Las Pozas is a surrealist garden in the rain forest of the Sierra Madres, Mexico. It is the creation of Edward James (1907-1984), a British aristocrat, poet, and visionary. In the late 1940s, he moved to the village of Xilitla, Mexico, in the state of San Luis Potosí, where, in collaboration with local craftsmen and friends he fabricated elaborate symbolic shapes and organic designs that relate to a private cosmology predicated on surrealistic influences, and echo nature.  Most of the structures are “follies” for amusement and surprise, never to be used for practical purposes. It's a delightful destination especially for cultural travelers, artists, and photographers.

Experienced guides will lead this group of like-minded art adventurers to the 80 acre site, creating many wonderful memories and new friends in the process.

The journey to Las Pozas will begin and end in the historic colonial city of Queretaro. From Queretaro the group will enjoy a fantastic drive from the high desert plain all the way to the Sierra Madre rainforest where Las Pozas is located. En route, participants will adventure through amazing granite mountains, missions, markets, and archeological sites before arriving in small village of Xilitla the following day.

In Xilitla, the group will have exclusive use of the Surrealist bed and breakfast, El Castillo, an easy walk to Las Pozas or to the charming town square of Xilitla. Las Pozas has recently been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are recent positive changes to the garden's unique towers, sculptures and other oddities. Swimming, hiking, relaxing, good times, and conversation will all be part of this experience.

The group's return from Las Pozas to Queretaro will allow exploration of this treasure of a city filled with beautiful cathedrals, architecture and rich Mexican history.

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Friday, February 10 : Arrive in Queretaro (Airport Code: QRO)

Welcome to the heart of Mexico!

Pre-tour guests arrive via private van from San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Mexico City. Others should arrange their flights into Queretaro airport and will be greeted and transferred to the romantic Hotel Casa de la Marquesa, a stately baroque mansion with lavish Moorish details and stone carvings built in 1756 for the local nobility. Relax in luxury or take a brief tour of downtown Queretaro.

Informally meet in hotel lobby for a drink or dinner (starting around 6 PM) - payment is on your own.

Day 2 — Saturday, February 11:  Scenic Drive

After breakfast, board a comfortable van for a scenic drive into the Sierra Gorda to colonial Jalpan de Serra, a charming town with pre-Hispanic origins, named for the Franciscan father Junipero Serra, who oversaw construction of the splendid baroque mission dedicated to St James the Apostle that dominates the main plaza. We’ll check and to spend the night at the charming La Casita Ecologica and meet founder Margarita Pedraza over a farm-to-table dinner featuring locally sourced cuisine.

Day 3 — Sunday, February 12:   Jalpan – Mission Route – Xilitla

We resume our climb through the eco-diversity of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, visting another of the UNESCO recognized Franciscan missions en route to magical Xilitla, perched on a mountainside with its own 16th C convent/fortress, arriving in time for the lively weekly Huasteca market and a visit to the Leanora Carrington Museum. The whimsical Hotel Posada El Castillo, where Edward James lived while building the surrealist gardens of Las Pozas nearby, is our home for the next three nights. Dinner on your own.

Day 4 — Monday, February 13:   Xiltla & Las Pozas

Breakfast at hotel. Early morning transportation and private tour of Las Pozas.. Cooking demonstration and lunch in natural setting. Return to El Castillo. Dinner on your own.

Day 5 — Tuesday, February 14:   Xilitla & Las Pozas

Breakfast at hotel. The group will decide on various options for the day (including lunch). In the evening we will have a party in honor of Edward James!

Day 6 — Wednesday, February 15:    Xilitla to Queretaro

Breakfast at hotel. Check out and begin our Sierra Gorda descent, stopping for a lunch and tour finale dinner of regional specialties in Bernal en route to Queretaro, the cultural and economic capital of the region. Its historic center abounds with sumptuous 17th and 18th C architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. We check back in to the romantic Hotel Casa de la Marquesa.

Day 7 — Thursday, February 16:   Queretaro, then home, or continue your Mexico experience

Breakfast at hotel. Transfers to QRO airport for return flights (...or continue your Mexico experience with a relaxing post-tour program continued stay at the Hotel Casa de la Marquesa in Querétaro, or travel on to San Miguel de Allende or another destination. Please inquire for suggestions / assistance arranging optional pre- or post-tour extensions.

The cost is $2,500 per person, double occupancy, airfare is not included.

This trip begins and ends in Queretero (Airport code: QRO) which is served by Aeromexico, American, and United Airlines (plus code shares with Delta). We strongly recommend coming at least one day early to adjust to the altitude and have a little extra time to explore, and/or stay longer at the end to deepen your Mexican experience in other cultural destinations.

The single supplement is $500 (for single travelers requiring their own room).

An optional trip insurance policy may reimburse for unforeseen cancellations or itinerary changes.

Tour Maximum: 8

INCLUDED:

  • 6 nights accommodations

  • Breakfast daily, other meals and beverages per itinerary (2 lunches, 2 dinners)

  • Licensed, bonded professionally driven transportation throughout with onboard refreshments

  • Certified bilingual local guides as required

  • Entrance fees and camera permits, except commercial equipment

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Personal expenses (phone, laundry, internet, etc.)

  • Meals, beverages, and activities not indicated

  • Gratuities for drivers, guides, baggage handlers at discretion

  • Travel Insurance


PAYMENT SCHEDULE

  • $500 per person refundable deposit is due at the time of registration, full payment is due November 10th, 2022

  • Insurance reimburses in case of cancellation for covered reasons


If you’d like to inquire about the waiting list for this tour (or about possible similar future and/or custom bespoke tours), please click here to email Mark at info@tinyworldtours.com

Please Note:

The itinerary is a sample and is subject to change. The final schedule will be determined approximately 30 days prior to departure to allow for the inclusion of special opportunities which may arise.  In the event that a requested visit is not available, a similar visit will be substituted.  A finalized itinerary and Travelers’ Notes document will be sent to all participants about two weeks prior to tour departure.