Mexico City: The City Of Palaces - Photography, Gastronomy, Fitness and Music

Day 1 (2:00pm Check in - 8:00pm) There's no time to waste. Let's get unpacked and hit the streets of downtown Mexico. September is Independence month, so there's a lot to see day and night, let's make the best of first day. Get used to the location and let's get you ready with your city supplies like a metro card (included). Other essentials like maps, phone chips if needed, food and beverages, etc. (Not included) Mostly at main square look around and chill out at a terrance over seeing the square (food and beverages not included).

Day 2 (8:00 am - 6:00 pm) Let's get in a run-around Alameda Central (main park)and enjoy the fresh air. Do you like coffee? We got one of the best, let's grab a cup and get ready for a big day! Templo Mayor lies underneath the main square, let's check it out. Afterwards we can see the Cathedral and a couple of museums with frescos from our famous Mexican painters. Want to have lunch at the most exotic and gourmet food market in town? To get there, we will walk a pedestrian only street surrounded by amazing colonial and postcolonial buildings. Turn left, and we will have to walk through Chinatown to get to the place! Time to get rid of all those calories, let's climb one of the tallest buildings in the city and catch a panoramic view from the city. Let's jump into the metro and head over to The Mariachi Square (Garibaldi). There, we will go into the Tenampa Cantina, established since 1925 that's THE place to hear mariachi music and learn all about it. I will include a set of 5 songs to serenade at our table, plus a complementary beer. Food and other beverages are available at an additional cost (good place to grab dinner, BTW). We'll get back to the hostel just in time to get ready for Saturday night action, you can have your choice of self exploring, or you can hire me for an additional night tour; by group's choice it can range from jazz clubs, bars, rooftops or even a hipster area where anything can happen.

Day 3 (8:00am - 6:00pm) Rough night? Let's get the body moving... A bicycle ride is the best on Sunday. Mexico's most beautiful street Paseo de la Reforma (our Champs Elyse) is closed off for cars on this day, so we can enjoy its beauty and all the monuments (The Angel of Independence is a MUST). We will ride for 12 km aprox. and arrive at The National Museum of Anthropology, one of the most important museums in Mexico, which will enrich your knowledge of precolonial Mexico (quite impressive). It's about brunch time, let's head over to The Museum of Modern Art its coffee shop called Irrational is a great place to munch and load up on energy. Next stop is a proper castle, where the last emperor of Mexico lived and a must-visit. We are not done yet! Let's go to The Revolution's Plaza, which is a Square with a magnificent monument, The Monument of The Revolution, standing right in the middle. There's a bird view spot on top of it, which will allow you to gaze at the surrounding Art Deco buildings. And for the Chill-Out of the day, a rooftop with a bird view of the whole square for food and drinks (not included). Additional night tour to the trendy hidden bars' scene in the city. Your choice of style.

Day 4 (8:00am - 6:00pm) A case of the Mondays? No way, lots to see! You get a special treat, we are walking to the best churrería in town, named El Moro established since 1935 (4 churros & hot coca package included). Afterwards we'll head over to the Vasconcelos Library (3km) and find some interesting things on the way too. From there we'll go to The Square of The Three Cultures, which happens to be significant for its archeological site, as well as, its tragic story during the 60's. For the second half of the day, we'll visit the Coyoacan District, a hippie-bohemian spot south of the city. Surrounded with beautiful gardens, fountains and local street artists. Also, many great traditional places to grab a meal, I will recommend a few for the tribe to pick. Since it's our last afternoon together, I would suggest a drink in the famous Calaca Bar (Skull-Bar) so we can share pics, our fond memories of the trip and exchange contacts, so we can get the tribe together for another wild adventure soon. First round of beers is on me!

Day 5 (8:00am - 3:00pm) Time to go? Let's say goodbye properly... Get your stuff ready, check out and shove everything into a locker. Depending on your departure time, I'll help you with the logistics to get to the airport on time. In case there's enough time, at 1 pm, we can take a guided tour inside the Palace of Beautiful Arts that lasts around 30 minutes. Afterwards I can help with any last minute pics, souvenir shopping or whatever comes up, until you leave. Can't wait to plan another trip with the tribe!