Highlights
- Let your guide introduce you to Mexico City's best taquerías and cantinas
- Hike along one of Mexico's most famous active volcanoes, Popocatépetl
- Glide through the colorful canals of Xochimilco on a traditional boat
- Cycle your way around an archaeological site in the Valley of Teotihuacán
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mexico City, Chef's Table Experience | Mexico City |
| Day 2 | Roma Culinary Tour, Mariachi & Dance Performance, Cantina Tour | Mexico City |
| Day 3 | Hike in Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park | Mexico City |
| Day 4 | Tour of Coyoacán, Visit the Xochimilco Floating Farm, Cooking Class | Mexico City |
| Day 5 | Visit the Museo de Frida Kahlo, Lucha Libre Evening Show | Mexico City |
| Day 6 | Explore Teotihuacán via Bike & Hot-Air Balloon | Mexico City |
| Day 7 | Depart Mexico City |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City, Chef's Table Experience
¡Bienvenidos a México! Upon arrival in Mexico City, your driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. One of the largest urban centers in the world, Mexico's capital traces its roots back to the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which the Spanish built upon in the 16th century. Today, the sprawling metropolis overflows with lively neighborhoods, historical sites, and culinary delights.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Roma Culinary Tour, Mariachi & Dance Performance, Cantina Tour
Begin the day with a gastronomic tour of Roma, one of Mexico City's most charming and beautiful districts. During this four-hour tour, follow your guide through the streets, gaining insight into local legend and architectural styles. As part of this tour, you'll also visit six restaurants, getting a firsthand look at the wide variety of Mexican cuisine and the passionate culinary artists of the city. Taste the finest Mexican coffee, sample the famous mezcal (a spirit made from agave), authentic fish tacos, savory tamales, and more.
After you explore Roma, head to a traditional show of Mexican dance, song, and music at the Guadalajara de Noche Theater. Watch performances of folk dance from different Mexican states, including mariachi singers and ranchero singers, and an exhibition of floreo de reata, one of Mexico's oldest art forms, which means "making flowers with rope."
End the evening with a taco tasting at three popular taquerías. Enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of the city as you taste traditional and innovative flavors, such as al pastor (pork), birria (marinated goat or beef), and barbacoa (slow-cooked lamb). Wash down the tacos with typical drinks like pulque (ancient Mexican wine), mezcal, or aguas de frutas (fruit water).
Day 3: Hike in Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park
Wake up early this morning for your transfer to the incredible mountains of Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park. This park holds two of Mexico's tallest mountains: the famous active volcano Popocatépetl (meaning "smoking woman" in the Aztec language) and the snowcapped Iztaccíhuatl (which translates to "sleeping woman"). Depending on your preference and experience, you'll take one of the different trails through the park.
Whichever way you hike, you'll gain sweeping views from the Paso de Cortés, which offers glimpses of the volcanic peaks, surrounding landscape, glaciers, forests, and valleys. As you walk along the trail, take notice of the native flora and fauna, including many species of fungi and, if you're lucky, the endangered volcano rabbit.
You'll be accompanied by a local, experienced guide familiar with the park and its trails, who will provide valuable information and ensure your safety in the mountains. Once you make it back down, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Mexico City.
Day 4: Tour of Coyoacán, Visit the Xochimilco Floating Farm, Cooking Class
Today you'll head to the south of Mexico City to visit the picturesque, bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán, characterized by its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. You'll spend four hours with your guide exploring the area's long history, from pre-Hispanic times to the present. Visit the peaceful Jardín Hidalgo, the borough's central plaza, and the Jardín del Centenario, which holds the remains of a former atrium at Arcadas Atrial. Don't miss the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest parishes in the city, dating back to 1552.
In the afternoon, discover the ancient remnants of the Aztec Empire's vast water transport system of the Floating Garden of Xochimilco. Spend over four hours traversing the beautiful, festive canals aboard a traditional trajinera (typical canal boat) with an expert guide. Learn all about the history and culture of the canals as the colorful gondola-esque boats take you past floating food vendors, artisans selling their crafts, and mariachi bands.
Your tour along the canals will also take you to several different chinampas, small islands built into the canal primarily used for agriculture. On these tiny islands, you'll help locals cultivate local vegetables using ancestral techniques; on another island, you'll join a traditional cooking class. Learn to prepare authentic pre-Hispanic dishes using recipes and techniques passed down through generations, such as tlaxcalli (corn tortillas), tlacoyos (stuffed tortillas), and aguamiel (agave juice).
Day 5: Visit the Museo de Frida Kahlo, Lucha Libre Evening Show
Begin the morning at Casa Azul, also known as the Museo de Frida Kahlo, where the famed Mexican painter was born, spent most of her life, and eventually died. The house, which remains similar to how it was upon her death in 1951, is now dedicated to her life and art. The 10 rooms, including her bedroom and studio, contain Mexican folk art, personal mementos, traditional Mexican housewares, Kahlo's personal art collection, works by Diego Rivera (Kahlo's husband), and much of Kahlo's work. The museum also preserves her beautiful garden courtyard, plus a small café and gift shop.
In the evening, you'll experience one of Mexico City's most entertaining traditions as you dive into the colorful world of lucha libre (Mexican wrestling). Part sporting match, part theater, and brimming with acrobatics and drama, this spectacle is a popular attraction for Chilangos (Mexico City residents) of all ages. Once you arrive at the Aréna Mexico, the city's home for lucha libre, enjoy a dramatic battle between the técnicos (heroes) and the rudos (villains). Cheer on your favorite wrestler among beer vendors, snacks, and wrestling masks.
Day 6: Explore Teotihuacán via Bike & Hot-Air Balloon
You'll be picked up before dawn at your hotel in Mexico City for an early morning hot-air balloon ride over the famous ruins of Teotihuacán. Rise over the valley during sunrise as you gain altitude in your balloon, providing you with awe-inspiring views of this ancient Mesoamerican city. Get a bird's-eye view of the major pyramids, the Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and the Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon), before heading back to the ground for breakfast.
In the afternoon, you'll continue to explore via bicycle. Cycle around the Valley of Teotihuacán, which surrounds the archaeological site, passing through the Ruta de los Murales. Return your bike and join a guided tour of this "City of the Gods." Walk along the Calzada de los Muertos (Causeway of the Dead), learning about the histories and mysteries of this ancient city, exploring the pyramids and the impressive Templo de la Serpiente Emplumada (Temple of the Feathered Serpent) or one of the on-site museums. At the end of the day, catch your ride back to the city for your final night in Mexico.
Day 7: Depart Mexico City
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