TRIP IDEA: Toluca-Taxco-Acapulco-Tepoztlan

Here's the first in the series of itineraries I've been designing for people to join us on. You can also just pretend you're on it with us!!!!

Klein Special Itinerary
6 nights/ 7 days (December 2008)
Departing from Mexico City

This trip, covering parts of the states of Mexico, Guerrero and Morelos includes visits to Metepec and Taxco, famous for their crafts, Prehispanic ruins at Xochicalco, the beautiful Colonial architecture of Taxco and Tepoztlan, and a nice relaxing stay in the Acapulco Bay.
Iti’s take on it: This is the trip we’ve been talking about doing for years: perfect for the Klein 4 Group. Ideally we could spend a couple of days in Mexico City to show you guys some of what you haven’t seen yet, then hit the road. My parents would probably tag along too!

Itinerary:
-Day 1: Toluca, Stained Glass Greenhouse
Traditional Brunch, best chorizo in the world!
Metepec, traditional pottery crafts (Trees of Life)
(optional) Visit Cacahuamilpa Grottos, the sixteenth chapel of caves!
Taxco, dinner and hotel
-Day 2: Silver shopping in Taxco and visit of the Santa Prisca Cathedral
-Day 3: Visit of the Xochicalco site
Drive to Acapulco
-Day 4: Acapulco
Beach
Cliff Divers show at la Quebrada at night
-Day 5: Acapulco
Beach
Fresh Fish at Puerto Marquez
-Day 6: Acapulco
Day trip to Roqueta Island
-Day 7: Drive to Tepoztlan
Town Visit
Return to DF

Trip Details

• Toluca: capital of Mexico State, is a beautiful contemporary city and the main industrial center in the country. It is guarded by the Nevado de Toluca Volcano, which is over 14,800 feet high and is the highest city in Mexico. Completed in 1910 as part of Mexico's centennial celebrations, the former City of Toluca Market, now turned into the Cosmovitral-Botanical Garden boasts 5,000 square meters of space holding 400 plant species within its walls. And the walls themselves are spectacular, comprised in part of 3,000 square meters of stained glass. The stained glass includes 28 different colors of glass and is considered one of the largest artworks in the world.
• Metepec: For more than one hundred years, Metepec has been known for its ceramic art and artists. At the turn of the century the town was known for its black glazeware. Today its most distinctive product is the Arbol de la Vida, or Tree of Life, a clay sculpture covered with flowers and leaves and biblical figures. The inspiration for the trees has been attributed to Aztec customs and designs plus the teaching of Franciscan monks.
• Taxco: "The Silver City", renowned for its picturesque mountains, cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, and friendly ambience. Taxco earned its nickname for the silver mining and jewelry makers that have, for centuries, been an integral part of Taxco. Bargain shoppers will delight in the silver and other handicrafts that typify Mexico.
• Xochicalco: an exceptionally well-preserved example of a fortified political, religious and commercial centre from the troubled period of 650–900 that followed the break-up of the great Mesoamerican states such as Teotihuacan, Monte Albán, Palenque and Tikal.
• Acapulco: One of the most exciting cities in the world, Acapulco is famous for its explosive nightlife, postcard beaches, unlimited watersports, first-class hotels, gourmet restaurants and the breath-taking physical beauty of Acapulco Bay!
• Tepoztlan: a small town nestled between craggy cliffs located to the south of Mexico City in the State of Morelos. Tepoztlan is a peaceful village where pigs and burros still abound in the street and the sound of cocks’ crows pierces the early morning hours, and the local residents are fiercely proud and protective of their cultural heritage. It is a town of legends and deep cultural roots that has been appreciated by writers, poets, artis ts and musicians over many decades and centuries.