Destinations: Mexico City
Travel Style: Classic Expedition
Activity Level: • • 3 • •
Group Size: Min 1, Max 16
Age Range: 18 to 65+
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Itinerary Overview
Journey Overview & Highlights
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Join us on a creative retreat in Mexico City, where we'll explore the Centro Histórico, wander through vibrant neighborhoods, and visit the ancient stone pyramids of Teotihuacan. Along the way, we'll eat delicious tacos, take colorful trajineras down picturesque canals, and — perhaps above all else — learn more about photography and videography. Bring your camera, and get ready to perfect your craft in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Day 1: USA / Mexico City
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Arrival Airport: Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Afternoon: Fly into Mexico City and take some time to explore the Centro Histórico on your own. This neighborhood is the heart of Mexico City, occupying the land that was once the wealthy Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. Within walking distance of our hotel, you’ll find the stately Palacio de Bellas Artes, the gourmet Mercado de San Juan, the lovely Alameda Central Park, the ornate Casa de los Azulejos, and the eclectic Palacio de Correos.
Once everyone has arrived, we’ll have a welcome reception on the rooftop of our hotel, where we’ll get to know each other and enjoy some cocktails. After the orientation is over, we’ll have time to see more of the Centro Histórico — and we’ll stop along the way for late-night tacos and churros.
Evening: Overnight hotel in Centro Histórico, Mexico City.
Accomodation: Downtown Beds Hotel or similar
Day 2: Mexico City
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Morning: We’ll enjoy breakfast at our atmospheric hotel restaurant, Azul Histórico, and begin our master class on photography and videography. After our discussion, we’ll have our first photo- and video-shoot on the streets of Mexico City. We’ll visit several important (and photogenic) locations, including Zócalo (a massive plaza of historical, political, and artistic significance), the Metropolitan Cathedral (a centuries-old Baroque beauty), the Gran Hotel (a turn-of-the-century icon featured in a James Bond film), and the Templo Mayor (the ruins of one of the Aztecs’ most sacred sites).
Afternoon: Over lunch at El Califa (a sizzling, upscale taqueria), we’ll recap our morning and discuss what we’ve learned so far. After devoting an hour or two to another master class, we’ll spend the late afternoon at the world-famous Museo Nacional de Antropología and the equally fascinating Museo Soumaya. Once we’ve worked up our appetite, we’ll walk to Casa del Pastor for dinner, and on our way home, we’ll stop at a bakery for dessert.
Evening: Overnight hotel in Centro Histórico, Mexico City.
Accomodation: Downtown Beds Hotel or similar
Day 3: Mexico City
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Morning: We’ll eat breakfast at a classic colonial Mexican eatery. After we’re done, we will drive to the pyramids of the ancient Teotihuacan civilization, located about an hour outside of Mexico City. These pyramids — which include the famous Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon — predated the Aztecs and are connected by a major thoroughfare called the Avenue of the Dead. At the end of the morning, we will eat lunch at an underground restaurant located in a natural cave, then participate in another master class.
Afternoon: We will return to the pyramids and continue taking photos and videos. After driving back to Mexico City in the late afternoon, we will go to Los Machetes to snack on the longest tacos in the world, then visit the Plaza de las Tres Culturas to see Aztec ruins next to a colonial church and a modern housing complex. For dinner, we will go to Mercado Independencia (a gourmet food court), and we’ll spend the rest of the evening watching lucha libre — professional Mexican wrestling. On our way back to the hotel, we’ll grab another bite.
Evening: Overnight hotel in Centro Histórico, Mexico City.
Accomodation: Downtown Beds Hotel or similar
Day 4: Mexico City
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Morning: We’ll eat breakfast (and take photos) at a street market in Parque Lincoln, one of Mexico City’s most beautiful green spaces. After you’ve taken all the photos and videos you’d like, we’ll move on to the Castillo de Chapultepec: the only castle in North America that was ever occupied by royalty. We’ll then enjoy our final master class, either on top of the castle or in the nearby park.
Afternoon: For lunch, we’ll chow down on delicious seafood or yummy tacos. After everyone has eaten to their heart’s content, we’ll travel to Xochimilco, a Mexico City borough that’s famous for its picturesque canals and colorful trajineras (boats that are somewhat similar to gondolas). In the evening, we’ll visit Coyoacan, a neighborhood that’s brought to life by its street performers, shopping, bars, and dancing. Coyoacan is also home to a wide variety of street food, so we’ll feast on everything from pancakes to tacos, quesadillas, churros, and ice cream. Before we head back to the hotel, we’ll stop for one last late-night snack.
Evening: Overnight hotel in Centro Histórico, Mexico City.
Accomodation: Downtown Beds Hotel or similar
Day 5: Mexico City / USA
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Morning: After breakfast, you will drive to the airport for departure, where your Acanela Guide will bid you farewell. (Of course, if you’d rather stay in Mexico a little bit longer, you could join us on an extension to Mayan Mexico. Please ask us about this when you're planning your trip!)
Departure Airport: Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Expedition Route
This Acanela Expedition © is the perfect fusion between comfort & adventure. Embark on this small group exploration and have hands-on encounters with local peoples and cultures, while experiencing all the historical & culinary highlights along the way.
Dates & Prices
From $2000 per person | All-inclusive package including accommodation for all nights; in-country transport by private bus, train, or flight; lecture and instruction materials from our expert guides; all activities; and three meals per day. *International airfare not included
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Frequently Asked Questions
+ What things are included in the expedition cost?
The expedition cost includes including boutique accommodation for all nights, all transport during the expedition, lecture and instruction materials from our expert guides, three meals per day, and all activities as listed on the itinerary. International Airfare is not included.
+ What should I bring for my trip?
We always recommend packing as light as possible; however, the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Prior to each trip, we provide a suggested packing list. The checklist is tour-specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.
+ How many people can join a tour?
We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings, as well as benefit from more personal attention from our local guides. This intimate size ensures that your group will not crowd your experience. You can expect a maximum of 12 travelers, but the average group size is typically much smaller.
+ What vaccinations should I get for my trip?
It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the country you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. We can provide some general guidance on what websites to check, but these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.
+ Can I join a tour late or leave it early?
It's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early; however, you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult an Acanela specialist before you book your trip.
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