Mexico City is a city bursting with culture, history, and an endless array of culinary delights. Over the course of a long weekend with three full days, we immersed ourselves in the heart of this vibrant metropolis, experiencing the canals of Xochimilco by kayak and trajinera, savoring Mexican cuisine from street food to world-class restaurants, venturing to the iconic Teotihuacan Pyramids, and wandering the historic center and charming Coyoacán neighborhood.
Explore the Canals of Xochimilco, the Venice of Mexico
Beauty turned into eerie when we stopped at the Island of the Dolls. Legend has it that a man once inhabited this island, believing it to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl who had tragically drowned. In an effort to appease the restless spirit, he began hanging dolls in the trees and buildings across the island. Over the years, the dolls have multiplied, creating a haunting spectacle.
As part of our customized private trip, Kayak 33 arranged for a trajinera, a traditional wooden boat, to continue our journey through the canals. The trajinera was adorned with a painted wooden banner customized for our group, making us feel like honored guests.
Onboard, a talented chef prepared a sumptuous feast of cochinita pibil sopes, garlic portobellos with melted cheese, tuna tostadas, and refreshing hibiscus water, allowing us to savor the flavors of Mexico. There was tequila to toast to this unforgettable experience.
Our trajinera adventure included a mariachi ensemble that joined us on the water, serenading us with traditional Mexican music.
Sample Mexican Food from Street Food to World-Class Restaurants
To embark on our gastronomic adventure and sample the diverse flavors of Mexico City, we chose to join a food tour organized by Devoured, a Mexican women-owned company that specializes in showcasing the city's culinary treasures. Our choice was the "Juarez Highlights" food walk, a journey through the vibrant Juarez neighborhood.
Our culinary exploration kicked off at Tamales Madre, where we were treated to a trio of tamales, each with unique and savory flavors
Our next stop was Exquisitos Tacos de Mixiotes, where we indulged in tacos filled with marinated meat that was cooked to perfection in parchment wrapping.
Taking a brief interlude from food, we visited La Rifa Chocolatería, a delightful chocolate haven where we learned about the art of chocolate-making and sampled chocolates sourced from small, sustainable producers.
Our culinary adventure continued as we savored birria tacos, tlacoyos de frijol, seafood tostadas, and burritos from various street food stands.
We completed the food tour with a bowl of pozole and finally ice cream at Joe Gelato, along with some very full tummies.
For an upscale dining experience, we spend an evening at Carmela y Sal, which is described as serving “superb home cooking” by chef Gabriela Ruiz Lugo.
For a dose of cultural entertainment, we visited Plaza Garibaldi, a square famous for its roaming mariachi bands. We chose Salon Tenampa, a historic establishment that opened in 1925. Diners can eat indoors, surrounded by mariachi music, or opt for an al fresco experience, where people-watching and live music in the square complement your meal.
Travel back in time to the Teotihuacan Pyramids
The highlight of our excursion was the Teotihuacan Pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We walked along the Avenue of the Dead, which goes from the Pyramid of the Moon to the Pyramid of the Sun and ends at the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
We were amazed at how these huge structures were built more than two thousand years ago and tried to imagine what life was like in this ancient city with over a hundred thousand people. Climbing the temple's steep steps was quite a workout too.
On the way to Teotihuacan, we made a quick stop at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, a place where Mexico’s history converges with pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, and modern.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a revered religious site for Catholics worldwide and visited by millions each year.
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and Explore the Coyoacán Neighborhood
The museum showcases how the couple lived, items they collected, and some of Frida Kahlo’s wardrobe. We walked through the rooms where they lived and painted, gaining a glimpse into their daily lives. The museum's narrative also delved into Frida Kahlo's health struggles and resilience.
After our museum visit, we wandered through the Coyoacán neighborhood.
We visited the Parroquia San Juan Bautista Coyoacán, a 16th-century church and former convent. Across the way is the Plaza Jardin Hidalgo and its coyote fountain. Nearby, the Bazar Artesanal Mexicano offers a variety of locally crafted art and gifts.
We couldn't resist trying some churros at Churreria de Coyoacán, a tasty treat for our neighborhood walk.
Wander the Historic Center of Mexico City
