Immerse yourself in Mexico City's most unexpected food and outdoor experiences during this weeklong tour. Start the trip by enjoying a tasting menu prepared by Oaxacan chefs and eating your way through the charming Roma neighborhood. Then see a mariachi show, trek along the Popocatépetl volcano, and cruise the canals at Xochimilco. If that's not enough, visit Frida Kahlo's house, cheer on your favorite Mexican wrestler, and soar over the pyramids of Teotihuacán in a hot-air balloon.
Highlights
- Let your guide introduce you to Mexico City's best taquerias & 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.
After you settle in, head to the city's historic center to the Casa de la Luz Hotel Boutique for the modern Mexican fusion restaurant of Tezontle. Enjoy five different tasting menus, prepared in an interactive face-to-face manner by the Oaxacan chefs. These masters utilize ancestral and contemporary cooking techniques to make a variety of Mexican specialties, such as chapulines (grasshopper), a traditional snack that has been around since pre-Hispanic times.
Day 2: Roma Culinary Tour, Mariachi & Dance Performance, Cantina Tour
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 taquerias. 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).
End the evening with a taco tasting at three popular taquerias. 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
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Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
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.
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
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
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
In the afternoon, you'll continue to explore this once-grand city via bicycle. Cycle around the Valley of Teotihuacán, which surrounds the archaeological site, passing through the Ruta de los Murales—don't miss the Mural de Puma! 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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