Colonial Mexico Tour — July 5-13, 2025

Colonial Mexico Tour  —  July 5-13, 2025

Just the Facts

I am traveling with Gate-1 Travel on a 9-day tour of Colonial Mexico, including Mexico City and Guadalajara.  This is my 4th Gate-1 Tour, and I’m traveling solo.

July 5, 2025 - Travel to Mexico City - Day 1

I have a late afternoon flight, so the morning was convenient for packing for the journey, at about 1:30 p.m.  I took an Uber to TPA for my 4:30 p.m. flight.  The airport wasn’t busy, as I guess it’s the middle of the holiday weekend.  I was at my AeroMexico gate with more than an hour to spare.  Due to the weather, we did not leave until 5:20 p.m.  We arrived at Benito Juarez airport in the same rainy weather we had in Florida three+ hours earlier.  There was a couple on my flight also on this tour, and we finally made connections with our hotel shuttle driver.  I arrived at the Barcelo Mexico Reforma hotel just after 9:00 p.m. and settled into my huge room soon afterward.  I retired straightaway.  It was a long but comfortable travel day.

July 6, 2025 - Mexico City - Day 2. 

I woke up and, at about 6:30 a.m., went to breakfast in the Hotel Restaurant.  It was an excellent Breakfast Buffet with assorted Meats, Breads, Fruit, Vegetables, Cheeses, and an Omelet Station.  They also had freshly squeezed Orange Juice and Hot Milk.  A good start to the day as we met our bus at 8:00 a.m. for a full-day tour of the area.  Our first stop was at the Zocalo, where the National Palace, State and City Administration buildings, and the Metropolitan Cathedral are located.  We were early and able to unload on a corner of the vast square.  We were able to enter the Cathedral once Mass was completed, and had full access to the beautiful and large church.  We then visited the location and ruins of the original Aztec Temple  (circa 1340), adjacent to the Cathedral.  We then headed to Xochimilco, home to its famous Floating Gardens, which were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Here we boarded flat-bottom boats for a colorful tour of the lake (photo).  We had a Mariachi Band join us on the boat, which was quite entertaining. I then purchased a cerveza from a small vendor boat to make it a party.  It was great fun, I enjoyed it very much.  We then drove to the Coyoacán neighborhood and stopped at a local restaurant, Centenario 107, for an excellent lunch.  I had Chicken Burritos and a Bohemia Clara.  After lunch, we had some free time in the Coyoacán neighborhood and then visited Casa Azul (Blue House), now a museum, where Frida Kahlo lived most of her life.  It was a lovely, large house with original rooms and added displays for the museum.  I enjoyed my first visit here.  We then drove back to our hotel, arriving just before 5:00 p.m. for a much-needed break, as we were scheduled to meet at 6:15 to board our bus for a nice Welcome Dinner at Real de Barro.  I ate here in March, so it was my second visit.  Tonight I ordered the Beef entrée,  a lovely Green Salad, and Tres Leche Cake for dessert.  We again had entertainers dressed in Day of the Dead outfits and make-up.  It was a delightful evening.   Once we returned to the hotel, I retired to update this blog.  It was a great day in Mexico City.

July 7, 2025 - Teotihuacán - Travel to San Miguel de Allende - Day 3 

I was up early to place my bag out for pick-up at 6:30 a.m., then went to the hotel breakfast buffet.  I ate lightly, mostly the delicious fruit, including Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Green Melon, Pineapple, and some wonderful Guava.  I did slice some Ham for myself and had fresh-squeezed Orange juice and Hot Milk.  Our bus departed at 7:30 a.m. for the trip to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, also known as the City of the Gods, which was built around 100 BC.  Upon arrival, we visited the Jaguar Temple before proceeding to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and the Avenue of the Dead, which is flanked by temples and palaces.  It is a fantastic site, and arriving early before the heat was smart.  After an hour-plus visit, we were on our way northwest to Queretaro.  The countryside is lovely, with green rolling hills transitioning into mountains on our drive.  We had a lunch break at a roadside center near El Cazadero.  Some new solo friends and I ate at a steakhouse, Meson de Don Pedro.  We were rushed for time, and I ended up eating my plate on the bus, but it was four excellent Steak Tacos with Guacamole.  The best food I've had so far on the trip.  Our next stop was in the growing city of Querétaro, where we visited the historic city center.  The Colonial Architecture is impressive; we did a half-hour walkabout, then had half an hour of free time.  This was a vital city in the Mexican Independence movement and the actual location where Emperor Maximillion was executed.  We arrived at our hotel in San Miguel de Allende around 5:00 p.m., and I was soon settled in my spacious room when my luggage was promptly delivered.  After preparing myself for dinner, I went to the bar at 6:30 p.m. for a cocktail before tonight's group buffet dinner.  The food was just adequate, but it was all I needed after today's large lunch.  Some of us took a group walk to the old town at 8:00 p.m., but I retired to my room after finishing our complimentary Margaritas.  There are a vast number of English television shows on Television because of the large number of Americans who have retired to the San Miguel de Allende area.  I believe 15% of the locals are Ex-Pats.  It was a great travel day with two interesting sites to visit.

July 8, 2025 - City Tour of San Miguel de Allende - Day 4 

I was up early and watched some news on TV before going to the hotel buffet breakfast at about 7:30 a.m.  I had all the usual local fruit, Pan Dulce, and an excellent made-to-order two-egg Omelet.  Our group met at 9:00 a.m. for a tour of San Miguel de Allende with local guide Eric. We took Passenger Vans most of the way to the old town, then walked along an old residential area with historic colonial architecture.  As we walked the beautiful spires of the Grand, neo-Gothic 17th-century church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, came into view.  A clever introduction by the guide, choosing that route.  The church is ornate and has a unique ambiance; it’s also still an active parish.  We sat in the lovely park across from the church as the guide shared some history.  We then walked two blocks over to the Templo de San Francisco and visited this active church, which features unique shrines within its interior.  We then walked through the local Market that seemed to have everything.  Here, the group had an option of continuing a walking tour of art-related galleries or taking the shuttles back to the hotel.  I chose my option and stayed in the Market to eat at one of the many local food stalls.  I chose Tortas ‘Beltran’ for a wonderful pollo & queso Torta.  It was amazing.  The cost was only 90 pesos ($5) for the giant torta & a large Coca-Cola light.  I then went to get a haircut at 777 Barbershop, just a few blocks away.   A much-needed and great haircut, too.  I then went to a Bank to get more Pesos through an ATM.  My final stop was the Central Cultural Center, located within the Church of the Immaculate Conception.   From there, I called an Uber (50 pesos or $3) to return me to the Hotel, arriving at about 3:00 p.m.  I relaxed with a Coca-Cola and then took a quick swim in the hotel pool.  I met my other solo friends at about 5:00ish for a 5:30 reservation at Quince Rooftop Restaurant.  We had a fantastic view of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Church.  A delicious meal with various types of entertainment.  I had a Hamburger, others had Sushi and Pasta.   Alcohol was also involved.  After dinner, we walked to the Church and the town square to listen to several Mariachi Bands.  The Church looks impressive with the tasteful lighting and full moon (photo).  We met our ride at 9:00 p.m. for the ride back to the hotel.  A fantastic day and evening in the Colonial town of San Miguel de Allende.

July 9, 2025 - Delores Hidalgo - Guanajuato - Day 5 

It is a cool July morning here, and I can see why this area has so many American Expats living here.  I woke early and did some business online before packing for our 7:00 a.m. luggage placement outside the room.  I then went for another excellent breakfast in the hotel dining area.  My custom two-egg omelet had bacon, peppers, onions, tomatoes, & cheese.  Same local six fruit items and pan dulce with leche caliente.  I then had an hour online before our 8:30 a.m. departure.  Once on the road for an hour, we stopped at a Talavera factory. I learned that this was the area from which the multi-colored (the type I like) tiles come.  Also, when painted, they are a pastel color made from local dyes.  Once baked in the kiln at 1100 degrees, the vibrant colors emerge.  Interesting.  We then soon entered Delores Hidalgo, a significant colonial town in Mexican independence.  We took a tour around the square featuring the Hildago Statue, followed by free time to explore the town.  I visited the original Casa de Hidalgo, a pilgrimage location for Mexicans, and then went to the Market for lunch.  The stall I chose was not as fancy as yesterday's, but all the stalls in this small town market were simpler.  I had freshly cut Pollo, both a Torta and a Taco.  You add your choice of condiment; I chose Salsa Verde and Pico de Gallo with a jalapeno pepper.  All this, plus a vintage Coca-Cola from the bottle, for 55 pesos ($2.96).  It was very good too.  I then went to the Church of the Grito, the 18th-century Baroque Church that dominates the main square area.  They were having Mass, so I viewed the interior from a pew.  The Museum next to the church was worth the 25 peso admission for both the displays and the bathrooms.  The town is also known for its flavors of ice cream based on local fruits and vegetables, but I stuck to tradition with pistachio.  We had to walk to the bus because locals were blocking the narrow roads while they picked up agricultural items being distributed by the local government.  We were soon on the mountainous road to Guanajuato, a town that grew around numerous mines.  This area was valuable as the primary source of iron ore.  The growth of the city around the valleys, mountain sides, and extreme elevation changes is unique.  Additionally, a major transportation problem exacerbated by narrow roads and alleyways.  Solved by digging tunnels.  Imagine an ant farm with tunnels.  I was able to discover these as I initially passed on the 4:00 p.m. scheduled walking tour, but Ivan, our guide, called me to say he was arranging a taxi for one of our group members, and I could join them.  Yes thanks.  He took us through the underground network to a location near the end of the walking tour.  I enjoyed two cervezas at a cafe while waiting for the walking tour to arrive.  We did get to see the primary sites and the surprise Mariachi Band that Ivan had arranged for us.  Thanks, Ivan, I did enjoy it.  I went back to the hotel on the 6:00ish p.m. shuttle, passing on the 8:00 p.m. option.  Once at the hotel, I got some Bohemia cervezas for the room and retired for the evening.  It was a most interesting day.

July 9, 2025 - San Pedro Tlaquepaque - Travel to Guadalajara - Day 6 

I woke very early and updated this blog before packing and placing my luggage outside my door at 7:00 a.m.  The hotel offered a light buffet breakfast, which was convenient for us.  Our luggage has to be shuttled to our bus.  Then we follow in vans at about 8:30 a.m., as the physical topography doesn’t allow for buses.  We were soon on the road for our 5-hour trip to Tlaquepaque, with our first official stop for lunch at Casa Fuerte.  We arrived in a wonderful, artsy area of Tlaquepaque and walked the few blocks to the Restaurant.  I had the Pork Shank with plantain potatoes (photo).  It was amazing and by far the best meal of the trip.  The service was outstanding too.   After lunch, we had two hours of free time to explore the excellent Arts District, which is full of art galleries, restaurants, beautiful statues, and other outdoor art displays.  While I was shopping in a Jewelry Store, I heard a great female lead in a Mariachi Band coming from an adjacent restaurant.  I had to check that out and sat in the bar area with a new Cuban friend from the G1 Tour who was doing the same thing.  The singer and band, who were primarily female, sounded wonderful.  It was a very enjoyable meal and a two-hour browse through the area.  This is a must-see if you're visiting Guadalajara.  We were then dropped at the Hotel Morales, located just a few blocks from the central plaza of Guadalajara.  This is an old hotel with old-world charm, and we’ll be staying here for the final three nights of this tour.  I did take a walkabout, and this is a bustling city center.  I retired to my room to update this blog and check on news and business.  It was a nice travel day, accompanied by an excellent meal.  

July 10, 2025 - Guadalajara - Day 7 

I slept well after working through some hotel room problems yesterday, but was surprised by water on the floor from A/C condensation.  At about 7:30 a.m.  I went to breakfast in the hotel restaurant, and it was busy, as I was told the hotel is full.  I sat with the lady who missed the bus when we left Tlaquepaque yesterday; she got disoriented.  At 9:00 a.m., we took a tourist double-decker Bus to see the highlights of Guadalajara.  It was fun to ride and get an orientation of the City of Guadalajara.  It was good to see the modern areas since I had the urban downtown impression due to the hotel's location.  There are many monuments & parks, and the many Flamboyant Trees in Guadalajara are in bloom.  We made a stop at the impressive Parroquia El Expiatorio Eucarístico Catholic Church, where they were having a baccalaureate mass for the Graduates of the University of Guadalajara, located next to the church. We were dropped off back at the hotel, where we took a 15-minute break and then began a more detailed walking tour of the city center, Plaza de Armas, only a few blocks distant.  The massive buildings of the Jalisco State and Guadalajara City governments, as well as the Cathedral of Guadalajara, are located here. We also walked around the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres and the historic Centro Fonutain before returning to the Hotel to board the Gate-1 bus for a trip to the Cabañas Museum, a former orphanage and now an Art Gallery featuring murals by José Clemente Orozco, the famous 20th Century Mexican muralist who was from Jalisco (photo).  After the visit, we were taken to Casa Barachi for a lovely lunch and a mango margarita.  I had a nice beef steak, with guacamole and frijoles.  The salsas and tortillas were very good.  We returned to the hotel at about 4:00 p.m., and it was siesta time for me, and I’m speculating that it was for many in the group.  I slept later than expected, not getting around until 7:00 p.m., then did a walkabout at the hotel, too late for sunset on the rooftop, but saw my solo friends and joined them for a Coca-Cola in the Lobby.  Interesting that all three had birthdays on this trip.  I think they may all travel together this week in the future.  I retired by 9:30 p.m.  It was a busy day touring Guadalajara.  

July 9, 2025 - Day Trip  to Tequila - Guadalajara - July 9, 2025 - Day 8

I woke early for our final full Day of this adventure.  I got a selection of fruit from the hotel breakfast buffet for a light breakfast.  We then boarded the bus for our one-hour & twenty-minute drive to the town of Tequila.  We passed by beautiful fields of Agave as we approached Tequila.  The fields themselves have a UNESCO designation.  We had some free time at the main square of this small town, so I visited the 18th century Church of Santiago Apostol, then went across the street to Casa Sauza for my first Tequila in Tequila (photo).  The group then loaded up in two motorized tourist vehicles that looked like Agaves for a trip to the Tequila factories.  We had numerous samples of flavored tequilas at the first stop, and then we were taken to the actual factory for an enjoyable tour.  We saw the entire process, from cutting and cooking the agave to pressing the juice, followed by several distillation processes, and finally, the juice was transferred to the final tanks.  Very interesting.  Following the tour, we went to a local restaurant for a group lunch, where we built our Tacos using freshly made tortillas and our choice of fillings.  It was homestyle and the local comfort food.  We then had a nice show on the adjacent stage with Folk Dancers, a Lariat demonstration, and then a Mariachi Band.  It was entertaining, and several group members participated, including our local guide and the Gate-1 group leader.  After lunch and the entertainment, we returned to our hotel in Guadalajara.  We had free time until we boarded our bus to take us to our final farewell dinner at the El Sacromonte restaurant.  We all had a nice green salad and several entree choices.  I went with a Rib-Eye Steak and we all had a Sorbet for dessert.  Lots of final farewells both there and back at the hotel upon our return in the rain.  We enjoyed a week of cooler weather, and the rain held off until the last evening.  It was a great final day of the tour.

July 10, 2025 -  Travel Day - Day 9 

I was up very early for our 4:00 a.m. shuttle to the Guadalajara airport.  I was soon boarded and arrived in MEX just after 8:00 a.m., about a 1.6-hour wait until boarding the TPA flight.  Despite gate changes, I was on the way to TPA at 10:00 a.m., arriving at 3:20 p.m. local time.  U.S. Customs was easy and Uber had me home at about 4:30 p.m.  Smooth and easy.

Gate-1 Travel

Again, the tour company and its local tour providers did a wonderful job.  Our Gate1 tour manager, Ivan Diaz, was very efficient.  The group was large, with 38 people, and that’s hard to manage.  I prefer fewer; my next tour is a small group category (less than 22), so that is always an option.