Thank you for reading our newsletter of Aztec Explorers for March 2023!
We prepared 11 great day trips and walking tours this month; exploring Natural water parks, Nature Reserves, Archeological Sites, Unesco World Heritage sites, Pueblos Mágicos 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.
See below the 11 day trips and walking tours that we have prepared for you for March 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 March 2023; prices in pesos (we are working on the final pricing of some trips):
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.
On March 11, 26 and 31. Price is 1150 pesos and includes transport, entrance and bilingual guide to show you the best places. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
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/
HIDDEN JEWELS OF THE MEXICO CITY CENTER
On this walking tour, we take you off the beaten track, and show you some of the hidden jewels of the Mexico City Center, and our certified guide will explain the history and give information about each place; such as Congreso de la Ciudad, Plaza Santa Domingo, Edificio de la Antigua Aduana, the church and square of Santa Catarina, the Museum of Light, the Abelardo L. Rodriguez market with incredible murals of students of Diego Rivera, the church and square of Loreto, the church of La Santisima, the monastery of Jesus de Maria, the Museum de la Ciudad and the church and hospital of Jesus Nazareno. Note: we will NOT enter the museums and places where whe have to pay entrances, you can visit them optionally after the walking tour.
Trip info:
From 10.00 to 12.30, guided walking tour.
Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
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.
Trip info:
From 07.30 to 18.00, on the 12th of March, price 750 pesos; includes private transport for our small group and certified bilingual guide. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
TOWNS OF ATLIXCO, CHIPILO AND HUEJOTZINGO IN THE STATE OF PUEBLA
Lets explore 3 off the beaten track villages in the State of Puebla. In Atlixco (Pueblo Mágico), we can visit its beautiful gardens and then we can explore its beautiful town center with several colonial buildings. In the Palacio Municipal we can enjoy amazing murals that explain the history of this beautiful little village. Nearby, we can explore Chipilo, the most Italian – Mexican village, with many inhabitants originally coming from Italy. Here we can try some of the best Italian cheeses and deserts. A bit further we can explore Huejotzingo, famous for its amazing fruit ciders and another beautiful colonial town center. A great day out exploring lesser know villages in the State of Puebla.
Trip info:
From 07.00 to 19.00, on the 18th of March, price 850 pesos; includes private transport for our small group and certified bilingual guide. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
TEOTENANGO ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE AND THE VILLAGE OF TENANCINGO
The archeological site Teotenango is one of the lesser known, but beautiful archeological sites near Mexico City, in the State of Mexico, near the City of Toluca.
Teotenango was in important pre-Hispanic fortified city located in the southern part of the Valley of Toluca. It was initially founded during the last stages of the Teotihuacan civilization by a group generally referred to as the “Teotenancas.” Later, the Matlatzincas conquered the city and expanded it. The city existed for about 1,000 years, being abandoned only after the Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire.
At its height, the city was densely population with a main road about 1,400 meters long, pyramidal platforms, palaces, a ballgame court, formidable defenses, drainage and water delivery systems. All around the site there are naturally protruding rocks containing petroglyphs with various signs and symbols. However, only a fraction of the site, mostly the northeast section which contained the ceremonial center, has been excavated and preserved.
The site is located on top of a large hill known as Tetépetl, which is located just west of the modern town of Tenango de Arista at a height of 2,700 meters above sea level.
Afterwards we can explore the beautiful town of Tenancingo. It is known for its indiginious people who produce beautiful rebozos (a kind of shawl) which have been woven here since the colonial period on both backstrap and pedal looms. Several artisans also produce baskets and fine fruit liquors. It is also the home of the beautiful Santo Desierto del Carmen monastery.
Trip info:
From 07.30 to 18.00, on the 19th of March, price 750 pesos; includes private transport for our small group and certified bilingual guide. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
COLONIA ROMA AND ROMITA IN MEXICO CITY
Colonia Roma, also called La Roma or simply, Roma, is a district located in the Cuauhtémoc borough of Mexico City just west of the city’s historic center. Currently Roma and neighbouring Condesa rivals Polanco as the center of the city’s culinary scene. Besides residential buildings, the neighbourhood streets are lined with restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, cultural centers, churches and galleries. Many are housed in former French-style mansions dating from the Porfiriato period at the beginning of the 20th century. La Romita is a small neighborhood located in the Colonia Roma section of Mexico City. The area began as an independent pre Hispanic village called Aztacalco, later renamed Romita. A beautiful colony to exploring during a guided walking tour.
Trip info:
From 10.00 to 12.30, on the 19th of March, guided walking tour. DISCOUNT: only 150 pesos. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
CERRO DE LA ESTRELLA ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE AND NATIONAL PARK – MEXICO CITY
In the Southern part of Mexico City we can find Cerro de La Estrella, 1 of the 6 archeological sites in Mexico City, around 40 minutes from the historic city center.
Cerro de la Estrella archeological site and national park, on a clear day, has one of the best 360 views all over Mexico City, from the top of an extinct vulcano.
The park was originally designated in 1938 with 1,100 hectares, but the growth of the city has encroached on it and left it with less than 200 hectares. The site is named after the colonial-period Hacienda de la Estrella, located on the flanks of the hill.
Culture: Azteca. Period: 900 – 1521. The slopes of the hill where the hacienda was located had been inhabited from the earliest times, and the settlement grew in importance as the site of New Fire ceremonies, believed to revive the sun at the end of the cycle. It was celebrated every 52 years with ceremonies held in 1351, 1403, 1455 and 1507. The fall of Tenochtitlan prevented the celebration of the fifth event.
Our blog with more explanations and pictures.
Trip info:
From 09.00 to 13.00, on the 20th of March, guided walking tour. DISCOUNT: only 150 pesos. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
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/
Trip info:
From 07.00 to 19.00, on the 25th of March, price 1250 pesos; includes private transport for our small group, entrance and certified bilingual guide. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
VILLAGES AND TRAIN BRIDGES AT THE FEET OF THE VOLCANOES
Near the town of Ecatzingo in the State of Mexico, we can make a beautiful trip to nature, visiting the remainders of the Porfirian train bridges that were constructed between 1898 and 1900
We will explain more about this historical place, and we can make an amazing walk through the beautiful forests and agricultural fields, learning more about its history, flora and fauna. With an excellent breakfast in nature, with great views all around.
The bridges are solid and beautiful as medieval castles or as prehispanic pyramids. Made so the rail road could cross the rivers and canyons, through the virgin forests.
Afterwards we will also visit the beautiful village of Atlautla, with great murals and a beautiful colonial center.
Trip info:
From 07.30 to 18.00, on the 26th of March, price 750 pesos; includes private transport for our small group and certified bilingual guide. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
Breakfast and boat trip in the nature reserve of Xochimilco with Parade of decorated trajinera boats; in Mexico City (Flor más bella del Ejido)
I you want to experience one of the most beautiful and oldest traditions of Mexico City, be sure to visit the event ¨La Flor más bella del Ejido¨ (the most beautiful flower of the communal lands) in Xochimilco on Friday of Sorrows; this year on Friday the 31st of March 2023.
The parade of the flower women originated when the celebrations of the Friday of Dolores were mixed with the flower cult. Initially they were realized in the Canal of La Viga, in the town of Santa Anita in Iztacalco. At first, the representatives of the society of New Spain attended these festivities and, with the passage of time, the festivity acquired a popular character in which the famous people of the time met up with the most humble people of the town.
See our blog with more explanations and pictures.
Trip info:
From 07.30 to 15.00, on the 31st of March, price to be defined; includes private transport for our small group, certified bilingual guide, local breakfast and trajinera boat trip. Make your reservation on Whatsapp, Lidia Herrera
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/
Trip info: for March available as private trip, ask here for a quote on Whatsapp.
CALENDAR March 2023
Our calendar, prices in pesos. Small groups, certified bilingual guides, include entrance if applies:
All details of all trip also soon on Meetup.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Reservations and payment information on Whatsapp: 525513083732 , Lidia Herrera.
All trips and more can also be organized as private trip.