Itinerary Summary
The trip opens with two days in Mexico City's historic centre and Templo Mayor, then flies or buses to Guanajuato for the Pipila viewpoint and Juarez Theatre, before moving on to the art-filled street…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Mexico City arrival and an evening on the Zocalo
14:00
2.5h
Arrival at MEX and Centro Historico check-in
Take the authorised taxi desk inside arrivals or a ride-hailing app to a hotel near the Zocalo. The ride takes 30-45 minutes; unpack slowly and drink water to ease into the 2,240 m altitude.
📍 Benito Juarez Airport to Centro Historico
17:00
1.5h
Zocalo and National Palace evening walk
Circle the square while the buildings light up, look in at the National Palace courtyard and find a rooftop bar for a first drink. Keep valuables zipped and stay on the lit side streets after dark.
📍 Plaza de la Constitucion
💡 Pro Tip: Benito Juarez airport to the historic centre takes 30-45 minutes; use the authorised taxi desk inside the terminal or a ride-hailing app. Mexico City sits at 2,240 m, so keep the first evening light. The Zocalo is well patrolled but pickpocketing happens in crowds, so keep phones out of back pockets. Central Mexico runs on UTC-6. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Mexico visa section.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$76035%
Boutique colonial hotels, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$43020%
Regional restaurants and cafes
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I book Guanajuato and San Miguel for Day of the Dead?+
For the November 1-2 window, book hotels in Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende several months ahead; both towns fill and rates climb sharply. Confirm cancellation terms, since plans often shift. Outside that week, October to May is dry and comfortable, with far more room availability.
Should I take a bus or fly from Mexico City to Guanajuato?+
First-class buses from Mexico City take around four to five hours to Guanajuato and run frequently, while flights are quicker but add airport transfers at both ends. For this route the bus is usually simpler and drops you near the centre. Book seats ahead around holidays and Day of the Dead.
Do I need time to adjust to altitude in Guanajuato and San Miguel?+
Both towns sit near 2,000 m, and Mexico City is higher at around 2,240 m, so the first days can feel breathless on the hills and stairs. Walk slowly, drink water and skip heavy drinking early on. The Pipila viewpoint climb is steep; take the funicular if you feel the altitude.
What does this 6-day colonial highlands trip cost?+
Expect roughly $1,790-2,540 (about EUR 1,560-2,210) per person excluding international flights. That covers mid-range hotels, bus or short-haul flights between the cities, and entry fees. Day of the Dead week pushes accommodation up; adding a guide in Guanajuato and San Miguel is a modest extra.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,790–2,540 (≈ €1,560–2,210), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: City Explorers
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