Journey to Heart of Mexico

This tour takes place in the vibrant downtown Historical Center, the historical and geographical heart of Mexico City. Across 2 to 3 hours, you’ll join our expert culinary guide in trying some of the best foods in the neighborhood while you learn about Mexican history and culture from a culinary perspective. Go strolling through the heart of Mexico City with a local guide as you try a mix of tacos, churros, and other sweet and savory snacks. Then, you’ll visit the city’s famous Gourmet San Juan Market while the kids get an activity book to keep them engaged! On this tour, you’ll stop at a playground for the kiddos to take a break.

Visit Chapultepec Forest and Castle. With your local guide, you will enter the lush forest that is part of the largest park in Mexico City; you will walk for a few minutes until you reach the famous Chapultepec Castle at the top of the hill. The castle was built in 1785 as the residence of the ruler of New Spain and was later remodeled to be the home of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota. In 1939 it became the National Museum of History with a magnificent collection of historical pieces and murals with interpretations of Mexico's history. Then you will visit the Museum of Anthropology, which is one of the most important museums in Latin America, it was built in the 60s by architect Pedro Ramirez Vasquez, and it houses an extensive collection of objects and sculptures from Pre-Columbian Mexico, such as The Aztec Calendar, The Colossal Olmec Head, and the famous Mask of Pakal. Accompanied by your guide, you will tour the museum's significant collections while you learn about the history and curious facts of the pre-Hispanic cultures.

Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of Mexico City's most emblematic areas: the canals of Xochimilco, which means "Place of Flowers" in Nahuatl. Board a Trajinera (a colorful flat-bottomed boat) to tour the area's waterways while your guide shares the secrets of its biocultural richness. You'll stop at a demonstration chinampa (floating garden) to learn about the importance of the ancient agriculture system. Discover how these traditional cultivation techniques and natural biofilters improve the water quality and provide healthy ecosystems for the conservation of native species like the axolotl. Afterward, taste some typical Xochimilco flavors as a cook prepares traditional dishes made from local produce and products. Travel through the Xochimilco canals by boat Then, prepare to visit the picturesque Casa Azul, one of Frida Kahlo's homes, painter, and icon of Mexican culture, for her self-portraits that reflect her identity and history. In the museum, you will contemplate paintings allusive to the artist's life, and some others of the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera, her husband.

This excursion introduces you to the "City of the Gods," as the ancient archaeological site of Teotihuacan is commonly known. Start with a walk along the Calzada de Los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead), then climb the majestic Pyramid of the Sun, highly coveted by visitors for its imposing size and structural beauty. Continue to the Pyramid of the Moon, where you can get a splendid view of the entire center of Teotihuacan and take some panoramic photos to remember the moment. Afterward, you will visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, where the best-preserved remains are found, and learn about obsidian, the precious stone of the Mayans still plentiful in the mines around the site. In the end, you will head to Cholula, where you will spend the night.

Today you will discover the magical town of Cholula, also known as the city of churches. According to legend, it has more than 365 churches, one for each day of the year. First, you'll walk in the picturesque streets that lead to the famous church: "Nuestra Señora de los Remedios," built on top of "The Great Pyramid of Cholula," which has the title of being the most comprehensive pyramid ever built. From there, you have an impressive view of the city, and on a clear day, you can even see the majestic volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico. Continue with the visit to the local market, where you will appreciate the variety of foods. Although, in addition, part of the gastronomy of Cholula is the handmade tortillas, the exciting thing is that their elaboration is part of the culinary identity of central Mexico, and it is a heritage that is passed from generation to generation. Through a workshop, you will learn about their process, from how they are cultivated to their preparation. And, of course, once they are made, you will enjoy their rich flavor and taste other delicious corn-based snacks accompanied by a refreshing drink. During an estimated 5 hours, you will see that behind a tortilla hides a space of coexistence between the hands that elaborate on it and those who enjoy it in the company.

The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda once said, "Mexico is in its markets..." Today you will discover what he meant! Meet your local guide and head to the organic market at El Pochote, located in downtown Oaxaca. Taste a cup of freshly brewed coffee before sampling several regional delicacies such as roasted grasshoppers. Continue to Barrio de la Merced to explore the colors, aromas, and above all, flavors of this busy market and taste empanadas with various sauces. Your next stop is in La Reforma for tortillas and authentic Oaxaca Valley tacos, then save some room for the final event: a tasting of the famous local hot chocolate.

Get ready for a diverse morning of archaeological sites, history, and Oaxacan handicrafts. First, you will visit the famous archaeological site of Monte Alban, located on the top of a hill, right in the center of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, the cradle of the Zapotec civilization. The tour continues to the community of Arrazola, known for its alebrijes carving and painting workshops. Later, you will visit the former convent of Santiago Cuilapam, a jewel of Dominican architecture and the site of the firing squad of General Vicente Guerrero, ex-president of Mexico known as the Benemérito de la Patria and insurgent soldier. Finally, the journey ends in Coyotepec, where Doña Rosa will be waiting to show you her black clay workshop. Archeology and handicrafts in Monte Alban, Arrazola, Cuilapam, and Coyotepec Zapotec ruins of the Monte Albán complex

Today's excursion takes you into the rural countryside of Oaxaca, where you'll discover the authentic flavors of Oaxacan cooking and learn a few unique recipes. First, a Zapotec community will welcome you with open arms and teach you their culinary secrets as you prepare seasonal products harvested from family gardens and cooked over a traditional wood stove. Then, guided through the process by your comidera (the community's best cook), try your hand at dishes like nicuátole (a custard-like dessert), handmade tortillas, empanadas, sopa de guías (pumpkin soup), segueza (corn mole), and atole (a creamy drink of maize, cinnamon, and vanilla). At the end of your cooking class, sit down for a convivial lunch to taste your creations.

Transfer from Oaxaca to Oaxaca International Airport. Accommodation: Not included. We are sure you will not leave as you started, this is the charm of Mexico, unique and beautiful, and there are more places to explore; we wait for you for the next adventure.