Our first full day in Mexico begins with a walking tour of Coyoacán, a neighborhood full of history, charm, and legends.From the time of Hernán Cortés until today, visitors from around the world have been captivated by the beauty of Coyoacán. It’s a haven for artists and birthplace of Frida Kahlo. We’ll enjoy a Welcome Lunch at Los Danzantes. We’ll also enjoy an afternoon tour of La Casa Azul (The Blue House), the intimate universe of Frida Kahlo. In this beautiful residence, the artist lived most of her life; initially with her family and years later, with Diego Rivera. Likewise, interesting Mexican and foreign visitors stayed in this place, attracted by the captivating couple of artists. The museum’s collection is displayed in rooms of the house, which remains much as it was in the 1950s.  

Accommodations: Green Park Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Estimated Drive Time Today: 30-45 mins from hotel to Coyoacán depending on traffic.

Morning folk art workshop with acclaimed Mexico City contemporary artists Ruben Mica and Oscar Becerra. The work of Becerra and Mica are on exhibit around the world and in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Popular Art in Mexico City. 

Afternoon visit to Xochimilco Floating Gardens, Mexico City’s famous canals and the last remnants of a water transport system built by the Aztecs. With its colorful trajineras (gondolas) and chinampas (traditional floating gardens), Xochimilco offers visitors an explosion of colors and festive experience. The chinampas are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are still used today for cultivation. 

Accommodations: Green Park Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Estimated Drive Times Today: 30 mins from hotel to City Center; 45 mins from city center to Xochimilco; 45 mins from Xochimilco to hotel depending on traffic.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll epart to Piedra Herrada Monarch Reserve, the easiest monarch butterfly sanctuary to access from Mexico City. Often, visitors to Piedra Herrada encounter swarms of monarchs before even arriving to the sanctuary. Travel by horseback and on foot uphill to the heart of the sanctuary to witness massive aggregations of monarchs. Standing in the forests of the reserve as millions of orange and black monarch butterflies swarm overhead is a magical sight and today, you’ll experience it first-hand. Our day ends with a relaxed evening and dinner at Rodavento, an intimate luxury hideaway nestled in the hills of Valle de Bravo and our home for the next two nights. 

Accommodations: Hotel Rodavento

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Estimated Drive Times Today: 2 hrs from hotel to Piedra Herrada; 30 mins from Piedra Herrada to hotel.

No two days at the monarch sanctuaries are alike so we’ll enjoy another visit today. The location of our visit will be determined by recent sightings and access. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Valle de Bravo, a picturesque Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) and a lakeside haven of peace and beauty with colonial architecture and narrow cobblestone streets.

Accommodations: Hotel Rodavento

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Morning departure for Mexico City. This afternoon, we’ll explore The Zócalo, the city’s main public square and one of the most recognizable places in Mexico City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Zócalo has been the centerpiece of public gatherings since the days of he Aztecs. Several historic buildings border the square including the national cathedral, National Palace, and federal buildings. Recap trip highlights during our farewell dinner this evening.

Accommodations: Zócalo Central

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transfer back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast