Young Adult Catholic Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mexico City

Trip Leader: Jeff Runyan, Founder and Owner of Encounter Travel

Chaplain: Fr. John Hammond, Cathedral of the Incarnation, Nashville, TN

Join fellow young adults on an unforgettable 5-day journey to the heart of Mexico, where faith, history, and culture meet. Walk in the footsteps of St. Juan Diego and experience the miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe at her world-famous Basilica.

This trip blends daily Mass, prayer, and reflection with great social time and exploration—from profound prayer at Our Lady of Guadalupe to boating the colorful canals of Xochimilco and discovering Mexico City’s vibrant Aztec and Catholic heritage.

Encounter Mary as Mother of All Peoples, dive into the mystery of the miraculous tilma, and let her message of love and hope inspire your faith, friendships, and future. Come ready for powerful prayer, rich history, and a life-changing encounter with God.

After an early morning flight, the group arrives in Mexico City by afternoon and is warmly welcomed. From the airport, everyone travels to Casa González, a quiet and comfortable place in the heart of the city to rest and get settled.

The pilgrimage begins with an Opening Mass, placing the days ahead in God’s hands and under the care of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This first prayer sets the tone for the journey—open hearts, ready to meet God through Mary.

In the evening, the group heads to the Zócalo, the city’s historic main square. Surrounded by beautiful old buildings and rich history, pilgrims reflect on the story behind Guadalupe. Dinner at a nearby restaurant overlooking the square offers a time to relax, share a meal, and enjoy the view.

The day kicks off with breakfast at Casa González and a morning talk from a leading Guadalupe expert, who helps us get our hearts ready to meet Our Lady where she appeared to St. Juan Diego.

We’ll then hop on the bus and head to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the spiritual heart of Mexico. After a quick orientation and guided tour, the highlight of the morning is Mass inside the Basilica, right in front of the miraculous image. Here’s your chance to lay down your prayers, worries, and dreams at the feet of Mary, who reminds us: “Am I not here, I who am your Mother?”

After Mass, we’ll enjoy a casual picnic lunch on the Basilica grounds with to-go meals from the hotel. The afternoon is a mix of reflection talks, quiet prayer time, and exploring.

In the evening, we’ll have dinner back at Casa González followed by an evening social cocktail reception.

The morning starts with breakfast at Casa González and a short spiritual talk to ground us in prayer before diving deeper into the story of Guadalupe and the rich blend of faith and culture that surrounds it.

Our first stop is the Zócalo, Mexico City’s massive historic square, where we’ll celebrate Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Built on the site of an ancient Aztec temple, this stunning church is a living sign of how God’s grace transforms history while honoring the dignity of every culture.

After Mass, we’ll explore the Templo Mayor ruins and museum, once the heart of the Aztec world. After the Templo Mayer we will have lunch at El Mayor, a rooftop spot overlooking the ruins and Cathedral—an epic view of Mexico’s layered story of faith.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe for quiet personal prayer, time before the miraculous tilma, and a group talk with adoration.

The day wraps up with a fun group dinner at the iconic restaurant of Monte Cristo.

The day begins with coffee and fresh Mexican conchas—a sweet, cozy wake-up before the adventure unfolds. The group sets out for Sunday Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, joining thousands of worshippers for a beautiful liturgy in the presence of the miraculous image of Mary.

After Mass, everyone gathers for a festive Sunday brunch at the elegant Club de Banqueros, enjoying delicious Mexican flavors and plenty of time to relax and share stories from the morning.

Next, the journey continues to Xochimilco, famously known as the “Venice of Mexico.” Here, pilgrims step onto colorful trajinera boats—flat, flower-painted barges that glide through ancient canals. The afternoon drifts by with music and drinks onboard, music filling the air, and laughter echoing across the water.

As evening settles in, the group returns to Casa González and heads out to get traditional Mexican tacos.

Before sunrise, we’ll pack up our bags at Casa González and get ready to head home. As Mexico City slowly wakes, there’s already a quiet gratitude in the air—a sense that this trip has been more than just a getaway. What started as a journey to Our Lady of Guadalupe has become a personal adventure of faith and transformation.

The ride to the airport is a final chance to pray, reflect, and swap memories—from the awe of the Basilica and the tilma, to climbing Teotihuacan’s pyramids, laughing on Xochimilco’s colorful boats, and sharing countless meals and inside jokes. Mary’s words—“Am I not here, I who am your Mother?”—now feel personal, a promise we carry home and into whatever comes next.