cuisines, mixed with French and Eastern cuisines, as well,) dishes that are treasured well beyond Mexico’s borders. Puebla, think grand and elegant, authentic and warm, a living history and a pleasure for the senses.

First day – FRIDAY
Puebla
Check in at the hotel selected in the heart of the historical district of Puebla. Lunch at gourmet restaurant of the Boutique Hotel the Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía. Rest of day and evening at own disposal.

We recommend that you enjoy the city on your own or if you desire we can offer a guided tour. These are some suggestions:

• Visit the antique bazaars in the Plazuela de los Sapos (Square of the Toads,) framed by beautiful colonial buildings
• Tour the craftsmen’s workshops and stores
• Taste some of the most colorful candies found anywhere in the world, lots are sold along the Calle Santa Clara
• Visit the Cathedral, constructed in 1575
• Take a tour of the Biblioteca (Library) Palafoxiana dating from 1646
• Enjoy the majestic Capilla del Rosario (Chapel of the Rosary)
• Visit the City Hall

Overnight in Puebla:
Chosen hotel

Recommended:
Dinner at La Purificadora, Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía or the Casona de la China Poblana

Second Day – SATURDAY
Puebla - Tepeyahualco de Hidalgo – Apulco - Cuetzalan
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart with your own private driver - bilingual guide (English/Spanish,) air conditioned vehicle from Puebla with direction to the Sierra Norte.

In the morning, visit to the awesome archeological site of Cantona, in Tepeyahualco de Hidalgo, one of the most important sites in the central inland of Mexico. Cantona is believed to have been home to 80,000 Toltec Indians during its peak, possibly making it the largest urban center discovered in Mesoamerica. It has 3,000 residences, 24 ball courts and an elaborate acropolis with many ceremonial buildings and temples.

Lunch en route at the Hacienda Apulco, set in a lush area of the Sierras (mountain range.) If desire it is possible to take a horseback ride to explore the area and to visit the waterfalls La Olla and La Gloria.

After lunch, drive to the magic and mystic hillside town of Cuetzalan, steeped in a special light, sprinkled by rain and dotted with fog and mist. The village is famous for its authenticity, Mesoamerican flair and hospitality. Mexican tourist authorities have designated Cuetzalan as a “Magic Town.” Check-in and guided visit of the village and its most important sites, including churches of La Nuestra Seňora de Guadalupe and San Francisco where singing masses often take place. Dinner at the Hotel.

Overnight in Cuetzalan:
Hotel La Casa de Piedra

Distances day 2:

• Puebla - Tepeyahualco de Hidalgo: 95 km (58.9 mi) – one hour and 15 minutes
• Tepeyahualco de Hidalgo – Apulco: 88 km (54.5 mi) – one hour and 20 minutes
• Apulco – Cuetzalan: 20 km (12.4 mi) – 35 minutes

Third day – SUNDAY
Cuetzalan – Yohualichan – Libres - Puebla
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit to the local market and its stalls, operated by mostly indigenous villagers. The Tianguis or market, is genuine, vibrant and an explosion of colors. Old trading methods are still in use, such as the bartering of spices, fruits and vegetables. Lunch at a local regional restaurant.

After lunch, visit to the archeological site of Yohualichan. The site is of particular interest because their vestiges verify the dominant presence of groups of the coast in this region of the mountain range.

In the late afternoon return to Puebla, with stop in the village of Libres for local refreshments. The village is on the route known as “La Ruta del Café” (the Coffee Route) and it is known for its cheeses and its magnificent Church San Juan Bautista that dates from the XVIII century. Evening at leisure in Puebla.

Overnight in Puebla:
Chosen hotel

Recommended:
Dinner at La Purificadora, Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía o Casona de la China Poblana

Distances day 3:

• Cuetzalan – Yohualichan: 7 km (4.3 mi) – 15 minutes
• Yohualichan – Libres: 90 km (55.8 mi) – One hour and 25 minutes
• Libres – Puebla: 80 km (49.6 mi) – One hour and 15 minutes

Fourth day – MONDAY
Puebla
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and end of program or continuation of the wonderful visit to Puebla y/o another destination or the optional add-ons “BOMBONES,” an extension of your vacations in México.

Services include:

• Two (2) nights at a boutique hotel in Puebla. Hotel to be selected:
  • Hotel La Casona de la China Poblana
  • Hotel La Purificadora
  • Hotel Mesón Sacristía de Capuchinas
  • Hotel Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía
• One (1) night at the Hotel La Casa de Piedra in the village of Cuetzalan
• Three (3) breakfasts
• Three (3) lunches
  • Day one – Hotel Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía
  • Day two - Hacienda Apulco
  • Day Three – Regional restaurant in Cuetzalan
• One (1) dinner on day two at the Hotel La Casa de Piedra en Cuetzalan
• Local refreshments in the village of Libres en route back to Puebla
• Cold towels and chilled water in car both Saturday and Sunday
• Entrances fees to the archeological sites of Cantona and Yohualichan
• Driver/guide from Saturday morning to Sunday night with air conditioned, modern Sedan, or modern minibus/van (in case of groups.) Driver(s) also provided for Hummel jeep(s) in Cuetzalan on Saturday and Sunday (due to the steepness of the streets)
• All costs for gas, tolls, parking and the driver/guide expenses
• Basic travel insurance during the circuit
• Guiding in English (or Spanish)

Services do not include:

• Meals not mentioned in this program. Please also note that electing not to consume a meal included in the program does not qualify for a reduction in price
• Beverages at meals
• Any and all personal expenses
• Tips to personnel, and drivers/guides

Prices are based on the following:

• Per person, sharing double room
• Supplement for single occupancy
• One Sedan per two people travelling together
• Supplement for one traveler requesting own Sedan
• In cases of groups travelling together, we recommend a maximum number of eight participants. A modern, air conditioned minibus/van will then be used for transportation
• Airport transfers can be arranged at an extra charge
• Additional nights can be added at an extra charge in any of the destinations
• The program can be tailor made. However, Sunday is Cuetzalan’s market day and it can not be removed from the program, as this is a major component in the circuit
• Guiding in other languages than English, Spanish or French has an extra charge

Tailor made programs:
This itinerary can be tailor made, being it mode of transportation, meals, geographical start and finish (pick up and drop off points,) extended stay. Aerial services by helicopter can be provided against a fee.
 

 For prices, reservations, availability and bookings, please contact us at: visit@luxuriousmexico.com