¡Por Fin la Ciudad de México!

At the heart of our journey lies Mexico City’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site where past and present intertwine in spectacular fashion. Anchored by the vast Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world, this district is a showcase of Mexico’s layered history. With our guide leading the way, we’ll uncover the secrets of the Aztecs at the Templo Mayor, marvel at the grandeur of the Metropolitan Cathedral, and admire the artistry of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

But the Centro is more than monuments—it’s alive with the rhythms of modern Mexico. As we stroll its cobblestone streets together, our guide will bring context to the bustling markets, artisan shops, and cafés where the aroma of tortillas and hot chocolate drifts through the air. Murals by Diego Rivera will come to life through their storytelling, while mariachi melodies set the soundtrack in lively plazas. This is the Mexico City that captures hearts: colorful, soulful, and endlessly fascinating.

A visit to the National Museum of Anthropology is like opening a treasure chest of Mexico’s past. Inside its vast, light-filled halls, we’ll journey through the stories of ancient civilizations, from the colossal stone heads of the Olmecs to the intricate artistry of the Mayans and the powerful legacy of the Aztecs. With our guide illuminating the meaning behind these masterpieces, every artifact becomes more than a display—it becomes a window into the beliefs, traditions, and daily lives of the people who shaped this land.

As we wander through the exhibits, we’ll encounter world-famous icons like the Aztec Sun Stone and marvel at the scale of entire reconstructed temples. The museum is not only the most visited in Mexico; it’s one of the finest in the world. By the time we step back outside, we’ll carry with us a deeper appreciation of Mexico’s cultural richness and the civilizations whose stories still echo today.

Our adventure to Teotihuacán begins in the most magical way possible—floating silently above its ancient pyramids in a hot air balloon as the first rays of sunlight bathe the Valley of Mexico. From this breathtaking vantage point, we’ll take in the scale of the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the grand Avenue of the Dead stretching across the city’s heart.

After landing, we will enjoy a celebratory toast with champagne and light local snacks, served in an intimate setting and our guide will lead us through the ruins on foot, bringing the myths and mysteries of this once-mighty civilization vividly to life. We’ll walk the same avenues where priests, rulers, and citizens once gathered, and pause at towering pyramids that have stood for nearly two millennia. With each stop, our guide will unravel stories of power, ritual, and culture, making the stones and temples far more than relics; they become a living narrative of Mexico’s ancient past.

In Xochimilco, the Venice of Mexico, we’ll drift along colorful canals that have carried life and tradition for centuries. Brightly painted trajineras (flat-bottomed boats) glide past floating gardens known as chinampas, a UNESCO-recognized agricultural system first built by the Aztecs.

The highlight of our visit will be a meal to remember: a delicious three-course feast prepared on a traditional comal by local chefs. Every dish is crafted with organic ingredients harvested just steps away, making the flavors as fresh and authentic as they come. With our guide weaving in the history of this unique landscape, we’ll savor not only the food but also the deep cultural roots that make Xochimilco unlike anywhere else in the world.

After our meal, we’ll continue to explore the canals, spotting vibrant local flowers, floating gardens, and traditional boats laden with colorful produce. Along the way, our guide will share fascinating stories of Xochimilco’s past and present, from Aztec engineering feats to modern-day festivals.

Stepping into Coyoacán feels like entering a charming, time-warped village in the heart of Mexico City. Cobblestone streets wind past colorful colonial houses, lively plazas, and leafy gardens, all alive with the rhythms of local life. With our guide leading the way, we’ll discover the hidden stories behind every corner—from historic churches to artisan shops—bringing this vibrant neighborhood’s rich culture to life.

A highlight of our visit is the iconic Casa Azul, once the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, it was also where Hernán Cortés established his first base after conquering Tenochtitlán in 1521.

Beyond the museum, Coyoacán invites us to linger in its plazas, sip coffee in quaint cafés, and soak up the lively atmosphere where tradition and modern life coexist. Whether it’s browsing local markets, enjoying street performances, or simply watching the world go by in Plaza Hidalgo, every moment here is a feast for the senses and a window into the soul of Mexico City.

Guadalajara, the vibrant heart of Jalisco, is a city that pulses with culture, history, and energy. You can explore landmarks such as the Catedral de Guadalajara, with its soaring twin spires, and the Palacio de Gobierno, where Diego Rivera’s murals tell the story of Mexico’s past.

We will enjoy a memorable meal at one of the city’s best restaurants, where modern interpretations of traditional Mexican cuisine showcase the richness and creativity of the region.

No visit to Guadalajara is complete without a journey to Tequila, the town that gave the world its namesake spirit. We will venture just outside the city to explore agave fields and watch traditional production methods. Our first stop will be Mundo Cuervo, right in the heart of the town, a historic distillery, where we will taste sweet, cooked agave before sipping tequila straight from the still—warm. Later, we will head over to a small artisanal tequila factory to sample the house specialties, and browse their cellar of aged treasures.

Lodging summary

The summary of the exceptional hotels we chose for this trip is:

Alamos is a non-towered airport located about 15 minutes south east from Ciudad Obregon and has 5,000 feet paved runway 31-13. Field elevation is 1,300 feet. Please use 122.8 MHz to make radio calls. The airport identifier is MM45 or XAL, but the coordinates are not in Jeppesen databases, you must enter them manually as a waypoint (27°02.27, -108°56.95 in "degree minute.decimal" format). There is no fuel on the field.

Hacienda has a private hangar for 10 airplanes, which will be available on first-come, first-serve basis. The hotel van will be waiting for us and will drive you to the Hacienda. Here is picture of runway 13 I took when landing there a few years ago. You can see the hangar and the ramp on the left side. Runway 31 is the calm wind runway. There is downsloping terrain and houses on short final for runway 13.