bike tours mexico city

Mexico City Bike Tours

Let's ride, join our bike tours visit mexico city in a different way, choose your bike tour, click for your customized tour, cultural ride: historic center bike tour, discover mexico city's cultural and historical treasures on our immersive bike tour. pedal through vibrant neighborhoods and hidden gems with expert guides who bring the city's unique identity to life.

KNOW MORE !

Frida Kahlo & Coyoacán Bike Adventure

Discover the vibrant world of frida kahlo and the charming streets of coyoacán. explore the artist's iconic blue house, delve into her inspiring life, and pedal through historic cobblestone streets. uncover the beauty, culture, and artistry of mexico like never before, flavors on two wheels: food tour, experience the vibrant flavors of mexico city on our food bike tour, where we'll take you to a food market like no other. explore unique street foods, and immerse yourself in the authentic culinary traditions of mexico, graffiti & street art bike tour, immerse yourself in mexico city's street art scene with our graffiti and urban art bike tour. explore vibrant murals, local artists, and hidden gems, explore mexico city.

With our bike tours, you won't just see Mexico City; you'll experience it. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of neighborhoods like Coyoacán, Condesa, or Roma and interact with locals to get a taste of authentic Mexican life.

ECO- TOURISM

At Pedalea Mexico, we're passionate about more than just bike tours; we're dedicated to eco-tourism. As travelers, we recognize the importance of preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Mexico City. That's why our bike tours are designed with sustainability in mind, offering you a unique way to explore while reducing your carbon footprint.

LOCAL GUIDES

Experience the heart of Mexico City like a local with our expert guides. Our passionate and knowledgeable team will show you the city's best-kept secrets, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable bike tour experience

• Address:Liverpool 46, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX.
• Phone: +525518293466
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am - 5 pm. Sundays: 9 am - 3 pm

Quick Links

Send us a message.

Your message (optional)

Please prove you are human by selecting the flag .

May I help you?

welcome to bikes and munchies

The original street food bike tour.

"Our Vision: to take you in a captivating journey into the heart and soul of our beloved city. Along the way, we delight to  connect  with new people, fostering a  community  of  passionate food lovers. Together we ride into a brighter bicycle future "

- WHAT WE OFFer -

vibrant neighborhoods 

Roma  &  Condesa - Street Food Tour Downtown Mexico City - History  & Food

Santa Maria -local experience & Food  

B&M map

Digital map with our 36 personal

recommendations for Mexico City

authentic Mexican food

Local street food, tacos and drinks included. We support local vendors, some with more than 20 years of history

local guides

we are all bike commuters in love with our city  / 2 languages, 1 team

  (E nglish, Spanish)

comfy bikes and small groups

Our black beauties – easy cruising bikes. 

1 guide for 4 people / 2 guides for 10 /

3 guides for 12

customise tour

We customize the tour to your needs

guests reviews

Food Bike Tour in Mexico City - Bikes and Munchies

     BEST OF MEXICO CITY 2022 BY

Forbes recommends Bikes and Munchies. 

Forbes published an article on the best things to do in Mexico City in 2022.

Bikes and Munchies is one of the top recommendations by Forbes. 

[email protected]

Calls by Phone :

+52 55 4164 8518

Messages via WhatsApp :

+52 55 2535 6055

BOOK A TOUR

Want to join us? Just click the button below and follow along. We can't wait to meet you!

CON VIENTO EN LA CARA Y LOS ZAPATOS GASTADOS

Join us on our signature experiences!

MEXICO CITY HIGHLIGHTS

E-bike tour, length: 20 km / duration 4 hrs.

All you need to experience in Mexico City will be shown in this fun guided bike tour. History, culture and current trends with the best bikes in town! learning what to do in mexico city and what to see. Visiting Chapultepec, Reforma and other main top Mexico City attractions. You’ll have a blast! And us too!

FOODIE LOVERS AND TRENDY CDMX

E-bike tour, length: 20 km / duration 3.5 hrs.

Discover the flavors and traditional street food of our city while riding trough the hottest/ hipster neighborhoods. You’ll try some of the best bites in town.  In this e-bike guided tour you’ll visit some traditional markets, Mexico city attractions, Foodie stops and more. *Vegetarian options available.

Trusted by thousands of Travelers around the globe!

You’ll ride e-bikes that were carefully selected by our team, to be the best bike for touring mexico city and for all our e-bike tours.. all of them  with:

Happy Nomads!

Customize your experience

From Team building , birthdays, Proposals or whatever is on your mind. We’ll be happy to be part of it!

Contact us via whatsapp for a fast response

+52.1.55.6678.9681

Leave us your Email

or write us at:

[email protected]

Premium e-bikes!

You’ll ride e-bikes that were carefully selected by our team.. all of them  with:

Asegúrate de que esta cuenta tiene entradas disponibles en instagram.com.

MEXICO CITY STREET FOOD BIKE TOUR

Approximately 4.5 hours

From  €56

Munchies in Mexico City

We have curated a bicycle adventure in search of local, authentic, Mexican street food secrets. This a journey that brings the city to you — up close and personal, and its led by passionate, native Mexico City guides. Our expert historian guides will lead you along the streets of Condesa and Roma to the wonders of a local market, down small paths and magnificent avenues, and through the largest park in Latin America, all while stopping to treat you to the magic of traditional street food stands known only to locals.

With each snack our guides will explain the history behind the food and its neighborhood. By the time you have soaked up all the sights and flavors, you will have your own insider story to tell. We will kick off our tour with a snack before heading to a traditional market where we’ll try a rare pre-hispanic dish made with blue corn. Rolling down down the most iconic street in Condesa will take you to another delicious snack, the most important one in Mexico City; tacos! Only these are very unique and local ones you that will be unlike any taco you’ve ever had.

We will continue to Chapultepec Park, which is not only the lungs of the city but home to a famous Mexican castle. Dotting the park are museums, monuments, and secret spaces nestled within the forest that your guide will point out.

The last leg of the journey takes us down the most impressive street in Mexico; Reforma Avenue. We will see iconic monuments such as the Angel of Independence and Diana the Huntress. We will mark the end of our tour with a cold beer, a mezcal tasting, and of course, a traditional dessert. You won’t want to miss this tasty tour!

Tour Details

What’s included.

• Experienced local guide
• A comfortable bike
• Helmet (mandatory)
• Water at the various food stops
• All food (we can accommodate vegetarians gluten0free, and dairy free diets if you let us know when booking, however we do not have adequate vegan alternatives at this time.)

Good to Know

• We welcome children ages 10 and older who are experiences cyclists. All tours run rain or shine.

• 1 Market Visit
• 2 Chapultepec Park
• 3 Parque Mexico
• 4 Angel of Independence Statue
• 5 Parque Luis Cabrera
• 6 Estela de Luz Monument
• 7 Diane the Huntress
• 8 Reforma Avenue
• 9 Monumento a los ninos heroes

Meeting Point

This tour departs from our office located at Bazar Fusion, Londres 37, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX. (Metro bus Hamburgo)

Frequently Asked Questions

Important information, where is the meeting point.

This tour depart from Bazar Fusion, Londres 37, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX. (Metro bus Hamburgo)

What is your cancellation policy?

We’re happy to offer free changes and 100% refund up to 24 hours before tour* Failure to cancel a reservation  at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure  may result in forfeited travel funds. Fare difference may apply.

*See restrictions here

What kind of bikes do you use?

We use comfortable city bikes that are great for all sizes.

Should I bring cash?

Yes, cash is always a good idea as not all vendors accept card transactions. There will be opportunities to purchase items along the way.

Is this tour appropriate for children?

We welcome children age 10 and older who are experienced cyclists in cities.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, helmets are required for safety.

What are your covid policies, and will I need to wear a mask?

Facial masks are mandatory in all the indoor areas and the meeting point, except while we eat. In the arrival, we will check guest body temperature and bacterial gel is available. Guests must keep a distance of 5 feet/1.5 meters with the other households and participants. Your guide will provide hand sanitizer at each stop.

How long is the ride?

The tour is approximately 4.5 hours long covering about 6 miles/10 kilometers.

Can I leave the tour early?

Yes, as long as a guide is available to ride with you back to the meeting point, we are happy to accommodate this request. We just ask that you coordinate with us before the tour starts.

If food is included, and can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, all the food is included. We can accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets if you let us know beforehand. We unfortunately are unable to provide adequate vegan options at this time without diminishing the overall quality and value of the food. If you have other dietary restrictions, please feel free to reach out to us in advance.

Is water included or can I purchase some before the tour?

Water is included at the food stops.

Will there be a basket on my bike or a way to carry my bag?

No, these bikes do not have a basket to carry any items. Please bring only what you need for the tour and/or a small backpack.

Do you have electric bikes?

No, we unfortunately do not have e-bikes, but our bikes are easy to ride cruiser bikes and the route is very flat.

Do we go inside the museums and monuments?

We unfortunately do not have time on this tour to enter any of the monuments or museums that we’ll see. Your guide will give you plenty of helpful hints to go back and dive a bit deeper into the areas of the city that interest you most following the tour.

What if it rains?

In case of extremely inclement weather, we will reach out to postpone/reschedule the tour. If neither of those options are possible, we are happy to issue full refunds. We will continue with the tour in the event of light rain, so please be prepared!

Can I store my luggage at your shop during the tour?

Of course! You are welcome to store bags in our office while on tour.

Explore our preferred partners around the world.

About CDMX Bike Tours

We are a group of passionate and experienced cyclists who have a love for Mexico City and all the amazing sights it has to offer! Our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable bike tour experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this vibrant city.

Our team is made up of knowledgeable and friendly guides who are eager to share their love of cycling and the city with you. With years of experience leading bike tours in Mexico City, we have honed our skills and are well-equipped to navigate the city's bustling streets and hidden gems. We take pride in providing safe, informative, and enjoyable bike tours for all ages and skill levels.

Our tours allow you to experience the city in a unique way, taking you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems that you might not otherwise find. We offer a variety of tours that will take you to places such as the Historic Center, the University City, hotspots like Coyoacán, Roma, Condesa and monumental sites such as Chapultepec park.

Food & Bike Tours in Mexico

Immerse yourself: off the beaten track experiences for foodies & curious travelers.

street Food Tours

Ready to choose your city simply click on the image below.

Ready, Set, Go! Book Now!

Friendly cool adventures, guests' reactions, best things to do in mexico city 2023 according to, get in touch, 164 sonora avenue, condesa neighborhood zip code 06100, mexico-city.

Phone: +52 55 4001 3430

Email: [email protected]

Mon-Sat 09:00 - 19:00

Sunday 10:00 - 14:00.

Welcome to CDMX

Let's ride, the best way to enjoy and experience mexico city  , join the mexico bike tour, and ride safe through the most interesting parts of the city. interact with locals guided by our experts, try some of the best food in the city, learn about people, architecture, history and everything you need to enjoy and appreciate this megacity. after the tour you will know how to move, where you want to go, which food and restaurants you might want to try, which neighborhoods to visit, activities, events and tons of information on things to do in the city., tour experiences, hipster gourmet bike tour.

ROMA, CONDESA, POLANCO, JUAREZ A COMBINATION OF BIKE AND FOOD DÉGUSTATION TOUR, READY TO TRY THE BEST FOOD OF CDMX YOU WILL VISIT A SERIES OF RENOVATED SPACES WITH GREAT ARCHITECTURE AND CHEFS WHO WILL BE HOSTING YOU WITH THEIR BEST CUISINE, WE WILL TALK ABOUT ARCHITECTURE, FOOD, SUSTAINABILITY AND THE CITY.

Time: 3.5 hrs. long

Historical Down Town: Immerse in to the most important neighborhood of the country where Mexico started, pedal through more than 500 years, history, wars, revolutions and great architecture.

FRIDA BIKE TOUR

Coyoacán: A bohemian refuge, a hidden jewel and human scale neighborhood where famous Mexican artist have flourish like Diego Rivera and the most famous Mexican Woman Frida Kahlo. Here you will ride through a series of alleys and narrow streets with very low traffic, will see Street Art and will have the chance to try the best Mexican food at a unique environment. Time: 3.5 hrs. long

Who are we? We are a group of professionals who all grew up in Mexico City and studied this amazing megacity. Our expertise and knowledge will offer you the best-selected experiences from different perspectives on art, food, history and architecture.

Sustainable development and Green infrastructure expert, UNAM professor. Founder of the México Bike Tour since 2007.

Landscape architect, sustainable urban designer, UNAM professor. Founder of the México Bike Tour since 2007.

Hundreds of happy travelers !

BEST TOUR EVER.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE.

I LOVED THE BICYCLES.

I FOUND THE LOVE OF MY LIFE ON MY MEXICO BIKE TOUR.

WILL COME BACK 100 TIMES!

contact us below!

1. ferrocarril de cuernavaca & volcan st. c.p. 11000, 2. higuera 24 coyoacan centro c.p. 04020, («fc-ferrocarril» means locomotive, train.), [email protected], whatsapp 55 2428 1488, click to chat.

How to enjoy Mexico City’s free Sunday bike rides

Nov 19, 2019 • 3 min read

Most visitors (and locals) may get around Mexico City by bus, cab, or on the city’s extensive subway system, but anyone who’s explored the capital city on two wheels knows that it’s one of the best cities in the world for cyclists. Local government has invested heavily to install bike lanes across the city and organize “learn to ride” classes for children, adults, and seniors. The city now runs one of the largest weekly car-free cycling rides in the world and visitors to Mexico City are welcome to join the fun!

Sunday Ciclovía

From 8am to 2pm each Sunday, local cyclists, pedestrians, and rollerbladers pushing strollers and pulling dogs enjoy 55 car-free kilometers during the weekly Ciclovía (cycle route). Pro tip: riders hoping to avoid the crowds should hit the pavement right at 8am, as streets become crowded by 10am.

The main stretch of road closures is along Paseo de la Reforma but sections of the historic center and several streets in the southern part of the city are also car-free. On the last Sunday of each month, the Ciclovía expands into a Ciclotón (longer route), stretching up to 97 kilometers across Mexico City and encompassing several highways. Both rides are massive undertakings and are exceedingly well organized.

Where to get a bike

Visitors to Mexico City have a few options for securing a bike. EcoBici , Mexico City’s bike sharing system, is technically available to visitors, but pay stations often don't accept credit cards and visiting one of the city’s four offices in person can be a hassle. 

Free bikes and rollerblades are available to borrow for up to two hours at a time from various préstamo  or loaning stations along the route. Though the bicycle borrowing program was established for locals lacking their own wheels, international visitors are able to borrow a bike if they leave a form of identification and a phone number at which they can be reached. Note that these bikes are available on a first come, first serve basis and the condition of the bikes can be less than ideal.

Renting a bicycle from a proper bike shop is a great way to ensure you’ll have a safe, comfortable ride waiting for you. Poray Bikes , conveniently located along the ride on Paseo de la Reforma, offers hourly and daily bike rentals, including: tandem bikes, trailers, and bicycles equipped with children’s seats. Poray’s bilingual guides also lead excellent bike tours that can either stick to the closed-streets route or safely guide riders through other parts of the city. The hotel the shop is located inside even offers a discount on the buffet to anyone who arrives on a bike.

See the sights along the way

Restaurants and cafes line Reforma Avenue and many have installed bike racks, encouraging riders to stop for lunch. Another great option would be to follow the closed streets to Bosque Chapultapec , Mexico City’s largest park, which houses the must-see Chapultapec Castle and several museums. Most food vendors can be found around the lake, at the zoo, or at the gate of the Museo Nacional de Antropología . Sunday is the busiest day in the park so ride carefully, especially around families with young children.

The government-managed Muévete en Bici CDMX Facebook page posts the exact route and special activities a few days before the ride each week. Zumba, yoga, capoeira, and other fitness classes are scattered along the ride. Family storytelling and tandem rides for visually-impaired cyclists are also offered some weeks. Check the weekly map to find bike borrowing stations, bicycle mechanics, and bathrooms along the route. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a return traveler hoping to see the Mexico City from a different perspective, the Sunday Ciclovía is a unique and unforgettable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Explore related stories

Nov 26, 2019 • 6 min read

There are spots all over the world where die-hard fans flock to raise a glass of milk, stroll across the Swilcan Bridge or leave a bike. Here are 7 pilgrimages…

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 7, 2024 • 5 min read

Aug 8, 2023 • 6 min read

May 31, 2023 • 5 min read

Oct 21, 2022 • 6 min read

Jun 27, 2022 • 6 min read

Apr 7, 2022 • 6 min read

Oct 19, 2021 • 5 min read

Aug 6, 2020 • 6 min read

FEEL A LIVING CITY WITH BIKETITLAN TOURS

Take a dip in the City! We will talk to you about what interests you about it and introduce you to peculiar people from the neighborhood you visit so that you can live together with them.

CHECK OUT WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK OF OUR TOURS

The most memorable of our trip.

My friend and I felt that we were able to immerse ourselves deeply in the culture of Mexico through the areas that we were able to explore. It was our favorite ride of our entire trip and I would definitely recommend this Bike Tour. ” Dominic G., USA

Don’t miss this!

Most guides will tell you what they think you need to know. The Biketitlan guide is one of the rare species: a guide who will tell you everything YOU want to know ”. BKR1, New York, USA.

Phenomenal tour

Having taken bike tours in many cities in North America and Europe, this bike tour is top-notch! The guide was on time and gave us an insider’s view of an incredible city. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough! Don’t hesitate and book today! ” Joelle, Las Vegas, USA.

Super fun birthday !!

Our group was varied in ages (from 5 to 72 years old), which implied a special challenge for our guides. Everything was wonderful. Thank you for making this day something we will always remember”. Ale104, CDMX, México, 2018.

Exploring Chapultepec

This is our third tour with Biketitlan and the company never gets old! Each tour has a different theme. The guide makes these tours memorable and rewarding.” Jamie. Houston, USA, 2018.

Amazing experience!

I’ve done too many bike tours in various cities around the world, this is definitely one of the best I’ve been to.” Cas Ferreira, Salvador de Bahía, Brasil.

Fantastic adventure!

The tour allowed us to get off the beaten track a bit and see some neighborhoods that many visitors do not have the opportunity to see on the tourist bus or on walking tours of the city center. ” SFtravelsoftern, Ciudad del Cabo Central, Sudáfrica.

They will enjoy the tour in a baby seat

They can travel on their own bicycle or kids bike tráiler

– Groups 5-10 people:

15% discount

(not combinable with other discounts)

– If you celebrate your birthday with 4 or more other people

you don’t pay!

Mexican students and teachers

30% discount

Mexican third age (60+)

People pay half rate!

Ten reasons why:

• We offer unique and peculiar experiences
• Our ratings are excellent
• We offer many discounts : children, groups, birthdays, seniors, teachers and students …
• You interact with the guides, but you will also be greeted by a host from the neighborhood you visit.
• You will have a great food experience (regardless of whether you are omnivore, vegan, or vegetarian).
• You will enjoy a very safe ride.
• On a good quality city bikes .
• Nuestros guías residen en los barrios que visitas, los conocen de toda la vida, aman la ciudad y su trabajo. (yo esta frase la cambiarìa porque no es cierta la primera parte)
• We can satisfy your needs by designing a tailor-made tour perfect for you.
• Your money will be spilled in the areas of the visit, many of them usually excluded from the tourist economy.

One more…. You will not regret!

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO RIDE/DISCOVER THE CITY. FIND YOUR IDEAL TOUR. FIND YOUR IDEAL TOUR:

Or talk to us without obligation… Too easy!

Receive exclusive offers

We are looking forward to telling you about all our offers and news, so leave us your email and we will always keep you thinking about shooting again

Multi-Day Tours

• Bike & hotel tours
• Bike & boat tours
• Destinations
• Boats & barges
• View all tours
• Bike tour reviews
• Tulip tours
• E-bike tours
• Gravel bike tours
• Family-friendly
• First-timers
• Staff picks
• Top rated tours
• Client favorites
• Discounts/specials

General info

• How to book
• Terms & conditions
• How to choose
• Guided vs. self-guided
• A typical day
• What to bring
• Extend your trip
• Travel insurance
• Passports & visas
• Why our travelers love us
• Tailwinds (our blog)
• Day tours by bike

Vibrant & Cultural

Mexico bike tours.

Teotihuacán  ·  Tulum

Back in 8,000 BCE, Mexico became one of the six ‘Cradles of Civilization’, home to the ancient civilizations of the Teotihuacan, Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, and Purepecha people. This Mesoamerican empire was dominated by the Aztecs until the arrival of the Spanish Empire and the establishment of the New Spain colony, which would last until the Mexican War of Independence in the early nineteenth century. In the 21st century, Mexico is a federal republic of 31 states, headed by the capital, Mexico City.

Mexico is a country of rich, colorful, and diverse culture, powerfully evoked in its art, architecture, and music. Many will instantly recognize the vivid portraits of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and the nation’s modern identity has been shaped by the art of the ‘Big Three’ of Mexican muralism - Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco - artists who were commissioned by the government to adorn public buildings with large murals depicting scenes from Mexican history.

Visitors to the country of Mexico have a dynamic, diverse, and deeply intriguing itinerary to work through, from a visit to the lively capital, Mexico City, to a venture into the ‘back and beyond’ of rural Mexico, discovering the local people, artists, and ancient ruins that define this country’s immense historic culture.

Taking a guided bicycle tour ensures you maximize your time in Mexico, riding around ancient ruins, and cycling through some of the most spectacular scenery on the North American continent. Cycle through Mexico City to discover the quirky, colorful interior and exterior of the Frida Kahlo Museum, the colossal facades of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, Zócalo, Chapultepec Castle, and the National Palace. Bike through local street markets to sink your teeth into a blissful burrito, authentic nachos, or an enticing enchilada!

Venturing north of Mexico City, discover the well-preserved ruins of an ancient archeological site guaranteed to blow you away with its scale, sensational beauty, and secret mural paintings. Teotihuacan is home to the Mesoamerican marvels of the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Avenue of the Dead - colossal structures that pierce the marvelous Mexican sky.

Enjoy a guided bicycle tour to Teotihuacan and enjoy pedaling around the pyramids, before parking up your bike to climb up the ancient steps and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site close up with the expert help of your guide. Their storytelling skills and detailed local knowledge will ensure you glean plenty of history from your visit to what many believe to have been North America’s first advanced civilization.

“Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties.”

Learn more:

• Your First Cycling Day Tour: What to Expect & How to Maximize Your Experience

Mexico Bike Tours · 1 to 4 of 4

Tulum 3 Cenotes MTB Tour with Ziplining, Canoeing, Snorkeling & Lunch

Tulum · from $135 USD

Description: If you want an all-encompassing, adrenaline-fuelled adventure, featuring wild swimming in three cenotes, ziplines, snorkeling, cliff jumping, a cycle through the Mayan forest and a jungle lunch, look no further! This promises to be your one-of-a-kind…

Classic Tulum Bike Tour with Brunch

Tulum · from $95 USD

Description: Take in the top sightseeing spots of Tulum on this one-of-a-kind guided bike tour, bringing you up close and personal with the ruins, temples, cenotes, and pueblos of this incredible Mexican town, all topped off with a tasty taco and honey samples for a…

Teotihuacan Archeological Bike Tour

Teotihuacán · from Mex$900 MXN

Description: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site wonder of Teotihuacan by embarking on a bike tour to one of Mexico’s most magical treasures! The archeological zone of Teotihuacan is believed to have been the largest city in the Americas from 1 CE to 500…

Tulum 2 Cenotes MTB Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Tulum · from $99 USD

Description: If you want an all-encompassing, adrenaline-fuelled adventure, featuring wild swimming in two cenotes, snorkeling, cliff jumping, a cycle through the Mayan forest and a jungle lunch, look no further! This promises to be your one-of-a-kind epic adventure…

Back to Top

• Buenos Aires
• Adelaide Hills
• Echuca and Moama

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech republic.

• Loire Valley
• Saint-Emilion
• Lake Myvatn
• Montego Bay
• Port Antonio
• Runaway Bay
• Malta Island
• Teotihuacán

New Zealand

• Azores - Terceira Island
• Palma de Mallorca
• San Sebastian
• Kilimanjaro

United States

• Alexandria, VA
• Atlanta, GA
• Bryce Canyon, UT
• Honolulu, HI
• Milwaukee, WI
• Morro Bay, CA
• Napa Valley, CA
• New Orleans, LA
• New York City, NY
• Portsmouth, NH
• San Antonio, TX
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Santa Barbara, CA
• Santa Monica, CA
• Savannah, GA
• Solana Beach, CA
• Washington, DC
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Bike day tours
• Family-friendly tours
• Discounts and special offers

Top destinations

• Switzerland

Top tour categories

• Great for first-timers
• Bike and boat

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

6 alternative and arty ways to discover Mexico City culture

Amid art deco architecture and Frida Kahlo’s creations, find Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic traditions and an Indigenous crafts scene.

Mexico’s sprawling capital is a gateway to the country’s Maya ruins, miles of beaches, rocky canyons and traditional Indigenous villages. But many travellers find the metropolis has an allure all of its own, and a handful of days can be well spent touring its neighbourhoods and historic centre. Mexico’s best museums are here, and its many galleries and markets help facilitate one of the strongest creative scenes in Latin America. Dig a little deeper to find the city’s pre-Hispanic roots, and discover how many customs are linked to the ancient Aztec and Maya civilisations.

1. Kayak the ancient canals of Xochimilco

Before the Spanish conquest in 1521, Mexico City, then called Tenochtitlán, was built on two small islands inside Lake Texcoco. The Aztecs built canals and floating farms called chinampas to feed its growing population. Today, all that remains of these ancient waterways are in Tláhuac and Xochimilco, a neighbourhood 15 miles south of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico. Flat-bottomed party boats called trajineras cruise Xochimilco’s canals daily, but a guided kayaking trip provides a more tranquil — and environmentally friendly — visit. Tours offer the chance to spot Xochimilco’s wildlife, including the critically endangered axolotl salamander and more than 200 bird species, while learning about the history and science behind chinampas, which still provide food for Mexico City residents.

2. Browse the Museo de Arte Popular

In the historic centre of Mexico City is the Museo de Arte Popular , a beautifully designed handicraft museum housed inside a 1920s art deco building. The museum, which once served as Mexico City’s fire department headquarters, celebrates traditional Mexican craft in all its forms, from textiles and pottery to children’s toys, furniture and giant alebrijes — mythical creatures made from wood or papier-mache. High-quality crafts from almost every Mexican state are displayed thematically over several floors, including ceramics from Jalisco, piñatas from Puebla and ceremonial masks from Chiapas. Particularly striking are the small but impressive Day of the Dead craft collection and the á rbol de la vida (tree of life) pieces – colourful, intricate clay sculptures depicting the creation of life.

3. Sip on pulque, the drink of the Aztec gods

Pulque is a drink made from the fermented sap of agave, the same plant used to make tequila and mezcal. It has been drunk for more than 2,000 years, making it Mexico’s oldest alcoholic beverage. During the Aztec empire, pulque was considered a sacred drink, reserved for gods, emperors and ceremonial events. The introduction of beer and distilled spirits by the Spanish in the 16th century marked the beginning of the end for pulque, with many of Mexico City’s pulquerias — taverns specialising in the drink — closing between the early 20th and 21st centuries. But a recent resurgence has seen several reopen across the city, making it one of the best places in Mexico to try the tipple. La Canica — a pulqueria in the Tabacalera neighbourhood run by a family that has been in the pulque business for five generations — takes a modern approach to the ancient drink, infusing freshly made pulque with dozens of seasonal flavours, from guava and mandarin to marzipan and toasted oats.

4. Try Mexico City’s ancient caviar

Ahuautle — which loosely translates to ‘seeds of joy’ in the ancient Nahuatl language and are also known as ‘water fly eggs’ — were sacred to the Aztecs. During the rainy season, a type of water fly called axayácatl would lay its eggs in Lake Texcoco. These were harvested for Aztec emperors and used as offerings to the gods. Montezuma, one of the last emperors of the Aztec empire, is said to have eaten them every morning to improve his strength. Hard to get hold of and up to four times more expensive a kilogram than beef, the eggs have been dubbed ahuautle , the ‘caviar’ of Mexico, by the capital’s chefs. Only a handful of restaurants in the capital still serve ahuautle, one of which is Ayluardo’s — in the Iztapalapa neighbourhood, in the east of Mexico City. It serves the water fly eggs — which taste intensely fishy, similar to dried shrimp — in pancakes with tomatillo (a bright green, acidic fruit native to Mexico) and serrano chilli sauce.

5. Support indigenous crafts at Mercado de Artesanías de la Ciudadela

Just a few minutes’ walk from Museo de Arte Popular is this hub for artisans, Mexico City’s largest and best arts and crafts market. It is home to 350 stands selling a huge variety of crafts, or artesanias in Spanish, from all over Mexico, including handblown glass from Jalisco, silver jewellery from Guerrero and patterned chaquira beadwork from Jalisco, crafted by the indigenous Huichol people. For beautiful ceremonial Mayan masks made of wood and obsidian, head to stand 104, where you’ll often see the craftspeople at work. Also seek out the artisans selling amate — colourful works painted on to paper made from the pulp of fig and mulberry trees; the same type of paper was once used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayas to produce manuscripts.

6. Experience Mexican folk dance at El Ballet Folklórico de México

Founded in 1952 by choreographer and dancer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico celebrates Mexico’s diverse folklore traditions through dance, music and traditional dress. The performances take audiences from Mexico’s ancient past up to the revolution in 1910, travelling through the states of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Sonora, Zacatecas, Guerrero and more. Many of the dances take inspiration from Mexico’s Indigenous cultures, such as the Deer Dance (a contemporary piece that depicts a pre-hunting ritual practised by the Indigenous people of Sonora and Sinaloa) and the Guelaguetza, a folkloric ballet inspired by the ceremonial dances of the Mixtec and Zapotec people of Oaxaca. Performances are held at the Palacio de Bellas Artes — a white-marbled, art nouveau palace commissioned by President Porfirio Díaz in 1905 — on Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9.30am and 8.30pm.

Related Topics

• CULTURAL CONSERVATION
• ART HISTORY
• MODERN HISTORY

You May Also Like

Where to stay in Helsinki, Finland's design-conscious capital

China just had a museum building spree. Here are 6 of the best.

Free bonus issue.

7 of the UK's best gallery cafes

How to spend a day exploring Berlin's art and design scene

A guide to Jaipur's craft scene, from Rajasthani block printing to marble carving

Visit these cultural hot spots in 2024

The real history of tartan, from the Scottish Highlands to the streets of Tokyo

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved