Essential Central Mexico - 9 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female62%
- Male38%
Average age
Start / End
- Puerto Vallarta
- Mexico City
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
9Highlights
- Begin on the Pacific's Golden Shores: Kick off your adventure in the sun-drenched coastal paradise of Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy leisurely days on stunning beaches, with optional excursions like seasonal whale watching or snorkelling trips to the idyllic Isla Marietas.
- Sip and Savor Tequila's Heritage: Journey into the heartland of Mexico's most famous spirit. Experience an authentic tequila distillery tour near the town of Tequila, complete with a guided tasting and a delicious lunch, uncovering the secrets of this beloved drink.
- Guadalajara's Vibrant Heartbeat: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city. Explore its historic centre, discover the lively artisan village of Tlaquepaque with its mariachi music, and indulge in delectable street food.
- Guanajuato's Colourful Colonial Charm: Wander through the labyrinthine streets and picturesque tunnels of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire its unique, pastel-hued architecture and delve into the city's profound cultural and historical narrative during an insightful walking tour.
- The Artistic Allure of San Miguel de Allende: Discover the captivating beauty of San Miguel de Allende, celebrated for its Baroque colonial architecture and thriving arts scene. Explore magnificent historical sites like the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and soak in the city's vibrant, artistic atmosphere.
- Mexico City's Grand Finale: Conclude your unforgettable Mexican journey in the sprawling, dynamic capital, Mexico City. With free time to explore its world-class museums, historical sites, and bustling neighbourhoods, you'll experience the vibrant energy of this magnificent metropolis.
- Kick off your Mexican adventure in the sun-drenched coastal paradise of Puerto Vallarta. Spend your days relaxing on pristine beaches, opting for a thrilling whale-watching excursion (seasonal), or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters around Isla Marietas, before indulging in the vibrant local street food scene as evening falls.
- Delve into the heart of Mexico's spirit with an unforgettable visit to a traditional tequila distillery. Discover the ancient art of tequila making, enjoy an included tasting, and savor a delicious lunch before arriving in Guadalajara, a city pulsating with mariachi music, grand historical centres, and the artistic charm of Tlaquepaque.
- Journey to the enchanting, UNESCO-listed city of Guanajuato, a kaleidoscope of colonial architecture, winding alleyways, and subterranean tunnels. Lose yourself in its vibrant cultural tapestry on a guided walking tour, sampling delectable street food that tells the story of this historic silver mining town.
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of San Miguel de Allende, a colonial jewel famed for its baroque architecture and vibrant arts scene. Wander through picturesque cobblestone streets, marvel at iconic landmarks like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and soak in the romantic atmosphere of this beautifully preserved city.
- Savor an authentic culinary exploration throughout your journey, from the tantalizing street food of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara to the local specialties of Guanajuato. This tour is a feast for the senses, inviting you to taste the true flavors of Central Mexico at every turn.
- Conclude your incredible journey in the sprawling, dynamic metropolis of Mexico City. Enjoy free time to explore its endless cultural treasures, from world-class museums to ancient ruins, or simply immerse yourself in its lively evening atmosphere, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your Mexican odyssey.
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Summary
Just hearing the name Mexico is enough to conjure up images of mariachis, tequila, beaches, and heavenly food. Lucky you, this trip from Mexico's Pacific coast to its capital captures all of those things. Starting in Puerto Vallarta, you'll head to Guadalajara, a rich cultural centre with music, festivals, and nearby distilleries. Next, you’re off to the smaller towns of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, where you’ll get immersed in Mexican history, not to mention its stunning scenery and architecture. Lastly, you’ll arrive in bustling Mexico City where you’ll say “adios!” to one heck of a trip.
Itinerary
Day 1
Puerto Vallarta
Arrive at any time. Attend the welcome meeting in the evening and then opt to grab dinner with the group.
Day 2
Puerto Vallarta
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.
Day 3
Puerto Vallarta/Guadalajara
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.
Day 4
Guadalajara
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.
Day 5
Guadalajara/Guanajuato
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.
Day 6
Guanajuato/San Miguel de Allende
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.
Day 7
San Miguel de Allende
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.
Day 8
San Miguel de Allende/Mexico City
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.
Day 9
Mexico City
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Oct 25
from £845Nov 25
from £971Dec 25
from £1,253Jan 26
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from £1,126Jun 26
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from £1,126Aug 26
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from £1,126Nov 26
from £1,214Dec 26
from £1,253Jan 27
from £1,126Feb 27
from £1,126Mar 27
from £1,126Apr 27
from £1,126May 27
from £1,126Jun 27
from £1,126Jul 27
from £1,126Aug 27
from £1,126Sep 27
from £1,126Oct 27
from £1,126Nov 27
from £1,126Dec 27
from £1,126
- Save 26%Fri 10 Oct 2025 > Sat 18 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,149Best offer£845
- Save 27%Fri 24 Oct 2025 > Sat 1 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,319£969
- Save 27%Fri 31 Oct 2025 > Sat 8 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£1,319£969
Customer reviews & ratings
I was disappointed in the hotels, transportation, and lack of activities. I know you can do better. Juan Carlos was very good! I love gAdventures but the Essential Mexico was very disappointing. Our tour guide Juan Carlos Martinex was great, but multiple accommodations, transportation, and activities were not acceptable.
Richard Jul, 2024 VerifiedG Experience shows a realistic view of how the locals live. The hotel quality/service in the state of Jalisco
Elisabeth Jul, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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