Highlights
- Experience the sharp contrast of Frida Kahlo's private and public life at Casa Azul
- Feel the electric energy of a real-deal lucha libre match alongside ravenous fans
- Stroll around the San Ángel neighborhood and its vibrant art community
- Whet your appetite for Mexican cuisine at a traditional Oaxacan restaurant
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mexico City, Explore the Capital | Mexico City |
| Day 2 | Float on Xochimilco’s Canals, Visit Casa Azul, Savor a Oaxacan Dinner | Mexico City |
| Day 3 | Walking Tour of San Ángel, Visit the Modern Art Museum | Mexico City |
| Day 4 | Lucha Libre Experience & Mezcal Tasting, Tour of Famous Murals | Mexico City |
| Day 5 | Depart Mexico City |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City, Explore the Capital
Bienvenido! It's your first day in Mexico City. A driver will be waiting at the airport, sign in hand, and ready to whisk you off to your accommodation. You'll get to experience Ciudad de México (or CDMX) and its incredible art and architecture over the next few days. Spend today getting acquainted with the largest metropolis in North America through cultural attractions, famous sites, and, of course, food.
Mexico City is an ancient metropolis, and visitors can't miss the chance to brush up on their Mexican history at the Museo de Antropología (Museum of Anthropology) or the Templo Mayor, remnants of a Mexican temple. But if you'd rather skip the history lesson and dive straight into a more cultural approach, head over to the Zócalo—the beating heart of the Mexican capital. Shopaholics should make a beeline straight for La Ciudadela Market, while foodies will love exploring virtually any corner of this vibrant city through their taste buds.
Day 2: Float on Xochimilco’s Canals, Visit Casa Azul & Savor a Oaxacan Dinner
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Also known as the "Floating Gardens" or "Place of Flowers" in Nahuatl, the Xochimilco canals are remnants of a vast irrigation and transportation system created by the Mexica (Aztec) peoples in pre-Hispanic times. Hop aboard one of the neon-colored boats, known as trajineras, with your local guide, who'll reveal the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site over the next two hours. You'll focus on Xochimilco's iconic chinampero (floating island) landscapes and learn about the most important resident, the endangered axolotl.
Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Coyoacán neighborhood and Frida Kahlo's famous home, Casa Azul. Your guide will give you a quick rundown of Frida's enigmatic life and the history of the estate in the courtyard, surrounded by cactuses and the indigo facades of the property. Step inside to reveal her personal studio, traditional kitchen, and bedroom, alongside some of her most iconic outfits. Afterward, satiate your rumbling stomach with Oaxacan cuisine in the heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood. Don't skip out on trying traditional mole, a sauce that is said to be made from up to 30 ingredients.
Day 3: Walking Tour of San Ángel, Visit the Modern Art Museum
The San Ángel neighborhood is a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City’s downtown—and a hub for artists. Walk the cobblestone streets with your local guide today, exploring the colorful mansions, churches, art galleries, and cafés while you learn about the neighborhood's storied past. Known as Tonanitla to pre-Hispanic peoples, this area of town is also one of the oldest settlements in the city. If you're visiting on a weekend, don't miss out on Juarez Street's Saturday market, where local artists come to peddle their paintings.
After your morning stroll, head over to the edge of the mammoth Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest), where the Museo Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) resides. This is the home of Mexican contemporary art and houses world-renowned paintings and sculptures from famous artists like Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, and, of course, Frida Kahlo.
Day 4: Lucha Libre Experience & Mezcal Tasting, Tour of Famous Murals
Kick off day four with a mezcal tasting in front of the dazzling Palacio de Bellas Artes. You'll be entranced by this agave liquor's smoky taste, perfectly complimented by fresh guacamole, while your guide regales you about your next experience—a lucha libre match. Luchadores are professional wrestlers and Mexican celebrities. As you make your way over to the Arena Mexico, you'll learn more about their history and hear about famous heroes like "El Santo" and the "Blue Demon" before you have the chance to experience a real lucha libre fight and the electric atmosphere of beer vendors, die-hard fans, and snacks galore.
It wouldn't be an art-dedicated trip to Mexico City without seeing the work of its iconic muralists, from Diego Rivera to José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. To these artists, creating their murals was a form of protest, all inspired by the Mexican Revolution in the 1920s. The murals are hidden away in three different buildings in the Centro Histórico (Historic Center), and you'll get to explore each one, like the Palacio Nacional (National Palace), alongside your English-speaking guide.
Day 5: Depart Mexico City
After four full days of exploring Mexico City's diverse art scene, it's time to head home—or on to your next destination. Your driver will be waiting to take you to the Benito Juarez International Airport, where you'll say your goodbyes to this sprawling metropolis. This isn’t adiós, but hasta luego!
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