One of the most important pilgrimage sites of Catholicism and the holiest place in Mexico is the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Basilica was built to enshrine the site where, according to legend, a dark-skinned image of the Virgin Mary appeared on the cloak of Juan Diego, a humble Indian, in 1531. The cloak, framed above the central altar, has defied analysis by experts for centuries. The image inspired Mexicans during the war of Independence, has been copied universally, and is one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world.
Inspired by the miracles of legends, millions of people visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe each year. The history of the site is as mysterious as it is fascinating. Pilgrimages have been made to this shrine since 1531 as Our Lady of Guadalupe still substantiates the faith of Catholics in Mexico and Latin America. Devotees believe that Our Lady of Guadalupe can cure almost any sickness causing some pilgrims to crawl on their knees for miles as they approach the basilica.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Mexico City
Arrive to Mexico City International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day 2 - Tlaltelolco and Xochimilco
Breakfast at the hotel. The day will begin with a visit to the Historical District, which includes the National Palace, the National Cathedral, and the underground crypts. We will also visit the Plaza of the Three Cultures (Tlaltelolco). Moving to the southern area of the city, we begin at Xochimilco with a trip through the canals. As we return, we venture through the neighborhoods of San Angel and Coyoacan. Lunch and dinner are included. (B L D)
Day 3 - Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe
After breakfast at your hotel, our first visit will be Cuautitlan, here you will see the remains of where Saint Juan Diego was born in 1474 and also where he lived for the first years of his life. Next, we travel to Tulpetlac, known as the place where Saint Juan Diego lived with his uncle Bernardino and also as the place of the 5th Apparition. This site is now known as a sanctuary.
We will visit the new National Basilica of Guadalupe and admire the cloth or ‘ tilma’ with Our Lady’s imprint. You will have ample time for mass and also visit the old Basilica, the Capuchin’s convent, the Plaza Mariana, the Chapel of the Indians, the church on the hill, and other interesting places. Return to your hotel for a relaxing and leisurely afternoon. (B L)
Day 4 - Tlaxcala and Puebla
A fun-filled day is ahead. First, take a spectacular drive to what is known as Mexico’s most beautiful city, Puebla. On the way, we climb to over 10,000 ft. above sea level and view two magnificent peaks. One is covered with snow and the other is an active volcano. Stop in Tlaxcala to visit The Shrine of San Miguel Del Milagro. Holy Mass will be celebrated upon the site where St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Diego Lazaro in 1631. Afterward, we head to Puebla, where lunch will be waiting for us. Following lunch, visit St. Domingo’s Cathedral, it’s Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, and also the Church of St. Francis of Assisi where we will view the incorrupt body of St. Sebastian de Aparicio. Dinner and overnight in Puebla. (B D)
Day 5 - Cholula
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a relaxing time for shopping before our visit to Cholula to admire the largest ancient structure in the continent, the pyramid of Tepanapa. An important place to visit is the Chapel of the Virgen de los Remedios located on top of the Pyramid. Next, we visit the ex-convent and church of Saint Gabriel that was built in 1549. We will also visit the beautiful church of Santa Maria Tanantzintla that initially started construction in the 16th century in an area that was sacred to Tonantzin, the mother goddess. After lunch, we will return to Mexico City. Dinner is at your leisure in the restaurant of your choice. (B L)
Day 6 - Adios to Our Lady and Teotihuacan
After breakfast we depart for our last visit to the Guadalupe Shrine with time for mass. Today we will spend our day at The City of Teotihuacan, a place that was built between 100 BC and 700 AD. Housing over 200,000 people makes this one of the most impressive archeological sites in Mesoamerica. The city was already abandoned when the Aztecs arrived in 1200 AD and according to the Aztec legend, the sun, moon, and entire universe were created there. It was a very powerful metropolis during its heyday. Here you will visit the Citadel, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the pyramid of the Sun, and the pyramid of the Moon, along with other monuments of the avenue of the death and the residential area of the priest and aristocrats. We will also visit the ex convent of San Agustin of Acolman with the original paintings from the XVI century. Return to Mexico City for our farewell dinner and overnight. (B L D)
Day 7 - Depart Mexico City
Dates & Prices
2024 Tour Dates
Prices and dates will vary. Please contact us for more information.
(602) 938-0951
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