Hidalgo tour: Visit Tula and Explore Tepotzotlan (Private / 12h)

Overview

Join our private tour to discover the pre-Hispanic and colonial history of Mexico. Some of the attractions are the small town of Tula which used to be the major city of the ancient Toltecs and the 18th-century Aqueduct of Xalpa. Except for this, visit Tepotzotlan, a small “Magical Town” famous for its impressive colonial architecture and a Baroque-style convent.

Highlights

• Visit Tula, one of the most important pre-Hispanic cities in Mexico, and learn about its relevance in Mesoamerica.
• Contemplate amazing sculptures and architecture created by the Toltecs back in the 10th and 12th centuries. 
• Stop at a wonderful and well-preserved Jesuit convent built in the 16th century and now home to a museum. 
• Get some insights into the outstanding art and architecture that were produced after the Spanish colonization of Mexico.  
• Visit one of the most intact historical aqueducts that still exist in the area and see a lovely natural landscape. 

Itinerary

In the morning, meet your guide and go to explore Tula. This Mesoamerican archaeological site was an important regional center that reached its fame as the capital of the Toltec Empire between the fall of Teotihuacan and the rise of Tenochtitlan. Upon arrival, tour the site seeing huge stone sculptures of Toltec warriors, ruins of ancient temples, and reliefs depicting local gods and sacred animals.

Once ready, go to visit the 62-meter high and 430-meter long Aqueduct of Xalpa (Arcos del Sitio Park), built by the Jesuits in the 18th century. Afterward, move to Tepotzotlan, a small “Magical Town” famous for its impressive colonial architecture, a pleasant historic center, and a Baroque-style convent.

Upon a walking tour around the town and a visit to its famous Museo Nacional del Virreinato (National Museum of Viceroyalty), return to your vehicle and relax on the way back to your accommodation.

Why go with us

• You will spend the time of the tour purely on its activities and sightseeing: no visits to souvenir shops and restaurants (unless you ask).
• An ideal choice for small groups: the price of the tour is fixed and varies just slightly depending on the size of the group.
• We are flexible: we can adjust the program and route to your interests while the duration of the tour can always be extended for an extra fee.

Logistics

• DEPARTURE LOCATION AND TIME
  The default departure time for this tour is 7:30 am but we can also slightly adjust it per your request. Our guide will meet/pick you up at the requested time and might need to contact you by phone. Therefore, please kindly provide a valid phone number during your booking.
  Complimentary pick-up/drop-off is included: please indicate the exact time and location for your pick-up during your booking (e.g. in the "Special Requirements" field). That is to say, we can pick you up from those parts of Mexico City: Polanco, Condesa, Roma, and Centro Historico. Other more remote locations might involve an extra fee.
• TOUR DURATION AND CUSTOMIZATION
  The standard duration of the tour counts from the moment of a meetup till the end of the tour. On the other hand, the tour is customizable which means we can adjust the time you spend in each destination. For example, if you want to visit an extra location (attraction/restaurant/market, etc.), you can do it on a complimentary basis if this visit (1) fits the default duration of the tour and (2) doesn't involve a major change of the route.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
  Comfortable clothes and shoes; hat/cap, sunglasses and sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood and curiosity.

Notes

• The type of vehicle depends on the size of your group and may include car, 7-seater, or minivan.
• This is a private tour: only your group will participate.
• Travelers should have a basic physical fitness condition.