Get a taste of Mexico's rich religious heritage on a tour of the Shrine of Guadalupe, the 2,500-year-old archaeological site of Teotihuacan, and the colonial Church of Santiago at Tlatelolco. Along the way, listen to engaging narratives from your experienced local guide, whose stories bring each site to life.
Your adventure starts as you visit the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Tlatelolco's main square, and get an introduction of the 3 main periods of Mexico's history: pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, and the modern independent mestizo nation. Stop at the Church of Santiago, built on top of Aztec ruins in 1522, and learn about the last stand of the Aztecs against conquistador Hernan Cortes.
Head to Mexico's largest shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where it is believed that Mexico's patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared to Saint Juan Diego. Here, on the site that houses the tilma (cloak) of Saint Juan Diego, get a look at the old and new basilicas. On your way to Teotihuacan, stop for some mezcal tasting and an optional Mexican lunch.
Next, explore the 2,500-year-old settlement of Teotihuacan, the “birthplace of the gods.” Contemplate the site's mysterious origins as you stroll along the 2.5-mile (4-km) Avenue of the Dead, climb the 243 steps of the Pyramid of the Sun, and see jade and obsidian artifacts at the Pyramid of the Moon. Notice the bird motifs on the pillars at the Palace of the Quetzalpapalotl and admire carvings of a snake-like deity on the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.