Mexico
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SAT MEXICO
(MPI) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
Company
SAT Mexico specialises in land arrangements throughout the Republic, guided study tours, special interest tours, incentives, general VIP services and cruise ship handling. Through its network of partner offices within Mexico it can offer a full and complete range of local operators from the northern mountains of the Copper Canyon to the south-east of the Yucatan peninsula. With clients from North and South America, Europe and the Far East, it has a broad range of experience in handling different inbound requests and its main expertise is in creating incentives for international clients.
Destination
Mexico is an exciting and beautiful year-round destination - ideal for incentive travel programmes. With its contiuous sunshine, luxurious resorts and top class hotel facilities as well as its history, colonial cities and archaeological sites, Mexico can offer so much to do and see.
Mexico is the size of Western Europe. The capital of the Republic is Mexico City, now the world’s largest city and the seat of Government. Surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped volcanoes of Popacatapetl and Ixtaccihuatl, it is a city where you witness the remains of a pre-Columbian civilisation and Aztec culture, followed by 300 years of Spanish colonial rule up to the present day, where it is now the most sophisticated and dynamic centre throughout Latin America.
Come to Mexico and experience the beautiful beaches, the smile of the Mexican people, the spirit and myths of Mexican culture - this is M e x i c o!
The Caribbean coast of the Mexican Republic has endless beaches along the coast, a superb climate (especially during the European winter season), an excellent mixture of the Mayan culture, sports activities, and exotic places for beautiful themed parties and special events.
Consider Los Cabos, with its huge range of championship golf courses and deep sea fishing; the Colonial Route; Mexico City with Ixtapa; Mexico City with Huatulco, where the Sheraton Hotel has been named by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top hotels of the world.
Mexico offers many sporting opportunities for those who like golf, tennis and the full range of water sports.
The few days you will spend in this paradise will be an unforgettable and superb event for your group.
The city of Cancun has been developed in the past few years to become one of the most modern tourist complexes in Mexico. It is a vacation paradise where golf and outdoor tennis can be played year-round, and where you can enjoy diving and snorkelling, water sports and deep sea fishing.
Example Programme
Day 1 Mexico City
Upon arrival at the airport, our guides will be waiting for your group with a welcome sign or banner displaying your company logo/name. Our air-conditioned coaches will bring your group directly to the hotel accommodation selected. Welcome cocktails and canapés will be served during check-in and in order to create a typical Mexican atmosphere a woman dressed in traditional Mexican dress will give each participant a small welcome gift and mariachis will serenade the group. During the cocktail reception the luggage will be taken to the rooms, where a fruit basket with welcome letter awaits the guests.
Depending on flight timings, enjoy evening dinner and a show at Hotel Cortes - a typical colonial hotel in the heart of the restored old city of Mexico.
Day 2 Mexico City
Buffet breakfast in a private room at leisure before departing on a city tour to include the highlights of the historical centre, starting with the Palace of Fine Arts (with its famous Tiffany Glass Curtain), the House of Talavera, the Zocalo with its Cathedral and National Palace. Why not return to the coach by "open air" transport? Little bicycles/rickshaws are made to carry two persons and available for short journeys in Mexico City.
Travelling along Reforma Avenue on to Chapultepec Park we will visit the Museum of Anthropology which is a must for anyone visiting Mexico City, as it explains the entire ancient civilisations of the republic. For those less interested in cultural events, it is possible to make this visit into more of a treasure hunt /quiz and then serve drinks at the end.
Lunch in the Zona Rosa or Polanco - two very typical and smart areas of Mexico City, with many boutiques and bistros.
After lunch continue to the typical and traditional place of Xochimilco, where the group is invited to join a one hour boat ride along the canals of the "floating gardens" of Xochimilco, with Mariachi and Marimba music in the background before returning late afternoon to the hotel.
Evening transfer from hotel to Hacienda de los Morales, which is a beautiful hacienda and gardens within Mexico City, perfect for gracious and elegant dining.
After dinner the group can return to the hotel or alternatively go to a nightclub, or Garibaldi Square to the bars and to drink tequila and hear Mariachi Music. Garibaldi Square is where all the Mariachi groups congregate and where men go to contract the groups to serenade their fiancees or loved ones!
M E X I C O and then either -
Day 3 Mexico - Acapulco
Early morning start to drive out to the Pyramids, 90 minutes north of Mexico City. Ballooning at sunrise over the Pyramids followed by a champagne breakfast.
For those who do not want an early and energetic start to the day, we recommend a museum visit, or shopping tour in Mexico City or a visit to the Pyramids, which may be explored by foot.
After the Pyramids the group will return to the airport at Mexico City to fly to Acapulco.
It is also possible to go overland but this takes longer - about 3-4 hours on the new road.
Depending on flight/travel programme, a light lunch will be served en route.
On arrival in Acapulco transfer to hotel. At around 1800 the bus will take the group to the famous attraction of Acapulco - the cliff divers. While the divers prepare themselves for their amazing dives, the group can sip their cocktails and admire the beautiful scenery and the brilliant sunset.
After the show, a short ride to an open air restaurant with a marvellous view over the Acapulco Bay. Light music to entertain guests over dinner.
For the keen nightlife aficionados, Acapulco’s discotheques are second to none and there are many to explore and bars open from midnight to dawn.
Overnight in hotel
Day 4 Acapulco
Buffet breakfast in private room.
The best way to explore the coastline of Acapulco is in open jeeps. This will be an unforgettable experience! Police can ensure safe passage through the city if requested. First of all drive to the famous Princess Hotel with its deluxe golf course. View the Bay of Puerto Marques as you follow the coastline. Then drive down from the south tip of the bay along the main boulevard, out to the north coast through the woods to where the end of the lagoon and the sea meet. Tarzan was filmed here, so a treasure Hunt or 'Tarzan
and Jane' theme could be incorporated into this day.
Refreshments will be served before leaving the jeeps at this little 'lost paradise' and boarding traditional canoes to cross the lagoon to the beach of "Pie de La Cuesta", famous for its nature and beautiful sunsets . On the open fire, fish and chicken are grilled and fresh shrimps are served as part of a rustic lunch on the beach.
Inviting hammocks allow guests to enjoy their siesta on the beach and the long stretches of untouched beaches are perfect for walks or swimming.
Late afternoon, the group crosses the lagoon to the jeeps for the drive back to the hotel, or the group can be picked up nearby and the jeeps can be returned by chauffeurs.
Evening dine-around or dinner for group at Restaurant El Olivodo or similar.
Day 5 Acapulco
Buffet breakfast followed by a real "jet set" day in Acapulco. Why not rent a yacht where waiters in black tie serve champagne? The trip goes out of the Bay of Acapulco, passing Roqueta Island and ending in the Puerto Marques Bay where a sit-down buffet lunch is set up on an almost private beach. The rest of the day is at leisure with watersports activities or just relaxing on the beach.
Return to hotel late afternoon.
Evening farewell dinner at a private villa "Casa Segovia".
Cocktail Reception and dinner around the pool. Live music and dancing - rock, salsa, big band or whatever clients require.
Return transfer to hotel.
Day 6 Acapulco - Mexico City - Europe
Buffet breakfast and rest of morning at leisure.
Transfer to airport (luggage in separate van) for flight to Mexico City and onward connection to Europe. Assistance at Mexico City airport with check-in for intercontinental flights.
M E X I C O or -
Day 3 Mexico City - Cancun
Arrive at Cancun International Airport to be greeted with a tropical reception. Mexican ladies dressed in typical costumes welcome you with a "tequila sunrise" and in the background a Mariachi or marimba band plays the rhythms of Mexico.
An English speaking guide will welcome you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel, providing any preliminary information that you may need.
A welcome sign on the way to the hotel will announce your arrival and give you a warm welcome.
Upon arrival at the hotel there will be a pre-prepared 10-minute check-in. Meanwhile, the luggage (which can be transported separately from the airport to the hotel) is taken up to the rooms.
A welcome letter and welcome gifts in the rooms can await your guests.
Lunch at leisure "English picnic style" at the pool area, including a music trio for entertainment. In the afternoon around 16.00 hours, depart from the hotel for a short orientation tour of Cancun (hotel zone and the centre of Cancun) to see where the golf course is located, sports activities, shopping centres, etc.
At around 18.00 hours, English tea with piano music.
Return to the hotel with time to change for dinner.
A typical fish dinner at Lorenzillo’s Restaurant which is located on the shore of the lagoon and famous for its excellent cuisine.
Return to the hotel for overnight.
Extra: a beach set could be given to each guest: sunset lotion, sun glasses and beach towel - all with your company logo on it.
Day 4 Cancun - Visit to Chichen Itza - Merida
Optional aerobic class (as above) with eye-opener fruit juice. For those who do not attend the class, hostess service to take the fruit juice to the rooms.
Visit to Chichen Itza, the most famous archaeological zone in Mexico. This trip can be done in buses or small charter planes which can be exclusively rented for your group. When going on charter plane, a visit to Merida can be included. Enjoy the morning visit of the archaeological sites, which takes around two hours, then have a beautiful Yucatecan lunch in Chichen Itza in the traditional Hotel Mayaland, then continue to Merida, the "white city" with its tradition and charming ambience.
After a city walking tour and a visit to the colourful market, the horse-drawn carriages are waiting to take you to dinner at "Le Gourmet" Restaurant.
As your group might want to change their clothes after the visit to the archaeological zone, for each person there will be a pair of "Guajalaches" sandals and a set of typical clothes of the Yucatan region (worth a photo!). Fly back directly to Cancun
Overnight at the chosen hotel
Day 5 Cancun
Aerobic activities before breakfast at the beach or pool area, followed by breakfast in a private area or room, or at leisure in the restaurant.
Each participant looks for their team member for the safari (according to the photo given the night before). Instructions, camera, a map, compass, "survival kit" and a restricted amount of money are given to each team (usually 4 people per team) and the safari is conducted in jeeps. It is not the fastest team that wins, but the team which is most creative in fulfilling all the tasks.
The safari includes a visit to Tulum, a beautifully located archaeological zone on the Caribbean sea, where the usual traditional visit is combined with the "search for the Mayan treasure".
All teams meet up for a rustic lunch, swimming and relaxation. Return to the hotel in jeeps while the organiser checks the safari team records, ready for the prize presentation at the Gala Dinner.
Gala Dinner, Casablanca style (black and gold). The private room is decorated very elegantly. Lobster dinner and dance orchestra. Waiters in black tuxedos. There could be a magician and a performance of Latin American dances.
During the dinner, the winners of the photo safari are named and presented with their prize of the company logo set up behind a "golden waterfall".
Extra: farewell gifts in each room to remember this trip to Cancun could be a silver gift with the company logo and date of the trip.
Overnight at chosen hotel
Day 6
Departure for Europe. Pre-check-in for flight and luggage before the group takes the coach to the airport.
On departure, a children’s choir can stand at the front of the hotel and sing while helium balloons with the company logo are released to say:
"Have a nice trip home and come back soon!"
Suggested Sightseeing
Suggested Tours in Mexico City
City Tour
This tour includes a visit to the main square, the Zocalo with the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace with Diego Rivera’s famous murals and then a glimpse of the vestiges of the old Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Continue to Chapultepec Park, topped by Emperor Maximilian’s castle, for a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology and its treasures of pre-Hispanic art, including the world famous Aztec Calendar.
Half day - Pyramids and Basilica de Guadalupe
Visit the Basilica de Guadalupe and on to the pre-Aztec city of Teotihuacan, visiting the imposing pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, with its fascinating stone sculptured serpent heads, along with the almost mile-long Avenue of the Dead.
Xochimilco Floating Gardens
Xochimilco has a maze of canals, which meander around fruit and flower gardens. Enjoy a boat ride along the canals and the entertainment of music and dancing at the canal-side restaurants along the way.
Tula & Tepozotlan
Tula is thought to be the most important Toltec site in Mexico, including remarkable sculptures over 6m high. Tepozotlan has a splendid Jesuit church and its old Jesuit monastery has been converted into a colonial art museum.
Full day - Puebla and Cholula
Take the scenice route offering beautiful views of the snow-covered volcanoes Popacatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. Climb to an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet before entering the valley of Cholula, "the town of 365 churches", where Mexico’s largest pyramid is situated. Visit Puebla, a beautiful colonial city.
Full day - Taxco & Cuernavaca
Visit the interesting and unique ruins of Xochicalco, where the influence of several pre-Hispanic cultures is to be found. On through the rugged Sierra Madre mountains to the lovely hill town of Taxco, one of Mexico’s most important silver mining centres since colonial days and the place to buy your Mexican silver. On to Cuernavaca, the city of eternal Spring, where the temperature never exceeds 27ºC nor falls below 10ºC.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Cancun:
Xcaret By Night
Transfer from the hotel to the fabulous eco-archaeological park of Xcaret. The Xcaret Spectacular Mexico Night Show is without a doubt the best folklore show in Mexico and the best known worldwide. When the sun sets, the call of the mystical pre-Hispanic drums and the melancholic sound of the sea shells will invite you to enjoy the show. On arrival, guests walk through the exotic Mayan village by candlelight into the large Palapa-covered, open-air theatre. Dinner is served in a special reserved area at the Gran Tlachco, a majestic theatre which can hold up to 6000 spectators. An original combination of regional and international cuisine is served.
With 300 artists on stage, the night show takes you on a journey through 1000 years of history where you will witness the impressive skills of the ball game players, a sacred ritual of classic cultures in Middle America. The Pre-Hispanic ball game and the fire ball game are both artfully played and presented in their historical and cultural context. The journey continues and you will live through several episodes of Mexican history and see a glimpse of the Mayan tradition and history: The conquest by the Spaniards, the evangelization, the merger of two races and the golden age of the 30`s and 40`s, followed by a fabulous presentation of regional dances and songs from every corner of Mexico.
Artists in colourful costumes, horses, riders and mariachis will lead you to a grand finale full of surprises in the celebration of life and the beauty of Mexican culture.
Captain Hook Dinner Cruise
Captain Hook is an 18th century authentic Spanish galleon replica. Throughout the cruise the pirates provide an exciting account of the history of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Enjoy a delicious buffet or sit-down dinner, while another pirate ship is slowly approaching from the rear. Cloaked in total darkness, the sister ship, El Galleon I, silently glides across the water pulling along-side Galleon II. A sword fight ensues between the crew and pirates! The attack is enhanced with sound and light effect. The evening includes a welcome cocktail, buffet dinner, full open bar and fabulous pirate entertainment aboard El Galleon II as she sails across the Bay of Mujeres.
Mango Tango Caribbean dinner and show
Tropical cocktails and cuisine plus entertainment and dancing.
Renowned for its award-winning Latin-Caribbean extravaganza of music and dance brought to you by the famous Caribbean Dance Troup. The Rodriguez family and their talented entertainment staff will serve up a spicy night of Latin rhythms & acts and a head-spinning Caribbean party. Every seat provides a good view of the starlit lagoon and the stage where guests can enjoy tropical cocktails followed by an exotic dinner.
Location: Kukulkan Boulevard, opposite the Ritz Carlton Hotel Capacity: 500
www.mangotango.com.mx
Mexican Night at El Mexicano Restaurant
The Restaurant El Mexicano was founded in 1985 and remains the Caribbean’s most successful dining theatre, designed specifically to present the spirited Ballet Folklorico de Mexico and pulsating Caribbean Extravaganza which continue to delight its fun-loving patrons and special groups and incentives which choose Cancun as their destination.
The food is Mexican regional cuisine, and there is a continuous show of Mexican Folkoric ballet, mariachi music, Caribbean Show and live music for dancing. The restaurant also offers spectacular beach views. El Mexicano is one of the best restaurants in Cancun for Mexican food, Folkloric Ballet and Mariachi music. Capacity: 300 pax
Scenic lagoon cruise and dinner
Transfer to the pier to board the Cancun Queen, a classic paddlewheel, for a night of live bands, dancing, delicious gourmet dining and a scenic lagoon cruise. Take in the sights of Cancun at night under the glow of a silvery moon. The dinner menu includes a choice of lobster, surf and turf, fish or chicken.
There will be an open bar serving national beverages and soft drinks. The ship accommodates approximately 150 pax.
Caribbean Beach Party
Enjoy a wonderful Caribbean night. A competition could be held for the most creative Caribbean outfits and our staff, of course, would be willing to help with this. The cruise takes the group out to Isla Mujeres with an open bar and music on board. Dinner is served on the beach and a Caribbean show is given with dancing for the guests to participate.
At the end of the evening, return to pier and back to the hotel. Those who are captivated by the Caribbean sound can continue from the hotel on a Cancun night-life tour of the best night clubs.
Acapulco
Gala Events
These are just some of our suggestions for a gala farewell evening…
Wherever you hold your gala event, what better way to say farewell than with a spectacular fireworks display!
Mexican Fiesta!
A spectacular Mexican party with folkloric ballet and Mariachi music hosted at the Centro de Convenciones. The Mexican folklore show features regional dances from different locales of Mexico. The beautiful gardens are accented by a large and impressive fountain display. For large groups this can be held exclusively for the group with a minimum of 500 pax. A buffet dinner will be served in the Mexican Patio.
The convention centre is a massive complex on the east side of town. It is home to several theatres including an open-air amphitheatre, restaurants, meeting rooms, a large Mexican plaza, craft gallery, concert halls and even a discotheque. The different halls and areas provide something to suit all groups. www.centroacapulco.com.mx
Farewell dinner at Arabesca House
This is a lovely residence located in the Garrafón area near the Radisson Hotel which used to belong to Duke of Portanova. It has a very large terrace and a delightful second terrace with a covered pool. The first terrace takes a maximum 650 pax and the second terrace a maximum of 200 pax. This villa was the venue for the James Bond “The Living Daylights” film! The house will be specially decorated for your event.
Dinner at Tres Vidas Golf Course
The beautiful golf club in Acapulco is the perfect venue for a gala dinner. Dinner is served in the immaculate landscaped gardens just a few steps from the beach and the sea. Maximum capacity 1500 pax. www.tresvidas.com.mx
Dinner at Casa Segovia
Casa Segovia is a private villa overlooking the Bay of Acapulco with pool and terrace. Musical entertainment will be provided by “Maracas” and there will be an open bar serving imported drinks.
Mexico City
Dinner at Casa de la Bola
A special dinner will be hosted at the enchanting museum of Casa de la Bola – the perfect setting for a classical Mexican evening. The museum will be hired exclusively for your group and clever lighting and decoration transform this house into a perfect evening venue.
After dinner a live band will get the dancing going and there will be an open bar.
A Few Extra Touches
Cancun
For something a little different…
Jeep safari
Self-drive by jeep to Tulum. Geo Tracker Jeeps are delivered to the hotel ready for departure. With a maximum of 4 pax per jeep, this is a fun way to explore as participants can drive themselves and return to the hotel whenever they wish. The tour can also be easily combined with a visit to Xel-ha water park (see below) with the opportunity to stop and visit local villages en route and to experience the lifestyle of a typical Mayan family
Treasure hunt In Tulum
Before departure from Cancun, the group will receive a map and clues to help them find the treasure hidden at the archaeological zone. Participants receive a “survival kit” containing soft drinks, water and snacks. The tour of the archaeological site and the Treasure Hunt combined last for a total of 4 hours. This is ideal for a group of 50 pax maximum.
Full day tour to the Ecological Park Punta Venado
An ecological park with a difference!
Punta Venado is a beautiful ecological nature park offering something for everyone:
- Exhilarating ATV rides – these are huge dirt bikes which are great fun!
- Horse riding on the beach
- 4x4 jungle safaris
- Kayaking off-shore
- Snorkeling on the reef just metres from the beach
- Or just chilling out on the beach and enjoying the surrounding peace and tranquility
Groups can be divided into two so that some may start the day with a peaceful horse ride along the beach, for example, whilst others have an adrenalin-filled morning riding on huge ATVs or MTB bikes.
After the morning’s activities, a lunch-time snack is offered with nachos, quesadillas, BBQ wings etc. all served with salsa and guacamole, or alternatively a light buffet lunch can be served.
After lunch, continue to Chikin-Ha, 15 minutes away, for rappeling over two cenotes – these are underground wells typical in the Yucatan region. Safety equipment will of course be provided.
For something a little different…
After all the fun and exhilaration of the day’s activities, we can arrange a Mayan ceremony to be performed for the group before returning to Cancun with time to rest before dinner. www.puntavenado.com
Full day excursion to Cuba
Take a scheduled flight from Cancun to Havana Airport where you will met by American “Oldtimers” for a drive along the famous 1950s 5th Avenida and along the Malecon to the legendary Hotel Nacional.
Enjoy a welcome drink in the garden with live music, sea views and canapés. Cocktails include Mojito, Pina Colada and Cuba Libre. The tour continues through Vedado, with stops at Plaza de la Revolucion and Capitolio. Via “Prado” and through the “Tunnel” you will reach the fortress El Morros.
Stop for a seafood lunch at Divina Pastora, surrounded by the antique Spanish canons of the fortress and wonderful views over Havana. Follow this with a digestif at Hemingway’s Floridita, where you can taste the “Papa” - his own creation of the famous Daiquiri (he was known to drink up to 12 in one day).
Outside horse drawn carriages are waiting to take you on a tour through Old Havana. At Plaza de Armas and beautiful Plaza Vieja, stop to explore these colonial streets on foot. During the walk you will have time for a Cuban cigar in the cosy humidor or on the beautiful patios of Cigar Hostal “Conde de Villanueva” – one of Havana’s secrets for cigar aficionados. Then, at the nearby Museum “Fundacio Havana Club”, you can learn all about the famous Cuban rum.
Finally your guide takes you to enjoy a dinner at a typical restaurant, Paladar La Guarida. It is then time to say goodbye to Havana and transfer by coach to the airport for the return flight to Cancun.
For something a little different…
Depending on the size of the group, charter a private plane for the flight to Havana.
Acapulco
Pie de la Cuesta and Coyuca Lagoon
Pie de la Cuesta is located 10 km west of Acapulco. A long sandbar resting between the crashing Pacific Ocean on one side and scenic Coyuca Lagoon on the other, it is loved for its rustic, palm-lined beach and dreamy sunsets. Nearby Coyuca is an exotic “Tarzan-meets-Jane” freshwater lagoon noted for its tropical vegetation, exotic wildlife and tiny islands. Rambo II was partially shot here as well as some early Johnny Weismueller Tarzan movies and a few scenes from African Queen.
The perfect place to spend the day, Pie de la Cuesta has many beachside restaurants specialising in seafood. Alternatively we can arrange a rustic jungle lunch with fish, fresh shrimps and chicken grilled on the open fire. The local children are experts at retrieving coconuts! We can arrange for the children to climb up the palm trees to collect refreshing coconuts for our guests.
After lunch, there is plenty of time for a swim in the lagoon or to take part in one of the many activities on offer here. The Shotover Jet Boat tour (see details above) is a fabulously exhilarating ride or alternatively there is excellent water skiing on the smooth waters of the lagoon. There is also good freshwater fishing here and horse riding tours along the beach. Or if all that sounds a little too strenuous, grab a hammock, order a cool one and reeelaaax.
For something a little different…
Why not make this a jeep safari? We suggest dividing the group into teams to add to the fun! After a lazy lunch and an afternoon’s activities we can arrange for drivers to drive the jeeps back whilst the group returns to the hotel by coach.
Mexico City
For something a little different…
Take a trip from the downtown area by “open air” transport! Bicycle-taxis/rickshaws are made to carry 2 persons and are available for short journeys in Mexico City. From the downtown area visit the Bellas Artes Theatre, Mexico’s Opera House. This opulent palace was initially constructed in 1904 by the dictator Porfirio Diaz, who hoped to have it ready for Mexico’s centennial celebration in 1910. But it took 30 years to complete, partly because the marble façade started to sink into Mexico City's porous soil. After that was resolved, the Mexican revolution delayed matters further. The splendid art deco lobby is a sight in itself, but the building’s real gem is its theatre, with a Tiffany glass curtain that visitors can view on Sunday mornings only. A gallery on the mezzanine is home to temporary exhibitions.
Before setting off there is time for drinks and tacos at a local typical bar or a traditional hot chocolate and churro (a typical type of long doughnut!)
From Bellas Artes continue by coach to the Museum Dolores Olmedo. This is a beautiful museum located south of the city with the most important collection of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo paintings. A lovely lunch will be served at the gardens of the museum.
Coyoacán – home of many famous artists!
After lunch, continue to Coyoacán where there will be time to explore Mexico City’s colonial neighbour. Coyoacán is a throwback to Mexico City’s colonial days. The area has strong Pre-Columbian ties, and was occupied by some 6,000 houses when the Spaniards arrived.
As you wander through the beautiful plazas and cobblestone streets you will see magnificent residences grouped around the 16th Century Franciscan cloister.
It is here, around the atrium of the Saint John the Baptist church, where the social life of Coyoacan unfolds, enriched by cafés, bars, bookstores, museums and the colourful festivals which culminate in the tumultuous ceremony celebrating Mexico's independence on the 16th of September. With its bohemian atmosphere it has been the home of many famous artists and actors in Mexico and it is here where Trotsky lived after he fled Russia in the 1930s.
Pulque demonstration and tasting
Before returning to Mexico City, stop after lunch to learn about the making of “Pulque”, one of Mexico’s national drinks. The demonstration will of course be followed by an opportunity to taste this national drink!
Depending on the size of your group and individual interests, there will be time to learn about many of the ancient Aztec arts – for example extracting papyrus for paper from the local cactus plants and the use of natural dyes for writing and painting.
Or for the more adventurous…
Treasure hunt rally to the Teotihuacan Pyramids
Teams are divided into Aztecs, Toltecs, Mixtecs, Maya, Omecs, etc and they are all searching for the holy treasure – usually something related to your incentive client’s industry. Before leaving the hotel, all participants will receive a survival kit with soft drinks, water, snacks, a map of the route and the first part of their instructions along with a local quiz. We will use a combination of guides and actors.
Each group will travel by VW Beetle (self-drive, maximum of 4 pax per car) to the Shrine of Guadelupe where guests will find their first clue. For example, instructions will require different groups to bring flowers to the Altar, say, or donate a pair of shoes or find a special picture of the Guadalupe Shrine, etc. Once in the church they will find a lady in typical dress with the next envelope for each group with their new tasks to fulfill.
On the way to Teotihuacan, the rally will stop at a Maguey field in order to answer further treasure hunt questions and to get a fibre from the Maguey plant. When answering the questions, participants will be guided to an open field and a hand-drawn map, where they will find instruments to “excavate” the earth and find the next clue.
This clue will take each group to different entrance doors of the archaeological site. At this point, each group will find a guide with a specific outfit who will provide further answers to their questions. The last clue will send a member of each group to the sun pyramid and also to the moon pyramid to receive the final rally instruction: to look for an Indian lady at the convent at Acolman and she will hand out another envelope! Arriving at Acolman, the group will find lunch set up in the outside area of the Convent. After lunch the winning team will win the Aztec Award!
Depending on the time available, a shorter rally can be organised with lunch at Villas Arqueologicas Hotel. The Treasure Hunt can also start at the Pyramids without the rally from the hotel to the Pyramids.
Teotihuacan from the Air
A truly unique experience to glide over the magnificent pyramids of Teotihuacan – one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world – in a hot air balloon! Your passengers leave early in the morning for the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, located 50km northeast of Mexico City. Founded before the Christian era, this colossal urban centre once housed up to 125,000 people. It dominated life in the region for 500 years before being destroyed (possibly by its own people) and abandoned around AD 650. Later, the site was held sacred by the Aztecs, who believed it had been built by giants. The ceremonial centre, with its temples, palaces and pyramids, bears witness to the city's splendour but has revealed little about its creators and inhabitants. Their origin, way of life, and even demise remain a mystery.
The balloon ride takes 60 minutes, and includes a certificate and the traditional toast with sparkling wine.
Full day tour to Cuernavaca and Taxco
Travel by VW Beetle for fun - still manufactured in Mexico and a very typical local car - or air-conditioned coach to the colonial town of Cuernavaca. It is 01 hour from the heart of Mexico City by a superb motorway with breathtaking views of magnificent countryside and the volcanoes surrounding the city. Cuernavaca is called the City of Eternal Spring as it has the same mild climate year-round and the most magnificent exotic flowers and trees everywhere you look. Here you can visit the Palacio de Corté, the Museo de Cuauhnáhuac and Cathedral.
From Cuernavaca continue through the rugged Sierra Madre mountains to the lovely hill town of Taxco, one of Mexico’s most important silver mining centres since colonial days. A picturesque town with cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses with pretty wrought iron balconies and red tiled roofs, it is the perfect place to enjoy a guided walk through the town with time to visit the Templo de Santa Prisca.
A barbecue lunch featuring a selection of fish, chicken and pork can be enjoyed by the pool at the Hotel Posada de la Mision. After lunch there is time to explore the city’s cobbled streets, go shopping or simply relax and enjoy the city.
www.posadamision.com
Xochicalco
Travel overland to the town of Taxco via the archaeological site of Xochicalco meaning “Place of Flowers”.
For something a little different…
A day on a ranch at Lake Tequesquitengo
Combine a visit to Cuernavaca with an afternoon on the shores of Lake Tequesquitengo – this is a fabulous active day that will get you into the Mexican lifestyle!
Travel by coach from the hotel to Cuernavaca. Time to explore this beautiful colonial town before continuing on to the Hacienda Vista Hermosa. This hacienda is situated just outside Cuernavaca and was originally the farm and sugar plantation belonging to Hernan Cortes, the Spanish Conqueror of Mexico.
Here on this beautiful ranch on the shores of Lake Tequesquitengo guests can choose from a wide range of activities – everything from learning to ride like the Mexican charros (cowboys) to water skiing on the lake. For the truly adventurous, how about taking lessons in paragliding?
There will be an open bar and a buffet lunch will be served at the hacienda before it is time to return to Mexico City by coach. www.haciendavistahermosa.com.mx
Welcome Gifts
- Postcards
- Margarita mix
- Mariachi CDs
- Beach bags
- Beach hats
- Sun visors
- Cactus glass cocktail stirrers
- Fridge magnets for Corona / Sol beer
- Guide books
- Miniature sombrero / poncho pin
Convention Centres
- Mexico City World Trade Centre
- Sheraton Hotel & Convention Centre – Mexico City
- Acapulco Convention Centre
- Cancun Convention Centre
Specialist Groups
- Sports Tours – football, cricket, rugby, bowls, skiing, golf, sailing, rowing
- Aviation Historians
- Train Enthusiasts
- Film production companies
- Wildlife & Nature groups
- Museum and art-lovers tours
- Product launches
- Charity Groups
- CSR groups
- Photography tours
- Culinary tours
- School groups