Overview

Journey into the Sierra Gorda de Queretaro Biosphere Reserve, Mexico's most ecologically diverse protected area! Be transported in comfort to remote and spectacular sites seldom visited by outsiders. 

Travelian's expert guides will take you into the heart of this magical natural world. Venture into areas such as Cuatro Palos for a spectacular hike across a high ridge overlooking valleys and distant hills and mountains. 

Venture through mountains filled with fir and pine forests and hills of diverse cacti. Visit the subtropical region of Conca with its remarkable Franciscan mission. Walk along the turquoise blue waters of the Ayutla River for butterfly and birding. Stay in the designated "Magic Town" of Santiago de Jalpan with its mission.  

Travel eastward, visiting Santa Maria del Agua de Landa to see its rust-colored mission. Then continue down into the tropical area of Xilitla, site of the surreal Edward James Gardens, Las Pozas. Spend the afternoon exploring the gardens on a guided tour, birding, and swimming in the spectacular gardens and surrounding jungle. Stay at a modern whimsical hotel in town, visit Las Pozas the following morning, and have extra time for photography, birding, or wandering on your own.

On the drive back to Jalpan, visit the Tancama Archeological site. On our last day, we'll drive back to San Miguel de Allende, stopping in the "Magic Town" of San Sebastian Bernal. This beautiful spot is known for its magnificent monolith.  Enjoy a delicious lunch and wander through this quiet, charming town with shops selling woolen goods, crystals and opals, goat's cheese, Cajeta, and much more!

Experience this small group insider's tour of one of Mexico's natural treasures with Travelian's expert guides!

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY

6:00 am Depart on a four-hour drive to the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve (box breakfast en route). Visit Cuatro Palos for a hike up the ridge to a lookout. Have lunch* in Pinal de Amoles and head down to Jalpan de Serra. Check into the hotel. Get settled, relax, and walk around town. Meet in the hotel lobby for drinks and dinner*.

Included Meals: Boxed breakfast.
Overnight in Jalpan.

 

DAY 2 - TURQUOISE RIVERS, BUTTERFLIES AND MISSIONS

7:00 am Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Ayutla River and hike the mango orchards along the river. Drive to Conca and visit its historic Mission, then visit the nearby Food Processing Workshop. Enjoy lunch* in Conca. Return to Jalpan and visit Mision Jalpan with our guide. Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Jalpan.

 

DAY 3 - MISSIONS, SURREAL GARDENS & CLOUD FORESTS

7:00 am Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for Santa Maria del Agua de Landa. Visit the Mision Landa and its museum for a short tour with our guide. Depart for Xilitla. Arrive and check in to our hotel. Depart for Edward James Gardens ~Las Pozas and enjoy lunch* at a nearby restaurant. Have a private guided tour of the gardens. Stay and swim in the gardens, or return to the hotel. Meet in the lobby and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Xilitla.

 

DAY 4 - LAS POZAS, ARCHEOLOGY AND JALPAN

8:00 am: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. After breakfast, we'll check out and return to Las Pozas for birding or taking photos at the gardens. We'll then have lunch* at a nearby restaurant before departing to visit the Tancama archeological site. Then, we'll leave for Jalpan. We'll arrive and check into our hotel. We'll meet in the hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Jalpan.

 

DAY 5 - BERNAL & TRAVEL DAY

8:00 am Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and begin our drive back to San Miguel de Allende. Stop in Bernal for lunch*. Time to wander and explore the town after lunch.
Head back to San Miguel de Allende, arriving around 5:30 pm.

Included Meals: Breakfast.

* 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.