Trip Highlights

  • Savor the full spectrum of Mexico City’s culinary scene, from sizzling street food and market bites to homestyle meals and hands-on cooking workshops that connect you directly with local flavors and traditions.
  • Pedal through car-free streets during Muévete en Bici, the city’s beloved Sunday ride, feeling the rhythm of the capital as you glide past landmarks, leafy boulevards, and vibrant neighborhoods alive with music and movement.
  • Step back in time at Teotihuacán, wandering the Avenue of the Dead, climbing ancient pyramids, and uncovering the layered history, engineering, and cultural significance of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Drift through the canals of Xochimilco, visiting chinampas—floating gardens still farmed using pre-Hispanic methods—and learning how these ancestral techniques continue to nourish both the land and the community.
  • Create with your own hands in immersive workshops, from shaping clay in a traditional pottery studio to crafting cocktails with Mexico’s native spirits, each guided by skilled local artisans and mixologists.
  • Feel the color, movement, and music of Mexico’s spirit, as dance, song, and everyday life weave together into moments of cultural connection and shared joy.

Our Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome to Mexico City

  • Arrive in Mexico City, where the hum of mariachi in distant plazas mingles with the aroma of street-side tacos al pastor. Be greeted by your private driver for a seamless transfer into the leafy streets of Condesa, a neighborhood known for its art deco architecture, tree-lined avenues, and café culture. As you drive in, take in the city’s eclectic skyline—colonial domes, modern high-rises, and murals that burst with color and story.
  • Settle into your boutique hotel, a stylish and intimate retreat that blends modern design with local character—perfect for unwinding after your travels while still feeling connected to the city’s creative pulse. Step onto your balcony or into the leafy courtyard to breathe in the energy of this vibrant capital.
  • In the evening, gather for a warm welcome dinner at Meroma, where seasonal Mexican ingredients meet inventive global techniques. Over beautifully plated dishes and flowing conversation, you’ll begin to connect with your fellow travelers and ease into the rhythm of the week, toasting to the adventures ahead.
  • For those still energized, the night doesn’t have to end here—your trip leader will guide you toward live music, salsa dancing, or a perfectly mixed nightcap in the vibrant Roma district, just a short stroll away.

Day 2: Museums, Bicycles & Ballet Folklórico

  • Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a day that blends local tradition, culture, and artistry.
  • Set off for Muévete en Bici, Mexico City’s beloved Sunday ritual, when miles of streets are closed to traffic and transform into a car-free playground for cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians. Glide through tree-lined boulevards and vibrant neighborhoods, feeling the city’s energy in a more personal, open-air way.
  • Continue to the National Museum of Anthropology, widely considered one of Latin America’s finest. With your guide leading the way, uncover ancient treasures—from the monumental Aztec Sun Stone to intricately carved Maya stelae—connecting the artifacts to the living history you’ll encounter throughout your journey.
  • Pause for a classic local lunch, savoring flavors that have shaped Mexico’s culinary identity, before enjoying a free afternoon to rest, wander nearby parks, or browse artisan markets.
  • As evening falls, gather for a performance of Ballet Folklórico, where swirling skirts, live music, and dramatic staging bring Mexico’s diverse traditions to vivid life.
  • If you still have room for something sweet, cap the night with warm, sugar-dusted churros and a cup of rich chocolate caliente—a perfect ending to a day steeped in culture and connection.

Day 3: Pyramids & Family Traditions

  • Start your day with a quick, energizing breakfast near the hotel, fueling up for one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological wonders.
  • Travel to Teotihuacán, the awe-inspiring ancient city whose massive pyramids, grand avenues, and sacred temples once formed the heart of one of the world’s most powerful civilizations. Wander the Avenue of the Dead, admire intricate murals, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, climb the Pyramid of the Sun or Pyramid of the Moon for panoramic views over the UNESCO-listed site.
  • After exploring the ruins, step into the warm embrace of a local home for a homestyle lunch hosted by a welcoming abuelita. Here, recipes are more than just food—they are stories passed down through generations. Savor handmade tortillas, slow-cooked stews, and fresh salsas, accompanied by a taste of pulque, the traditional agave-based drink that’s been part of Mexico’s history for centuries. As the conversation flows, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions, resilience, and generosity that define this region.
  • Return to Mexico City for a free evening, whether you choose to relax at the hotel, explore a leafy neighborhood café, or join your trip leader for an impromptu night out of music and mezcal.

Paulina, Mexico’s Regional Director

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Heart Experience

What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From trusted trip leaders to multigenerational taquerías and artists preserving ancestral crafts, every detail is designed to connect you with Mexico City’s soul and reflect our commitment to community and regenerative travel.

Meet Paulina

Mexico’s Regional Director

Paulina co-designed this journey through Mexico City to highlight the capital’s vibrant contrasts, layered history, and the creative energy that makes it unlike anywhere else.

Some of her favorite highlights include:

  • Wandering the artisan stalls of Coyoacán and chatting with local makers
  • Savoring late-night churros after a day filled with museums and street food
  • Relaxing in the lush courtyards of Condesa between bursts of city energy
  • Watching the city wake up from the rooftop of Torre Latino at golden hour
  • Getting inspired by Frida’s story inside Casa Azul, in the neighborhood where she lived and loved

This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

Luis & Ángel

Luis & Ángel

Tabula Rasa

Luis and Ángel of Tabula Rasa are chefs, designers, and storytellers redefining Mexico’s culinary landscape. During our time in Mexico City, they host us for an intimate, design-forward dining experience—where every detail, from the menu to the setting, is a celebration of Mexican identity. Their work is refined, personal, and deeply rooted in tradition and beauty.

Abuelita Amalia

Abuelita Amalia

Traditional Healer & Spiritual Guide

At Calpulli Amalinalintzin, Abuelita Amalita and Amalia welcome us into one of Mexico City’s few certified traditional medicine centers. Rooted in ancestral knowledge, their healing practices and temazcal ceremony offer a profound connection to the land and spirit of Xochimilco. Their work preserves vital cultural traditions while honoring the wisdom of Mexico’s original pueblos and neighborhoods.

Carlos

Carlos

Chinampas en Movimiento

Carlos leads immersive, conscious tourism experiences in Xochimilco with a mission to revitalize ancestral chinampa farming. Through an agroecological, sustainable model, he invites us to connect with the land, learn about food sovereignty, and support local ecosystems. His work fosters environmental awareness, cultural pride, and community-driven economic development—making each visit a meaningful exchange, not just a tour.

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How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

What is included:

What is not included:

Our prices reflect the true cost of creating regenerative, respectful, and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. That means fair wages for our local guides and partners, carbon-conscious operations, and deep-rooted collaborations with community-based projects.

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Expertly Curated Itineraries
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Fair Wages & Local Partnerships
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Regenerative Travel Practices
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Community-Based Experiences

Interest-Free Payment Plans

We know that meaningful travel is an investment—and we’re here to make it doable. That’s why we offer interest-free payment options designed to work for you—no hidden fees, no credit checks, and no third-party financing.

Pay in Full & Save

Save $100 when you pay in full at the time of registration.

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Standard Plan

Pay a larger deposit + two installments, due 210 and 150 days before departure.

Starting at

Interest-Free Plan

Pay a smaller deposit and start making interest-free monthly payments—trip is due in full 91 days before departure.

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Add Peace of Mind with Heart of Travel Trip Protection

Travel plans can change - and that’s okay. With Heart of Travel Trip Protection, you get the freedom to protect your investment while staying flexible. 

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What to expect when booking!

Reserve Your Spot

Lock in your adventure with a deposit and a few quick details about who’s traveling. Choose the payment plan that fits your life—pay in full, split it in three installments, or spread it out monthly—and start counting down the days for your next adventure! 

Get Trip-Ready

As we get closer to departure, we’ll drop a Welcome Packet in your inbox loaded with need-to-knows: packing lists, weather tips, local customs, currency info, and any visa or entry forms you might need. You’ll also get steady pre-departure emails and the option to attend a pre-trip Zoom call with your Tour Leader to answer questions big or small—so you can show up confident and stress-free. Call recordings will be made available to all trip participants. 

Travel & Connect

A few weeks before our departure, you’ll be invited to a private WhatsApp group and PhotoCircle where fellow travelers, Heart of Travel Tour Leaders, and local guides start swapping intros, answering last-minute questions, and sharing playlists. Once on the ground, the Whatsapp group becomes your real-time hub for insider tips, updates, and reminders, and sharing the moments that make each trip unforgettable.

Keep the Journey Going

We keep every trip’s WhatsApp thread open long after the farewell hugs—because the stories, photos, and friendships shouldn’t end when the plane lands. Drop your best shots into our PhotoCircle, stay in the loop for alumni perks, and (coming later this year) join our online community designed to keep travelers and local partners connected between adventures.

How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

Get the

Interest-Free Payment Plans Available

Trip Protection Available

Your Questions, Our Answers

What's your cancellation policy?

Refund Policy: We'd hate to see you cancel but we know things can come up so we've created a policy that's fair to all 🙏🏽

  • Cancellation up to 24 hours after booking a trip: Fully refundable.
  • Cancellation 181 days or more before the trip start date: Loss of deposit; the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 100% of the trip deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 121 - 180 days before the trip start date: 50% refund, minus the deposit. Deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 120 days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed. Credit for a future Heart of Travel trip will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If you can’t make it on a trip but you find someone else who can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, you would be responsible for the transfer or cancellation fee.

*For a more flexible and generous cancellation policy be sure to add Heart of Travel Trip Protection, available at the time of registration only. 


Guaranteed Departures: We know how precious your travel days and dollars are. If you register for a trip and we don't hit the required minimum of participants - you have the option to transfer 100% of the funds paid over to another HOT trip of your choosing at any time. Or, you can opt to continue with the trip on the original dates, however, the itinerary is subject to small changes, and there will be an additional 15-20% surcharge based on the original trip price for a private tour, which can be customized further if desired.

Single Supplements: If you know you want your own space please upgrade to a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo but open to a roommate we will do our best to match you with another travel. However, if HOT is unable to find a roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the Single Supplement charge according to each trip

What kind of food will we eat—and can dietary needs be accommodated?

Food is a centerpiece of this experience, and each meal is chosen to reflect a different facet of Mexico City’s culinary identity. One day you might be tasting pre-Hispanic ingredients on a floating chinampa farm, the next savoring a chef’s modern twist on a centuries-old dish in a design-forward bistro. From street food to fine dining, we’ve curated each stop with care.

We can accommodate most dietary needs—including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free—if you let us know in advance. Just reach out, and we’ll make sure you’re well-fed and delighted.

What should I pack?

Mexico City in December offers crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings—so layers are your best friend. Bring comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be exploring neighborhoods, markets, and museums), a light jacket or sweater for evenings, and a small day bag for daily outings. There’s no need for formalwear, but if you’d like to dress up for a special dinner or cocktail night, feel free to pack something a bit elevated. And don’t forget sunscreen—yes, even in winter!

How should I handle money when traveling to Mexico?

In Mexico City, we recommend using a mix of cash and cards. Both cities have many restaurants, shops, and hotels that accept a wide range of card providers, but you’ll want some pesos for markets, small businesses, and tips. We suggest withdrawing a little spending cash (around $100–$200 USD at most) from an ATM as needed rather than carrying large amounts in advance.

How physically demanding is the trip?

This trip is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for most travelers. The pace is relaxed, with a good balance of guided activities and free time to rest or explore at your own rhythm. You can expect some light walking —through markets, museums, and charming historic streets—but nothing too intense or strenuous. If you prefer to skip optional experiences, that’s totally fine. Comfort and flexibility are part of the journey.

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Many of our guests join solo, and this itinerary is designed to create connection—around shared meals, hands-on workshops, and quiet moments of awe. You’ll arrive solo, but you likely won’t leave that way. We keep the group small and intentional, so there’s space for everyone’s rhythm—whether you’re craving company, reflection, or both. It’s the kind of trip where strangers become dinner companions, and dinner companions often become lifelong friends.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about flights, packing, affordability or picking the right trip—just reach out.

No question is too small!

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