Ciudades de dioses: Basílica y Teotihuacán

What the day covers. Three sites on the same northern axis, in the order that makes sense: the Plaza de las Tres Culturas at Tlatelolco, the Basilica of Guadalupe, and Teotihuacán. Eight to nine hours with certified guides, transport and insurance.

Why this combination works. Tlatelolco layers a Mexica ceremonial centre, a colonial church and 1960s housing on one square. The Basilica is the most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas. And Teotihuacán — the city whose builders the Mexica never knew, and which they named "the place where the gods were born" — was already a thousand-year-old ruin when they found it. All three sit on the road north out of the city.

What you see at Teotihuacán. The Pyramid of the Moon, the Temple of the Feathered Conches, the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Palace of Tepantitla, with the mural most visitors never reach. Entry to the archaeological zone is included.

The workshop stop. A craft workshop showing how pulque, mezcal and tequila are made, with a tasting, plus a demonstration of obsidian working. Pulque is the one to try: fermented maguey sap, drunk here long before the Spanish brought anything else.

Practical notes. Guides available in Spanish, English, French and Russian. Food and drink are not included, though there is a restaurant stop. Starts around 09:00 with hotel pick-up. Teotihuacán is exposed and high: hat, sunscreen and water, and the earlier you leave, the more shade you get on the Avenue of the Dead.