The Heart of Mexico

10 Days

TripAdvisor-5 stars

The Heart of Mexico

10 Days

TripAdvisor-5 stars

Embark on a journey to discover Mexico through all five senses. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage, from the historic and symbolic center to its most iconic archaeological sites. Allow yourself to be fully captivated by the vibrant colors and textures of architecture, traditional crafts, and customs. But it’s not only the sights that will leave an impression on you. Indulge in the flavors and aromas of the delicious local cuisine prepared by your gracious hosts. I can guarantee that the taste of traditional Mexican dishes, such as mole, tacos, cemitas, and churros, will linger in your memory long after your trip has ended. This is a cultural and gastronomic experience that you will never forget.

Highlights

  • Experience traditional Mexican dishes such as mole, tacos, cemitas, and churros
  • Immerse in rich cultural heritage and iconic archaeological sites in the city of México
  • Be captivated by vibrant colors and textures of architecture, traditional crafts, and customs in Puebla
  • Indulge in flavors and aromas of delicious local cuisine in Oaxaca

DAY 1 - Welcome to Mexico City

10d Flavours and aromas through the heart of México

Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at the Mexico City International Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 - Sweets & streets! Walking Tour

Sweets and streets Walking Tour Mexico

This tour takes place in the vibrant downtown Historical Center, the historical and geographical heart of Mexico City. Across 2 to 3 hours, you’ll join our expert culinary guide in trying some of the best foods in the neighborhood while you learn about Mexican history and culture from a culinary perspective.

Go strolling through the heart of Mexico City with a local guide as you try a mix of tacos, churros, and other sweet and savory snacks. Then, you’ll visit the city’s famous Gourmet San Juan Market while the kids get an activity book to keep them engaged! On this tour, you’ll stop at a playground for the kiddos to take a break.

DAY 3 - One castle, a lot of history

Chapultepec Castle

Visit Chapultepec Forest and Castle. With your local guide, you will enter the lush forest that is part of the largest park in Mexico City; you will walk for a few minutes until you reach the famous Chapultepec Castle at the top of the hill. The castle was built in 1785 as the residence of the ruler of New Spain and was later remodeled to be the home of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota. In 1939 it became the National Museum of History with a magnificent collection of historical pieces and murals with interpretations of Mexico’s history.

Then you will visit the Museum of Anthropology, which is one of the most important museums in Latin America, it was built in the 60s by architect Pedro Ramirez Vasquez, and it houses an extensive collection of objects and sculptures from Pre-Columbian Mexico, such as The Aztec Calendar, The Colossal Olmec Head, and the famous Mask of Pakal. Accompanied by your guide, you will tour the museum’s significant collections while you learn about the history and curious facts of the pre-Hispanic cultures.

DAY 4 - Xochimilco “House of the flowers.”

Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of Mexico City’s most emblematic areas: the canals of Xochimilco, which means “Place of Flowers” in Nahuatl. Board a Trajinera (a colorful flat-bottomed boat) to tour the area’s waterways while your guide shares the secrets of its biocultural richness. You’ll stop at a demonstration chinampa (floating garden) to learn about the importance of the ancient agriculture system. Discover how these traditional cultivation techniques and natural biofilters improve the water quality and provide healthy ecosystems for the conservation of native species like the axolotl. Afterward, taste some typical Xochimilco flavors as a cook prepares traditional dishes made from local produce and products. Travel through the Xochimilco canals by boat

Then, prepare to visit the picturesque Casa Azul, one of Frida Kahlo’s homes, painter, and icon of Mexican culture, for her self-portraits that reflect her identity and history. In the museum, you will contemplate paintings allusive to the artist’s life, and some others of the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera, her husband.

Rated 5-stars by more than 1,500 travellers on Tripadvisor.

(4.8)

0

travelers

Victoria O.

September, 2022
Two Weeks in Mexico
Seamless transfers, excellent hotels particularly in Mexico city and Puebla, combined with various cultural and food tours. Particular highlights were the cultural/food tours in Mexico city and Puebla (also including the anthropology museum in Mexico city), and the rural tours in Oaxaca where we visited textile workshops, mescal producers and participated in a cooking class using traditional equipment. Also, although we didn't need it, the on call remote assistance was reassuring. I would definitely recommend Rutopia.
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Kris S.

April, 2022
Enjoyed using Rutopia
Enjoyed using Rutopia (Marisol and Melina) to plan my trip to Mexico. Marisol helped me figure out the best options fand booked everything. Melina was my in country support. Rutopia (the company through Kim Kim) is great and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take the burden out of vacation planning. My son and I truly enjoyed the trip knowing everything was taken care of and we just had to have fun. Thanks!
Kimkim Review of Rutopia

Melissa W.

July, 2022
Adventures in the Yucatán!
Such an amazing time in the Yucatán! Between floating in the mangroves to visiting Chichén Itzá to spending a whole day on the beach in El Cuyo, I couldn’t have planned a better trip without their help. Thank you so much for an unforgettable birthday vacation!! Simply amazing! Don’t think twice about having them help you plan your next vacation!
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Cat839

April, 2022
Great experience with this agency, totally recommend!
Great experience with this agency. Our tour in Mexico was perfect and organised with great passion and precision. Special thanks to Mel (our direct contact during the trip) for being super responsive and to Jorge Barbosa (our tour guide in Mexico City). Totally recommend this tour operator!
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Sue G

June, 2022
Mayan Site Tour in Yucatan Penninsula Mexico
Rutopia did an outstanding job with the arrangement and execution of a 9 day tour of Mayan sites in the Yucatan peninsula. We provided Rutopia with the general parameters of the trip we wanted and they suggested an itinerary. After our approval, they set up the hotels, transportation within Mexico, and site tours. The hotels were good quality, and all of the drivers and tour guides showed up on time. We were very impressed with the quality of the tour guides and learned a lot on the trip. Jorge handled setting up the itinerary, and Melina handled the execution of the trip and was readily available via WhatsApp throughout the trip for any questions or issues. Melina was particularly helpful in changing our transportation arrangements to the airport at the last minute per our request. I would recommend Rutopia and would use them again for future trips.
Kimkim Review of Rutopia
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Varadarajan

July, 2022
Fantastic Will do it again
My wife and I had a fantastic holiday in Mexico thanks to Marisol, Ana, Teresa and their colleagues & partners. The entire itinerary and arrangements were put together in less than 4 days. What we really liked about Marisol & her team was that they were only a message or a phone call away for any query/suggestion, etc. The trip was bespoke to the extent that Rutopia had kept in mind about our interests, food habits & executed bookings, tours. They were also very flexible in catering to last minute changes/requests. The team took upon them to ensure that our entire trip was comfortable & safe by taking care of even small stuff that one normally finds out post getting to a place. We would definitely like to use their services again!!
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Elena R.

April, 2022
A literally perfect trip to the Yucatan peninsula
Tom and I knew we wanted to go to Mexico. We knew we wanted a little bit of culture, some wildlife, and maybe a splash in the ocean. That's it. With the vague and minimal information we gave them, Rutopia was able to put together a perfect trip for us. We had a flawless itinerary. It's so clear that Rutopia really cares about the communities (animals and humans) in Mexico. Everything we did and everywhere we stayed felt like they were helping us experience Mexico as authentically and respectfully as possible. It's almost impossible to pick a highlight, but top of the list has to be the day we shared with Enrique, a Mayan host who was unbelievably generous with us. He shared the community gardens, including history and background about the families that live in Nuevo Durango and other nearby communities. He showed us the neighborhood cenotes, Punta Laguna, Uma Nojoch Keej (a wildlife reserve), and more. We picked and prepared the plants as Enrique and his wife Blanca showed us the best way to cook them (and rescued us when we were pricked by the nopales!). We saw howler monkeys and spider monkeys in the wild which was very cool. That had to be the very best day, but every day was amazing. Sian Ka'an reserve was lovely, the Mayan ruins were spectacular, the snorkeling in Puerto Morelos was fabulous, the bicycle cenote tour was jaw'droppingly gorgeous. I'm waxing superlative but it really all was like a dream. Beyond the activities, the scheduling and pace was perfect for us. We felt like we really made the most of our six days, but with enough downtime to explore and enjoy at our leisure. From picking up our car at the airport to finding our accommodation, the logistics were very smooth at every interaction. Special shoutout to Melina who pretty much instantly helped us when we had any questions about the trip. We've never used a travel planning service like this before. But after this trip, we'll never go back to the old way!
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David

July, 2022
Journey to Mexico City, Cholula and Cuetzalan
We had a wonderful time. We started out in Mexico City with a 2 day tour filled with museums, food, and beautiful sights. We then went on to Cholula to experience the culture in a smaller town, see a local market, and eat traditional food. We finished the tour in a small town called Cuetzalan, where most people speak an indigenous language. All of our guides were great. Thank you for a memorable vacation!
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DaniEla

March, 2022
Just wonderful!
We had an amazing trip excellent organized by Jorge and supervised by Melina from Rutopia. We spent 10 days in Mexico, starting in Ciudad de Mexico where we visited the amazing Teotihuacan and then we flew to Yucatan for the amazing sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Tulum, Merida, Valladolid and the great Island Holbox. The trip was perfectly organized, the hotels were very good, and the guides were carefully chosen. We highly recommend Rutopia and especially Jorge!
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Bikø J

November, 2021
Chiapas, Neri and her family
I traveled to Chiapas for an ecotourism experience with Rutopia and I liked it very much, the team responds very quickly to all questions and accompany the traveler throughout the experience, I missed my flight and they were very flexible to accommodate the entire itinerary, My destination was the lakes of Tziscao, where I was received by Neri with his family in very nice cabins next to a lake with incredible views and a magnificent tranquility, with them you make experiences of beekeeping and coffee and tours to nearby lakes, Montebello is a must! 100% recommended.
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Alexhcros1500

March, 2021
Super local agency
We have worked with Rutopia for several tours in Mexico in the Yucatán and Chiapas and we have never been disappointed. Authentic experiences, with locals, in magical places and off the beaten tourist track. Our contact Marisol was always super available and responsive, understanding and anticipating our desires. And she speaks very good French. I highly recommend Rutopia!
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Mikel D

April, 2021
The best moment lived in Mexico
We were traveling as a group of friends with nothing organized. We like to improvise and be able to find alternative plans to the conventional tourist routes. We arrived in Puerto Escondido - Mexico's paradise - and started looking for options. A Mexican friend recommended us to contact Rutopia and we did. We explained our way of traveling - which they quickly understood - and in a few hours they came to us with a perfect selection of activities. We chose one of them and the next day we found ourselves galloping through beautiful hills, crossing a small lagoon in canoes, bathing on an unspoiled beach at sunset and sipping freshly picked coconuts with some mezcal. We had dinner in the only hut on the beach, eating fish that had been caught that day from the lagoon. Then we went to see the luminescence of the placton with paddle canoes until we were surprised by one of the biggest and reddest moons I have ever seen in my life. We ended up sleeping in bamboo huts a few meters from the waves. There were no more than 5 huts on the miles of beach that we could see. And at ALL times with an exquisite treatment - sympathy, kindness and attention. This is just one of the plans we booked with Rutopia, which definitely changed the course of our trip. Without a doubt, I would repeat this experience in any place I would like to visit in Mexico. Viva Mexico!
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Claudia A

September, 2020
Super organization, great accommodations and nice team
The trip was perfectly organized, we were always exclusive or in very small groups and had freedom to do our own activities. All accommodations were fantastic and sustainable, the food almost always local and very good, we could always fill our Rutopia water bottles and travel as plastic free as possible. We were met at the airport and had assistance getting a rental car. After that, we traveled independently but had our fixed dates and reservations with Rutopia. It was the perfect mix!
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pascalrichard0304

March, 2020
Circuit in Yucatan
Discovering wonderful and surprising sites, Mayan communities with an unforgettable welcome, breathtaking landscapes, a very pleasant climate in the middle of March...and smiling people! A big thank you to Rutopia and his team for the elaboration of this ideal circuit, alternating nature, city life, simplicity and comfort. Thanks to Mélina for the follow-up during our trip. We don't speak Spanish well enough, and we appreciated having a French-speaking contact person who could be reached if necessary. We still have a lot to discover and hope to come back very soon, and with Rutopia without hesitation!
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Sabrina N

March, 2020
Perfect
For those who don't like to manage logistics like hotels, rental cars, activities. And above all, to have someone who speaks fluent French that we can reach at any time for the unexpected... You are in the right place! Thank you to Chloe for the preparation of our trip, to Melina our Ariadne's thread and Teresa for her welcome and help at the arrival and departure. A big thank you to Enrique and Blanca from Nuevo-Durango for their welcome, their smiles, their family, a lot of emotions at the time to leave you. Thanks to Mémo for your teaching of Mexican customs (Sian Ka'an) The Yucatan is a magnificent region. And the population is very pleasant. Only downside Holbox... Too much dust, too much smell of fuel oil, too much tourist. I will keep in memory these wonderful moments!
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DAY 5 - Teotihuacán “The city of the gods.”

Hot Air Balloon

This excursion introduces you to the “City of the Gods,” as the ancient archaeological site of Teotihuacan is commonly known. Start with a walk along the Calzada de Los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead), then climb the majestic Pyramid of the Sun, highly coveted by visitors for its imposing size and structural beauty. Continue to the Pyramid of the Moon, where you can get a splendid view of the entire center of Teotihuacan and take some panoramic photos to remember the moment. Afterward, you will visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, where the best-preserved remains are found, and learn about obsidian, the precious stone of the Mayans still plentiful in the mines around the site. In the end, you will head to Cholula, where you will spend the night. 

DAY 6 - Corn workshop in Cholula

Heart of Mexico

Today you will discover the magical town of Cholula, also known as the city of churches. According to legend, it has more than 365 churches, one for each day of the year. First, you’ll walk in the picturesque streets that lead to the famous church: “Nuestra Señora de los Remedios,” built on top of “The Great Pyramid of Cholula,” which has the title of being the most comprehensive pyramid ever built. From there, you have an impressive view of the city, and on a clear day, you can even see the majestic volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico. 

Continue with the visit to the local market, where you will appreciate the variety of foods. Although, in addition, part of the gastronomy of Cholula is the handmade tortillas, the exciting thing is that their elaboration is part of the culinary identity of central Mexico, and it is a heritage that is passed from generation to generation. 

Through a workshop, you will learn about their process, from how they are cultivated to their preparation. And, of course, once they are made, you will enjoy their rich flavor and taste other delicious corn-based snacks accompanied by a refreshing drink. 

During an estimated 5 hours, you will see that behind a tortilla hides a space of coexistence between the hands that elaborate on it and those who enjoy it in the company.

DAY 7 - Oaxaca, explores your senses

Making Chocolate

The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda once said, “Mexico is in its markets…” Today you will discover what he meant! Meet your local guide and head to the organic market at El Pochote, located in downtown Oaxaca. Taste a cup of freshly brewed coffee before sampling several regional delicacies such as roasted grasshoppers. Continue to Barrio de la Merced to explore the colors, aromas, and above all, flavors of this busy market and taste empanadas with various sauces. Your next stop is in La Reforma for tortillas and authentic Oaxaca Valley tacos, then save some room for the final event: a tasting of the famous local hot chocolate.

DAY 8 - Archeology and handicrafts

Workshops

Get ready for a diverse morning of archaeological sites, history, and Oaxacan handicrafts. First, you will visit the famous archaeological site of Monte Alban, located on the top of a hill, right in the center of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, the cradle of the Zapotec civilization.

The tour continues to the community of Arrazola, known for its alebrijes carving and painting workshops. Later, you will visit the former convent of Santiago Cuilapam, a jewel of Dominican architecture and the site of the firing squad of General Vicente Guerrero, ex-president of Mexico known as the Benemérito de la Patria and insurgent soldier. Finally, the journey ends in Coyotepec, where Doña Rosa will be waiting to show you her black clay workshop. Archeology and handicrafts in Monte Alban, Arrazola, Cuilapam, and Coyotepec Zapotec ruins of the Monte Albán complex.

DAY 9 - “Hands in the dough” Rural Cooking

Today’s excursion takes you into the rural countryside of Oaxaca, where you’ll discover the authentic flavors of Oaxacan cooking and learn a few unique recipes. First, a Zapotec community will welcome you with open arms and teach you their culinary secrets as you prepare seasonal products harvested from family gardens and cooked over a traditional wood stove. Then, guided through the process by your comidera (the community’s best cook), try your hand at dishes like nicuátole (a custard-like dessert), handmade tortillas, empanadas, sopa de guías (pumpkin soup), segueza (corn mole), and atole (a creamy drink of maize, cinnamon, and vanilla). At the end of your cooking class, sit down for a convivial lunch to taste your creations. 

DAY 10 - Goodbye Traveler

End of your trip

Transfer from Oaxaca to Oaxaca International Airport. 

We are sure you will not leave as you started, this is the charm of Mexico, unique and beautiful, and there are more places to explore; we wait for you for the next adventure.

Create your Mexican adventure!

Our team will help you with free destination advice, activity ideas and provide full costings.

So you can stop dreaming and start packing! 

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