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Central Mexico Culture & history

Our most recommended Central Mexico Culture & history

Mexico City: Xochimilco, Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo & UNAM

1. Mexico City: Xochimilco, Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo & UNAM

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Mexico City’s most enchanting neighborhoods. Cruise along the Aztec-era Xochimilco canals, explore the colonial district, and admire the murals in the UNAM. Departing from Downtown Mexico City, head south, passing the most important sites of the modern city. Stop off at a local cooperative shop that helps the Mexican local artisans. The next stop is University City, where you can admire the many murals at the Rectory, and wander around the main campus' Central Library. The campus also includes an impressive volcano-shaped, 63,000-seat Olympic Stadium. Head to the eye-catching Xochimilco and board a trajinera - a colorful, gondola-like boat - for a ride through the neighborhood’s famous canals. As you indulge in local treats and try your hand at bartering, your guide will share the incredible details of what makes this area a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, visit the colonial district of Coyoacan and admire the rambling 16th-century houses of Francisco Sosa Street. As you wander its tree-lined streets, you’ll learn how this city has played a part in historical empires like the Aztec and Spanish to becoming a cultural capital and home to Octavio Paz, Leon Trotsky, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo. At Casa Azul, Kahlo’s home and now museum, we’ll immerse ourselves in the trailblazing life of one of Mexico’s most original artists. Mexico is known the world over for its living history and the breathtaking art of renowned artists, like Frida Kahlo, whose impact is still felt today. Visit the Frida Kahlo's Museum called "La Casa Azul". Housed in the striking cobalt blue house where she was born and returned for the last years of her life, the Casa Azul. See a large assortment of pre-Hispanic artifacts, Mexican folk art, and indigenous jewelry from her personal collection. Enjoy a day full of Aztec history, Mexican art, and delicious flavors that combines some of the Mexico City's must sees in one tour.

From Mexico City: Teotihuacan Small-Group Dawn Tour

2. From Mexico City: Teotihuacan Small-Group Dawn Tour

Discover the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacan on an early-morning tour departing from Mexico City. Explore the site with your guide and learn more about the pre-Hispanic history of Mexico. After being collected from the lobby of your hotel by minibus, you will be taken to the archeological site of Teotihuacan, where you’ll marvel at some of the most impressive pyramids in the world. You can see the Sun and Moon pyramids, visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, walk through the Avenue of the Dead, and much more. You will then be taken to a clay workshop where you will learn everything about the pulque, silver, and clay processes, manufactured by local people. Whilst there you will also learn about how all these activities were done years ago, and you will be even invited to taste some tequila, mezcal, and pulque. Following this, you can enjoy delicious Mexican food and drinks (not included) during an allocated short break. Your tour will then conclude with you being taken back to your hotel or preferred nearby location at around 3:00 PM.

Mexico City: Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Tour

3. Mexico City: Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Tour

Make the most of your next trip to Mexico City with a trio of Mexico’s must-see historical monuments. Mexican Root is a celebration of the civilizations and cultures that have made Mexico what it is today. Visit the legendary Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Tlatelolco and the Pyramids of Teotihuacan on this full-day excursion from Mexico City. Your first stop will be in Tlatelolco, Mexico City’s most significant archaeological site. Alongside temples dedicated to Mexican deities, learn the more macabre side of their history, including human sacrifices, mass graves, and the so-called Lovers of Tlatelolco  Continue to the Guadalupe Shrine, located in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In this 18th-century shrine, you’ll see a cloak with the image of Guadalupe as you learn about her significance to the culture and people of modern Mexico. Spot where Our Lady of Guadalupe is said to have appeared to an indigenous Mexican. Then have time to lunch and recharge energies. Head to one of the most jaw-dropping sites in Mexico, the great Teotihuacan Pyramids to explore the mystical site with a guide. See the Pyramid of the Sun, with its more than 200 feet tall, the largest in Mesoamerica. Along with a trip along the Avenue of the Dead learn about the origins of this religious city and see the Temples of Quetzalpapalotl, the Temple of the Feathered Shells, and the Pyramid of the Moon Enjoy a tour full of adventure, history, and some of the most breathtaking views of Mexico.

From Mexico City: Teotihuacan Air Balloon Flight & Breakfast

4. From Mexico City: Teotihuacan Air Balloon Flight & Breakfast

Discover the Teotihuacán Valley from the sky during a memorable 30 to 50-minute balloon flight. Marvel at some of the world's most treasured archaeological wonders as you glide overhead. After, get the chance to explore the ruins on the ground. After being picked up from your hotel in Mexico City, take a shared transfer to Teotihuacán (optional). Arrive at the Volare Balloon Port and savor a delicious coffee. Then, embark on an unforgettable flight in a hot air balloon above one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Travel with officially certified pilots in the most modern fleet of balloons of Mexico. After your flight, return to the port, make a toast and receive your flight certificate before enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast. Then, take an optional transfer to the Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone to explore the ruins from the ground. Spend 3 hours there to get to know the Sun and Moon Pyramids and Quetzalcoatl Temple. Please note, the cost of the tour does not include access to the archaeological zone of Teotihuacán (available to purchase for $85 MXN per person). Finally, take the optional shared return transfer back to Mexico City where you will be dropped off at your hotel at the tour conclusion.

Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Museum with Early Access Option

5. Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Museum with Early Access Option

Visit the emblematic Frida Kahlo Museum with a standard or first access entry ticket. When visiting Mexico City you don't want to miss the iconic home of Frida Kahlo. Learn about the daily life of this artistic couple and enjoy the peace of the gardens too. The Frida Kahlo Museum is also known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House) thanks to its blue walls. This historic house, where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived, is now an art museum, dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Enjoy entry with the standard entry ticket or choose the first access ticket option to avoid crowds by being the first group of the day to enter the museum.

Mexico City: Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco Day Trip by Van

6. Mexico City: Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco Day Trip by Van

Take in the three most culturally and historically important sites in the Mexico City area on a full-day tour. First, visit the archeological site of Teotihuacan and marvel at some of the most impressive pyramids in the world. See the Sun and Moon pyramids, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and the Dead's Avenue. Next, you’ll head to Mexico’s most important Catholic pilgrimage site, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This shrine was built to commemorate the reported appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant. The third and final stop of the tour is Tlatelolco, where it is said that the past, present, and future of Mexico meet. The Plaza de las Tres Culturas is named after the three periods of Mexican history represented by structures from the pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, and the independent mestizo nation.

Mexico City: Teotihuacán Early Access & Tequila

7. Mexico City: Teotihuacán Early Access & Tequila

On this GetYourGuide Exclusive experience, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 'City of the Gods'. Beat the crowds and learn about the history as well as the latest discoveries from your expert guide. Finish by sampling some local products. Visit Teotihuacan in the early morning, arriving at this famous archaeological site just as it begins to open its doors for the day. See the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and the different buildings, plazas, and murals that make up this important pre-Hispanic city. Complete your tour with a stop at an obsidian workshop run by a Teotihuacan family. Enjoy tastings of liquors made from cactus, as well as tequila, mezcal, and pulque.

Mexico City: Anthropology Museum Guided Visit

8. Mexico City: Anthropology Museum Guided Visit

Enter the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City almost a half century after it was established, and discover why it remains the flagship enclosure safeguarding the legacy of the Mexican indigenous people. Standing as a symbol of identity and a mentor to generations seeking to dig into their cultural roots, the museum is the most popular in Mexico, attracting some 2 million visitors per year. Get insights into the various exhibits and their significance from your guide. Look at objects excavated from archaeological sites, covering vast territories in what is now modern-day Mexico. Learn about the various cultures that created them. Visit rooms where small objects, such as spear points are on display. These were used by early hunters on the continent more than 10,000 years ago. See simple clay pieces used in daily life and as symbolic articles in religious ceremonies. Admire impressive objects such as the Stone of the Sun (Aztec calendar stone). Your guide will explain the meaning of these valuable contributions to Mexico, as well as the ways historians have been challenged to re-think the development of the Mesoamerican people including Mayan, Aztec and Zapotec cultures. Enjoy some free time to explore the museum on your own after the guided tour. 

San Cristobal: Palenque, Agua Azul, and Misol-Ha Day Trip

9. San Cristobal: Palenque, Agua Azul, and Misol-Ha Day Trip

Get picked up early in the morning in San Cristobal de las Casas and begin your tour. Stop at a traditional Mexican restaurant and enjoy a delicious breakfast. After, head to a set of waterfalls named "Cascadas de Agua Azul," created by the currents of the Otulún, Shumuljá, and Tulijá rivers. See shallow canyons with vertical cliffs. Go for a swim and enjoy the different views that surround you. Continue to the Misol-Ha Waterfalls which are 30 meters high and surrounded by a tropical jungle, making this a beautiful and refreshing place. Then stop at the archaeological site of Palenque where a professional tour guide will accompany you in this historic site. Admire The Palace, The Temple of the Foliated Cross, The Temple of the Sun, and other famous sites in this Mayan city known for its architectural and sculptural heritage. After, reflect on your fun-filled day as you head back to San Cristobal de Las Casas to get dropped off.

From Mexico City: Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla Day trip

10. From Mexico City: Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla Day trip

Enjoy a full day tour to the most beautiful and important historical sites outside Mexico City: Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla. You will start driving from Mexico City and cross the highway with the mountains in the backdrop, towards the east side of the city. Admire breathtaking views and beautiful scenery of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes and get to the town of Cholula. Then, head to Santa María de Tonantzintla, this unique Church combines two religious interpretations that coexist (the indigenous and the Christian) and it its considered the most representative church of the indigenous baroque art. Visit the Cathedral and the historic center of Puebla in a guided walking tour, that will take you to the most important and representative places of this "City of Angels". Before returning to Mexico City, you'll be able to taste the local food, visit Parian Market and have free time to explore on your own.

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What people are saying about Central Mexico

Awesome experience and would absolutely recommend! Our guide was Angela and she was extremely communicative, informative, helpful, and had great energy. Before the trip started she was communicative regarding pickup time and if we had any questions. Pick up was a breeze, the van was high end, and our driver was very professional and safe. As we drove, Angela was extremely knowledgable of the city's past and present and could answer all of our questions - the tour begins in the van as we head to the ruins. At the ruins, Angela was great - taking photos of us, bringing us to the best spots, and sharing key aspects of the mysteries surrounding the city. Tour was followed by a great lunch at a nearby restaurant overlooking the ruins. Last stop was the basilica. All in al, made for a great day in Mexico City that is a must experience!

BEST idea to do this early morning before the crowds and the intense sun, although it means being up and at the meeting place by 6:50 am! Teotihuacan is a marvel, and our guide Carla was able to capture important points without overwhelming us with information. Tour includes climbing and walking on dusty roads, but it's worth seeing the magnificence of a once great empire. The tequila tasting was a fun bonus, as we didn't realize there were that many variations, including pulque and a liqueur! Restaurant wasn't great and not cheap, but it was okay.

What a fantastic day, full of experiences and beautiful places. Ede, the guide, is one of the best guides I’ve ever had, and she organized the trip so well. It was a long day but without a single minute that was boring. We learned so much and saw so much attractions and places around Oaxaca. Each stop in this tour was enjoyable. Warmly recommended!

Thought when we pre-bought our tickets we wouldn't have to queue.!

We were misinformed and had to queue for over an hour to get into palace. Would not recommend going mid morning as far too many people trying to move around inside, crammed corridors and not able to see rooms properly.

Great tour guide. I would recommend a guide to help navigate all the exhibits at the Anthropology Museum.