MEXICO CITY TO TEPOTZOTLAN

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Our experience begins with an important introduction to the indigenous cultures who inscribed The Silver Road on the landscape long before Spanish followed in their footsteps. What began as a trade route for salt, obsidian, turquoise, bird feathers and other precious commodities between indigenous communities here evolved into this expansive trade route for Europe and Asia.  We will first visit Templo Mayor and Mexico City's famous Zocalo before departing for the Pueblo Magico Tepotzotlan, where we will visit the museum of the famous convent.  

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TEPOTZOTLAN TO QUERETARO

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From Tepotzotlan's charming Centro, we will visit an impressive aqueduct that was built by the Jesuits to bring water to Tepotzotlan.  We will also visit Hacienda la Canada and Bridge of Santiago Tlautla, which are both designated sites along the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.  We make a short but fascinating stop at Tolan-Xicocotiltlan (more commonly known as the Toltec Capital of Tula).  We then land in Queretaro for two nights to explore the silver road historic sites and enjoy an epic, exquisite meal that explores the trade history of cuisine between local indigenous cultures, New Spain and the world.

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SAN MIGUEL TO GUANAJUATO CITY

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This next segment of our tour begins with some relaxing spa time in a hot springs that once served as a sanctuary for Chichemeca warriors, as the waters were known for their healing properties.  We will visit the UNESCO protected Sanctuario de Jesus de Nazarene in the same village of Atotonilco, before exploring San Miguel de Allende.  Upon departing, we will explore the Ex-Hacienda Santa Brigita Mine in Mineral de Pozos, sip on wine at Cuna de Tierra, then check into our hotel in Guanajuato City.  While here, we will visit the museums and sites that pertain to the Silver Road, and will also take a fun excursion to Lake Purisima to kayak to a church that was under water for more than 40 years before drought conditions helped her reemerge.

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GUANAJUATO CITY TO SAN LUIS POTOSI

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The next segment of our tour follows a path to Lagos de Moreno, which is known for her iconic silver road era bridge and other structures, including an intriguing mummy.  We will then stop at an interesting Garrison, which is the only of 6 to survive.  These garrisons were built during the Chichimec War, which was triggered by the construction of the Silver Road. We will stay in San Luis Potosí overnight, and visit the Cathedral in the morning before departing.

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REAL DE CATORCE

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Though Real de Catorce is not on the Silver Road route, it was definitely a town of importance during the silver trade history, alongside many countless ghost towns that dot the road leading to the Ogarrio Tunnel that leads into this enchanting village.  Here, we will ride horses to Pueblo Fantasma, which is an abandoned mine site with vistas that overlook Real de Catorce. We will also ride to Cerro Quemado, which is a spiritual and sacred place for the Wixarika (formerly known as Huichol).  Our third adventure here involves climbing aboard a 1950's Jeep Willy for an exhilarating ride to the Peyote Desert.

GUADALUPE & ZACATECAS

Our final destination is the city of Zacatecas, beginning with a dark but interesting collection of historical paintings that are housed in the Church of Our Lady Guadalupe, which has been converted into a museum.  We will ride on a small train-car into the depths of Mina el Eden before taking an elevator to a tram car that will zip us across the city to La Bufa, where the Spaniards were introduced to silver deposits by local Chichimec warriors in 1535.  

While we are in Zacatecas, we will also visit the impressive mask museum of Rafael Cornell, which is housed in an interesting convent.  We will also head outside of the city too explore the powerful fortress-like city of Chicomoztoc, which is believed to have served as a trade hub along the original indigenous trade route that preceded the Silver Road.


We hope you understand just how diverse and eclectic this experience is, and will feel