Boutique Journeys 2007-2008
Colonial Mexico I: Off the Beaten Path in Mexioc's Colonial Heartland

Mexico's Colonial Heartland offers the inquisitive and sophisticated traveler the opportunity of authentic contact with Mexico’s rich and multi-layered history, culture, and people.  From the colonial era through the independence movement and on to modern day integration of the old with the new, the colonial heartland boasts a deep cross section of Mexico’s engaging and colorful history. 

Journey into the heart of Mexico's independence and revolutionary past. Prepare for an intimate experience with the history and lore of the colonial heartland and unexpected explorations of the high desert plateau, where the independence movement intertwines with rich art and literary traditions and handicrafts that are coveted worldwide.

Highlights:

Queretaro:

• The sophisticated, central and highly stylized La Casa de la Marquesa: http://www.lacasadelamarquesa.com/.
• Queretaro’s lively plazas, impressive church Templo de San Francisco, beautiful downtown buildings featuring fine colonial architecture, and historic sites
• Museo Regional, housing fine exhibits on the colonial era and independence movement.
• Visit to the acueducto and look out point (mirador)

Mineral de Pozos:

• The Simple Elegance, Secluded and Detailed Posada de las Minas http://www.posadadelasminas.com/.
• Colonial ruins and defunct mines carry you back in time to authentic old world Mexico
• Enchanting landscape and ambience of a bygone era
• Women’s crafts cooperative

Guanajuto:

• The Simple Elegance, Centrally located, and Casual Quinta de las Acacias: http://www.quintalasacacias.com boutique hotel that combines old world charm and authenticity with modern day comforts and service
• United Nations World Heritage City  with spectacular colonial era architecture including Barroque churches and facades
• Diego Rivera house and museum, one of Mexico’s most famous and renowned muralists
• Underground passage ways and mines including the Boca Mina, one of Latin America’s most productive silver mines for over a century
• Lively music, art, restaurants and nightlife

Lagos de Moreno:

• The Secluded, Simple Elegance, and Casual atmosphere of Hacienda Sepulveda: http://www.haciendasepulveda.com.mx invites you for an encounter with the Mexico’s living Hacienda culture
• Relax on the expansive ground, enjoy the SPA, mount a Criollo horse at the Hacienda or row a boat or fish on the lake, shoot skeet!
• Explore the quaint historic center of Lagos de Moreno in a little visited corner of the state of Jalisco

Dates:
Contact Journey Mexico for 2007/2008 group dates or to create a custom departure

* Prices are commissionable at 10% or can be taken net by subtracting the 10% from the retail price.  Prices are valid until December 31, 2007.  Blackout dates subject to availability and surcharge: April 1-7,  2007 Semana Santa; October 3 – 27, 2007 ( Festival Cervantino); October 30 – November 3 (Day of the Dead); December 23 – January 1, 2008 (Christmas & New Years)

Trip Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival: Home/Queretaro Arrival and private transfer from the Leon or Mexico City International Airport to the charming cobbled stoned streets of Queretaro nestled in the Colonial heartland of Mexico’s colorful colonial past  (2:30 / 3:30 hrs.).  Check in to  the sophisticated, central and highly stylized La Casa de la Marquesa, where history, style, and excellent service combine for an unforgettable stay. This historical baroque mansion, originally built in 1756. is now a boutique luxury hotel in the heart of colonial Querétaro, a perfect location for exploring the celebrated sights of this charming city.  Enjoy a well deserved rest!  (Overnight Casa de la Marquesa: Deluxe Suite) No Meals

Day 2: Queretaro/City Tour. Today you will enjoy a privately guided tour of Queretaro. You will set out on foot to visit a number of lively plazas linked by pedestrian walkways including:  Plaza de la Independencia, Jardin Zenea and the shady Alameda.  In addition to the impressive church Templo de San Francisco, beautiful downtown buildings featuring fine colonial architecture, and historic sites, you will also visit the Museo Regional, which houses some fine exhibits on the colonial era and independence movement. Lunch is included at one of the fine eateries in the city center before continuing on with your guide into the mid-afternoon with time to relax in one of the many plazas and soak in the ambience of this charming city.  Enjoy the atmosphere in the city center before dinner on your own and returning to your hotel for the night.  (Overnight Casa de la Marquesa: Deluxe Suite) B,L

Day 3: Queretaro/Mineral de Pozos. After breakfast you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your last look at some of the more interesting aspects of Queretaro including the acueducto and look out point (mirador) before being privately transported northwards to the little known colonial mining center of Mineral de Pozos (1:45 hrs.).  “Pozos”, once known throughout colonial Mexico for its opulence and its thriving mining industry, has been a virtual ghost town for almost a century and is now experiencing a resurgence of interest on the part of visitors looking for a unique experience with authentic Mexico. You arrive to Posada de las Minas mid-day for lunch on your own before checking in to the simple elegance, seclusion and fine attention to detail exhibited by your boutique hotel Posada de las Minas.  Situated in a scenic landscape that beckons to artists, photographers, bicyclists or just seekers of solitude, Posada de las Minas is a welcome addition to the recently awakened sleepy little Mexican village of Mineral de Pozos.  In the afternoon, you will have time to yourself to explore the city center.  Dinner is on your own tonight. (Overnight Posada de las Minas: Standard Room) B

Day 4: Mneral de Pozos. Alter breakfast you will be picked up in the hotel lobby for a full day privately guided tour of Pozos.  You will visit a couple of the most interesting mines, for which this town is famous, before continuing on to the Cinco Señores Ruins to wander through the linked courtyards and arched passages of the abandoned ruins.  You will also enjoy a visit to Munecas Mina, and the new community based initiative where unique hand-made dolls dressed in regional costumes are crafted to benefit by the local women’s cooperative.  Lunch is included today at one of the best restaurants in the city center.  You may also opt to take a side trip to the well known arts and crafts center of San Miguel Allende (:45 mins. Each way); for the adventurous, a mountain-bike or horseback ride to Cerro Pelon and a visit to the chapel there can be arranged (optional and at additional cost).  Late afternoon return to your lovely boutique hotel.  (Overnight Posada de las Minas: Standard Room) B,L

Day 5: Mineral de Pozos/Dolores Hidalgo/Guanajuato. Today after breakfast you will meet your trusted guide and driver in the hotel lobby and be privately transferred to the renowned UNESCO world heritage city of Guanajuato.  En route you will have a chance to visit Dolores Hidalgo (1:30 hrs.), where Miguel Hidalgo issued the famous call to action now known as El Grito (The Shout), that catalyzed Mexicans to fight for independence.  After lunch on your own, you will continue on to Guanajuato (:40 mins.) for an early afternoon check-in to the simply elegant, central and casual Quinta las Acacias Boutique Hotel.  Once an elegant summer residence from the 19th century, Quinta las Acacias has been remodeled maintaining its colonial roots and charm, while cleverly mixing classic European-style furniture with beautiful Mexican handcrafts. The elegant and welcoming atmosphere, quaint restaurant (serving up delicious regional specialties), and sophisticated charm make it the perfect hideaway from which to explore fascinating Guanajuato!  In the afternoon, you will have free time to visit the historic city center on foot on your own. Dinner is on your own tonight and you may choose from the excellent hotel restaurant or one of the many tasty restaurants in town.  (Overnight Quinta Las Acacias: Std. Suite) B

Day 6: Guanajuato/City Tour. Today you will enjoy a privately guided tour of this incredibly interesting and historical city. You will visit the sites of most interest including: The central plaza or Zocalo as it is known in all Mexican towns and cities in the Republic, Teatro Juárez, Callejón del Beso, Alhondiga de Granaditas (site of the first rebel victory in the War of Independence), Museo y Casa de Diego Rivera, the Museo de las Mómias, the Mina and Templo de la Valencia and more depending on time and interest. Lunch is included at one of Guanajuato’s lively cafes.  You will finish your tour in the mid-afternoon with time to enjoy the atmosphere in the city center before dinner on your own.  (Overnight Quinta Las Acacias: Std. Suite) B,L

Day 7: Guanajuato/Lagos de Moreno. After breakfast you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby as you continue to explore the Colonial heartland with a foray into the lesser visited traditional Bajio town of Lagos de Moreno (1:40 hrs.), just across the border in the state of Jalisco.  Upon arrival to this little visited and adorable small town, you will come to the secluded, elegant and casual Hacienda Sepulveda.  This rural 17th-century hacienda offers you a close encounter with rural Jalisco and all that it entails including traditional cuisine, crisp fresh air, horseback riding on the vast property, relaxing spa treatments (in what used to be the hacienda´s hay room), or simply lazing in a hammock while regal peacocks walk by.  Living the rich history of a bygone era you will experience authentic Mexican Hacienda life and encounter a charming rural town largely unchanged by time.  A traditional hacienda lunch is included and awaits your arrival.  The afternoon is free to enjoy the Hacienda including taking advantage of horse back riding, mountain bikes, SPA services, row boats and fishing, shooting skeet, soaking in the Jacuzzi, billiards and other table games (all activities included).  Your dinner tonight is also included and is an age old “merienda” recipe from the matriarch of the lovely family that owns the property. (Overnight Hacienda Sepulveda: Std. Room) B,L,D

Day 8: Hacienda Sepulveda/Lagos de Moreno. Today after breakfast you will be treated to a city tour of Lagos de Moreno small but interesting historic center.  You return for lunch and more opportunities to enjoy the different activities and experiences available to you at the Hacienda; relaxing on the ground or in your comfortable room to recount your amazing journey through Mexico’s colonial heartland are also recommended!  Lunch and a special romantic dinner are included and will leave you yearning to stay longer!  (Overnight Hacienda Sepulveda: Std. Room) B,L,D

Day 9: Departure Day: Lagos de Moreno/Leon (or Mexico City/Guadalajara at additional cost)./Home. After breakfast you will be privately transferred to the Leon airport for your onward flights home (:40 mins).   Gracias por visitarnos y regresen pronto! B
End of Services

Price Includes: 
Deluxe**:  All transportation in private in late model sedan, suburban, or van depending on group size; All accommodation as noted above or in equivalent as per availability; all guided services and tours as indicated in detailed itinerary above unless noted as “optional at extra cost”; all taxes; all meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary above (B,L,D), gratuities to wait-staff for included meals.

Luxury**:  Private expert history and archeology guide throughout; private late model car, suburban, or van throughout depending on group size.

** Difference between Deluxe and Luxury.  In our luxury tours, certified English / Spanish bilingual guide will accompany the group throughout and group will have private guide and transportation at their disposal throughout the tour (7:00 AM – 8:00 PM).  All instances of visits “on own” can be accompanied by guide/transportation in Luxury version.  Deluxe version may provide transfers with bilingual driver (may not be certified guide) and will not have either guide or transportation at disposal except for tours as scheduled in detailed itinerary above.

Price Doesn’t Include: 
International and internal flights; entrance/exit airport fees; meals and/or beverages not indicated in detailed itinerary; Alcoholic beverages; Gratuities to guides, drivers, maid service, porters; telephone calls and items of a personal nature.

WEATHER & RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

Please find below a recommended clothing list for our familiarization trip to Mexico’s Colonial Heartland and Pacific Coast. From our experience, this list will be adequate to cope with the demands of traveling in Mexico. For the first segment of the trip in Mexico City and the Colonial Heartland you can expect days in the 60° F – 80°F with nights dropping down to the 45°F – 60° F.  For the Pacific Coast section of our journey, days will be balmy between 70°F - 90°F.  While not the rainy season, you should be prepared for an unexpected light rain and/or sporadic shower.

Essential items:

• Duffle bag, backpack or suitcase with wheels
• 2-3 Pairs long pants or skirts
• 2 Pairs short pants
• T-shirts and sleeved tops (4-5 short sleeve, 1-2 light long sleeve)
• Casual clothes for nights out and dinners
• Underwear, socks and personal items
• 1 Bandana
• Comfortable lightweight walking shoes or sneakers (well broken-in), flip flops or river sandals (for the coast / beach days)
• Waterproof/windproof (gortex or other suitable fabric) jacket with hood
• Sweater or fleece
• Wide brimmed sun hat or visor (essential)
• 2 one Liter water bottles to refill and carry with you
• Camera with plenty of film and spare battery or charger
• Waterproof camera bag (or bring plastic bags to cover when in day packs i.e. Ziplocks)
• Flashlight with spare batteries (Maglite or similar)
• Sunglasses (preferably with neck string)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Small towel
• Personal Toiletries
• Swimsuit
• Personal medication etc
• Daypack to carry water bottle, snacks, camera, swimsuit, rain jacket.
• Passport
• Credit card/ ATM
• Extra cash for meals, souvenirs, spending money, tips. 

Useful items

• Spanish phrasebook or dictionary
• Travel alarm clock
• Swiss army knife
• Any herbal teabags that are essential to one’s well being!
•  ‘Wet wipes’ or similar travel wipes and/or hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Reading material

SUGGESTED READING LIST

Colonial Mexico, A Guide to Historic Districts and Towns • Chicki Mallan • Oz Mallan • GUIDEBOOK • 2001 • PAPER • 359 PAGES • A practical guidebook to colonial sites throughout central Mexico, with a focus on the wonderful architectural heritage of places such as Acapulco, Guadalajara, Merida, Mexico City, Morelia, Patzcuaro, Queretaro, San Cristobal de las Casas, San Miguel de Allende, Taxco, Veracruz and Zacatecas. Chicki Mallan has written extensively on Mexico and is an informative guide to the architecture, art, archaeology, history and culture of the region.

The Labyrinth of Solitude • Octavio Paz • CULTURAL PORTRAIT • 1985 • PAPER • 398 PAGES • An enduring classic by the Nobel Prize-winning poet and essayist Octavio Paz. This collection of essays tackles Mexican culture and character. The chapters on the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead and the conquest are especially memorable.

On Mexican Time, A New Life in San Miguel • Tony Cohan • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR • 2001 • PAPER • 289 PAGES • Fed up with life in Southern California, Tony Cohan and his wife traveled to central Mexico to see if a slower pace was what they needed. It was indeed, and this memoir documents their 15 years in the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, where they befriended eccentric locals and resurrected a crumbling 250-year-old hacienda, which they eventually made their home. It's a delightful slice of expatriate life.

Conquest: Montezuma, Cortes and the Fall of Old Mexico • Hugh Thomas • HISTORY • An entertaining and monumental tome on the conquest of Mexico. It's rare to find a work of such scholarship and importance that is also an enjoyable read.

Life and Times of Mexico • Earl Shorris • HISTORY • Shorris interweaves anecdote, economics, politics, culture, and literature in this marvelously insightful portrait of Mexico and its people.

Many Mexicos • Lesley Byrd Simpson • HISTORY • This widely known popular history of Mexico, first published in 1941, stands as an enjoyable, well-written introduction to the country and its history.

The Buried Mirror • Carlos Fuentes • CULTURAL PORTRAIT • A fascinating, illustrated survey of Latin American culture and history by the great Mexican author Carlos Fuentes. With hundreds of color illustrations.

Architecture and Its Sculpture in Viceregal Mexico • Robert Mullen • ART & ARCHITECTURE • An illustrated overview of the architecture of Colonial Mexico (1535-1821), geared for both students and travelers with an interest in the cathedrals, fortresses and public buildings of the Spanish period. With 172 black-and-white photographs, 20 line drawings and five maps.

Mexico in Mind • Maria Finn • ANTHOLOGY • John Steinbeck, D.H. Lawrence, Graham Greene, Malcolm Lowry and others offer diverse impressions of the many Mexicos

Travelers' Tales Mexico • James O'Reilly • Larry Habegger • ANTHOLOGY • Outstanding stories and essays on the culture, politics and people of Mexico. A highly readable introduction to the country, organized by topic and featuring Carlos Fuentes, Octavio Paz and excerpts from dozens of travelogues.

Like Water for Chocolate • Laura Esquivel • LITERATURE • Perhaps one of the most famous works of Mexican literature, this story is set in turn-of-the-century Mexico.

Birds of Mexico & Central America, Princeton Illustrated Checklists • Ber Van Perlo • FIELD GUIDE • An admirably compact, comprehensive guide to the birds of Mexico and Central America featuring color plates by Ber Van Perlo, one in a series of Illustrated Checklists.

Day Trips from Mexico City Map • Quimera 2005 • MAP • A colorful bilingual traveler's map and 64-page guide to the central highlands surrounding Mexico City, at a scale of 1:400,000. Highlighting archaeological and natural sites, parks and reserves, and other places of interest, it covers from Queretaro to Poza Rica to Ciudad Serdan to Taxco.

Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish • Joseph Keenan • LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS • Idioms, common mistakes in word usage, and other helpful advice on tackling spoken Spanish. You'll need some foundation to take full advantage of this book -- but even a complete novice will appreciate the author's playful sense of humor.

Mexico Map • World Mapping Project • A convenient, double-sided map of Mexico at a scale of 1:2,250,000. It includes an inset of the region around Mexico City.