Mexico – Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe

CHICAGO-MEXICO CITY

We begin our journey with the meeting of the group at ORD airport in Chicago. After passport and baggage check-in, we will fly to the capital of Mexico – Mexico City. Hotel accommodation in Mexico City.

MEXICO CITY

We begin our Mexican adventure with a trip to the Main Square of the city, Zócalo. Here, we see the Baroque Metropolitan Cathedral, which features a statue of Jesus Christ of Poison, as well as a monument to Pope John Paul II.

Next, we visit the Aztec temple, Templo Mayor, where we observe its ruins from a viewpoint. We also see the National Palace, the current administrative seat of the President of Mexico. This monumental building with red awnings hides many treasures, including murals by Diego Rivera that depict the country’s history and the strength of the Mexican people.

The next place we visit is the Plaza of Three Cultures. This is a symbolic site of the birth of the new mestizo race, with an interesting history. It was here that Juan Diego reported to Bishop Zumárraga about the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

We travel to Xochimilco. This indigenous name, meaning “City of Flowers,” refers to the former cultivation of flowers and vegetables on floating rafts, which were built from reeds and twigs, resembling floating gardens. Today, amidst the green oasis of this sprawling metropolis, enchanting boats reminiscent of gondolas lazily carry tourists along the ancient Aztec canals.

We enjoy a cruise among artificial islands, Mexican specialties, indigenous handicrafts, colorful flowers, and sombreros, all in a festive atmosphere accompanied by the sounds of Mariachi music. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

TAXCO - CUERNAVACA

The next day brings more attractions. We head to Taxco, the picturesque silver capital located in the Mexican hills. On the way, we stop in Cuernavaca. During our walk through the “City of Eternal Spring,” we visit the sixteenth-century Cathedral and the former residence of Hernan Cortez. We pause at a local craft workshop to observe the process of silver production and processing. We see the products made here and taste the local drink, “Berta.”

One of the undeniable attractions of this region is the high-quality utilitarian items and jewelry made of silver. Their variety and rich designs can be overwhelming. However, beautiful, original jewelry is not the only hallmark of the region.

The low, colonial-style buildings captivate with their architecture, and the white houses with red roof tiles and winding, cobblestone streets evoke the charm of quaint Mediterranean towns.

In the evening, we check into the hotel. Free time.

TAXCO

We continue exploring Taxco.

In the small taxis, winding through the narrow, twisting streets, we set out to admire the city’s architecture. The white houses with red roofs, intertwined with lush vegetation, make an incredible impression.

We end our visit at the main square and the Church of Santa Prisca located there. The pink walls of this historic church from the colonial era tower over the entire area of Taxco. The church, founded in the mid-18th century by a mining magnate, is dedicated to Saints Prisca and Sebastian and was the tallest building in Mexico until 1806. It is definitely one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Latin America. Accommodation in the hotel and free time.

TAXCO

Today, we focus on rest and relaxation. For those interested, there is the option to spend free time at the pools of the Monte Taxco hotel or, for a more active experience, to explore the charming colonial town on your own.

PUEBLA

After breakfast, we drive to Puebla, where we see religious buildings in the style of Indian Baroque. In the eastern part of the city, the remains of the pyramid with the largest volume in the world tower over the area.

We climb the pyramid in Cholula and visit the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel located there. From the top, there is an unforgettable view of the entire area and the two volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. At the base of the pyramid, 8 km of long tunnels are excavated, from which we can view the underground structures.

On this day, we also see the Cathedral and the Chapel of the Rosary in the Church of Santo Domingo—the most beautiful example of Mexican Baroque. The beautiful and richly decorated Church of St. Dominic is Puebla’s greatest attraction, hiding numerous treasures. Among the many chapels, the Chapel of the Rosary is the one that attracts the most attention. Majestic and hailed as the eighth wonder of the world, it impresses with its Baroque splendor of gilded stucco. The dazzling gold interior is breathtaking, and the onyx pulpit and the number of decorations are unmatched. It is the first chapel, not only in Mexico but in all of the Americas, to be dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

We end the evening with a walk along “Sweet Street,” tasting local sweets. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

PUEBLA – TEOTIHUACAN

We drive to Teotihuacan, the former ceremonial and administrative center of the Teotihuacano Indians and the largest pre-Columbian city in Mesoamerica. The name Teotihuacan in the Nahuatl language means “the place where people become gods.”

According to indigenous beliefs, this is the place where the world is created. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most visited archaeological attractions in all of Latin America. While there, we climb the Pyramid of the Sun. We also see the Pyramid of the Moon, the Palaces of the Quetzal Butterflies, and the Feathered Serpent. The majestic pyramids and palace complexes remain a mystery for many researchers. They are among the most photographed landmarks in Mexico.

In the evening, we enjoy tequila tasting and learn about the process of working with obsidian, the sacred stone from which the inhabitants of Teotihuacan make beautiful masks and figurines, inlaid with silver and precious stones. We return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

MEXICO CITY - CHICAGO

We check out of the hotel, drive to the airport, go through check-in, and fly to Chicago.

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