Mexico with Elysse DaVega

Dates

Oct 6–11, 2024

Group Size

8–24 Travelers

Duration

6 days, 5 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

Get in loser, VAMOS A MÉXICO! There's a reason I've lost count of how many times I've been to Mexico City, and it's that there's *always* something new to see there. But if this is your first time in CDMX, consider this trip a beginner's crash-course in all it has to offer. This will be a Spanish immersion trip *mostly in Spanish* for those wanting to practice (or perfect) their Spanish, or learn more about Mexico's dialect! I've planned some group gatherings and Spanish workshops on the itinerary outside of excursions, but we can plan more once we get a group chat going ~ On this 6-day trip, you can expect a guided tour of the city, a cooking class where we'll make traditional Mexican dishes, a visit to Frida Kahlo's former home, ancient pyramid adventures at Teotihuacán, and so much more. Ready to become a certified chilango? Book a spot, bestie -- nos vemos en México!!
$2,297USD
$2,397USD
Oct 6–11, 2024
6 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Elysse DaVega
Elysse DaVega

24 year-old self-taught polyglot & globetrotter. I've traveled from Mexico to Morocco, Tennessee to Türkiye, and Guatemala to Germany -- if you take a group trip with me, you're in good hands. Stop just learning a language and come LIVE IT with me!

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Trip Activities

  • Mexico City City Tour

  • Local Market Visit

  • Cooking Class

  • Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul visit

  • Basílica de Guadalupe Tour

  • Teotihuacan Visit

Optional Activities*

  • Lucha Libre Evening

*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers

  • Tips for Guides

What's included by Your Host

Spanish Game Night

Informal Gathering
After dinner, let's all hang out at the hotel or elsewhere for an informal game night! We'll get to know each other more and play Uno, Lotería, or any other games you guys want. Caguamas optional, fun mandatory <3

Xochimilco Day

Informal Gathering
Who's up for a day in Xochimilco, Mexico City? We'll spend 2 hours on a trajinera (flat-bottomed boat) tour, practicing our Spanish all the while. Get ready to float through the canals on colorful boats, sing along to mariachis, and drink and snack on anything you can fit in that tote bag. (Booze included ;)) Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens and lively atmosphere, as well as remnants of the ancient lake and canal system that once covered the Valley of Mexico. Va a estar chido, no te lo pierdas! 🚣‍♀️🎶🌮 The boat rental and snacks/drinks will come at your own cost, separate from trip pricing. We'll all split the boat rental at roughly 300-500 pesos/hour (haggling will ensue, lol), but the more people come, the cheaper it is for all :)

Chapultepec Peddle Boat + Picnic

Informal Gathering
For those with a later flight or staying longer, let's head out for a day in the sun! First we'll lay out for a picnic in Chapultepec Park, and then pair up for pedal boating at the Lago de Chapultepec. Both activities will come at your own cost, separate from trip pricing (~50-80 pesos for the pedal boat rental, and we'll head out in a group to buy our own food & snacks for the picnic.)

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into MEX.

dinner

Welcome dinner included at a local restaurant. Your dinner will typically be a set menu with one non-alcoholic beverage included.

Spanish Game Night

After dinner, let's all hang out at the hotel or elsewhere for an informal game night! We'll get to know each other more and play Uno, Lotería, or any other games you guys want. Caguamas optional, fun mandatory <3

Hotel Punto MX (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/5

Overnight in Mexico City.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 2

Info

This morning, fill up on breakfast and head out to explore Mexico City! You’ll start with a quick transfer to the historic city center where you’ll embark on a walking tour to the important landmarks of the city center. After, you’ll head over to a local crafts market to explore the handiwork of local artisans and have lunch on your own nearby. After lunch, return to your hotel for a quick rest before you head out in the late afternoon for your crash course in Mexican cuisine with a cooking class this evening! After your class, you’ll take a return transfer back to the hotel. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking!), a water bottle, camera, and a small bag.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Punto MX offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Mexico City City Tour

3 Hours

After a quick 10 minute transfer you’ll begin your private tour, led by your guide, around the city’s most important buildings. You will make stops at the Government Palace, Colegio de San Ildefonso, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes - entrance to all three are included. You will be walking to and from each attraction; expect to walk 3-5 miles in total on paved and occasional cobblestone streets.

Local Market Visit

1 Hour 30 Mins

After learning about the significance of each landmark, you’ll take a 30 minute transfer to a local artisans market. Here you’ll find many handcrafts and folk art made by the local artisans. Expect to walk around just under a mile on flat concrete walkways. You’ll have free time to explore the market and its unique goods as well as grab lunch nearby. Then you'll take a 20 minute transfer back to the hotel.

Cooking Class

4 Hours

This evening you will take a short 15 minute transfer to meet the private chef that will be leading the cooking class. They will bring you to a local market to pick out ingredients and then bring you back and teach you how to prepare them. Corn and chile are the main ingredients of the class and your chef will share with you a few of their tasty secrets and special techniques. Altogether you will prepare a 4 course meal along with 3 Mexican cocktails. Aprons are provided to keep your clothes clean! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this experience is sure to be unforgettable. Vegetarian options available, please indicate your dietary preferences or any allergies on your traveler trip form.

Hotel Punto MX (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/5

Overnight in Mexico City.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 3

Info

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a transfer to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul museum and explore the history and works of the legendary artist. After your visit, you’ll head to the famous Coyoacan neighborhood where you’ll be able grab lunch on your own. After lunch, you’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon. If you plan on attending the optional Lucha Libre activity in the evening, it is recommended that you eat dinner before departing to the activity as the show will end late in the evening. You’ll head out to the activity around 5pm. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle, a camera, and a small bag.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Punto MX offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Transfer to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul

1 Hour

Take a private transfer from the hotel to the Frida Kahlo Museum. Transfer time will depend on traffic conditions.

Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul visit

3 Hours

The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, is the historic home and birthplace of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Following her death in 1954, Frida’s husband Diego Rivera donated the house and its entire contents to the city of Mexico in 1957, where it was turned into a museum, dedicated to the life and work of this famous artist and philanthropist. Entrance to the museum is included however permission to take pictures is not included but can be purchased on site at an additional cost. Disclaimer: the Frida Kahlo museum is closed on Mondays.

Lucha Libre Evening (optional)

3 Hours 10 Mins

Your experience will begin around 5pm in the early evening. You will take a short 15 minute private transfer to the venue. Get ready for an unforgettable night of cheer and celebration that this traditional sport generates in tourists and Mexican supporters alike. Sip on a local beer (at an additional cost) while you cheer on your favorite masked luchador (wrestler). Disclaimer: This activity is only available Tuesday, Friday & Saturday. If you plan on attending the optional Lucha Libre activity in the evening, it is recommended that you eat dinner before departing to the activity as the show will end late in the evening.

Hotel Punto MX (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/5

Overnight in Mexico City.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 4

Info

Today you will be exploring some of Mexico City’s most important cultural landmarks and structures. After breakfast you will take a transfer to the Basilica de Guadalupe. Here your guide will explain its significance not only within Mexico City, but also within Mexico and even Latin America. You’ll explore the grounds and visit the beautiful church before hopping back on the bus to Teotihuacan. You will have lunch before exploring the ancient pyramids. After lunch, you’ll begin your experience with a local guide who will lead you on a tour of these ancient structures and on a historical journey back in time. After your tour, you’ll head back to the hotel to rest and get dinner on your own. You will be walking a lot today so make sure to bring comfortable clothes, comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera!

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Punto MX offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Basílica de Guadalupe Tour

2 Hours

After a 40 minute transfer you'll reach the Basilica. The most important catholic sanctuary in Latin America and visited by millions of pilgrims each year, the Basilica is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of the country. It was built on a site where, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to a native Mexican peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531, symbolizing the merging of indigenous and Catholic beliefs. Expect to walk around a mile or so on concrete and stone as you explore the Basilica, and the surrounding square and grounds.

Transfer to Lunch

1 Hour

Take a private transfer to lunch by Teotihuacan. Transfer time will depend on traffic conditions.

lunch

Lunch is included at a local restaurant near Teotihuacan. Lunch will typically be a buffet lunch with unlimited refills on non-alcoholic beverages.

Teotihuacan Visit

4 Hours

Hop on a quick 20 minute transfer after lunch to Teotihuacan. Visit the spectacular ancient site, home to some of the most impressive pyramids in the world. A local guide will explain to you the history of these magnificent structures including the pyramids of the sun and moon, whose outline echoes the shape of the surrounding mountains. You’ll also tour the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Avenue of the Dead. Expect to walk 4-6 miles on paved, sand, dirt, and rock walkways, as well as uneven surfaces and multiple flights of steps/stairs. Disclaimer: The pyramids are closed on Mondays.

Return Transfer from Teotihuacan

1 Hour 30 Mins

Take a return transfer from Teotihuacan to the hotel. Transfer time will depend on traffic conditions.

Hotel Punto MX (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 4/5

Overnight in Mexico City.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 5

Info

Today is a free day for you to explore! Visit more of Mexico’s magnificent sights, do some shopping and grab a few souvenirs to take home. In the evening you’ll share one last meal with your group and reminisce on the memories made!

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Punto MX offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Xochimilco Day

Who's up for a day in Xochimilco, Mexico City? We'll spend 2 hours on a trajinera (flat-bottomed boat) tour, practicing our Spanish all the while. Get ready to float through the canals on colorful boats, sing along to mariachis, and drink and snack on anything you can fit in that tote bag. (Booze included ;)) Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens and lively atmosphere, as well as remnants of the ancient lake and canal system that once covered the Valley of Mexico. Va a estar chido, no te lo pierdas! 🚣‍♀️🎶🌮 The boat rental and snacks/drinks will come at your own cost, separate from trip pricing. We'll all split the boat rental at roughly 300-500 pesos/hour (haggling will ensue, lol), but the more people come, the cheaper it is for all :)

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant included. Your dinner will typically be a set menu with one non-alcoholic beverage included.

Hotel Punto MX (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 5/5

Overnight in Mexico City.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 6

Info

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of MEX.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The Punto MX offers a buffet breakfast, subject to change. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Chapultepec Peddle Boat + Picnic

For those with a later flight or staying longer, let's head out for a day in the sun! First we'll lay out for a picnic in Chapultepec Park, and then pair up for pedal boating at the Lago de Chapultepec. Both activities will come at your own cost, separate from trip pricing (~50-80 pesos for the pedal boat rental, and we'll head out in a group to buy our own food & snacks for the picnic.)

Show DetailsHide Details

Physical Activity Level:Exploration

These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Traveling with TrovaTrip

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In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

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We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

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What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

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Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

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Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

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If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

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It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.