Mexico/Acapulco – Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Itinerary# 3. Polish/ English Group

CHICAGO – MEXICO CITY

Group meeting at ORD airport in Chicago. Check-in. Arrival in Mexico. We will see the Old and the New Basilica and the Shrine on the Hill. Then free time for contemplation, buying souvenirs and devotional items. Hotel accommodation. Overnight in Mexico City. 

TEOTIHUACAN

Afrer breakfast transfer to Teotihuacan, the former Teotihuacanos Indian ceremonial and administrative center and the largest pre-Columbian city in Mesoamerica. The name of Teotihuacan in Nahuatl it means “the place where people become gods“. According to Indian beliefs, it was here that the world was to be created.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most visited archaeological attractions in all of Latin America. While there, we will climb the Pyramid of the Sun. We will also see the Pyramid of the Moon, the Palaces of Feathered Shells, and the Feathered Serpent. Majestic pyramids with palace complexes to this day are a mystery to many researchers of their secrets. They are the most photographed objects in Mexico.

We will spend the evening tasting tequila and learning about the process of processing obsidian, the sacred stone from which the inhabitants of Teotihuacan made beautiful masks and figurines, inlaid with silver and precious stones.

After dinner the driver will take us to the Main Square of the city of Zocalo. During a walk along the promenade Madero, we will visit the largest Baroque Metropolitan Cathedral where the statue of Jesus Christ of Poison and the statue of John Paul II are located.

Then we also travel to the Aztec temple TemploMayor. It is the place where the island was located, on which the city of Mexico was founded, and called Tenochtitlan by the Aztec people. From the scenic point, we will admire its ruins. Return to the hotel. Accommodation. 

PUEBLA

After breakfast, drive to Puebla, where we will see religious buildings in the Indian Baroque style. The remains of the largest pyramid in the world dominate the eastern part of the city.

We will climb the pyramid in Cholula and visit the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Good Counsel located there. From the top you have an unforgettable view of the entire area and a pair of Popocatapetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes, while at the foot there are 8 km long tunnels from where you can see the underground structures.

On this day, we will also see the Cathedral and the Rosary Chapel in the Church of Santo Domingo – the most beautiful example of the Mexican Baroque. The beautiful and richly decorated church of St. Dominica is the biggest attraction of Puebla, which hides numerous treasures.

Out of the many chapels, the Rosary Chapel is the one that attracts the most attention. Majestic, hailed as the eighth wonder of the world, it delights with its baroque splendor of gilded stucco. The interior, dazzling with golden glow, is breathtaking and the onyx pulpit and the number of decorations are second to none. It is the first chapel not only in Mexico, but also in America, to be dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

We will have a pleasant walk in the evening along the “Sweet Street“, tasting local sweets. Dinner and hotel accommodation. 

TAXCO

The next day brings new attractions. We depart for Taxco, the capital of silver, picturesquely situated on the Mexican hills. Stop in Cuernavaca on the way. During the walk around the “City of Eternal Spring” we will visit the 16th-century Cathedral and the former residence of Hernan Cortez.

We will stop at a local craft workshop to observe the process of silver production and processing. We will see the products made here and taste the local drink “Berta”. High-class utility products and silver jewelry are the undoubted attractions of this region. Their variety and rich design can make you dizzy.

Beautiful, original jewelry is not the only hallmark of the region. Low, colonial buildings delight with architecture, and white houses with red tiles and winding, cobbled streets resemble charming, Mediterranean towns.  In the evening, check in at the hotel. Free time. 

TAXCO-XOCHIMILCO

We continue our tour of Taxco. We set off in Volkswagen Beetle taxis, winding through the narrow streets to admire the architecture of the city. White houses with red roofs, entwined with lush vegetation make an extraordinary impression.

We will end our visit in the main square and the Church of Santa Prisca. We will see pink walls of this historic colonial-era church tower that spreads over the entire Taxco area.

The church founded in the mid-18th century by a mining magnate has St. Prisca and St. Sebastian and was the tallest building in Mexico until 1806. It is definitely one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Latin America.

After that we will drive to Xochimilco, which is the Place of Flowers, here the waterways of the former Aztecs are preserved, and today it is called the Mexican Venice. We will take gondola boat cruise for an hour, which include lunch, with the rhythms of music played by the groups of „Los mariachis” in the background. In the evening, check-in at the hotel. 

MEXICO CITY - ACAPULCO

December 12 is the celebration of the Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Millions of pilgrims come these days from all over the world to greet the Lady – Queen of Mexico and the Empress of the Americas. It is the oldest Marian apparition officially recognized by the Catholic Church.

Despite that almost 500 years have passed since then, the cult of Our Lady of Guadalupe is still alive. In addition to its spiritual values, it is worth visiting this place because of its importance in the culture of Mexico.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the most important Marian shrine in Mexico and one of the most visited places of Christian worship in the world.

On December 12, 1531, an Aztec Indian Juan Diego saw Mary, who instructed him to go to the bishop and ask him to build a church in her honor at the site of the apparition. Juan Diego was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and was declared a saint during his next visit to Mexico in 2002.

Next, we will head to Acapulco. It was previously a quiet fishing village and now it is the most iconic place for vacation. Accommodation at the hotel. Free Time. 

ACCAPULCO

Today we focus on rest and recreation. Possibility to spend the morning on the beach in Acapulco.Acapulco gained fame in the 60’s and 70’s thanks to American actors and politicians who loved to spend their free time here.

Expensive mansions of millionaires and showbiz stars, located in the modern residential area of ​​Acapulco Diamante, can be admired while cruising the waters of St. Lucia.

Among the first to invest in them were, among others Frank Sinatra and John Wayne. Gentlemen Iglesias (both Julio and Enrique), Leonardo di Caprio, Lisa Minelli and Robert Redford have their homes here.

After relaxing on the beach – a cruise along St. Lucia. The journey takes place to the tune of music. You can dance, learn salsa and taste local drinks.

In the evening we will drive to Quebrada to admire the Mexican sunset. La Quebrada is a spectacle worth the time it is dedicated to. Daredevils jump from a rock several dozen meters high into the water from various levels, showing the large numbers of visitors high craftsmanship and undeniable courage.  You cannot leave Acapulco and not see that amazing show. 

ACAPULCO

Second day for rest.  We are going to spend three days here in an all-inclusive resort,  enjoying the sun, night life and delicious local cuisine.

ACAPULCO

Final day in Acapulco. Free time.

ACAPULCO-MEXICO CITY – CHICAGO

Check out from the hotel. Transfer to Mexico City. After short rest and diner we will drive to the airport. Check-in and flight to Chicago. 

The program and the order of the particular items may change due to unexpected events. Holy Mass every day if possible in chosen sanctuaries. The terms and conditions of taking part in the trip and resignation available.