Colonial Cities: 7-Day Itinerary

• Arrive at BJX (Leon/Bajio) airport, transfer to San Miguel de Allende (1.5 hours)
• Afternoon: Walk to the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, explore the Jardin and surrounding streets
• Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with Parroquia views

• Morning: Fabrica La Aurora art galleries, El Charco del Ingenio botanical garden
• Lunch: Traditional enchiladas mineras at a local restaurant
• Afternoon: Walk Calle Aldama (one of Mexico's most photographed streets), shopping for artisan crafts
• Evening: Mezcal tasting and dinner in the centro

• Morning: Transfer to Guanajuato (1.5 hours)
• Late morning: Arrive through the underground tunnels -- a surreal introduction to the city
• Afternoon: Jardin de la Union, Teatro Juarez, and the Alhondiga de Granaditas museum
• Evening: Callejoneada -- join a musical troupe through the narrow alleys with singing and wine

• Morning: Take the funicular to El Pipila monument for panoramic views. Photography walk through the colorful streets.
• Lunch: Enchiladas mineras and guacamayas at a local spot
• Afternoon: Museo de las Momias (Mummy Museum), or for something less macabre, the Diego Rivera house-museum
• Evening: Explore the university district's bars and cafes

• Morning: Transfer to Queretaro (2.5 hours)
• Afternoon: Walk the historic center -- the Jardin Zenea, the aqueduct (one of Mexico's most impressive, with 74 arches), and the Plaza de Armas
• Evening: Queretaro has an emerging food and wine scene -- explore the restaurants near the centro

• Morning: Transfer to Puebla (4 hours by car or combine with a bus from Queretaro to CDMX, then CDMX to Puebla)
• Afternoon: Puebla Cathedral, the extraordinary Capilla del Rosario, and the Biblioteca Palafoxiana
• Evening: Mole poblano dinner, followed by a walk through the illuminated centro and Calle de los Dulces for traditional sweets

• Morning: Talavera pottery workshop tour, Barrio del Artista, Museo Amparo
• Lunch: Cemitas and chalupas at a local market
• Afternoon: Transfer to Mexico City airport (2 hours) for departure

Practical Information

• Budget estimate -- $80-150 USD per day for mid-range travel
• Transport -- ETN and Primera Plus first-class buses connect all cities. Renting a car gives more flexibility.
• Best time -- October for the Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato. Year-round pleasant weather due to highland elevations.
• Altitude -- All cities are above 1,800 meters. Stay hydrated and take it easy on arrival.