Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

We would like to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe some time in Jan, Feb or March. We have spent 4 winters in Ajijic but have not heard of any trips going there. Has anyone gone? Is there a tour, do you fly into Mexico City and do it on your own? Any ideas? Thanks.

Check with Charter Tours in Ajijic about arranging a private tour. When our family visited last year and wanted to tour Guadalajara, Charter took them in a nice van with a very knowledgeable guide along. They were very happy.

I will contact Charter Tours, do you think that they go to Mexico City? I was thinking that we were going to have to fly. Thanks for the info.

Flights from Guadalajara to Mexico City are extremely cheap. Some times you can find a flight for what the bus costs. Once there I'm sure you can can find quite a few reasonably priced tour guides to take you there.

CanuckBob wrote: Once there I'm sure you can can find quite a few reasonably priced tour guides to take you there.

Only if you have to be spoon fed. Take the Metro, it goes everywhere. Here is the strait poop: http://www.nanoten.com/religious/MX-Mexico/MX-SMG/SMG.html

CanuckBob wrote:Flights from Guadalajara to Mexico City are extremely cheap. Some times you can find a flight for what the bus costs.

That is correct,then just take a taxi to the Basilica.There's a lot to see in Mexico City,the Museo de Antropologia is one of my favorites.

gringal wrote:Check with Charter Tours in Ajijic about arranging a private tour.  When our family visited last year and wanted to tour Guadalajara, Charter took them in a nice van with a very knowledgeable guide along.  They were very happy.

I don't think Charter Tours has any bus trips to Mexico City, but might have info on tours from there to the Basilica once you are there.  Just about any hotel in Mexico City will have info on bus trips up to the Basilica.  If you drive over, it's better to leave your vehicle at the hotel and grab a bus or taxi, as parking around the Basiica is horrendous and they are strict about illegal parking.
Mass usually is accompanied by communion for 5,000 people.

There are tour buses leaving from el centro, El Zocalo, almost every hour. Various tours are offered. There are ticket and information kiosks located on the side of the Cathedral. However, the Metro is very easy to use.

Somofabit that's is great info, I am printing it now, have you been there? We have never been to Mexico City. Thanks everyone for the info.

The pilgrimage attracts 100 000 of thousands of pelegrims in December. The last day is Dec 12. Take the bus on the Zocalo in front of the Palacio Nacional that says "La vilal" it will take you there.
THe hills has the newish basilica and other old churches as well as a nicely garden area. Take a bus or a plane to DF, stay in the center like Hotel Cathedral and take a bus to the Villa. The hotel or the tourist bureau can give you info on the various processions.

hogline wrote:I will contact Charter Tours, do you think that they go to Mexico City?  I was thinking that we were going to have to fly.  Thanks for the info.

Yes, they go, but at scheduled times of the year in a group, not on an individual basis.
Bob is right that going by plane would probably be the best way.

hogline wrote:Somofabit that's is great info, I am printing it now, have you been there?  

Oh yes, many times taking out of towners. There is no value added IMHO in getting a guide. Stay at the Hotel Canada and ask for a king on the street. http://www.hotelcanada.com.mx/index-en.html It is two blocks from the zocalo. There are so many sights to see that you will go back.

PS,

That hotel is two blocks from the zocalo where there is always something going on.

Look for yourself at:  http://www.webcamsdemexico.com/webcam-mexico-zocalo.html

Charter Club goes to Mexico City every Christmas for about 9 days.
Excellent trip.

Another vote for the Charter Club tour to Mexico City at Christmas, if you can wait that long. Great trip, includes the main cathedral on the central plaza and much more.