On the Tequila Trail - Mexico City to Pacific Coast

Delve deep into Mexico's rich heritage on this off the beaten path self-drive adventure. Soak in the sights of Mexico City and colonial Guanajuato before acquainting yourself with Mexico's favourite tipple: tequila, and relaxing on the Punta Mita beaches on the rugged Pacific Coast.

1. Fly to Mexico City

2. Days 1-4: Mexico City

   This two-week adventure begins with a three-night stay in the hub of Mexico City. Make the most of the city's top restaurants, bars and boutiques during your stay and enjoy everything from fine dining to street stalls selling mouthwatering tacos. A guided tour of the historic centre has been included as an introduction to the history and culture of Mexico, before you explore the southern neighbourhoods with your guide, paying a visit to the famous blue house of artist Frida Kahlo.

   Accommodation: Las Alcobas (3 nights)

3. Days 4-7: Guanajuato

   You will then be transferred back to the airport for a short, one-hour flight to Guanajuato where you will pick up your hire car. Make your own way to Villa Maria Cristina, a beautiful colonial style boutique property which is operated by renowned hotel group Relais & Chateaux. Guanajuato itself is a delight to explore; colourful buildings line cobbled streets and tree-filled plazas, houses twist their way up into the hillside and the vibrant energy spills over from the traditional theatres and buzzing markets, inviting you in. Gastronomy fans will be delighted with the offerings here, as a number of top chefs from Mexico City have begun to set up shop in Guanajuato and the city abounds with culinary delights. Spend three nights in this picturesque UNESCO city and enjoy a guided tour.

   Accommodation: Villa Maria Cristina (3 nights)

4. Days 7-10: Tequila

   Next on the agenda is Tequila, a patchwork of fields protected by their UNESCO status and home to thousands of agave plants, the all-important ingredient for the infamous namesake tipple, tequila. Much like champagne must hail from France, true tequila has a Denomination of Origin, meaning that it must be produced in the western states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit or Tamaulipas. Stay at Hotel Solar de las Animas for three nights and gain a better understanding of the traditions behind the national drink. Owned by the Jose Cuervo family, this unique property is also home to the largest private tequila cellar in Latin America making it ideal for familiarising yourself with the variety of flavours. A tasting has been included, as well as a tequila and chocolate pairing which surprisingly makes for a delicious combination.

   Accommodation: Hotel Solar de las Ánimas (3 nights)

5. Days 10-14: Pacific Coast

   A leisurely four-hour drive will bring you to the Pacific coast of Mexico and the sparkling waters of Punta Mita. Base yourself at the Four Seasons for the ultimate in luxury and the perfect way to unwind at the end of your trip. Keep your hire car during your stay so you can explore the coastline, lounge on the comfortable sun beds dotted along the sand or make the most of the fabulous watersports on offer, and if travelling between December and April then we highly recommend a whale watching excursion. After a four-night stay, drop off your hire car in nearby Puerto Vallarta and fly back home.

   Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (4 nights)

6. Fly home from Puerto Vallarta

• Chocolate and Tequila tasting

  Familiarise yourself with the flavours of Mexico on this two-hour tasting extravaganza, visiting the famous Jose Cuervo distillery before enjoying a mouth watering selection of traditional chocolate and extra aged Reserva de la Familia tequila.

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• Full-Day VIP Tequila Experience

  Get under the skin of the magical town of Tequila on this full-day private experience. Enjoy tasting a variety of premium tequilas made using different production methods and assist the jimadores in the agave fields as they prepare to harvest.

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• Mexico City's historic centre

  With a rich and diverse history, Mexico City's centre offers a perfect introduction to the empires of the Aztecs and the Mayans as you explore the vibrant Zocalo and its surrounding palaces, museums and cathedrals.

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• Mexico City's Southern Neighbourhoods

  Iconic artist Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul is a highlight of any Mexico City visit. Spend time here while visiting Coyoacan and San Angel, charming neighbourhoods of cobbled streets, leafy squares and bustling markets.

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• Private city tour of Guanajuato

  Enjoy a private guided tour of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former silver mining town. The thriving historical centre is full of interesting shops and architectural gems, its toy box houses adorning the surrounding mountains perfectly.

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Mexico City, Guanajuato, Tequila & Punta Mita