Congregation Emanu El
Jewish Journey to Mexico

Led by Rabbi Oren Hayon

Feb 28, 2027 - Mar 7, 2027

  • DESTINATION Mexico
  • Who's Going Our Community
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 8 DAYS
  • Group Size 25+
  • Price From $5,550
Program is tentative and subject to change. Connect with our Customer Care Team by calling: (888) 230-6008 Mon.-Thur. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

YOUR journey

J² crafts journeys of inspiration, education, and Jewish connections to Israel and worldwide. We are guided by a simple but powerful concept: No two trips are the same; each experience should be personal, meaningful, and backed by superb service. Travel is not just about the places you visit, but the connections you make along the way.

  •   Art & Culture
  •   Archaeology
  •   Cooking Workshop
  •   Expert Scholar
  •   Food & Wine
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Nature Walks
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY | CULTURE, HISTORY & COMMUNITY
Sun. Feb 28, 2027
  • Arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City (approx. 10:00 AM).
  • Meet your local guide and J² Expert Educator who will accompany you throughout your journey.
  • Welcome lunch and opening conversation with your J² Expert Educator.
  • Begin your exploration with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico’s most important cultural institution. Step into a world where centuries of history come vividly to life as you encounter extraordinary artifacts from pre-Columbian civilizations, including the legendary Aztec Calendar Stone and the striking statue of Xochipilli.
  • Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
  • Meet with Dr. Daniel Fainstein, Dean and Professor of Jewish Studies and Education at the Hebrew University of Mexico. Gain a meaningful introduction to Jewish life in Mexico - its history, evolution, and contemporary realities.
  • Evening at leisure in Mexico City.
Overnight: Mexico City Meals: Lunch
DAY 2
HISTORIC MEXICO CITY | JEWISH ROOTS & MEMORY
Mon. Mar 1, 2027
  • Begin the day in the Zócalo, the monumental heart of Mexico City and one of the largest public squares in the world. Explore the layers of history that define this iconic space, including:
    • The Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America.
    • The National Palace, home to the offices of the Mexican President and the National Archives.
    • The remains of the Templo Mayor, built on the sacred site where the Aztecs envisioned the founding of their capital.
  • Continue with a deep dive into the story of Jewish life in Mexico on a guided walking tour of the historic center, led by a local community expert. Trace the footsteps of early Jewish immigrants who arrived over a century ago in search of opportunity and freedom. Highlights include:
    • The Historic Synagogue on Justo Sierra Street.
    • Former communal housing and kosher establishments.
    • Santo Domingo Square and surrounding historic sites.
    • A local market featuring murals by students of Diego Rivera.
    • The site of a former Yiddish theater, once a vibrant cultural hub.
  • Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mexico City Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS & CONTEMPORARY JEWISH LIFE
Tue. Mar 2, 2027
  • This morning, travel beyond the modern city to the awe-inspiring ruins of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological complexes in the world. Once home to over 100,000 inhabitants, Teotihuacan was among the largest urban centers of the ancient world.
  • Explore the grandeur of this mysterious city, including its monumental pyramids and the remarkable Temple of the Feathered Serpent, while gaining insight into the spiritual, political, and cultural life of this pre-Columbian civilization.
  • Enjoy lunch before returning to Mexico City.
  • This afternoon, visit Deportivo Israelita (CDI), a vibrant sports and cultural center that serves as a cornerstone of Jewish communal life. Learn about its mission to foster connection, identity, and continuity by providing a welcoming space where community members engage in cultural, educational, and recreational activities.
  • This evening, gather for a special dinner followed by a conversation with Dr. Enrique Presburger, an interdisciplinary leader whose work spans finance, academia, sport, and the arts, and an active member of the Mexican Jewish community.
Overnight: Mexico City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
FLAVORS, STORIES, AND LIVING HERITAGE OF MEXICO
Wed. Mar 3, 2027
  • Depart for a morning designed as a truly immersive Mexico City cultural encounter: an insider introduction to the rhythms, flavors, and living traditions of the capital, where market life, culinary heritage, and human connection come together in a way that is both deeply authentic and joyfully unforgettable.
  • Accompanied by a chef, explore a vibrant local market, known for its cultural diversity and colorful array of local ingredients. Taste freshly made tortillas, sip rich Oaxacan cacao, and sample native fruits as you discover the flavors that define Mexican cuisine.
  • Continue to the Chef's kitchen for a hands-on cooking workshop, preparing a four-course menu that blends ancestral techniques with seasonal, local ingredients.
  • Enjoy the fruits of your labor during lunch.
  • Continue to the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Enjoy a guided walk through its picturesque plazas, boutiques, and cafés, including a stop at the iconic Fuente de los Coyotes.
  • End the day with a visit to CDIJUM – the Mexican Jewish Documentation and Research Center, a vital institution dedicated to preserving and studying the history and cultural heritage of the Jewish community in Mexico. Meet with a local researcher who will guide you through key artifacts, archives, and personal stories that illuminate the rich and diverse Jewish experience in the country.
  • Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mexico City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5
FRIDA, FLOATING GARDENS & THE ROAD TO SAN MIGUEL
Thu. Mar 4, 2027
  • Check out of the hotel.
  • Explore the Dolores Olmedo Patiño Museum, where lush gardens and elegant architecture frame one of the world’s most significant collections dedicated to Frida Kahlo, offering rare insight into her art, relationships, and creative evolution. Engage intimately with Frida’s story as you move through works that reveal her resilience, identity, and enduring influence on Mexico’s cultural narrative.
  • Continue to the vibrant waterways of Xochimilco, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape and one of Mexico City’s most iconic experiences. Step aboard a colorful trajinera and cruise through the ancient canals, sampling local flavors and enjoying live music and the festive energy that defines this unique tradition.
  • Group lunch, en route.
  • Depart Mexico City and begin your scenic drive to San Miguel de Allende, traveling through the Mexican countryside toward one of the country’s most beautiful and culturally rich colonial towns.
  • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take time to settle in.
  • The evening is at leisure to begin discovering San Miguel de Allende, where cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas, and a flourishing culinary scene create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Overnight: San Miguel de Allende Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE | NATURE & COMMUNITY
Fri. Mar 5, 2027
  • Enjoy a relaxing morning visit to the hot springs of La Gruta, where you will unwinde in the thermal pools surrounded by serene natural beauty,
  • Enjoy time for lunch on your own.
  • Return to the hotel to change and refresh before the afternoon program.
  • Hear from Kayla Fine in an engaging presentation offering insight into local Jewish life and community.
  • This evening, gather at the JC3 – the Jewish Cultural and Community Center for a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat service, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner with the local community.
  • For those interested, join an optional evening walk after dinner with Kayla Fine to see Mariachi bands and experience the vibrant local atmosphere in the streets of San Miguel.
Overnight: San Miguel de Allende Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
REFLECTION, CONNECTION & FAREWELL
Sat. Mar 6, 2027
  • Enjoy Shabbat exploring the beauty, history, and unique character of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its artistic spirit and colonial charm.
  • Begin with Shabbat morning services alongside the local community, offering a chance to experience a different facet of Jewish life in San Miguel, attended largely by local Mexican members of the congregation.
  • Continue with a guided walking tour through the heart of the city, including the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and Parque Allende, the lively central square.
  • Visit Casa Cohen and learn about its history, along with discussion of the nearby House of the Inquisitor, providing insight into the Jewish experience in colonial Mexico.
  • Return to the JC3 and engage in a special conversation, “From London to Tel Aviv to San Miguel,” with Martin Fletcher, author and retired NBC News Middle East correspondent.
  • As Shabbat comes to a close, gather for a meaningful Havdalah ceremony, followed by an evening of Sephardic and world Jewish music performed by local musicians.
  • Conclude the journey with a festive farewell dinner, sharing reflections and memories from the week.
Overnight: San Miguel de Allende Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
DEPARTURE
Sun. Mar 7, 2027
  • This morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to León International Airport (BJX) for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast

RATES & LODGING

Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
participants
25+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,550
Cost p/p in single room
$6,620

Mexico City: InterContinental Presidente

San Miguel de Allende: Albor Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Choose Your Way

VOYAGER
  • Carefully selected accommodations, offering comfort and quality.
  • A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
  • J² Customer Care available by phone and email.
  • $50 travel credit per person for your next J² journey.
VOYAGER PLUS
popular
  • Guaranteed room category upgrade.
  • A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
  • Private airport arrival transfer.
  • A signature J² gift awaiting you in your room.
  • Priority dedicated Customer Care.
  • A personal travel advisor for every detail, pre- and post-trip.
  • $200 credit per person for a future journey, separate from this experience.
VOYAGER PREMIERE
  • Guaranteed double category upgrade.
  • A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
  • Private round-trip airport transfers.
  • A signature J² gift awaiting you in your room.
  • Priority dedicated Customer Care.
  • A personal travel advisor for every detail, pre- and post-trip.
  • Exclusive access to sought-after dining, ticketed events, and premier performances.
  • 10% preferred savings on additional hotel nights, excursions and transportation.
  • $400 credit per person for a future journey, separate from this experience.

What to expect

  • 7 nights' accommodations.
  • 7 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator and a local guide, in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 4 lunches & 3 dinners.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • Water on the bus.
  • Porterage at the hotels.
  • All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
  • This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Mexico.
  • Individual airport transfers.
  • Early check-in and Late check-out.
  • Gratuities are excluded. For groups of 20 and more participants traveling to Mexico: We recommend the following guidelines for tipping (amounts are in US dollars): J² Expert Educator: $14 | Local Guide: $8 | Driver: $4. Amounts are per day per person.
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
  • Amendments to the program: In the event that any sites, programs or meals etc. are added to the program, an additional fee may be required.
  • Personal extras: Items of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, beverages, coffee, tea, food other than the table d’hotel menu, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes, unless otherwise specified.
  • US and foreign airport taxes, Q fuel surcharge and border taxes when applicable.
  • This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
  • Please review our terms & conditions (T&C’s) or request that we send you our full T&C’s. Until you do that, here is the small print, and other stuff you may want to know:
    • Validity | All prices quoted are based on exchange rates as of the proposal date and are subject to change without notice. Rates are per person and are based on double occupancy room.
    • How to Make a Reservation | The quickest way to make a reservation is to register online or contact us by email. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. A non-refundable deposit of $675 is required in order to complete the registration process.
  • For any assistance with this registration process or other trip-related queries, please email Customer Care: [email protected].
  • Payments | The balance of your payment is due 120 days before your trip begins, or as specified in your invoice. You will receive an email reminder 2 weeks before this date. Various payment options are available as follows:
    • Credit card | We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Please check with your credit card provider regarding international processing fees. We are unable to process payments of over $1,000 over the phone. Please submit payment online via a credit card or by wiring funds via your bank.
    • Domestic bank wire transfer | Payment should be wired in the same currency that is listed on your invoice. Please add the name of your group or invoice number as a reference and forward a copy of the transfer receipt by email. The bank transfer should clearly state the beneficiary’s name on the wire transfer.
  • J² Adventures reserves the right to automatically cancel your reservation on that date and it may be subject to reconfirmation should the final payment not be received.
  • Cancelation Policy | All cancelations need to be made in writing. The cancelation fee depends on the date when we receive written notification of your request to cancel your booking. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
    • Cancelation fees | Cancelations made 120 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 119 to 46 days prior to departure incur the loss of 50% of the full trip cost. Cancelations made 45 days or less prior to the departure incur the loss of 100% of the full trip cost.
    • Cancelation fees may also include: Hotel or supplier cancelation fees. J² Adventures reserves the right to adjust its terms of payment, including cancelation policies and initial deposits.
  • Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
  • Please click here to view our full terms (T&C's). These T&C's apply to all reservations created within J2 Adventures.

DISCOVER NEW WORLDS.

JOURNEYS.

A family vacation to Israel. An adventure of a lifetime traveling with friends to Morocco. A  trip to Poland or Portugal with your community. What do these trips have in common? No matter where you go, you will come back with a fresh perspective and appreciation of the place you visited as well as a heightened awareness of your identity as part of the global Jewish community. 

Stuff.

We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.