Thank you for reading our newsletter of Aztec Explorers for February 2023!
We prepared 29 great day trips and hiking trips this month; exploring Nature Reserves, Archeological Sites, Unesco World Heritage sites, Pueblos Mágicos, Wineries, and much more, departing from Mexico City (normally either from Angél de la Independencia, metro Etiopia or metro Chilpancingo).
We travel in small groups, with bilingual certified guides, safe transport and we normally include entrances if applies. Only when we indicate charter a guide is not incluided.
See below the 29 trips that we have prepared for you for February 2023, let’s explore México together! Normally we have a mix of both foreigners and Mexicans on our trips, so a great way to make local and international friends!
Our calendar for February 2023; prices in pesos:
Below the details of each trip.
GRUTAS DE TOLANTONGO
Grutas de Tolantongo is one of the most beautiful natural water parks in México and maybe in the world, that consists of a large canyon with a river with thermal waters, beautiful waterfalls, a tunnel, a cave and natural thermal hot tubs in a lush green mountain area in the State of Hidalgo, at around 3.5 hours from Mexico City. Our blog and full e-guide: https://aztecexplorers.com/2019/03/19/exploring-grutas-de-tolantongo-state-of-hidalgo/
Trip info:
From 06.00 to 21.00, to have enough time to explore and enjoy this amazing place.
Charter (Transport + entrance)
TEOTIHUACAN
Teotihuacan is an impressive archeological site in the State of Mexico, at around 1.5 hours from Mexico City. We have 3 options:
Teotihuacan Express; 6 hours, exploring the main 3 pyramids and main palaces (no unwanted stops at souvenir shops!)
Treasures of Teotihuacan; 9 hours, also exploring the palaces and murals around the archeological site
Hot air balloon flight, with or without transport and with or without transfer and entrance to the archeological site (available all days).
Our blog on Teotihuacan (work in progress): https://aztecexplorers.com/2019/04/03/teotihuacan-pyramids-of-the-sun-the-moon-and-the-feathered-serpent-complete-guide-and-blog/
MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
We have 3 great options:
Piedra Herrada, State of Mexico
El Rosario, State of Michoacan
Near Popo volcano, State of Mexico
Our 3 most favorite sanctuaries, after organizing more than 12 years Monarch butterfly trips, are El Rosario in the State of Michoacan (at 3.5 hours distance from Mexico City), Piedra Herrada in the State of México (at 2.5 hours distance from Mexico City) and Popocatepetl (at 3 hours distance from Mexico City).
All 3 sanctuaries and all months (between mid November and mid March) can give amazing experiences, the most important is the weather; ideally we have a cloudless, sunny day for a lot of butterfly activity (on a cloudy, rainy day they stay together high up their branches; also impressive but it’s nicer to see them all fly around).
Both El Rosario and Piedra Herrada sanctuaries need a steep hike uphill of 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach the colonies, at about 3200 to 3400 meters (the location of the colony can change overnight, depending on the weather conditions; there are horses available for around 300 pesos return trip / 150 single trip if necesary). Food not included, but you can bring your own food or we can show you good local options.
The sanctuary near the Popocatepetl volcano is currently the hardest to reach (a bumpy ride for the last 30 minutes on unpaved roads) but has the shortest walk to get to the colony, of around 30 minutes, not too inclined. This is the only sanctuary where we include breakfast and lunch, to help the local economy.
Our blog on the Monarchs, with links to videos and experiences with Aztec Explorers: https://aztecexplorers.com/2020/05/24/exploring-the-monarch-butterfly-sanctuaries/
NATIONAL PARK IZTA POPO
At only 2.5 hours from Mexico City, in the State of Mexico, you can find one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Parque Nacional Izta Popo, with the active Popocatepetl volcano and the dormant Iztachihuatl volcano. Below a short guide, so you can learn about the most beautiful parts of this large park (172 thousand hectares); declared as a national park in 1935 and declared as a Biosphere Reserve by the Unesco in 2010. Day trip, from 07.00 to 19.00. Our blog: https://aztecexplorers.com/2020/05/26/day-trip-to-national-park-and-volcanoes-izta-popo-from-mexico-city/
TEPOZTLAN
Tepoztlan is one of the 132 Pueblos Mágicos, at 2 hours from Mexico City in the State of Morelos. Situated in a highland mountain valley and cradled by dramatic, copper-toned, mountain cliffs, Tepoztlán is one of Mexico’s most alluring and unique colonial towns. With a breath-taking mountainous landscape, charming town center, rich echoes of ancient civilizations, and an interesting convergence of inhabitants, the town makes for one of the most remarkable mix of colonial and indigenous experiences in Mexico. You can either explore and relax in the town center and / or hike up the archeological site Tepozteco. Plus enjoy the great local food and drinks. Transfer, from 07.00 to 19.00.
Our Facebook albums on Tepoztlan: Tepoztlan and Tepoztlan.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
This city was founded in 1542 and is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. San Miguel has meant the careful conservation of the town’s charming architecture and cobblestone streets, as well as its culture and traditions, and that is why it has become a UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides it offers the warm and friendliness of the people, the charming small cafes, bars and haute-cuisine restaurants blend into the beautiful streets of this cosmopolitan town. Transfer, from 06.00 to 20.00.
TECUTZINGO / BAÑOS DE NEZAHUALCOYOTL
At only 1.5 hours from Mexico City, in the State of Mexico, we can find Tecutzingo, also known as Baños de Nezahualcoyotl.
This is a beautifully conserved lesser known archeological site and aditionally it makes for a great hike, since we we can walk all around and up the mountain with the main temple and with archeological findings and beautiful flora and fauna all around, in around 3 hours.
Los Baños de Nezahualcóyotl is a monumental construction built in 1431. It has fountains, stairways, canals and sculptures with excellent stone carvings, complemented by masonry works that reflect the engineering applied to the construction of a hydraulic system that supplied water to the site and the towns close to it. The Baño de Xóchitl, El Baño del Rey and El Trono del Rey stand out, combining stone and masonry, as well as El Baño de las Concubinas.
Nezahualcóyotl was a scholar, philosopher (tlamatini), warrior, architect, poet and ruler (tlatoani) of the city-state of Texcoco (1402 – 1472). Nezahualcoyotl was not fully Mexica; his father’s people were the Acolhua, another Nahuan people settled in the eastern part of the Valley of Mexico, on the coast of Lake Texcoco. His mother, however, was the sister of Chimalpopoca, the Mexica king of Tenochtitlan.
The baths and gardens of Nezahualcóyotl are testimony to the high cultural development that the genius and “King Poet” achieved for his people, and and amazing place to explore, with amazing views all around. 6 hour day trip.
Our Facebook albums on Baños de Nezahualcoyotl: Album 1 and Album 2.
TEUHTLI VOLCANO
In the Southern part of Mexico City we can find the amazing Teuhtli volcano, around 1 hour 30 minutes from the historic city center.
The Teuhtli volcano (in Nahuatl: venerable lord) is an extinct Hawaiian type volcano. Which means that its diameter is much greater than its height. It reaches a height of 2,710 meters / 8891 feet above sea level, serving as the geographical limit of the Milpa Alta, Tláhuac and Xochimilco delegations. Here we can make a walk or hike of around 4 hours. First uphill through beautiful fields of flowers and agricultural fields, untill reaching the base of the volcano. And then you can walk all to way to the top and around, and even inside the crater, all with astonishing views all around. Have a look at this amazing video that was recorded during one of our hikes (English subtitles available on opening in Youtube):
Our blog on the Teuhtli volcano: https://aztecexplorers.com/2020/11/07/hiking-the-teuhtli-volcano-in-mexico-city/
Our Facebook album on the Teuhtli volcano
MALINALCO
Malinco is one of the 132 Pueblos Mágicos and also has an unique archeological site. It is located at around 2 hours of Mexico City, in the State of Mexico. In a beautiful valley of exuberant vegetation at the foot of the mountains we can encounter this magical, ancestral town with cobbled streets and multicolored houses. Its streets are dotted with flowers that sprout from the walls of its colonial mansions and small temples from the 11th and 17th centuries, that will take you on a journey through Mexico’s past. On the hill of idols awaits the archaeological zone, one of the most beautiful in the state and where a magnificent panoramic view of the town can be appreciated.
This is one of the most important Aztec sites and was discovered in 1933. The visible complex dates from the Aztec Empire but the site’s use as a ceremonial center appears to be much older. The complex was built from the mid 15th century to the beginnings of the 16th. To get to the Cerro de los Idolos, you have to climb 426 stairs up to 125 meters, but you will be rewarded with amazing views and beautiful remainders of Mexicos rich prehispanic past. Transfer, from 08.00 to 18.00.
TEQUISQUIAPAN AND BERNAL
In the State of Queretarro, at around 3.5 hours from Mexico City, we can explore the beautiful Pueblos Mágicos of Bernal and Tequisquiapan and visit excellent vineyards. Apart from exploring the little towns, we can try the delicious local cheese and wine.
Bernal is known for its enormous monolith of massive rock, the Peña de Bernal, the third highest on the planet. But it is also a beautiful colonial village that was founded in 1642 by Spanish soldier Alonso Cabrera. A must try are the gorditas, a dish made with masa and stuffed with cheese, meat,or other fillings.
Tequisquiapan was founded in 1551; the center of the town has cobblestone streets, traditional rustic houses with wrought iron fixtures, balconies, and wooden windowsills, which is the legacy of its 300 year heritage as a colonial town populated mostly by indigenous people. Day trip, from 7.00 to 20.00.
TLAXCALA, CACAXTLA, XOCHITECATL
At 2 hours from Mexico City we can explore the amazing archeological sites of Cacaxtla and Xochitecatl, plus the small city of Tlaxcala, in the State of Tlaxcala.
Cacaxtla is an archaeological site located near the southern border of the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. It was a sprawling palace containing vibrantly colored murals painted in unmistakable Maya style. The nearby site of Xochitecatl was a more public ceremonial complex Cacaxtla and Xochitecatl prospered 650-900 CE, probably controlling important trade routes through the region.
Tlaxcala city still has many of its old colonial structures including the former Franciscan monastery.
XICO VOLCANO AND LAKES
First we will hike / walk up the beautiful Xico volcano and its immensive crater. And then we will explore and hike along the impressive lakes nearby Xico, where we can get a better idea how Mexico city and the State of México was before the Spanish conquest.
LAS ESTACAS
Do you feel like you need to get some fresh air, dive into clear water, rest under the palm trees and get a nice sun tan? Two hours south from Mexico City, this beautiful nature water park is just what you are looking for.
The crystal clear water comes from various springs and forms a wide river with a mild current. Lay down into the water and let yourself being taken through tropic green and tall palm trees.
Our blog: https://aztecexplorers.com/2019/03/30/exploring-las-estacas-in-the-state-of-morelos/
HUASCA, PRISMAS BASALTICAS, HACIENDA DE SANTA MARIA REGLA
Let´s visit the beautiful town of Huasca (Pueblo Mágico) and it´s surroundings in the state of Hidalgo. We will visit the historic center of the beautiful magical town, the Basalt Prisms and Hacienda Santa Maria Regla.
XOCHICALCO & JARDINES DE MEXICO
Lets explore the archeological site Xochicalco, one of the 13 man made miracles of Mexico and the Jardines de México, one of the largest gardens in the world with different types of gardens. Both exiting places are in the State of Morelo.
Xochicalco is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in the western part of the Mexican state of Morelos. The name Xochicalco may be translated from Nahuatl as “in the house of Flowers”.
The architecture and iconography of Xochicalco show affinities with Teotihuacan, the Maya area, and the Matlatzinca culture of the Toluca Valley. The main ceremonial center is atop an artificially leveled hill, with remains of residential structures, on long terraces covering the slopes. The site was first occupied by 200 BC, but did not develop into an urban center until the Epiclassic period (AD 700 – 900). Nearly all the standing architecture at the site was built at this time. At its peak, the city may have had a population of up to 20,000 people.
XITLE VOLCANO
In the Southern part of Mexico City we can find the amazing Xitle volcano, in the national park Ajusco, around 1 hour from the historic city center. Walking up, in and around the crater of an extinct volcano? INSIDE Mexico City? At 3107 meters / 10194 feet ?
Welcome to the Xitle volcano! Located in the Southern part of Mexico City, Near the highest point of Mexico City: the Ajusco volcano at 3930 meters / 12894 feet.
Our blog: https://aztecexplorers.com/2020/07/23/hiking-the-xitle-volcano-in-mexico-city/
CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2023
Our calendar, prices in pesos:
All details of all trip also soon on Meetup.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Reservations and payment information on Whatsapp: 525513083732 , Lidia Herrera.