Best of Mexico City & the Bajío: Culture, Cuisine & Pueblos Mágicos - 10 Days

Highlights

• Cruise the ancient canals of Xochimilco on a traditional boat
• Explore the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán by bike
• Meet wine, honey, and cheese producers on a culinary tour around Querétaro
• Discover charming Pueblos Mágicos like San Miguel de Allende and Tequisquiapan 
• Taste local mezcals in a typical Mexico City cantina

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City, Food Tour of Navarte

¡Bienvenidos a México! Your driver will be waiting at the Mexico City International Airport gate to transfer you to your hotel in Mexico City. 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.

After you settle in, you'll have time to explore the city independently. Immerse yourself in the local culture in neighborhoods like Roma, where you'll find Art Deco architecture and excellent restaurants, or San Ángel, with its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and sidewalk cafés. Relax in the green spaces of Chapultepec Park or Alameda Central before digging into the city's famous gastronomy.    

Meet your local guide for a food tour of the trendy neighborhood of Navarte, known throughout the city for its tacos. Begin the tour at a neighborhood taquería specializing in "volcanoes," crispy, cheese-and-peppers-topped tortillas cooked over a charcoal flame. From there, you'll sample tacos al pastor and tacos de suadero (slow-cooked beef brisket) from long-established street vendors. Experience Mexico City's lively cantina culture and taste a flight of small-batch artisanal mezcals with the guidance of a local expert.

Day 2: History & Food Tour, Cruise Xochimilco, Dinner at Los Danzantes

Meet your local guide this morning for a tour of the capital's Centro Histórico. Learn about the city's beginnings at the Aztec temple ruins and on-site museum of Templo Mayor, and visit one of the largest cathedrals in South America, the Metropolitan Cathedral. Stroll along the pedestrian-only Calle Madero, stopping at local food stalls and restaurants to taste traditional street food, including esquites (spiced street corn), tortas, camotes (sweet potatoes with jam and condensed milk) and churros. You'll soon understand why Mexican gastronomy is considered an "Intangible Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO.

Next, discover the remnants of the Aztec Empire's vast water transport system among the floating gardens of Xochimilco. Traverse 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, mariachi bands, and several different chinampas, small islands built into the canal that make up an agricultural system.

Tonight, you'll enjoy a traditional dinner in the charming Coyoacán neighborhood at the restaurant Los Danzantes. Since 1995, this special spot has combined ancient Mexican culinary traditions with contemporary flavors in every bite, featuring specialties from the country's diverse regions, such as Oaxacan mole sauce. 

Day 3: Explore Teotihuacán by Bike, Transfer to Querétaro

Wake up early for a trip outside Mexico City to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán. The UNESCO-listed ruins of this ancient Mesoamerican city, also known as "The City of the Gods," date back to 100 BCE. Explore this once-grand city via bicycle, beginning with a tour along the Calzada de los Muertos (Causeway of the Dead). Cycle between essential buildings such as the Palacio de Quetzalpapálotl, famous for its murals (don't miss the Mural de Puma), as well as the famous Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon). 

After lunch among the pyramids, your driver will transfer you to the lively city of Querétaro, located approximately three hours away. Known for its friendliness and pedestrian-only historic district, you'll also find a Roman-inspired aqueduct, tree-lined plazas, a plethora of sidewalk cafés, and many museums here. It's an ideal spot to explore and relax after your earlier adventure. 

Day 4: Day Trip to Bernal: Follow the Wine & Cheese Route

Enjoy a full-day tour of the culinary delights and historic sites of nearby Bernal. Designated one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) for its rich culture, cuisine, and history, this gem sits just outside of Querétaro at the bottom of a famous rock monolith, the Peña de Bernal. Surrounded by mountain scenery, the town is famous for its spectacular handwoven textiles and its compact yet beautiful Old Town, often used as a film set. Bernal is also one of the gateways to Querétaro's Wine and Cheese Route, which your tour will take full advantage of.

Begin with a visit to a family-run vineyard to tour the underground cellar and sample local varieties of sparkling wine. Continue to a local cheese cellar and taste a variety of fresh and matured Mexican cheese, including quesos rebaños (sheep cheese). A honey tasting at a small apiary run by a generations-long beekeeping family is up next. Sample the honey varieties and learn about the ancient Mesoamerican honey-making practices before finishing up your tour at the Gruta de Cuarzo (Quartz Grotto), a cellar devoted to the mythic properties surrounding quartz in the area.

End the day by walking through the charming village to a well-known restaurant. Try the town's specialty, gorditas negras, made from black corn dough with cheese, chorizo, beans, and more. Pan de queso (cheese bread), handmade bread swirled with cream cheese and chocolate (or another flavor, often caramel or blackberry), is a must-try snack or dessert from Bernal.

Day 5: Tequisquiapan by Hot-Air Balloon, Transfer to San Miguel de Allende

Start bright and early with a hot-air balloon flight over the nearby Pueblo Mágico of Tequisquiapan. Float above vineyards and picturesque countryside and spot the pink neoclassical church of Santa María de la Asunción in the central square. Head down to earth for breakfast, then explore more of the town on foot with your guide. Wander the cobblestone streets of the historic center, lined with colorful houses, artisan markets, and bougainvillea-filled lanes, then stop at the Museo de los Conspiradores to learn more about the region's role in the history of Mexican independence. 

Day 6: San Miguel de Allende Historic District Tour, Escondido Hot Springs

Today, your guide will take you to the most interesting monuments of San Miguel de Allende, beginning in the central plaza, Jardín Allende, home to the elaborate, rosy Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. Continue to Bellas Artes, the cloister-turned-cultural center known as El Nigromante, the city's cultural hub, featuring an art school, exhibit rooms, and a concert hall.

Visit the famous Teatro Ángela Peralta, established by Mexico's "queen of opera" in 1873, then take a break in the picturesque Plaza de la Soledad. End your tour with a visit to the Casa de las Conspiraciones, where the War of Independence was conceived. 

Day 7: Transfer to Guanajuato, Mining & Historic District Tour

Your journey continues today as you transfer 1.5 hours west to Guanajuato. Founded in 1559, the rich silver and gold deposits provided prosperity to build the opulent colonial houses, tree-lined plazas, and maze of cobblestone streets that make the city famous. Once you settle in, meet your local guide for a three-hour tour through the famous silver and gold mines. Head to some traditional mining neighborhoods and former mining haciendas, then walk along the underground streets. See the incredible Boca del Inferno, a mineshaft that plunges over 1,970 feet (600 m) deep into the earth. 

Return to the surface along the twisty main roads that weave around hillsides and the narrow ravine where colorful buildings stack like blocks. You'll glimpse gorgeous mountain views peeking out behind the skinny streets as you follow your guide through the historic district. Guanajuato is also known for some of Mexico's best Baroque and neoclassical buildings, including the beautiful churches of La Compañía and La Valenciana. End your tour at the symbolic Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), characterized by balconies close enough for a couple to reach across and kiss, hence the name.

Day 8: Transfer to Mexico City, Mezcal Tasting & Lucha Libre Experience

Today takes you back to Mexico City, where you'll dive into the colorful world of lucha libre (Mexican wrestling). Part sporting match, part theater, and brimming with acrobatics and drama, this popular spectacle is a popular attraction for Chilangos (Mexico City residents) of all ages.

First, meet your tour guide in front of the majestic Palacio de Bellas Artes, a lovely white-marbled concert hall. From there, you'll visit a traditional Mexican cantina, where you'll taste mezcal and homemade guacamole. From here, you'll set out on a walking tour to the Aréna Mexico, or the "Catedral de Lucha Libre," while your guide amazes you with stories of "El Santo" and "Blue Demon," two of the biggest stars in the history of this wrestling style.

Once you arrive at the Aréna Mexico, enjoy a dramatic battle between the técnicos (heroes) and the rudos (villains). Cheer on your favorite wrestler while you experience one of Mexico City's favorite traditions among beer vendors, snacks, and wrestling masks.

Day 9: Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour

Discover the techniques of Mexican cuisine at the traditional culinary school, Aura Cocina Mexicana. This cooking studio, located in the eclectic Roma Norte neighborhood, focuses on authentic dishes and beverages from all regions of the country inspired by Mexican history, art, and legends. Your class begins with a welcome drink of agua fresca (water made with guava, mint, and lemon) or locally-grown coffee. Walk to the nearby Mercado de Medellín to source ingredients for your lessons, with samples from selected market establishments, then return to the studio to start cooking.

As you learn about the history of Mexican cuisine, you'll practice the techniques to make dishes such as various salsas, handmade tortillas, cornbread, mextlapiques (grilled fish tamales), or mole blanco con pollo (white sauce with chicken). Afterward, enjoy the lunch you've prepared with a pairing of artisanal mezcal, Mexican craft beer, or Mexican wine, followed by Mexican hot chocolate.

Day 10: Depart Mexico City

It's time to say farewell to Mexico City! Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Mexico City International Airport. Safe travels! 

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