Mexico | Mexico City Art and Architecture with Latin School of Chicago

Upon arrival in Mexico City, meet your guide and travel to Hotel Canada, located four blocks from the historic center of the city. After checking in, go on a walking tour of the area. The Zócalo is the largest square in Latin America, and it is surrounded by the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, and a variety of examples of historical architecture. Stop by the Porrúa Bookstore before returning to the hotel to freshen up for dinner and program orientation at a nearby restaurant this evening.

Explore the pyramids of Teotihuacán, a world-famous archaeological site that encompasses 32 square miles and contains many structures, including two large pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun, at a height of more than 200 feet, is one of the largest structures created in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Visit the Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana to learn all about the ancient civilizations that inhabited this region and built these majestic archeological edifices. Enjoy lunch at La Gruta before participating in an interactive cooking class to kick-start the culinary exploration woven throughout this trip. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

This morning, visit the Castillo de Chapultepec and its National Museum of History, an impressive building containing a diversity of objects representative of four centuries of the rich history of Mexico, from the conquest of Tenochtitlan to the Mexican Revolution. Next, walk to the National Museum of Anthropology and have lunch at the museum's cafe. This museum boasts the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican art and ethnographic exhibits about Mexico's present-day Indigenous groups. Explore Mexico's most important avenue, Paseo de la Reforma, on a bicycle ride toward Parque Mexico, officially named Parque San Martín, to explore La Condesa, a neighborhood known for its stunning architecture and for being an epicenter for the creative communities of the city. Next a special visit has been arranged to Labor Gallery, which is across the street from The Barragan House, by the Latin School. Meet the owner of the gallery and view the art on exhibit. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

This morning, go on a culinary walk with tastings at the San Juan and Jamaica Markets for an authentic taste of Mexico's world-renowned cuisine. Visit the Museum of Folk Art, a space devoted to protecting, showcasing, and celebrating authentic Mexican handicrafts across all facets of the country's culture and history, to participate in a craft workshop. Later, have dinner at the beautiful La Casa de Los Azulejos, or the House of Tiles, a tile-covered building from the 17th Century that now houses a Sanborns restaurant. Then, enjoy an emblematic dance performance by the Ballet Folklórico de México at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of the most iconic buildings and the major Fine Arts institution of Mexico.

Today departure from the hotel to the city of Puebla, situated approximately 2 hours from Mexico City. Arrival at the main square of the so-called "City of Los Angeles", where there are some of the best examples of religious architecture from the colonial era of Mexico can be seen. Visit of the Cathedral; the Rosary Chapel, an architectural jewel from the 18th century; passing through El Parián (crafts market) and countless houses dating from the same period. Have lunch and then departure to Cholula, which is about 20 minutes away. Visit of the Pyramid, one of the largest and most important on the American continent, of the Cholulteca culture. Return to Mexico, dinner not included.

This morning have breakfast, check-out of the hotel and store luggage at the hotel. After breakfast, travel to Coyoacán, a unique and historically rich borough of Mexico City that is also home to the Casa Azul, also known as the Frida Kahlo Museum (and her former home). Enjoy a private guided visit to learn about the life of Latin America's most notable female artist through her art and artifacts. Visit the church of San Juan Bautista and explore some of Cayoacán's historical green spaces, Jardín Allende and Jardín Centenario. Depart toward Xochimilco, another of Mexico City's pre-colonial gems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to ride through its famous canals aboard a colorful Trajinera. Have an authentic lunch on board. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant featuring live Mariachi. After dinner, pickup luggage and then transfer to the airport for your flight home.