Best of Puebla City │ History Culture & Culinary Tour-7 days

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Best of Puebla City │ History, Culture & Culinary Tour - 7 Days

With a treasure trove of sites, sounds, tastes, and traditions, explore the city of Puebla, the oldest Spanish-built colonial city in México.

7 Day Guided México Exploration Tour
(includes day of arrival & departure)

from $1895 per person + air
Single Supplement +$305

Both the city of Puebla and the adjoining city of Cholula will captivate you with their impressive Baroque architecture, tasty regional cuisine, ceramic artistry, and their many beautiful churches.

On this Mexico exploration tour we’ll visit the oldest library in North America, participate in a hands-on cooking class, climb the world’s largest pyramid (by volume), venture underground to witness a very recent and amazing discovery, and much more.   

Our experienced local guide will also relay the stories of historical battles won and lost in Puebla state from invading foreign countries as well as from civil unrest which helped spark the beginnings of the Mexican Revolution. 

Join us for this most interesting 7 day Best of Puebla City – History, Culture & Culinary Tour

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One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to the Xalapa Anthropology Museum where we’ll be introduced to the oldest known civilization in the Americas, the Olmecs. Several original giant Olmec stone heads are housed in this museum filled with thousands of ancient artifacts.

In addition, we’ll have the opportunity to tour the historic port city of Veracruz, its massive harbor fortress, the Veracruz Naval Museum, and the coffee growing region of the state where we will wander around 2 quaint pre-Hispanic towns which have been designated as Pueblo Mágicos (México Magic Towns).

This tour is for curious travelers who like to dig into what took place in the past, when it happened, why it happened, and how it has influenced the people living their today.

Join us on this week-long educational journey we call, Best of Veracruz │ History, Traditions & Ancient Ruins Tour in the state of Veracruz, México.

Tour Highlights

•  Explore the Major Landmarks in Puebla’s Historic Central District

•  Discover the Local Foods of Puebla

•  Marvel at the 16th & 17th Century Baroque Style Churches

•  Learn Simple Spanish Phrases from Our Host Guide

•  Visit the Oldest Library in North America

•  Watch Artisans as they Create Talavera Ceramics

•  Explore Secret Tunnels Beneath the City

•  Learn How to Prepare Mexican Street Food – Antojitos

•  Explore a Local Market

•  Visit the International Museum of the Baroque

•  Learn the Real History Behind Cinco de Mayo

•  Tour the pre-Hispanic town of Cholula

•  Climb Tlachihualtepetl, the World’s Largest Pyramid by Size

•  Enjoy Free Time to Explore on Your Own

Dates & Prices

 

*2024 Tour Dates

Nov 14-Nov20 (Th-We)

**2024 Prices

$1895 per person – double
Single: +$305

___________________

*2025 Tour Dates

Mar 13-Mar 19 (Th-We)
Apr 10-Apr 16 (Th-We)
May 15-May 21 (Th-We)
Sep 11-Sep 17  (Th-We)
Nov 6-Nov 12  (Th-We)

**2025 Prices

$1995 per person – double
Single: +$320

* Includes day of arrival & departure.
** Prices in USD. Air not included in tour price.

Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Welcome to the Puebla City

Arrive to Puebla City and check in at our hotel in the historic center of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or go exploring on our own. We will sleep in Puebla City for the next 6 nights. Note: You can fly into the Puebla City Airport (PBC) or fly into the Mexico City International Airport / AICM. The airport 3 letter code is MEX. From Terminal 1 there are buses that go direct to the Puebla City Bus Station (CAPU). Depending on traffic, the bus ride is a little less than 3 hours.

DAY 2:  Meet Your Guide / The Historic Heart of Puebla City

This morning we’ll meet our host guide for breakfast. She will give us an overview of the coming days, brief us about Mexican customs, and answer any questions.

We’ll then take off on a walking tour to learn about Puebla’s early history, including a visit to the Basilica de Catedral de Puebla and the Templo de Santo Domingo with its many tiny chapels. We’ll also enter the very old Biblioteca Palafoxiana (first library in America) to learn about its history and view its shelves which contain thousands of volumes. Toward the end of our morning walking tour, we will visit several small restaurants which specialize in Antojitos (translated means, “Little Cravings”). This will actually be our lunch for today.

The rest of the day will be free to relax, go exploring, or perhaps visit a local museum. Later in the evening, our adventure continues as we will have the opportunity to select a restaurant (or street food) on our own to have dinner. Our host guide will give us some ideas of where to go. (B,L)

Day 4: International Museum of the Baroque

After breakfast, we’ll drive down some small rural roads to view a couple hidden waterfalls. There are clear refreshing pools below these falls which give us the opportunity to jump in. On a nice warm tropical day, the cool water will feel great!

Later we’ll head over to another beach where we may encounter local families and small groups of seniors enjoying the day. The Gulf of México water will be warm and inviting for a swim. We will have lunch there right on the beach at one of the rustic palapa restaurants and have the afternoon to just relax by the sea. 

Overnight at the same hotel.  (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tunnels, Talavera & Cinco de Mayo

After breakfast, we’ll meet up with our guide and head over to a family run Talavera operation. We will learn the process of how they create these famous ceramic pieces which are only made in Puebla, Mexico. We can also look over the shoulders of the artisan workers as they meticulously hand paint the designs on each original piece.

Then we are off again to explore a most recent local discovery; tunnels. A whole network of about 6 miles of tunnels were discovered under the city in 2015. After much restoration, a portion of these tunnels are now open to the public. We will enter them and learn about their secret purpose and how they were discovered.

Well break for lunch at a local typical restaurant and then head up to a bluff where there are two massive fortresses. Here our guide will relate the story about a famous battle that took place against the best trained army in the world at that time, the French army. After visiting one of these fortresses and its museum, you will then understand the real story behind “Cinco de Mayo.”

The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to wander. (B,L)

Day 5: Puebla Food & Culture

Today will be an authentic Puebla food experience to remember. We will start our culinary journey by taking a walk through some of Puebla’s oldest neighborhoods to reach a local market. We’ll experience the sights, sounds, aromas, and flavors as we select the ingredients required to make traditional Antojitos (appetizers) along with the special sauces that complement them. Then we’ll head to our cooking class to meet a local Doña (cook) who will lead us step-by-step on how to make different kinds of Antojitos. To prepare the sauces, we will do it the “old school” way; by using a mortar and pedestal (molcajete). (B,L)

Day 6: Pre-Hispanic Town of Cholula

Cholula dates back to the 2nd century BC. This was a trading outpost which linked the gulf coast to Mexico’s central valley.

 

Our guide will take us on a short drive from Puebla City to the town of Cholula. She will lead us on a tour of this very old town and will relate the history of what took place here during the Spanish invasion as well as the history

about the Great Pyramid of Cholula (Tlachihualtepetl). It is twice the volume of the largest pyramid in Giza, Egypt. Although not as tall and steep as the Giza pyramids, it is still the largest pyramid in the world by volume. We will walk up to the top of this partially covered pyramid and view the beautiful church the Spanish built on top of it.

 

We will also visit two other interesting churches in Cholula. The interior walls and ceiling of the sanctuary in Santa Maria Tonantzintla is absolutely stunning! Carved painted figures out of stucco totally blanket the inside of this

place of worship. In the other church, San Francisco Acatepec, the uniqueness of the exterior facade is a must see. It is totally decorated in Talavera ceramic tile.

 

Later, we will return to Puebla City and enjoy a farewell dinner with our host guide. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Tour Ends After Breakfast

Breakfast is included but there are no group activities today. We can help you with any post tour exploration plans. If you are interested, contact us prior to going on this tour and we can help you arrange a guided extension tour to

explore either Mexico City, Veracruz, Oaxaca City, or Cuernavaca & Taxco. (B) Buen Viaje!

Itinerary schedule is subject to change.

What's Included

Tour Price Includes:
•  7 day / 6 night guided tour
    (includes day of arrival & departure)
•  Small group tour size of up to 16 travelers
•  All ground transportation during guided tour days
•  All activities as listed in the itinerary
•  All entrance fees
•  6 nights of hotel lodgings
•  6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
•  Tip for your host guide, specialty guides, and driver 

Excluded:
Airfare
Airport transfers
Additional activities & meals not listed above
Alcoholic drinks
Trip interruption insurance
Trip Medical insurance

Group activities listed are subject to change.

Tour Details

Activity Level: Easy / Moderate
Maximum Group Size: 16
Suggested Minimum Age: 12 years
Arrival & Departure Cities: Puebla City / Puebla City
Deposit: $350 USD per person

A Reminder –
There is no need to fret over how much to tip and of having the right amount of Mexican Pesos at the end of your tour. Tips are already included for all specialty guides as well as your main host guide and driver.

Tour Terms & Conditions

Extend Your Trip

If you would like to stay a few more days either before or after your tour and would like some assistance in making those plans, contact us.

We can help you to arrange for local transportation, accommodations, and set you up with a local guide. 

Here are some tour extension ideas:
– Explore México City
– Explore Veracruz
– Explore Oaxaca City
– Explore Cuernavaca & Taxco 

Tour Highlights

•  Explore the Major Landmarks in Puebla’s Historic Central District

•  Discover the Local Foods of Puebla

•  Marvel at the 16th & 17th Century Baroque Style Churches

•  Learn Simple Spanish Phrases from Our Host Guide

•  Visit the Oldest Library in North America

•  Watch Artisans as they Create Talavera Ceramics

•  Explore Secret Tunnels Beneath the City

•  Learn How to Prepare Mexican Street Food – Antojitos

•  Explore a Local Market

•  Visit the International Museum of the Baroque

•  Learn the Real History Behind Cinco de Mayo

•  Tour the pre-Hispanic town of Cholula

•  Climb Tlachihualtepetl, the World’s Largest Pyramid by Size

•  Enjoy Free Time to Explore on Your Own

Dates & Prices

 

*2024 Tour Dates

Nov 14-Nov20 (Th-We)

**2024 Prices

$1895 per person – double
Single: +$305

___________________

*2025 Tour Dates

Mar 13-Mar 19 (Th-We)
Apr 10-Apr 16 (Th-We)
May 15-May 21 (Th-We)
Sep 11-Sep 17  (Th-We)
Nov 6-Nov 12  (Th-We)

**2025 Prices

$1995 per person – double
Single: +$320

* Includes day of arrival & departure.
** Prices in USD. Air not included in tour price.

Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Welcome to the Puebla City

Arrive to Puebla City and check in at our hotel in the historic center of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or go exploring on our own. We will sleep in Puebla City for the next 6 nights. Note: You can fly into the Puebla City Airport (PBC) or fly into the Mexico City International Airport / AICM. The airport 3 letter code is MEX. From Terminal 1 there are buses that go direct to the Puebla City Bus Station (CAPU). Depending on traffic, the bus ride is a little less than 3 hours.

DAY 2:  Meet Your Guide / The Historic Heart of Puebla City

This morning we’ll meet our host guide for breakfast. She will give us an overview of the coming days, brief us about Mexican customs, and answer any questions.

We’ll then take off on a walking tour to learn about Puebla’s early history, including a visit to the Basilica de Catedral de Puebla and the Templo de Santo Domingo with its many tiny chapels. We’ll also enter the very old Biblioteca Palafoxiana (first library in America) to learn about its history and view its shelves which contain thousands of volumes. Toward the end of our morning walking tour, we will visit several small restaurants which specialize in Antojitos (translated means, “Little Cravings”). This will actually be our lunch for today.

The rest of the day will be free to relax, go exploring, or perhaps visit a local museum. Later in the evening, our adventure continues as we will have the opportunity to select a restaurant (or street food) on our own to have dinner. Our host guide will give us some ideas of where to go. (B,L)

Day 4: International Museum of the Baroque

After breakfast, we’ll drive down some small rural roads to view a couple hidden waterfalls. There are clear refreshing pools below these falls which give us the opportunity to jump in. On a nice warm tropical day, the cool water will feel great!

Later we’ll head over to another beach where we may encounter local families and small groups of seniors enjoying the day. The Gulf of México water will be warm and inviting for a swim. We will have lunch there right on the beach at one of the rustic palapa restaurants and have the afternoon to just relax by the sea. 

Overnight at the same hotel.  (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tunnels, Talavera & Cinco de Mayo

After breakfast, we’ll meet up with our guide and head over to a family run Talavera operation. We will learn the process of how they create these famous ceramic pieces which are only made in Puebla, Mexico. We can also look over the shoulders of the artisan workers as they meticulously hand paint the designs on each original piece.

Then we are off again to explore a most recent local discovery; tunnels. A whole network of about 6 miles of tunnels were discovered under the city in 2015. After much restoration, a portion of these tunnels are now open to the public. We will enter them and learn about their secret purpose and how they were discovered.

Well break for lunch at a local typical restaurant and then head up to a bluff where there are two massive fortresses. Here our guide will relate the story about a famous battle that took place against the best trained army in the world at that time, the French army. After visiting one of these fortresses and its museum, you will then understand the real story behind “Cinco de Mayo.”

The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to wander. (B,L)

Day 5: Puebla Food & Culture

Today will be an authentic Puebla food experience to remember. We will start our culinary journey by taking a walk through some of Puebla’s oldest neighborhoods to reach a local market. We’ll experience the sights, sounds, aromas, and flavors as we select the ingredients required to make traditional Antojitos (appetizers) along with the special sauces that complement them. Then we’ll head to our cooking class to meet a local Doña (cook) who will lead us step-by-step on how to make different kinds of Antojitos. To prepare the sauces, we will do it the “old school” way; by using a mortar and pedestal (molcajete). (B,L)

Day 6: Pre-Hispanic Town of Cholula

Cholula dates back to the 2nd century BC. This was a trading outpost which linked the gulf coast to Mexico’s central valley.

 

Our guide will take us on a short drive from Puebla City to the town of Cholula. She will lead us on a tour of this very old town and will relate the history of what took place here during the Spanish invasion as well as the history

about the Great Pyramid of Cholula (Tlachihualtepetl). It is twice the volume of the largest pyramid in Giza, Egypt. Although not as tall and steep as the Giza pyramids, it is still the largest pyramid in the world by volume. We will walk up to the top of this partially covered pyramid and view the beautiful church the Spanish built on top of it.

 

We will also visit two other interesting churches in Cholula. The interior walls and ceiling of the sanctuary in Santa Maria Tonantzintla is absolutely stunning! Carved painted figures out of stucco totally blanket the inside of this

place of worship. In the other church, San Francisco Acatepec, the uniqueness of the exterior facade is a must see. It is totally decorated in Talavera ceramic tile.

 

Later, we will return to Puebla City and enjoy a farewell dinner with our host guide. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Tour Ends After Breakfast

Breakfast is included but there are no group activities today. We can help you with any post tour exploration plans. If you are interested, contact us prior to going on this tour and we can help you arrange a guided extension tour to

explore either Mexico City, Veracruz, Oaxaca City, or Cuernavaca & Taxco. (B) Buen Viaje!

Itinerary schedule is subject to change.

What's Included

Tour Price Includes:
•  7 day / 6 night guided tour
    (includes day of arrival & departure)
•  Small group tour size of up to 16 travelers
•  All ground transportation during guided tour days
•  All activities as listed in the itinerary
•  All entrance fees
•  6 nights of hotel lodgings
•  6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
•  Tip for your host guide, specialty guides, and driver 

Excluded:
Airfare
Airport transfers
Additional activities & meals not listed above
Alcoholic drinks
Trip interruption insurance
Trip Medical insurance

Group activities listed are subject to change.

Tour Details

Activity Level: Easy / Moderate
Maximum Group Size: 16
Suggested Minimum Age: 12 years
Arrival & Departure Cities: Puebla City / Puebla City
Deposit: $350 USD per person

A Reminder –
There is no need to fret over how much to tip and of having the right amount of Mexican Pesos at the end of your tour. Tips are already included for all specialty guides as well as your main host guide and driver.

Tour Terms & Conditions

Extend Your Trip

If you would like to stay a few more days either before or after your tour and would like some assistance in making those plans, contact us.

We can help you to arrange for local transportation, accommodations, and set you up with a local guide. 

Here are some tour extension ideas:
– Explore México City
– Explore Veracruz
– Explore Oaxaca City
– Explore Cuernavaca & Taxco