Gay Travelers Magazine: Sacred Tours of Mexico – Experience the Spiritual and Historical Traditions of Mexico

Sacred Tours of Mexico provides each traveler with the extraordinary opportunity to learn and experience firsthand the spiritual and historical traditions of Mexico while supporting these living traditions.

What can you tell us about the history of Spiritual Tours of Mexico? 

Sacred Tours of Mexico co-founders Veronica Iglesias and Anne Key had been leading tours through Mexico for the last decade. Working independently, both Veronica and Anne melded their scholarship with their spiritual practices, honoring the rich history and modern manifestations of the ancient Mexican cultures and beliefs.

Their paths crossed, and then intertwined, in Albuquerque, NM. Together they formed Sacred Tours of Mexico to bring life to their vision of sharing both the history and spiritual practices of the region.

To further understanding of this sacred wisdom, they created The Jade Oracle, a deck of oracle cards based on ancient Mexican deities and symbols.

Veronica, a native of Mexico City, received her Master’s Degree in Mesoamerican studies from the prestigious National Autonomous University. Her studies and life-work center on curanderismo, and she began leading tours through the Maya Lands focusing on the Mayan deity of healing, Ix’Chel.

Anne, a native Texan, visited the borderlands during the 1970’s and 1980’s, but after a trip to Mexico City in 1990, she began annual sojourns and research trips throughout the country. Her doctoral studies centered on Mesoamerican spiritual practices and the Cihuateteo, divine women honored by many ancient Mexican cultures.

Sacred Tours of Mexico is dedicated to giving you the opportunity to experience a spiritual and historical understanding of traditional and contemporary rituals and customs. All tours are based on three basic tenets: cultural respect, generosity, and support for local projects. You will see Mexico beyond the headlines, go to places tours rarely visit, sample culinary delights, meet local curandero/as, and dive deep into the culture, discovering new things about yourself.

Why is Mexico such a popular destination? 

For travelers from the United States, Mexico City is a fantastic destination. It is within easy distance from anywhere in the United States, boasts world-class ruins and museums, and is a fraction of the cost of Europe.  Here are 10 of our favorite things to do in Mexico City:

1. Teotihuacan: Stand atop the largest pyramid in the world and then submerge yourself in the ancient murals, still brilliant and colorful after two thousand years. Sit in front of the famous Gran Diosa de Teotihuacan mural and be transported back to a society filled with life and beauty. 
2. Museum of Anthropology:  Visit a seriously world class museum, the Museum of Anthropology, which houses the finest artifacts from across Mexico, including the colossal and awe-inspiring Coatlicue, Tour the Museum of Anthropology with your expert guides and then sit, relax, and enjoy the astonishing Danza de los Voladores de Papantla. 
3. Basilica de Guadalupe: Experience the most visited religious site in the West, the Basilica de Guadalupe. See the image of La Virgen on Juan Diego’s cloak and take a moment to light a candle for your loved ones. Climb the stairs to the chapel at the top of the Hill of Tepeyac, the original worship site of Tonantzin, and tour the ornate chapel. 
4. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: See how two of the most well-known names from Mexico City lived and the indelible mark their art has left on its culture. Wander through Casa Azul, Frida’s house and museum, and see her studio. Visit Anahuacalli, a museum of pre-Columbian art designed and curated by Diego Rivera. Stand in awe of Rivera’s murals in the National Palace building. 
5. Xochimilco: Board a brightly colored boat and join the party, meandering through over 50 miles of canals that make up Xochimilco, a World Heritage Site referred to as the “Venice of Mexico.” Surrounded by flowers and tropical plants, wait a moment for vendors to row by and grab some lunch and beer, and there are always a few boats filled with mariachis! 
6. Mercado Jamaica: Wander through the “Flower Market,” Mercado Jamaica. Teeming with color, sounds, and smells of everything beautiful and delicious in Mexico, this market is a treat for the eyes and palate. 
7. Temazcal: Experience an indigenous “sweat bath” and ceremony, lead by a local curandero/a. Leave the ritual knowing that you have left behind what you do not need. 
8. Museum of the Templo Mayor and the Zocalo: Stand in the center of the heart of Mexico City, the Zocalo, which has been the political and spiritual capital continually from 1325 CE to the modern day. In the museum, stand at the feet of two of the largest deity statues in the region, Tlaltecuhtli and Coyolxauhqui,  and feel yourself transported to ancient times. 
9. The Historic District: Wander the network of pedestrian streets in the Historic District, A UNESCO World Heritage site (and location of our hotel!). This area hosts a pageant of architecture from the 16th century to Art Deco to Modern, with boutiques and cafes nestled in every corner.
10. ​Tacos, tequila and pulque: We know, these are actually three reasons, but they all seem to go together. Mexico City is in the midst of a culinary renaissance, so get ready to try artesanal tacos using pre-Columbian ingredients, craft pulques (a fermented sacred beverage made from the maguey cactus) and the finest tequilas and mezcales. 

Conclusion

Sacred Tours of Mexico allows travelers to experience the spiritual and historical traditions of Mexico.

For more information and to reserve a trip, go to sacredtoursofmexico.com.

Gay travelers may want to visit https://www.gaymexicomap.com/ to research travel and entertainment options.