Highlights
- See the historic plazas and cathedrals of Mexico City
- Enjoy a Lucha Libre wrestling match and mezcal tasting
- Visit colorful neighborhoods like Coyoacán and Xochimilco
- Zip between the coolest neighborhoods on an e-bike
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mexico City | Mexico City |
| Day 2 | Walking Tour, Lucha Libre & Mezcal Tasting | Mexico City |
| Day 3 | Visit Coyoacán & Xochimilco | Mexico City |
| Day 4 | San Juan Market & Vasconcelos Library | Mexico City |
| Day 5 | E-Bike Tour of Mexico City | Mexico City |
| Day 6 | Depart Mexico City |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City
Day 2: Walking Tour, Lucha Libre & Mezcal Tasting
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Head out on a guided four-hour tour of Mexico City's Centro Histórico (Historic Center) in the morning. You'll visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes (a white-marble concert hall built in 1905), the pedestrian-only Madero Street, and the Plaza de la Constitución, better known as the Zócalo. This massive public square is home to landmark buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral (built over 250 years beginning in 1573), the 16th-century National Palace, and the ruins of the 14th-century Templo Mayor, once a significant temple of the Aztec Empire.
Throughout the tour, you'll make various stops to sample the local street food. Enjoy traditional favorites like the famous tacos al pastor and quesadillas with melted cheese and huitlacoche, also known as Mexican truffle. If you have room, try a dessert of fresh hot churros dusted with sugar and cinnamon. And that's just the beginning—you'll quickly realize that in this former Aztec capital, there's an incredible variety of delectable tidbits, and a taste of Mexico City's history and culture is in every bite.
After enjoying the city's landmarks, you'll experience another of Mexico's celebrated cultural expressions: Lucha Libre wrestling. This four-hour experience begins with a visit to a traditional Mexican cantina. Enjoy a tasting of artisanal mezcal (a Mexican spirit made from the agave plant) accompanied by delicious guacamole. Now that you're fortified, you'll walk to the famous Arena Mexico as your guide offers an overview of the history of Lucha Libre. During the show, you'll be treated to a dramatic battle between the heroes (técnicos) and villains (rudos), and you can even pick up a wrestling mask as a souvenir.Day 3: Visit Coyoacán & Xochimilco
Today you'll head to the south of Mexico City and two historic barrios. First up is Coyoacán, a neighborhood famous for its cobbled streets, shady plazas, and colorful homes. The area has retained its colonial charm, as it was its own municipality from the early 16th century through the 19th century. Here you'll visit the 16th-century San Juan Bautista Church, plus stop at a local craft fair. Then continue to La Casa Azul, the house where Frida Kahlo spent much of her life and is now a museum displaying works by Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Next, travel further south to the outskirts of the city and Xochimilco. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been settled since pre-colonial times. It's known for its tranquil canals—remnants of the rivers that once crossed Mexico's valley floor and were used by the Aztecs for transport. A popular activity you'll enjoy is traveling down the canals on a trajinera (painted, gondola-like boat). As you float down the half-natural, half-artificial channels, you'll nibble on antojitos (Mexican snacks) and learn about Mexican history as boats filled with mariachi musicians float past and serenade you.
Day 4: San Juan Market & Vasconcelos Library
Save your appetite because in the morning you'll visit the famous Mercado de San Juan, located in the city's historic heart. This covered market takes up an entire block and specializes in gourmet and exotic foods. On a guided tour, you'll learn about the evolution of Mexican cuisine as you sample fresh produce and cheeses. You'll also get to prepare traditional dishes, including a sope—a thick corn tortilla topped with various meats and (yup) fried grasshoppers. Afterward, you'll stop at some cafés and pulquerías (bars serving pulque, a traditional spirit fermented from a type of agave) for more local eats.
Then head a few blocks north to the Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico's national lending library. This impressive architectural marvel (it's been called one of the most important contemporary buildings in the country) takes up 409,000 sq ft (38,000 sq m) in Mexico City's Buenavista neighborhood. But it's more than just a repository of a couple of million books. It's also home to a botanical garden and greenhouse—the idea being to create a green oasis hidden within an urban jungle. Here you'll walk along translucent floors amid a grid matrix of bookshelves and can visit its gardens and cafés.
Day 5: E-Bike Tour of Mexico City
After breakfast, you'll head out on a four-hour electric-bike tour of some of Mexico City's coolest neighborhoods. This ride covers a lot of ground—20 miles (32 km), to be precise. As you zip along, your guide will not only reveal the history of these enclaves but also point out their diversity. Seeing so many distinct areas—from the vast, tree-lined avenues of art nouveau La Condesa to the boulevards of glitzy Polanco—you'll get a sense of just how multi-cultural this grand global metropolis truly is.
Of course, you'll stop for rest breaks and snap photos of famous landmarks along the way. These include the Mercado Roma, Chapultepec Park (one of the largest urban green spaces in the world), and the Angel of Independence. This towering victory column is the centerpiece of a roundabout in the Paseo de la Reforma thoroughfare.
Day 6: Depart Mexico City
You've walked the historic streets, sampled the best food, and cycled around the trendiest neighborhoods. Now, it's time to say goodbye to Mexico City. In the morning, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Adios!
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