The trip was a fantastic experience. KimKim and Hugo designed the perfect schedule based on my interests and time frame. Luz communicated with me every day without fail, sometimes several times in a day, to make sure that all was going smoothly. My guides in Mexico City - Pablo Yuchi, Allison (and driver Luis) - were phenomenal. They were knowledgeable, patient, friendly and kind; they obviously enjoyed showing off their city. Guadalajara was incredible as well. The main guide there, for...
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The trip was a fantastic experience. KimKim and Hugo designed the perfect schedule based on my interests and time frame. Luz communicated with me every day without fail, sometimes several times in a day, to make sure that all was going smoothly. My guides in Mexico City - Pablo Yuchi, Allison (and driver Luis) - were phenomenal. They were knowledgeable, patient, friendly and kind; they obviously enjoyed showing off their city. Guadalajara was incredible as well. The main guide there, for almost the entire week, was Daniel Lara. I would give him 6 stars on a scale of 5 if I could. He shared his wealth of information, his stories, and his good humor throughout the week. I can’t praise him highly enough for his patience and kindness, even when dealing with the Guadalajara traffic. The Among Charros experience was also stellar, an interesting and unexpected introduction to the national sport of Mexico! Both hotels were comfortable and conveniently located.
Hotel Reviews
Casa Decu is a boutique hotel located in the lovely Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. My room was clean, comfortable and well maintained. The staff were friendly and helpful. The continental breakfast was great. Cooked options were also available, but I didn’t order those. Coffee, tea and water are available 24/7.
Authenticity & Character
Modernist Mexican
Location
Beautiful, safe neighborhood; walking distance to many attractions
Staff
Always helpful and polite
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable bed
Hotel Morales Historical & Colonial Downtown Core
Mexicaltzingo, Guadalajara, Jal.
Convenient location in the historic center of Guadalajara. Beautifully decorated in Spanish Colonial style. The staff members were helpful and friendly, especially the breakfast servers - they all managed to smile while efficiently doing their work!
Authenticity & Character
Beautiful decor; when I was there at the end of October they had constructed a Dia de Muertos altar featuring Lucha Libre wrestlers!
Location
Close to many attractions
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable bed; nice roomy bathroom with a great shower
Activity Reviews
Vasconcelos library
Mexico City
The library is an architectural marvel, and a quiet haven within the bustling city.
Quality of Experience
Unique site
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pablo is very knowledgeable
Visit the basilica of Santa Maria of Guadalupe
Mexico City
This was one of the activities I specifically requested, and I was enthralled to visit this iconic site.
Quality of Experience
We thoroughly explored the entire site, not just the current basilica, giving me all of the relevant background.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pablo gave explanations about the site, the miracle of the appearance of the Virgen, and the importance of the site for pilgrimages and family visits.
The UNAM Campus VW Vintage Beetle Tour
Mexico City
First of all, the transportation in the VW beetle was so much fun - I had not ridden in a convertible in many years! It was very special to have a tour of the lovely UNAM campus, given by a former student. Not only did she convey a lot of invaluable information about the various murals, but she was also able to talk about the campus life of UNAM students. In addition to the main campus, we also visited the sculpture garden, with an optional side trip to the nearby museum of contemporary art. All in all, an incredible day!
Quality of Experience
It was very impressive to see the famous murals, and to have the important components of the murals explained in detail.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The primary guide Allison, shared an incredible amount of information with me. She was patient, helpful and answered all of my questions. She was also solicitous of my welfare, asking if I needed to rest, visit the bathroom, etc. The driver Luis was excellent; he met us promptly when requested, he was fun, and he was also a former UNAM student, so he had great stories as well.
Transport
The VW beetle was a really fun experience!
On the trail of Mexican heritage in Cuernavaca & Taxco
Mexico
Again, I was fortunate to have Pablo as my guide for this experience. He is highly knowledgeable, patient and kind, the perfect person to deal with the unbelievable Mexico City traffic! We first stopped in Cuernavaca for a visit to the cathedral, where the significance of the various components of the site was explained. Then on to Taxco. I was excited to visit that charming city, which I had heard about and had seen on travel videos. We visited the Zocalo, and strolled around the city. I fulfilled my goal of finding a gift in silver for my husband. Pablo was very patient with my shopping!
Quality of Experience
Great opportunity for shopping for silver in Taxco! And it was nice to appreciate the “eternal spring” climate of Cuernavaca.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pablo was both guide and driver. He is absolutely phenomenal - knowledgeable, helpful, caring and kind. He was very patient and attentive to my comfort.
Transport
Comfortable vehicle for the long trip.
Among Charros Experience - A Mexican Tradition
Guadalajara
This experience was not exactly as I imagined it, but was a lot of fun. Somehow I thought that I would be watching a charreria performance, but the visit was actually more interactive. I learned how to “rope” a calf (wooden), how to brush a horse, and I also learned a tremendous amount of background about the sport and those who perform it. There was also a tequila tasting, and a lovely serenade of Mexican music! Then at the end, there was actually a bonus performance of charrería. It was a truly unique and wonderful experience.
Quality of Experience
I enjoyed the interactive components of this experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
My guide Jorge was personable, funny and enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of the sport. When it was time to end, he called an Uber for me and waited outside with me until the Uber arrived. I’m sure that wasn’t necessarily part of his “job description!”
Transport
Comfortable van ride to the arena.
The Historic Route of Guadalajara
Guadalajara
We visited the historic center of Guadalajara, including the Expiatorio, the Zócalo, and the Hospicio Cabañas. The tour included both walking and also driving through some neighborhoods which were outside of the central area. It was an excellent introduction to Guadalajara. At the end we visited a local market where they were selling items for Día de Los Muertos, including components for home altars and decorations. It was very interesting to see, and fascinating to see people getting ready for the celebrations.
Quality of Experience
Daniel provided commentary and background about the Orozco murals in the Hospicio, as well as background about the Hospicio Cabañas building itself.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Daniel (guide and driver) is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Guadalajara, and the history of México in general. He provided details about the Cristeros war and its effects on the area.
Transport
The transport vehicle is very comfortable. Daniel was always on time or early.
Tlaquepaque: The artisan's route
Guadalajara
A great day exploring this historic and charming area of the city! It was fun to stroll through the streets, stopping at art galleries and appreciating the Día de Los Muertos decorations. Also, we went to a store where they produce local candies, sweets and drinks; we learned about the process of making the treats, and were able to sample them all. Additionally, there was another included experience in which I was able to paint my own Día de Muertos skull.
Quality of Experience
There were several separate activities included in the day, providing a unique and varied experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Daniel (both guide and driver) designed this experience, and contributed his background and comments throughout the day. He is an enthusiastic and personable guide.
Transport
Safe, comfortable transport.
Exploring treasures in Chapala and Ajijic
Guadalajara
Visiting Lake Chápala and these 2 communities on the shores of the lake made for an enjoyable and illuminating day. The 2 communities were different, with Ajijic demonstrating a more expat influence, and Lake Chápala showcasing its locality as a weekend/vacation retreat. The huge lake was lovely, and the morning climate was perfect. There was ample time to buy souvenirs and ice cream. We saw a performance of the voladores, and Daniel provided the background for this pre-Hispanic ritual.
Quality of Experience
The contrast between the 2 communities was interesting. We stopped along the malecón at a booth where an expat group was preparing their Día de Los Muertos celebration, and I spoke with a couple members of the expat community at length about their experience living in Ajijic. That provided an interesting illustration of the expat way of life.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Daniel took advantage of the circumstances which could make this experience more personal
Transport
Very comfortable
Tequila Route and Agavero Landscape with family distillery visit
Guadalajara
This was a long day, but did not lack for interest, adventure and diverting activities. We started off at the Guachimontones archeological zone to view the “round pyramids” and the site as a whole. There is a new and excellent visitors’ center which prepares you for viewing the site itself, with murals, exhibits and a film (choice of language). We were fortunate to be there on a day in which there was a performance of pre-Hispanic dance and ritual. The site itself is easily accessible with a slight uphill walk, and the views are spectacular. I also learned about the importance of obsidian to early people, and saw examples of beautiful pieces made from this substance, along with artifacts discovered at the site. We tasted agua miel, and then drove on to a tequila distillery to learn about the making of this beverage, driving through extensive fields of blue agave. Of course tequila tasting was included. Last stop of the day was the town of Tequila itself where, not surprisingly, everyone seemed to be in a good mood!
Quality of Experience
The opportunity to see the dancing at Guachimontones made this really special.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Once again, Daniel is a superior guide in every way. He takes advantage of opportunities which present themselves without insisting on some type of rigid schedule.
Transport
Very comfortable vehicle for the long trip.
Local specialist: Hugo Romero