Overview

Set off on an unforgettable adventure in the Sierra Gorda de Queretaro Biosphere Reserve, the most ecologically diverse protected area in Mexico's Central Highlands! Discover the excitement of venturing into remote and breathtaking locations that few outsiders ever experience.

With Travelian's expert guides by your side, you'll delve into this captivating natural paradise. Enjoy a fantastic hike along the high ridge of Cuatro Palos, where sweeping views of sprawling valleys and distant hills await. As we make our way through the mountains, prepare to be amazed by unique landscapes dotted with diverse cacti, fir, oak, and pine forests.

Uncover the subtropical region of Conca, home to an extraordinary Franciscan mission. Wander through the mango orchards in Ayutla before taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of its river. We’ll relax in the charming "Magic Town" of Santiago de Jalpan, where you can admire its UNESCO World Heritage mission.

Traveling east, we’ll visit Santa Maria del Agua de Landa, known for its striking rust-colored mission. Then, we’ll descend into the lush tropical paradise of Xilitla, the extraordinary site of Edward James’ surreal Gardens, Las Pozas. Spend the afternoon exploring the fascinating surrealist museum dedicated to Leonora Carrington. We’ll stay at a cozy hotel in town, giving you plenty of time for photography, birdwatching, or a leisurely stroll on your own.

The next morning, enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Las Pozas, the dreamlike gardens crafted by the eccentric Englishman Edward James in the 1960s. On our drive back to Jalpan, we’ll stop in the picturesque valley of Tilaco to see its impressive mission and savor a delicious lunch with a local host. Our adventure will then continue to Jalpan, where we’ll explore the Tancama Archaeological site before checking in to our hotel.

On our final day, we’ll make our way back to San Miguel de Allende, stopping in San Joaquin to explore the Archaeological Site of Ranas. This site served as an important ceremonial, political, and religious center for the ancient Chichimeca from the 4th to the 14th centuries. After enjoying a tasty lunch at a nearby restaurant, we’ll wrap up our journey with a scenic drive back to San Miguel de Allende.

Join us for this intimate small group tour and uncover one of Mexico's natural treasures alongside Travelian's knowledgeable guides!

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY, CUATRO PALOS, AND PINAL DE AMOLES

We'll start our adventure early at 6:00 AM, departing for a scenic four-hour drive to the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve (don't forget to bring your breakfast*). Our first stop will be at Cuatro Palos, where you'll enjoy a hike up the ridge that leads to a stunning lookout point. After taking in the views, we'll have lunch* in Pinal de Amoles before continuing our journey to Jalpan de Serra. We'll check into our hotel upon arrival, giving you time to settle in, relax, and explore the charming town. In the evening, we'll gather in the hotel lobby for drinks* followed by a welcome dinner, where you can get to know your fellow travelers.

Included Meals: Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Jalpan.

 

DAY 2 - MISSIONS, TURQUOISE RIVERS, AND JALPAN DE SERRA

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel at 8:00 AM, we'll drive to Conca to delve into its historic mission. Next, we'll head to the Ayutla River, where you can hike through lush mango orchards and take a refreshing swim. We'll enjoy a laid-back lunch* before returning to Jalpan, where our guide will take us on a tour of downtown. We'll stroll to a nearby restaurant for dinner* together in the evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Jalpan.

 

DAY 3 - MISSIONS, LEONORA CARRINGTON MUSEUM, AND XILITLA

After breakfast at the hotel at 8:00 AM, we'll check out and set off for Santa Maria del Agua de Landa. Our knowledgeable host will guide us to visit Misión Landa and its museum. Our journey will then take us to Xilitla, where we'll check into our hotel upon arrival. We'll visit the captivating Leonora Carrington Museum and enjoy lunch* at a nearby restaurant. We'll meet in the hotel lobby for dinner* at a local restaurant that evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Xilitla.

 

DAY 4 - LAS POZAS, TILACO, AND TANCAMA ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

At 7:00 AM, we'll start our day with an exclusive guided tour of Edward James' surreal gardens, Las Pozas, before the crowds arrive. After visiting this enchanting site, we'll return to the hotel for breakfast. Once we check out, we'll drive to Tilaco to see its mission and enjoy a delightful lunch*. Following our meal, we'll make our way to Jalpan, stopping at the fascinating Tancama Archaeological Site. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and meet in the lobby to walk to dinner* together.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Jalpan.

 

DAY 5 - RANAS ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE and TRAVEL DAY

On our final day, breakfast will be ready at 8:00 AM. After enjoying a last meal at the hotel, we'll check out and begin our drive back to San Miguel de Allende. We'll make a stop in San Joaquín to explore the Ranas Archaeological Site and have lunch* before concluding our journey back to San Miguel. We anticipate arriving around 6:30 PM.

Included Meals: Breakfast.

* Please note that this itinerary is subject to changes without prior notification.
* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.

Our updated list of Recommended Items to Bring is available here.