Afternoon: Arrive in Mexico City in the early afternoon and settle into Finca Renovar, our cozy and comfortable retreat center in the charming town of Papalotla, just outside of Mexico City.

Evening: Enjoy a warm welcome dinner with lively Mariachi music, setting the perfect tone for your cultural adventure!

Morning: Kick off with an orientation on Mexico City, the reality of fragile cities throughout Latin America, and an introduction to the work of Camino Alliance across Latin America, with a special focus on Mexico City.

Noon/Afternoon: Dive into the rich history of pre-Hispanic Mexico by exploring the ancient Pyramids of Teotihuacan. This archaeological site, located in the Valley of Mexico, was once a major urban area and one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Teotihuacan, meaning "City of the Gods," reached its zenith between 100 BCE and 650 CE, with a population estimated to be over 100,000 at its peak, making it one of the largest cities of its time. The city's influence extended far beyond the Valley of Mexico, impacting regions as distant as Honduras and Arizona.

Early Dinner: Savor unique Mexican and pre-Hispanic dishes at La Gruta de Teotihuacan, a restaurant set in a natural

cave!

Evening: Gather around a bonfire for fellowship and fun with traditional Mexican sweets and hot chocolate with your fellow travelers.

Morning: Immerse yourself in a fragile urban community, starting with a cooking session with local women and community leaders, where you’ll learn to prepare a traditional Mexican dish.

Noon/Afternoon: Hear inspiring stories from youth and community leaders and pastors about their impactful work and delve deeper into the Camino Azul and Shalom Cities Initiative (SCI) strategies seeing projects on-site.

Evening: Optional (though highly recommended): Participate in a traditional Temazcal, a pre-Hispanic sweat lodge that offers health and therapeutic benefits and will allow you to fully relax. Enjoy the sunset in the beautiful scenery surrounding the Temazcal. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing evening at Finca Renovar with a peaceful stroll through the small colonial town of Papalotla.

Morning/Afternoon: Travel to the state of Queretaro’s and, in the later morning, savor a great cup of coffee in the Pueblo Mágico of Tequisquiapan, a charming colonial town, known for its vibrant markets and quaint streets. Explore a beautiful winery in Queretaro’s renowned wine and cheese region, as you learn about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of local wines. Enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. Optionally, enhance your visit with a wine tasting session, sampling some of the finest wines produced in the region.

Evening: Settle into your hotel in the picturesque colonial city of Querétaro and enjoy a light dinner in the historic center, surrounded by the town's vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture. Later that night, embark on an immersive night tour of Querétaro’s historic center. Guided by torchlight, professional actors will bring old legends and myths to life, creating a captivating and memorable experience. This night tour is an unforgettable way to explore Querétaro, offering a blend of history, culture, and theatrical performance that will leave a lasting impression.

Morning/Noon: Return to Mexico City and embark on a colorful trajinera to explore the historic floating gardens in the canals of Xochimilco. As you drift along the waterways, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch of quesadillas and other local fare, surrounded by the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon: Later in the afternoon, shop for unique, handcrafted souvenirs at a bustling artisan market. Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors, colors, and sights, soaking in the lively atmosphere and local craftsmanship.

Evening: Arrive at your hotel in the early evening and settle in. For dinner, choose a restaurant that suits your taste. Make a reservation for after 7:00 pm. We can provide several recommendations that are conveniently located near the hotel. If you wish to dine at Pujol’s or any other Michelin-rated or high-end restaurant, please ensure to make your reservation well in advance.

Optional Nightcap: Join us for a nightcap at Bellini’s, the largest revolving restaurant in the world, on the top of Mexico City’s World Trade Center at around 9:30 pm. Enjoy the spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Mexico City by night.

Morning: Have a traditional Mexican breakfast at the famous Casa de los Azulejos, one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in the historic center. Follow this with a visit to Mexico City’s historic center, crossing the Zócalo, the world’s second-largest square and a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec times. Explore the fascinating history of Mexico near the Templo Mayor, focusing on Moctezuma, one of the Aztec empire’s most eccentric rulers. Learn about "La Noche Triste" and how Hernan Cortes was welcomed into Moctezuma's Palace. Next, visit the National Palace to admire Diego Rivera’s murals depicting Mexican history, exploring how Mexico City has grown across the centuries. Conclude this part of your historic tour with a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic religious buildings.

Noon: Savor a delicious lunch of authentic street food, experiencing the rich flavors and vibrant culinary culture of Mexico City.