Puebla and Tlaxcala: baroque, religious gems and pilgrimage places

Welcome to Mexico, a country I fell in love with since my first stay as an anthropologist in 2000, staying several months in an indigenous farming community. Working as a part time architecture guide in Belgium since 2006, I decided to move to Mexico in 2008 to show all the cultural and natural wonders of this incredible country to other people. Let me guide you through the real stories behind Mexico City and elsewhere: its architecture (from aztec ruins and the cosmology they express, over colonial palaces of wealthy Spanish families, to the deeply emotional and vibrant spaces and plays of light and rythm by contemporary Mexican pioneers) , the Mesoamerican sites in the surroundings, the stunning landscapes but also its people and folklore of today. Mexico City and its surroundings offer an amazing crossing point between european culture and history, prehispanic traditions and dynamic modernity. Complex and colorful, dynamic and generous, Mexico leaves nobody indifferent; here, you have fun while learning lots of things. Did I forget the incredible Mexican food? I have a special tasting and market tour, and good food is always part of my tours. It is my pleasure to adapt tours to all kind of needs and interests. Forget about fixed schedules, meal times, generic visits without attention to the details, forced shop visits. . . with me as a private guide you can decide it ALL by yourself. Moreover, my long experience with house owners, archeologists, craftspeople, cooking ladies, can give you a peek behind the scenes and show you the wonders and achievements of the life and work of real Mexicans! I have guided city walking tours, bike tours, as well as excursions of several days to the surrounding states, for those who want to go beyond the dynamic and endless activities within the city. Some options are Queretaro/SanMigueldeAllende/Guanajuato, farming villages and nature in the Huasteca, the region of Oaxaca, my personal favourite with never-ending arts&crafts, festivities, petrified waterfalls, markets and amazing food. Or go native in Cuetzalan, and indigenous town in the dramatic lush Sierra Norte mountains of Puebla state, or to the Purhepecha communities of Michoacan, with their Day of the Dead and crafts traditions. Combine several UNESCO Heritage sites like the ruins of El Tajín and Xochicalco, colonial towns and monasteries in a 3,4or5 days Central Mexico trip. I'm a convinced promotor of the beneftis of community tourism: while learning from the local cultures and enjoying their friendly hospitality, we explore their surroundings and support the protection of their environment and livelihoods. Ever imagined foraging wild foods and preparing them with the knowledge of the local cooks, or joining the traditional mezcal producers during destillation? It's all possible. You want more? Consider a private roundtrip of one, two or three weeks to other areas of Mexico: the colonial cities and traditional cultures of the western Bajío; the Gulf Coast with great food, archeology and natural wonders; the stunningly green and indigenous Chiapas; or the maya wonders of Yucatan. You can rely upon my knowledge of the Mexican road system and proper insurance, crucial for a safe trip when going by car (of course, you can also opt for hiking, biking, horseback or even rafting!). Please contact me if you want to design a longer roundtrip across the country together with me. Do you want you to feel like you have lived in Mexico for years, while being surprised at any minute? With me as a tour guide, you will experience Mexico in a unique way like you wouldn't have imagined! Just let me know your fields of interest and your passions, and I'll design a customized program that will leave you in awe! Availability and very specific interests are (almost) never a problem, because I work together with a small group of thrusted, reliable, equally high-quality mexican guides with a wide range of experiences, that can complement or take over if necessary. Degrees as an engineer, anthropologist, teacher and tourist guide by the Flemish community, Belgium (1998-2006) Two years of cooking and chocolate course by the Flemish community, Belgium (2005-2006) Licensed as a tourist guide by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism (2009) Course on Cultural Tourism - Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia (ENAH - National School of Anthropology and History, Mexico City) Guiding for several major and specialty travel agencies such as Thomas Cook, Kuoni, OAD, SNV, Joker, Fox, Proximo Travel, Hola Pola, Mexique Découverte, Mexikoo, Baska Turlu Macera, De Blauwe Vogel, SKR, Wikinger, Native Trails, Seven Tours, Carribean Travel, and many more.