Located at the heart of historic center, the Zócalo takes up an entire city block and is bordered by streets such as Madero, Mariano Escobedo, Donceles and Hidalgo. Its location makes it one of the most important public spaces in Mexico City.
The plaza has been rebuilt several times since 1521 when it was first laid out by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. In 1619, this site was chosen for a new cathedral (the current cathedral) to replace the former church (the Templo Mayor) that had been destroyed during an earlier rebuilding of this site after a fire in 1521. The Templo Mayor had been used for religious ceremonies by Aztecs before Cortés arrived and he wanted a space for his own people's worship.
In addition to being an important religious site, this area also served as a marketplace where goods were sold or traded among people
Embark on a journey through 700 years of history in the heart of Mexico City and discover its historic centre on a pleasant walking tour stopping at many of the most popular and important landmarks that not even the locals know. Your professional tour guide will share with you anecdotes and curious facts that will make your tour a cultural experience that you will never forget.
On this half-day group tour, you will:
Our tour starts at the Anthropology Museum, one of the most renowned and significant museums in the world, where you'll be able to appreciate select items from the extensive pre-Hispanic art collection housed within the museum's walls offering a profound insight into the rich cultural heritage and history of Mexico. The highlight of the museum is the Aztec Hall, where you'll see the famed Aztec Calendar Stone (Sun Stone). This massive monolithic sculpture, with its detailed carvings, is a symbol of Aztec cosmology and artistry.
During the tour, our guide will provide insights into notable artefact that offer a glimpse into the beliefs, way of life, and spirituality of the diverse ancient Mexican civilizations. You will learn about the museum's design, by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, a marvel of modernist architecture in itself. The centerpiece is the vast central courtyard, dominated by a striking 11-meter-tall stone umbrella structure known as "El Paraguas" (The Umbrella), which is supported by a single column and features intricate carvings.
After a short metro bus ride, you will continue through the centre of Mexico City, an area full of emblematic buildings. Your guide will talk about the history of the area and how it represents a focal point for Mexicans today. You will continue along Madero Street, one of Mexico City’s most iconic and bustling pedestrian street stretching from the Torre Latinoamericana to the Zócalo, to enjoy the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of the area.
You will see the Postal Palace and the Iturbide Palace and also The Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) a stunning cultural landmark and an architectural masterpiece, known for its magnificent Art Nouveau and Art Deco design. Discover the historic House of Tiles, a must-see attraction on Madero Street. Its façade is covered in blue and white tiles from Puebla, and it houses a restaurant, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Finally you'll explore the Templo Mayor and walk through its ruins, where your guide will tell you how the monumental building arose in layers over time, as well as the grisly details of the Aztec religion. The Metropolitan Cathedral cathedral is built on the site of the sacred Aztec precinct, including the Templo Mayor. After the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan, the cathedral’s construction began as a symbol of the new colonial order and the spread of Christianity.
Join us on this comprehensive and immersive group tour thorugh the history and culture of ancient Mexico. Walk in the footsteps of the Aztecs and explore the spiritual heart of one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas!
The oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the Americas, Mexico City, has a rich history and an even richer gastronomy showcasing regional specialities from all over the country. Mexican cuisine has been awarded UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in recognition of its complex and fascinating food culture underpinned by traditional techniques and an incredibly diverse range of indigenous ingredients. Join our small group food tour led by a knowledgeable local guide and navigate the sprawling metropolis to uncover the historic and culinary heritage of CDMX, allowing you to savour some of the city’s most emblematic flavours.
On this half-day small-group food tour, you will:
Your afternoon of culinary adventure will begin at the meeting point in the historic heart of Mexico City where you will get acquainted with the guide and the rest of your group before embarking upon a walking tour of Mexico City's historic center. Beginning in the bustling Zócalo square, you will travel back hundreds of years and learn about the origins of the city which was founded by the Mexica people in 1325. You will get the low down on the different civilizations that have shaped the destiny of what is now Mexico City as you pass by some of the most iconic landmarks including the ornate Casa de los Azulejos and the extravagant Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Once you get a feel for the city’s history, it is time to delve into the local food scene. You will have your first taste of world-class Mexican gastronomy with a stop at a local taqueria. Here, you’ll enjoy a variety of mouthwatering tacos with different fillings, giving you an indulgent introduction to one of Mexico's most beloved dishes. You will learn about the traditional variations of tacos as well as the cultural significance of the corn used to make the tortillas. This versatile grain was first cultivated by the indigenous people of southern Mexico over 9000 years ago and remains the cornerstone of Mexican cuisine to this day.
No food tour of Mexico City would be complete without visiting one of the city’s food markets, an integral part of the city’s culinary fabric. The next stop on your tour will be the Mercado de San Juan, a vibrant haven for food lovers nestled within the historic centre. As you wander through the mishmash of stalls bursting with colourful produce, you will see a vivid representation of many of the key ingredients that are the basis for exemplary Mexican recipes and benefit from the generosity of the vendors who frequently offer samples. Your guide will help you uncover some of the more unorthodox elements of Mexican cuisine famously found within the market including unusual meats and insects and you will have the opportunity to expose your taste buds to these unique flavours if you are so inclined.
As you sample the fresh market fare, your guide will explain the unique cultural influences that have shaped Mexican food, from indigenous traditions to Spanish colonial history. You will then proceed to explore another traditional market dedicated to showcasing the work of incredible artisans from all over the country: the Mercado de la Ciudadela. This picturesque multicoloured market is a feast for the eyes and with over 350 vendors selling everything from textiles to ceramics to fantastical folk art sculptures, it is the perfect place to find souvenirs to take home a piece of CDMX.
Following your marvellous market visits, you will end your tour by sampling traditional Mexican beverages, including a taste of Tequila or Mezcal, and learn about their significance in Mexico’s culture and celebrations. As your time together comes to an end, your passionate local guide will be happy to offer a wealth of recommendations of where else to explore in the historic centre and beyond. You will end your day having savoured incredible food and gaining a deeper understanding of the history and traditions that have put Mexican cuisine on the map.
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