Mexico – Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Extended stay in Taxco OPTION 3. English-speaking group

CHICAGO-MEXICO CITY

We will begin our journey with the meeting of the group at ORD airport in Chicago. After passport and baggage check-in, we will fly to the capital of Mexico – Mexico City. Hotel accommodation in Mexico City. On this day we will see the Old and New Basilica with the miraculous painting and the Chapel on the Hill. Then free time for contemplation, purchase of souvenirs and devotional items. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

MEXICO CITY

On the second day of our Mexican adventure, we begin with a journey to the Main Square of the city, Zocalo. Here, we’ll encounter the baroque Metropolitan Cathedral with the statue of Jesus Christ from Poison, as well as the monument of Pope John Paul II.

Next, we’ll head to the Aztec temple, Templo Mayor, where we’ll have a panoramic view of its ruins. We’ll also visit the National Palace, which currently serves as the administrative headquarters of the President of Mexico. This monumental building with red awnings hides many treasures, including murals by Diego Rivera depicting the history of the country and the strength of the Mexican people.

Our next destination will be the Three Cultures Square, a symbolic place representing the creation of a new mestizo race with an interesting history. It is here that Juan Diego reported the apparitions of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe to Bishop Zumarraga. 

PUEBLA

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

We will climb the pyramid in Cholula and visit Our Lady of Remedies Church. From the top of the building, you have an unforgettable view of the entire area including 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. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel will finish this exciting day.

PUEBLA

The center of Puebla is like a journey through time, where culture and history intertwine in a unique narrative, and every corner hides the secrets of Mexico.

On this day, we will also see the Cathedral and the Rosary Chapel in the Church of Santo Domingo – the most authentic 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 impresses with the baroque splendor of gilded stucco. The interior, dazzling with a golden glow, is breathtaking and the onyx pulpit and the number of decorations is second to none. It is the first chapel not only in Mexico, but also in America dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

We will make the evening more pleasant with a walk along the “Sweet Street”, tasting local sweets.

In the center of Puebla, every step is a discovery not only of the beauty of architecture and art but also of flavors that create the unique character of this magical place. Dinner at the hotel.

TEOTIHUACAN

After breakfast, we will drive to Teotihuacan, the former Teotihuacanos Indian ceremonial and administrative center and the largest pre-Columbian city of Mesoamerica. The name Teotihuacan in Nahuatl means “the place where people become gods”.

According to UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, 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, Template of Feathered Shells and the Palace of Feathered Conch Shells. Majestic pyramids with the 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 processing of obsidian, a sacred stone from which the inhabitants of Teotihuacan made beautiful masks and figurines, inlaid with silver and precious stones. After such an eventful day we will return to the hotel for overnight stay.

MEXICO CITY - XOCHIMILCO

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, this place is worth visiting because of its importance in Mexican culture.

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

Then, we will drive to Xochimilco. This Native American name meaning “City of Flowers”, refers to the former cultivation of flowers and vegetables on moored rafts, built of reeds and twigs, resembled floating gardens. Today, among the green oasis of the multi-million metropolis, fairy-tale boats transport tourists along the former Aztec canals.

We will take one hour gondola boat cruise with lunch and the rhythms of music played by the Mariachi band in the background.

TAXCO

After breakfast, we will set off in Volkswagen Beetle taxis, winding through narrow streets to admire the architecture of the city. We will explore the main square and the Santa Prisca Church. The pink walls of this historic colonial church tower dominate the entire Taxco area. The church was founded in the mid-18th century by a mining magnate and was the tallest building in Mexico until 1806. It is definitely one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Latin America.

CACAHUAMILPA CAVES

Today, we will embark on a tour of the Cacahuamilpa Caves, which stand as one of the largest cave systems in the world. Formed over millions of years through erosion caused by the San Jeronimo River, these caves are known for their vast chambers and impressive formations. Noteworthy halls include the Altar Hall, the Cathedral, and the Devil’s Balcony.

CUERNAVECA

This day we will spend in Cuernavaca. 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 designs can make your head spin. Beautiful, original jewelry is not the only hallmark of this region. Low, colonial buildings impress with their architecture, and white houses with red tiles and winding, cobbled streets resemble the climate of charming, Mediterranean towns.

In the evening we will go back to the hotel and have free time.

MEXICO CITY – CHICAGO

Check-out from the hotel. Transfer to Mexico City. Lunch and transfer to the airport. Check-in and return to the USA.

The program is in general outline. The order of individual points of the program may change. Holy Mass will be held every day (if possible in selected sanctuaries)

See also:

Meksyk – Pielgrzymka do Matki Boskiej Z Gaudelupe

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