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Peregrine Travel Centre

Central Mexico and the Sierra Gorda

Central Mexico and the Sierra Gorda

From $ 4,695 AUD

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Description

Travel from Mexico’s Pacific Coast into the cultural and natural heart of the country on a journey that connects vibrant cities with remote landscapes. Begin in Puerto Vallarta before heading inland to Guadalajara and the agave fields around Tequila. Then, continue through the colourful streets of Guanajuato and the artistic atmosphere of San Miguel de Allende. Along the way, take in historic centres, local markets, great food, regional music and Indigenous traditions. Finally, head into the Sierra Gorda, where you’ll spend several nights exploring cloud forests, mountain towns and natural areas on foot – and hopefully see a rare axolotl in the wild!

Trip Name
Central Mexico and the Sierra Gorda
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Spend three nights in the incredibly biodiverse, yet seldom-visited Sierra Gorda, exploring cloud forests, rivers and canyons while searching for rare axolotls in one of the last places they live outside captivity.
  • Dig into the culture and food scene of Guadalajara, the music and storytelling that defines Guanajuato and the creative spirit of San Miguel de Allende.
  • Experience the diversity of central Mexico’s food culture, from the coastal flavours in Puerto Vallarta to the markets and street food inland. Try delicious regional specialties like carnitas, enchiladas mineras and guacamayas.
  • Discover the story behind Mexico’s most iconic spirit with a visit to the Pueblo Magico of Tequila. Tour a traditional hacienda distillery and explore the agave landscapes that define this UNESCO-listed region.
  • Visit 16th-century Otomi chapels with a local guide, gaining rare insight into living traditions and community life while discovering symbolic murals and artistry not easily experienced on your own.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Puerto Vallarta
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure begins in the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta where you’ll meet your group and local leader for a welcome meeting at 6 pm to get an overview of the journey ahead. In the evening, you’re free to head out and explore the city’s dining scene at your own pace – why not head with your group and get to know each other over some delicious regional cuisine.
Day 2 - Puerto Vallarta
Start the morning with an orientation walk through downtown Puerto Vallarta. Wander along the Malecon and explore the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romantica while your leader shares local insights. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option for a boat tour to Los Arcos de Mismaloya. There, you can cruise around the dramatic rock formations and enjoy time swimming or snorkelling. Or spend the afternoon at the beach, sticking around long enough to catch the cinematic sunset over the ocean.
Day 3 - Guadalajara
Today you’ll travel inland to Guadalajara, stopping along the way in the town of Tequila for a half-day visit. Learn from a local guide about the production of Mexico’s most famous spirit, give it a taste and explore the surrounding agave landscapes before continuing to Guadalajara. Once you arrive, check into your hotel, then step out for an orientation walk with your trip leader. Spend the evening as you wish, perhaps getting your first taste of savory birria (slow-cooked stew with goat meat, served in a taco or a bowl). End the night with a sweet treat of jericalla (a traditional custard dessert similar to flan).
Day 4 - Guadalajara
Enjoy a free day to explore Guadalajara at your own pace. Maybe start at the Plaza de Armas to get your bearings and do a little people-watching in this buzzing part of the city. While you’re there, maybe visit the Cathedral de Guadalajara – practically as old as the city itself and recognisable by its neo-Gothic towers. If you’re an art lover, maybe head to the Instituto Cultural Cabanas – a UNESCO World Heritage site – to see Jose Clemente Orozco’s modernist murals. If you like, visit Tlaquepaque – one of Mexico’s Magic Towns – for its shops and galleries full of folkloric art, local treats and souvenirs. Or venture to Teuchitlan to explore the circular Guachimontones pyramids. Later, maybe grab your fellow travellers for dinner and mariachi music in Plaza de los Mariachis.
Day 5 - Guanajuato
Today, you’ll continue to the vibrant city of Guanajuato – a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colourful hillside homes and maze-like alleyways. When you arrive, join your local leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre before lunch at Mercado Hidalgo, where you’ll sample local specialties such as carnitas, enchiladas mineras (named for the hearty lunch dish wives used to make their silver-mining husbands) and guacamayas (a crusty roll filled with crunchy pork rinds). The rest of the day is yours to shape. Maybe visit the famous Callejon del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) and learn its romantic legend. Or stroll through Jardin de la Union and find a cute cafe, listening to street performers as you soak up local life. Maybe stop at Teatro Juarez, one of the country’s most beautiful historic theatres.
Day 6 - Guanajuato
Enjoy a free morning and afternoon to further explore Guanajuato as you wish. Maybe explore the Museo de las Momias to see more than 100 naturally mummified bodies and learn the legends of the practice. Or head to the Diego Riviera House Museum – the birthplace of the renowned artist where you can see some of his lesser-known works and how his family lived. In the evening, regroup for a callejoneada – a traditional festive walking street parade through the city’s narrow alleyways, boasting local music, storytelling and traditions.
Day 7 - San Miguel de Allende
Travel to San Miguel de Allende today – a beautifully preserved town known for its art scene and Baroque architecture. When you get there, take an orientation walk through the historic centre. Visit the main plaza and key landmarks like the iconic pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, while learning about the city’s cultural and artistic heritage. You’ll also stop at a local artisan market, where you can browse crafts and get a glimpse into the region’s vibrant handmade traditions. Later, enjoy some free time, maybe to stroll in Jardin Allende or through Parque Benito Juarez to enjoy the local atmosphere and street life. Tonight, maybe pick a fun rooftop bar for a cocktail and sunset view with your travel pals.
Day 8 - Jalpan de Serra
Today, you’ll journey into the heart of the Sierra Gorda. Stop along the way in Toliman for a cultural visit to several Otomi family chapels, led by a local guide. These small oratories, built since the 16th century, play an important role in the spiritual life and traditions of the indigenous Otomi-Chichimeca communities. After, enjoy a traditional Otomi meal, where you’ll learn more about local ingredients and culinary traditions. Then, continue to Jalpan de Serra.
Day 9 - Jalpan de Serra
Start the day with a visit to El Cedral – an ecological park and natural sanctuary dedicated to protecting the endangered Sierra salamander (ajolote in Spanish, usually referred to as axolotl in English). Enjoy a guided hike along the forest trails, where you may have the opportunity to observe these unique amphibians in their natural habitat while learning about local conservation efforts in the Sierra Gorda. The park plays an important role in safeguarding its habitat and the fees from these hikes directly contribute to ongoing conservation efforts, supporting both the protection of the species and the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem. Then, head the Sierra Gorda town of Pinal de Amoles. Wander its quiet streets, perhaps visit the historic Mision de Santiago Apostol and take some time to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this charming mountain town. On the way back to Jalpan, stop at Cascada Chuveje, one of the region's most scenic waterfalls. Follow a forest trail through a lush canyon to reach the waterfall, where clear water cascades into a pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and dense vegetation.
Day 10 - Jalpan de Serra
Today is yours to do as you wish in Jalpan de Serra and nearby. Early risers might enjoy a guided hike to a sunrise viewpoint atop Mirador Cuatro Palos – when the conditions are right, you can see the ‘sea of clouds’ over the valley – followed by a visit to Puente de Dios, a natural river canyon. Or, maybe explore the ruins of an ancient Huastec city at the Tancama archaeological site, visit UNESCO-listed Franciscan mission churches or discover surreal sculptures by artist Edward James at Las Pozas.
Day 11 - Mexico City
Move on to Mexico City today. Today is a bit of a travel day, so have your favourite podcasts or books at the ready. In the evening, come together with your group for an optional farewell dinner to celebrate the journey and share some final memories.
Day 12 - Mexico City
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Mexico City, speak to your booking agent about arranging additional accommodation ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 4,695-
09-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 4,695-
23-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 4,695-
07-12-202718-12-2027AUD $ 4,695-
28-12-202708-01-2028AUD $ 4,695-
25-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 4,930-
08-02-202819-02-2028AUD $ 4,930-
22-02-202804-03-2028AUD $ 4,930-
07-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 4,930-
21-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 4,930-
04-04-202815-04-2028AUD $ 4,930-
02-05-202813-05-2028AUD $ 4,930-
03-10-202814-10-2028AUD $ 4,930-
07-11-202818-11-2028AUD $ 4,930-
21-11-202802-12-2028AUD $ 4,930-
05-12-202816-12-2028AUD $ 4,930-
26-12-202806-01-2029AUD $ 4,930-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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