Mexico
The Best of Central Mexico: Magical Towns and Bustling Cities
Program No. 23083RJ
Beginning in Mexico City’s bustle, journey to five colorful, European-inspired cities in Central Mexico, experiencing archaeological gems, open-air markets and savory cuisine.
Participant Reviews
Based on 88 Reviews
SHOWING
This tour exceeded my expectations in every way. My prior experiences in Mexico were in resort towns. Central Mexico was delightfully unexpected, with each town's beautiful architecture, incredible historical sites, beautifully decorated churches, colorful and lively markets. I enjoyed the variety of foods of our group meals, representing different local specialties.
Our tour leader was knowledgeable, interesting and attentive to the group. The hotels were in wonderful, central locations, with well-appointed rooms.
I felt completely safe in the centers of each town we visited, wandering by myself to visit churches, museums and colorful markets during our free time. The squares were lively day and night with families enjoying the spaces, children playing, young people chatting and eating ice cream and everyone enjoying an pleasant evening out.
— Review left February 28, 2026
This tour fully lived up to its name and 4.98 rating (based on 86 reviews). The brilliantly conceived itinerary provided a comprehensive and diverse introduction to Mexico’s history and the life of its people, as viewed through the lenses of Archaeology (the vast sites of Teotihuacan and Monte Alban, plus the world-class National Museum of Anthropology); Architecture (Mexico City’s Basilica and the cathedrals and churches of Morelia, Puebla, San Miguel de Allende, and small towns like San Francisco Acatepec and Santa Maria Tonantzintla); Art (the great murals of Diego Rivera, Jose Orozco, and David Siqueiros at the Palacio des Bellas Artes, the “Blue House” of Frida Kahlo and Rivera, Puebla's splendid Museum of the Baroque, the marvelous sculptures of a local artist in Capula); Folklore and Crafts (a performance by traditional Purepecha dancers in Patzcuaro, an evening accompanying a group of street musicians and comic performers around the hills of Guanajunato (the “Callejoneada”), an exceptional presentation on traditional Zapotec weavings in Teotitlan del Valle, and hands-on lessons on painting alebrijes, Oaxacan cooking, and making Otomi Indian dolls); and Nature (Lake Patzcuaro, crossing the mountains to Oaxaca, seeing a massive 2,000 year old cypress tree in Santa Maria del Tule, and flying out of Oaxaca past the active volcano of Popocatepetl and the snow-covered peak of Iztaccihuatl). We spent time in major cities, smaller towns, and country villages, and the restaurant selections (often with strikingly creative and original dishes) and hotels (several in repurposed historic buildings, such as convents) were exceptional.
Tour Director Alma Gutierrez and her colleague Patti Barron were informed, well-organized, diligent about meeting special dietary needs, great company over meals and otherwise, and committed: they kept coming up with additional extras (the Purepecha dancers, the amazing Capilla del Rosario in Puebla) as the tour proceeded! 5 stars.
— Review left February 6, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this program - beautiful Spanish Colonial cities, amazing artwork, intriguing archeological sites, and great hotels. I learned so much about Mexican culture and history, and enjoyed many fun activities!
— Review left February 3, 2026
Great trip, big variety of experiences with an overall theme of learning about Central Mexico’s heritage and culture. Was worried two weeks was to long, it was not enough. Wanted to see and experience more!
— Review left January 25, 2026
Road Scholar was our first group tour and we loved our experience! The tour was well paced, tour group leader was informative and attentive. It was a well rounded tour with everything taken care of!
— Review left November 30, 2025
We had at least 3 foiled attempts to make this trip happen beginning in March 2020 as Covid first emerged. Finally the stars aligned and we thoroughly loved this entire adventure. Traveling as a micro group was perfect and wish RS offered more such options. Our guide, Anilu Lopez was a force of nature and guide extraordinaire. Her energy, passion for her country and people, and knowledge of her country's history were phenomenal. I can't imagine a more competent and caring leader to guide this tour. Her assistant Alma was more reserved but always quietly engaged and made sure that everyone got where we needed to go. We leave with such warm feelings for Mexico and its people who live life with such joy and think we could all benefit from learning a few lessons from our welcoming and hard working neighbors to our south. Viva Mexico!
— Review left November 28, 2025
My husband, Jim, and I recently went on the "Best of Central Mexico: Bustling Cities and Magical Towns," Road Scholar trip. I cannot sing its praises high enough! The itinerary allowed us to see major cities and lots of small villages and out of the way places that we were curious about but never would have pursued on our own. In this regard, this trip was the trip of a lifetime for us. We have travel frequently to Mexico, but usually to resorts on the coast. This trip allowed us to see the "real Mexico" along with unbelievably gorgeous scenery between destinations. If you are at all interested in seeing central Mexico, go on this trip! You will not be disappointed! The people, the history, the colors, the food: are all WOW factors! Que viva Mexico!
— Review left October 27, 2025
The Central Mexico tour provided a brief, but thorough overview of some of the highlights of the cities and towns we visited in that part of Mexico. Our guides were very knowledgable about many aspects of the various sites and cultural experiences we were exposed to. The visit to Teotitlán del Valle outside of Oaxaca (a multigenerational village of weavers) was an amazing learning experience and the standout experience of the trip for me!
— Review left October 13, 2025
This program covers a wide range of experiences and places. Yes, you keep moving but it is well worth it. The places you stay are varied and interesting. The accommodations are beautiful. I have seen more of Mexico than my Mexican friends!
— Review left October 3, 2025
We really enjoyed traveling to several cities in central Mexico! Lovely accommodations, terrific guide, interesting sites and experiences, fantastic weather, and fun group of fellow travelers. So glad we went!
— Review left April 13, 2025
this trip offers a great itinerary to learn about the amazing and colorful life and places of Mexico
— Review left April 4, 2025
The whole experience was wonderful! The people in our group and those we met in Mexico were warm and welcoming. Anilu, our tour guide, brought the history of Central Mexico and the places we visited to life. She is an incredible story teller! The hotels were lovely and the food delicious. I learned a lot, thoroughly enjoyed my time in Mexico and felt safe during the entire trip. I was traveling alone and would encourage others who haven't done that, to try it. - Joyce Robinson
— Review left March 10, 2025
Road Scholar is my first tour group trip. They are very caring and patient, you can call them and get an actual person right away! They can prepare your flights, I had a last minute change in my flight and was concerned that my very late arrival would negate my being picked up at the airport, they took care of me and provided a driver to pick me up. I highly recommend Road Scholar, the trip was exceptional on all levels.
— Review left March 2, 2025
This program gave many insights into the history and cultures of Mexico.
— Review left February 23, 2025
This is a leisurely wander thru Central Mexico from Mexico City to Oaxaca. Though it is marketed as “keep the pace” it was not overly strenuous walking. Several people on my departure used canes, some with folding seats.
Our guide Anilu Lopez is a true Renaissance woman, being the tour leader as well as lecturer for the trip and organizer of everything. She and her assistant Natalia made sure the needs of the 24 participants were well taken care of and made every day a learning experience. She handled the guiding at all sites, as well as did lectures on the bus. I liked that she also circulated on the bus so we could ask individual questions. The level of information we received was outstanding and a true educational experience. Providing all this must have been exhausting, but this dynamo never showed it.
All meals were excellent, and many included choice of entree, which was nice.
My departure included upgraded hotels and the extra cost was worth it. Hotels were located center city, were atmospheric, and some were 5-star properties with swimming pools. I would choose a trip with upgraded hotels again in a heartbeat.
Some Suggestions:
On the first day of the tour, you visit Mexico City’s fabulous Anthropology Museum. There is a Citibanamex ATM near the gift shop. This is a great opportunity to get pesos in a safe, uncrowded environment.
Bring a power strip especially if you use several devices. Electrical plugs are sometimes sparse or in inconvenient places.
Two pairs of walking shoes may be helpful as you are on your feet every day exploring the colonial towns.
Road Scholar’s Central Mexico trip is an excellent experience and I loved every minute of it!
— Review left February 17, 2025
Superb program presenting Mexican history and Mayan culture in a very appealing and enjoyable way. Excellent museums and our enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable group leader educated us. The food, hotels, and other places we visited made the allure of Mexico past and present come alive. One of the best trips we've taken!
— Review left February 9, 2025
This program exceeded my expectations in every way from the quality of the program to the hotels to the fresh and delicious food. We had the best tour guide, Dora!
— Review left December 31, 2024
Eye-opening experience that shows Mexico as it is rather than as the media present it. Both the good and the bad.
— Review left May 11, 2024
Christina was stellar, as our Group Leader for our two weeks Mexico trip!!
— Review left April 29, 2024
Our RS trip to Colonial Mexico was everything we had hoped for and more! The variety of activities, places of interest, unique cities and town, historical sites, culture of the people, as well as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful staff, and exceptionally nice participants, all made this trip outstanding. We continue to enjoy everything about Road Scholars.
— Review left March 24, 2024
I just came back from this trip. I loved it! The guides were great, the food and hotels wonderful etc. etc. BUT:
I did not like 2 things. No. 1. Road Scholar's covid policy. Why do you require that someone who has contacted covid return home immediately while sick? That person will spread the virus to others especially on the plane. One person from this trip was sent home while VERY SICK. Why don't you require that person to isolate in the hotel where he is currently staying, get room service and wait until better to return?? Isn't that what insurance is for?
No. 2. Why was this program scheduled during the Women's Protest in Mexico City? I understand this event has been going on at this time for years and RS and Andiamo should have known and revised the trip dates. I believe that changing the hotel would not have solved this issue since it still would have been difficult to get around. Those buildings in the zolcalo were barracaded and not open. As a result, we did not get to see the things on the itinerary we were supposed to see. I understand we have to be flexible but this could have been easily avoided by planning ahead. This is the 8th trip I have done with RS with no significant issues. But I believe my concerns on this trip merit an explanation and perhaps a revised covid policy. This will certainly impack any decisions I make for future trips. Lastly, I think we should be compensated in some way for the for the things we could not access in Mexico City. Please reply.
— Review left March 23, 2024
Perfect balance of history, archaeology, explanations of Mexican culture and politics, art and food.
Excellent hotels. Our guide Anilou Lopez was a fount of information and enthusiasm, and endlessly attentive to the needs of our group. I found helpful a book not included in reading list: Mexican Mosaic: a brief history of Mexico, by Jurgen Buchenau. It covers many of the sites and events featured on this tour and helped me prepare for what we would see and hear about, and it’s well written and brief enough to bring along.
— Review left March 2, 2024
This program exceeded my expectations. I learned many new things about the history of Mexico. Our leaders were informative and added to my enjoyment. Others on the trip were friendly and we plan on keeping in touch.
— Review left February 29, 2024
The tour provided an excellent view of the history, culture and geography of vibrant central Mexico cities and towns. All the hotels were extraordinary and located in the heart of the action in the cities visited. Despite the perception portrayed by some misguided American political leaders and the media we found the cities and towns we visited be very safe environments and the Mexican people warm and welcoming.
— Review left February 17, 2024
I highly recommend this tour! Our guide Dora was terrific, so knowledgeable and witty and patient. There was a wonderful range of sites and activities. Loved the museums, the historic sites, the plazas at night with music, and an unexpected highlight was the drive through the Sierra Madres. We had just the right amount of free time for siestas and/or market shopping etc. So happy we chose this tour.
— Review left February 17, 2024
My wife and I usually prefer trips without a guide, where we just settle in to one location for several weeks, check out local haunts and pretend we live there. We had already been to the coast of Mexico, mostly to relax, but felt we wanted a good orientation to the vast central highlands and particularly to bigger cities, so we can better select destinations to visit on our own later.
We selected this trip to gain broad exposure to the culture, history, art and food of central Mexico. Wow! This trip (and particularly our lively, funny, caring, and extremely knowledgeable guide Anilu) completely exceeded our expectations! If you are an intrepid explorer and enjoy learning from consummate pro who brings history to life, sign up for this tour! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Anilu's masterful organization and fun delivery of her obvious love of Mexico.
— Review left February 14, 2024
The Best of Central Mexico: Magical Towns and Bustling Cities
We traveled with a small group and were pleased that every traveler was able to keep the pace. To a person, our travel mates were enjoyable, with positive outlooks.
Our tour guide (Anilu Lopez) was so enthusiastic. Her knowledge of the subject matter was extraordinary. She was attentive to each person in the group and created a warm atmosphere.
We loved the mix of historic and archeological sites. The colonial cities helped tell the story of the Mexican Revolution and the visits to the homes of indigenous communities helped reveal how they are fairing in modern Mexico. Their ancient crafts (pottery, weaving, tortilla making, etc.) are still going on largely unchanged.
The accommodations were exceptional and the food was good. Don’t expect Tex-Mex. This tour provides opportunities to explore real Mexican cuisine (moles, prickly pear, grasshoppers) while always offering a “safe” option for the less adventurous.
We highly recommend this tour, J&K Patton
— Review left February 7, 2024
This is a wonderful and well designed program.
Guide-Anilu is an enthusiastic ambassador for her country and a wealth of knowledge and information.
Hotels-All fantastic locations, but two hotels did not have coffee pots in the room and we like coffee as soon as our eyes open. We especially liked the hotel in Mexico City and Morelia.
Food-some hits and misses. Several group lunches our food was cold, when they should have been hot. Several dinners were truly delicious.
Overall this program was excellent. Sometimes a bit too much history for me as I will not remember even half of it!
— Review left February 2, 2024
A great adventure and we were treated to many fun experiences!
— Review left January 27, 2024
I have always traveled with a few people making our own arrangements and plans, such as tours of the area. My experience with Road Scholar was wonderful and I plan to arrange another trip in the future.
— Review left November 17, 2023
We liked:
1. The fabulous hotels; much better than on our previous RS trips and than on OAT.
2. Cristina's knowledge was amazing and she shared it generously.
3. Cristina and Magali were generous with their private time, not only advising on restaurants when on our own, but also inviting us to join them where they went, and leading those who wanted to, to optional activities during free time.
4. The itinerary was great -- well-selected and sequenced. We chose to arrive three days early at Mexico City because there is so much more to see.
We didn't like:
1. The size of the "small" group; even with the listening devices, 24 (22 in our case) are too many when walking single-file, especially when there are turns and in the markets. Those who are close to the leader can listen, and those tend to be the same people every time, and the others are out of luck. OAT's limit is 16. Obviously, smaller group size means significantly higher prices, but worth it to us.
2. The walking pace was sometimes too slow. We recognize that the group can move only as fast as its slowest member which, in a group of 22, is S L O W.
3. Only twice was the group assembled for a group photo.
An excellent trip, thanks.
— Review left May 29, 2023
It's a fairly fast-paced tour that nevertheless often allows an hour or two of down time in the afternoons. We got a glimpse of many cities and hit some of the main attractions of each. The hotels and food were wonderful. For some of us, there was too much historical information to absorb, but some of it was interesting. There was some standing during explanations. One must be a fairly good walker and be able to manage stairs, as stated in the tour booklet.
— Review left May 5, 2023
AS WE TRAVELED TO THESE CENTRAL MEXICO CITIES WE WERE IN AWE OF THE COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE, COBBLED STREETS, MAGNIFICANT CATHEDRALS/CHURCHES AND LIVELY PLAZAS FILLED WITH SHOPS,FOOD, MUSIC AND FAMILIES. YOU COULDN'T TAKE A BAD PICTURE. THEN TRAVELING EVEN FURTHER BACK IN TIME WHEN VISITING ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES AND MUSEUMS. WE VIEWED FAMOUS DIEGO RIVERA MURALS AND TOURED THE HOME OF FRIDA KAHLO. CHRISTINA OUR GUIDE WAS SO KNOWLEDGABLE, PROFICIENT AND CARING. SHE ASTOUNDED US WITH HER COMMAND OF MEXICO'S HISTORY. THE HOTELS ALL BEAUTIFUL, EACH WITH SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO OFFER GUESTS. OUR DRIVER GERARDO SO PROFESSIONAL AND KIND. ALWAYS FELT SAFE EVEN WHEN TRAVERSING BUSY CITY TRAFFIC OR MOUNTAIN HIGHWAYS. MORELIA AND GUANAJUATO OUR FAVORITE CITIES. BROUGHT HOME HANDCRAFTED ARTISIAN SOUVENIERS. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT I HAVE NOT MENTIONED. AND OF COURSE WE CREATED LIFELONG MEMORIES.
— Review left May 5, 2023
Outstanding program including excellent guides and great itinerary.
— Review left March 25, 2023
This is an incredible learning experience about the history, culture and arts of central Mexico with an array of activities, excellent lodging and food. We learned and saw so much more than we ever imagined. Chistina Vannucci's breadth and depth of knowledge are amazing!
— Review left February 26, 2023
The colonial cities of central Mexico were beautiful, interesting, and well worth the visit.
— Review left February 19, 2023
The Mexico trip was terrific: Engaging trip-mates, dynamic tour guides, alert driver, scrumptious food, in-depth history, varied scenery, diverse shopping - everything one could want for a splendid trip to Mexico in the middle of winter.
— Review left February 19, 2023
Best of our trips. I am convinced Andiamo is the very best tour agency in Mexico. If you want to know Mexico, this is the trip. We have lived most of our lives on the border and never experienced the country like we did with Road Scholar. Bravo!
— Review left February 19, 2023
All facets of this program were outstanding; leadership, accommodations, and delicious fare. The experience made me feel enthusiastic and full of ideas; a really stimulating, passionate teacher.
— Review left February 14, 2023
If you enjoy UNESCO World Heritage sites, New World pre-history and history, Spanish colonial architecture, visiting archeological sites and learning about indigenous culture, this is the program for you!
— Review left February 9, 2023
The tour was excellent. Very informative; except for Mexico City, all places I’d not before visited; a great overview of centuries of art, architecture and history from ancient civilizations to the colonial period to modern Mexico; a good group of 23, larger than others I’ve traveled with, but I ended up preferring it to smaller ones which didn’t offer much choice of company; a guide who was the soul of her country; good hotels; friendly locals; excellent food.
— Review left February 8, 2023
Our trip to central Mexico was great! Our leaders, Anilu and Magalii,were wonderful and very informative. Be prepared to be kept very busy. The walking on cobblestone sidewalks as well as climbing the ruins, was too challenging for some participants. You must be a good walker. We had a group of 24 participants, which at times felt too large to be called a "small" group.I loved the trip and would definitely recommend it!
— Review left January 27, 2023
Cristina Vannucci is a superior guide for Mexico - don't hesitate taking the tours she leads.
— Review left January 1, 2023
This is a fabulous program. Colonial Mexico is beautiful and fascinating. I learned a ton! Our guide was excellent! The accommodation and food surpassed my expectations!
— Review left December 15, 2022
The Central Mexico 15-day program from Mexico City to Oaxaco was a jewel. It was well organized and headed by an outstanding program guide, Anilu. We saw interesting sights, learned about the history and heroes of Mexican and ate so many different Mexican dishes. The hotel accommodations were top notch and well located. I couldn't have enjoyed it more.
— Review left November 27, 2022
A deep and comprehensive plunge into the richness and diversity of Mexican history as it unfolded in these central cities and as told by a supremely wise and knowledgeable guide, complete with lovely hotels and great food and really fascinating fellow participants.
— Review left November 25, 2022
I highly recommend taking the Central Mexico trip. The cities were amazing, some took my breath away. The tour guide was interesting and well informed.
The hotels were special and in perfect locations. The food was great and plentiful.
— Review left November 23, 2022
Great tour leader Anilu Lopez set the pace for the group with her passion for adventure. Interesting places to visit, touristy but a bit off the beaten track. I especially enjoyed the visits to archeological sites. The musical walking "journey" in Guanajuato was really fun, though crowded. Painting our own spirit animal was creative and enjoyable. I think we did too many handicraft market shopping activities and instead would have preferred a bit more emphasis on cultural sites. The pace was good and we saw a lot of different activities and certainly learned about pre-Colonial and Colonial Mexico.
— Review left November 21, 2022
I just returned from the Best of Central Mexico, a 15-day tour of cities and sites. What I most appreciated was the balance of historical/archaeological sites with cultural experiences. Meals and hotels were great as well!
— Review left September 22, 2022
I loved this trip!! It was a perfect mix of history, local culture and color, wonderful food and lodgings mainly in updated convents and other historic buildings. And we had a terrific guide. I can usually find some room for improvement, or helpful tips for changes, but I cannot think of any detail I would change.
— Review left May 16, 2022
We were very pleased with the program offered by Road Scholar in our first trip with them to Central Mexico. We would recommend travelling with Road Scholar for an enjoyable educational experience.
— Review left May 14, 2022
Once you have made reservations with road scholar it is very difficult to reach them by telephone . You call them and a message will say they will call you back without giving a time. If you are not home , you will not get the phone call. Very frustrating. It was very annoying and travelers complained about the same thing.
— Review left May 12, 2022
What a great trip! We covered so much territory and learned so much about Mexico and its history and culture. Our guide, Anilu, was exceptional - a seasoned veteran with deep knowledge and understanding of every aspect of her country. The food was fabulous and the accommodations comfortable, some even luxurious. We would never have found all the places that we were taken to on this trip should we have attempted it on our own. It was a culturally rich experience and I came to love central Mexico and its people during my 2 week adventure to central Mexico with Road Scholar.
— Review left May 8, 2022
This was an amazing, highly educational and informative trip. A thoroughly enjoyable tour even though I was quite tired when I returned home
— Review left May 8, 2022
The Central Mexico Tour more than met my expectations. Christine Vannucci was a great guide/organizer. It left me with eager to return for a tour of another part of Mexico in the future.
— Review left April 15, 2022
This exceptional program was physically exhausting, but well worth the effort! Fortunately no injuries occurred among our group, re irregular surfaces. Would recommend packing hiking poles for safety, some days.
— Review left April 15, 2022
It turned out to be a pleasant combination of trip and holiday. Lots of information that was excellent but some humor and a bit of downtime to process. We learned so much about Mexico beyond all inclusive resorts. The Mexican people are charming and helpful .
— Review left April 5, 2022
I highly recommend the tour The Best of Central Mexico: Magical Towns and Bustling Cities. Every day was a delight with our leader Anilu Lopez as she guided us from one lovely colonial city to another explaining the history, culture, and issues of each location.
— Review left March 29, 2022
I am a frequent visitor to Mexico and this program added more cities and information to my already positive view of Mexico!
— Review left March 13, 2022
A highly educational, cultural;, archeological, artistic experience.
— Review left March 4, 2022
I will long savor the memories of incredible ancient sites, beautiful architecture, top-notch hotels, delicious local cuisine, interesting fellow travelers, and an enthusiastic well-informed group leader and assistant. What a magical journey!
— Review left February 24, 2022
I echo all of Charles' (below) positive comments about this wonderful program. Additionally, the hotels were high quality and well-located for exploration. Everywhere we visited was safe and clean, and I never felt uncomfortable. There was a fair amount of COVID-related rigamarole, which hopefully will end soon. Also, like some other countries, it pays to always be on guard with water and food in Mexico, and we were frequently at higher altitudes, which also has its effects. Our leader Anilu, and her assistant Emilia, were a well-coordinated team to keep us informed, moving, and happy. They are both wonderful people, and it was a real pleasure to get to know them. This program is well-designed for education and enjoyment, and I highly recommend it. (My 27th Road Scholar trip.)
— Review left February 15, 2022
Our Group Leader Anilu Lopez was outstanding in showing her love for Mexico, keeping us informed and interested in each city, and in seeing to our physical welfare. The six magical cities visited were varied, each with culinary specialties, of which we tried them all. Great food: Mexico is indeed a foodie's delight. Moles were the most popular with most. My personal favorite was lunch at the Casa de la Marquesa in Queretaro, visually an epicurean delight! During these troubled times there were closings of government sites, but new places were found, perhaps of more interest at times. We were instructed to be vaccinated beforehand and masked most of the time, as were the Mexican people, and our lovely group remained masked. Road Scholar arranged for Covid testing before return to the USA and we were all NEGATIVO. I wished for many more happy trails til we eat again!
— Review left February 13, 2022
My husband and I just returned from the Mexico trip,"The Best of Central Mexico: Magical Towns and Bustling Cities. It was an awesome trip. We learned so much and definitely have a greater appreciation for the country, its heritage, and the Mexican people. Our hotels were beautiful and several had the amazing history of previously being monasteries. Additionally, the cities and sites that we visited had much higher levels of Covid safeguards than you typically find in the U.S. Masking, hand sanitizers, and temperature taking were routine. It was a great trip with a very well informed tour guide/instructor.
— Review left January 2, 2022
Having been on several Road Scholar trips, our tour guide, Christina was the absolute best yet.
— Review left November 21, 2021
During the previous five years, since my husband passed away, I have travelled worldwide with tour companies comparable to Road Scholar. My latest adventure, with RS: The Best of Central Mexico: Magical Towns and Bustling Cities - was one of the very best I have experienced. Growing up in Sweden and mostly
traveling in Europe, our next door neighbor has been mostly unknown to me, until a few weeks ago. Our tour leader Anilu is brilliant, unsurpassed in her knowledge about all aspects of Mexican history, culture and more
and her ability to communicate, with passion, humor, engagement all aspects of her native country. Wow!
I learned so much - and want to learn more.... The Mexican people are kind and smiling - I felt perfectly safe
during the entire tour, also when walking solo to explore 'what's around the corner' during free time.
— Review left March 20, 2020
What a wonderful trip! Beautiful country, deep history, rich architecture, colorful cities, amazing flowers, friendly people, great food. And it's a true advice: Keep the Pace!
— Review left March 13, 2020
A great way to learn about central Mexico, its people and its history but don't expect an easy, relaxing trip.
— Review left March 10, 2020
This has been a momentous trip, exploring culture and history of a country I knew little about until a couple of years ago. I’ve just come in from a glorious swim at the outdoor pool in our hotel, in Querétaro. Never heard of it? Neither had I, like most of the significant cities we have been visiting in our neighboring country. Before that, we went to an ethnic doll museum, and made our own dolls!. On Monday we visited a walled church in the village of Santa Fe de la Laguna, and found the hall full of women cutting up assorted beef parts and vegetables to make 60 gallon pots of stew to celebrate Fat Tuesday the next day. The smell was intoxicating. This is after we had made – or tried to make—some blue corn tortillas by hand in a traditional kitchen in the village.
There are 23 of us on this trip, all over sixty, pleasant people who are receptive to this learning. We started out learning about Mexico City, with much that surprised me. . We know so much because huge monuments and ancient artworks have been discovered and placed in their Museum of Anthropology; our group leader is both funny and a fount of detailed information, so the museum tour was a treat.
— Review left March 7, 2020
Great website and great tours
— Review left February 4, 2020
This program is a great trip. The old Colonial cities were delightful. They all have their own character, wonderful colorful buildings, and looked very European. The history of the country is amazing, and it was interesting to hear how the Catholic Church affected the past and the current history (not necessary in a good way). The old churches from around 1600, leaves no spare plain wall space. They are all covered with gold or paintings. Our hotels were wonderful and great food. Fun classes which is a great idea. We would highly recommend the trip.
— Review left February 3, 2020
This perfectly executed tour provides an unparalleled view into the pre Spanish era, Spanish Colonial and revolutionary periods. The program is rich with information and experiences.
We had warm welcomes from the lovely local people in every part of the country.
All the hotel were luxurious and centrally located. Meals were delicious and diverse. Awesome margaritas!
This is my 3rd trip with RS. As a solo traveler the small group welcomed me and I made many wonderful friends.
If you're lucky enough to get Anilu Lopez as your trip leader, she is a wonderfully warm, phenomenally knowledgeable, funny and a passionate tour guide.
She and her assistant Mimi worked so hard and were the perfect combination.
Our bus driver Manuel mastered the luxurious bus thru many highways and narrow city streets.
I totally recommend this trip and have 3 more RS adventures scheduled for this year.
— Review left February 2, 2020
The Best of Central Mexico trip was an amazing experience and perfectly executed. The itinerary was perfect and I would not change a thing; there was a nice mix of cities, villages and archeological sites; the hotels were ideally situated and luxurious; the meals were diverse and tasty; the bus was large and comfortable; the two trip leaders were friendly, nurturing, knowledeable, articulate and well organized. I have never had two trip leaders on a group trip, and a third for half the trip. The group members were affable, cooperative and curious.
— Review left December 9, 2019
A wonderful trip. The colonial cities were vibrant, colorful, and each one a little different from the other. Love the people and the country.
— Review left December 5, 2019
If you think you know everything you need to know about Mexico, the first day of your tour starting in Mexico City will put that idea to rest. The tour provides an unparalleled view into the pre-Spanish era, Spanish Colonial and revolutionary periods, and modern day Mexico people and culture. Our guides were enthusiastic about their subject. The love of their country, people, and culture was self evident and their knowledge of Mexico's history was unexcelled. This was my third Road Scholar trip and second in Mexico. (You should try the Baja Tip to Tip tour also.) You can't beat a Road Scholar tour!
— Review left November 26, 2019
This trip was my first with RS, but I doubt that it will be my last. My wife and I are veteran travelers, and the quality and location of our hotels were top notch. Our guide(s) were excellent. The trip was good value and very satisfying.
— Review left November 23, 2019
Mexico is a neighbor about which many of us know very little. This program opens our eyes to see a wonderful country, wonderful people and a history far different from our own. I came away with respect and affection for this country and its people.
— Review left November 22, 2019
The lead guide, Cristina, was the best we have ever had on any of our trips – and we have had many. She was phenomenally knowledgeable. I don’t think there 4 or 5 times she didn’t have an answer to a question, and if she did not know she said so. On top of her knowledge of the history of Mexico and its culture she was interested in the welfare of each member of the group. The itinerary was well selected and led to an understanding of Mexico.
— Review left May 19, 2019
Used a Rollator throughout the trip. Used many times in Mexico, but I don’t recommend using it on this particular trip. There are too many stairs, rough roads and sidewalks, and hidden single steps to trip on!! If you just use a cane, then, maybe this trip would be OK for you. The bus driver kept jamming the Rollator into the bottom of the bus to make room for it. He was not careful at all about the possiblity of breaking any part of it and there were no stores to replace parts. He was a bit nasty.
— Review left May 7, 2019
I absolutely loved this trip. Central Mexico is beautiful, and its peoples are warm, kind, and family oriented, completely mis-characterized by some leaders in our current government. It was an honor to visit with our great southern neighbors. Viva Mexico!
— Review left May 6, 2019
The two week central Mexico trip was fantastic! Learned a lot, had great accommodations and delicious food! Just be prepared to be on the go from sun up to sun down and be able to navigate never ending cobble stones and treacherous pyramids!
— Review left March 4, 2019
Mexico is not what you see on the TV. It was clean, welcoming and safe. I enjoyed my time there and plan on going back again soon on my own. Consider Mexico as a destination and not just the beach.
— Review left February 27, 2019
Grab your comfy walking shoes, hat and sense of adventure. We had the best trip with Anilú and Maria as our guides to the magic of colonial Mexico and those hidden treasures in the countryside.
— Review left February 24, 2019
We loved the trip and enjoyed learning so much about our neighbor to the South!
— Review left February 23, 2019
This was an outstanding trip. The program was rich with information and experiences. The wide range of activities was exciting and fulfilling.
— Review left February 23, 2019
This is a truly exceptional program, with a wealth of information about Mexican history, fascinating historical and cultural sights, charming hotels, and, if you are lucky enough to get Anilu Lopez as your trip leader, a wonderfully warm, knowledgeable, funny, passionate tour guide. This was only the second time this trip was offered, and Anilu's first experience as a Road Scholar tour leader, although she has many years of experience with other groups. I am sure this trip will fill up quickly in the future, so sign up early! Our tour, from January 10-24, 2019, had excellent weather, highs about 70 degrees during the day and virtually no rain. Go for it!
— Review left February 4, 2019
Wonderful program! Very packed and full days with variety of interesting sites and activities. At the top of the activity level description with regard to amount of stair climbing involved, though one can just wait a bit and not climb stairs if needed. (Some hotels and restaurants require stair climbing.) Group leaders and bus drive help anyone who needs a bit of help with stairs and I personally found a walking stick to be a big help.
A bit of a whirl with visits to so many cities, but travel days kept to comfortable length with ample stops along the way.
— Review left January 29, 2019
Aside from the fact that this tour of the history and culture of central Mexico was a delightful learning experience with a terrific study leader, I was very pleased and impressed with the way the hotel staff and Road Scholar’s tour company for the trip recovered my wallet with all contents intact. I had left it behind in my room. Honest maid and room booking agent, and helpful logistics person on the trip.
— Review left January 28, 2019