Mexico City

Introduction

Welcome to Mexico City! 

Serving as the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is rich in history and offers a vibrant art scene that attracts locals and visitors, alike. Fully immerse yourself in Mexico City’s unique culture as you spend five days in the heart of Mexico City experiencing the best of what this city has to offer, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights

Start: Please be ready to go at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) at 3:30 p.m.

Finish: Trip ends at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) at 10:00 a.m.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration–please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions. 

What's Included

  • 5 days/4 nights accommodation in boutique hotels
  • 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
  • Frida Kahlo Museum
  • Mexico City Tour Historic Center (Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Zócalo)
  • Lucha Libre Wrestling Match
  • Teotihuacán Archaeological Site
  • Authentic Mexican taco night
  • Xochimilco Trajineras (Canal Boat Tour)
  • Private ground transportation to all included activities
  • Free time in Mexico City to explore on your own
  • Airport pick-up upon arrival 
  • Airport drop-off upon departure 
  • Under30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet kick-ass people
  • Access to the Under30Experiences Community  

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Mexico City.

Highlights

  • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
  • Experience a Lucha Libre wrestling match
  • Meander through Teotihuacán Archaeological Site
  • Float along the Xochimilco Canals
  • Enjoy authentic Mexican tacos
  • Tour historic downtown Mexico City

Is this Trip for You?

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the heart of Mexico City and its culture, then this trip is definitely for you! Your Trip Leader will show the highlights of this capital city and take you to places locals love to go.

-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 10-16
-Physical rating: Light. There will be some long walking days while we explore multiple cities throughout the trip. 

Travel Community

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our large online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

Breakfasts will be served at your hotel. Dinners are enjoyed in local restaurants. 

In Mexico you can experience the vast array of wonderful food available in this region. Your Trip Leader will be able to suggest great restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. 

In Mexico City, like in any big city, you can expect to try all types of food, from street food to fine dining, from Mexican gastronomy to any specialty. Your leader will make sure to show you the most traditional dishes and places so you can experience all types of local flavors. 

Sample Breakfast Menu:

  • Small breakfast buffet, with a warm and cold selection

Sample Dinner Menu:

  • Tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, 

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Some meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.

Transportation

You will be traveling by private, locally-owned, ground transportation. There will be early departures on some days in order to optimize time.

  • Private ground transportation to and from the airport 
  • Private ground transportation to and from your hotels and included activities
  • Trajinera (traditional Mexican boats) along the Xochimilco canal.

Taxis and other public transportation are not included unless specified on the itinerary.

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of your trip. 

Laundry is available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality. 
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with at least $200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible.

Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. 

We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eateries, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill where clean water is available.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the amount of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment. 

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with!  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.  

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.

The tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from filtered water stations and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Mexico beautiful. Travelers are responsible for purchasing and transporting their own water throughout the day while in Mexico.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Mexico City from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers. Required vaccines should go through CDC, recommended vaccines should be through your doctor.

More specific health information for travelers to Mexico can be found at the  Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Money & Currency

The official currency is the Mexican Peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $. To distinguish this from the US Dollar, you sometimes see it presented as MX$ or the value with the letters “MN” after it, e.g. $100 MN.

We suggest bringing $200 in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

ATMs are available in the cities and towns we visit. Although you can withdraw cash from any ATM, it's a good idea to come with some local currency just in case.

Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room. Don’t leave valuables unattended.

US Citizens please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of an emergency.

Although most parts of Europe are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night, especially alone. We recommend staying in small groups when traveling at night.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Weather

Mexico’s weather varies in the city & surrounding area depending on time of year. In Mexico City, the average summer temperature is in the low 80s, and in winter low 70s , although in the winter (December) it can drop down to the low 40s in the evenings.

Be sure to check the local weather forecast before departing for your trip.

cultural information

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, the oldest capital city in the Americas, the second-highest populated city in the Western hemisphere, and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world! On top of its numerous accolades, Mexico City runs deep with history and art, playing home to over 150 museums!

Key Phrases in Spanish:

  • Hello -- Hola
  • Excuse me -- Perdón 
  • How are you? -- ¿Como está?
  • Thank you -- Gracias
  • Please -- Por favor
  • A beer please -- Una cerveza por favor

Tipping Customs

While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated, especially when you have received great service.  Be sure to tip in the local currency (pesos) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging.  Here are some common guidelines to follow:

  1. Dining at a sit down restaurant = 15-20% of the check. 
  2. Bell boy  ($2- $3USD)  
  3. Hotel cleaning staff- $5 USD per night per room

Optional Activities

Due to the short nature of this trip, there will not be a lot of time for optional activities. However, if you would like to arrive early or stay later, there are plenty of activities in the area.

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Extending your stay in Mexico and looking to stay under budget? Check out accommodation options on HostelWorld!

Still need to book your flight?

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