Mexico City
Go Learn


Colorful hot air baloons floating above the Pyramid of the Sun, the largest structure in the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacán, Mexico.

Mexico City
— Sold Out!




February 22-March 04, 2027
Double Occupancy: $6900 per person
Single Occupancy: $7500 per person
Airfare is not included.

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A Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Central Mexico!

Travel Dates: February 22 – March 4, 2027

Imagine soaring over ancient pyramids in a hot air balloon at sunrise, wandering vibrant neighborhoods shaped by centuries of history, and discovering why Mexico City has become one of the world's most celebrated culinary destinations. Go Learn's Mexico City 2027 journey invites you to explore the rich culture, history, and traditions of central Mexico through immersive experiences, expert guidance, and exceptional food.

From the artistic spirit of San Miguel de Allende to the dynamic energy of Mexico City, you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, visit Frida Kahlo's iconic Casa Azul, cruise the canals of Xochimilco, and gain deeper insight into the people and cultures that have shaped Mexico across the centuries. Along the way, shared meals, local traditions, and meaningful conversations bring each destination to life.

More than a vacation, this is an opportunity to engage thoughtfully with Mexico's cultural heritage while enjoying some of its most memorable culinary and artistic experiences. Throughout the journey, you'll be accompanied by beloved trip leaders Valerie Gates and archaeologist Rick Paine, whose expertise and passion add depth and context to every stop.


aerial view of the historic town square El Jardín, and a neo-Gothic church framed in a green courtyard.
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Guanajuato, Mexico

Tour Highlights Include:

  • Stroll the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, named “Best City in the World” by Travel + Leisure, and enjoy its vibrant art scene, colonial architecture, and unforgettable cuisine.
  • Experience the festive atmosphere of Xochimilco, where colorful trajineras glide through ancient canals once used by the Aztecs. Enjoy local food, live mariachi music, and the vibrant energy of this unique Mexican tradition.
  • Visit Coyoacan, a charming neighborhood filled with history and color, including a tour of the iconic Casa Azul (Blue House), former home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
  • Explore the Templo Mayor, the spiritual heart of the Aztec Empire.
  • Sample the bold, diverse flavors that define Mexico City during a guided street food tour through phenomenal markets and city stalls.
  • Watch the sun come up over the Pyramid of the Sun from a hot-air balloon in Teotihuacan. After landing, join our guide Rick for a walking tour through the ancient city’s ruins and temples.
  • Enjoy elevated dining experiences showcasing regional flavors and contemporary Mexican cuisine.
  • Tour five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each offering a unique glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

Rick and Valerie are a pleasure to travel with. I loved the street food tour and the balloon ride. Each provided a unique aspect and view of Mexico. "

— Jenny Faber, Mexico 2026


Daily Itinerary

Welcome to Mexico City, one of the world's great cultural and culinary capitals. Upon arrival at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), you'll make your way to our hotel in the heart of the city where Rick and Val will be waiting to greet you. We encourage an early afternoon arrival to allow time to settle in, relax, and prepare for the journey ahead.

This evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner, our first opportunity to experience Mexico City's renowned culinary traditions while connecting with fellow travelers.

Hotel: Rodona Hotel opens a new window

Meals: Dinner

Activity Level: Moderate

A triumphal column topped with a gilded winged victory statue with skyscapers in the background
The Angel of Independence (Monumento a la Independencia), Mexico City

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll begin the day with a guided walk through the surrounding neighborhood, an opportunity to get acquainted with the rhythms, architecture, and daily life of one of the world's most fascinating cities.

Following a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, we'll visit one of Mexico City's premier archaeological museums, where remarkable artifacts and exhibits offer insight into the civilizations that shaped the country's history and cultural identity.

This evening, we'll gather for dinner at one of the city's celebrated restaurants, continuing our exploration of the traditions, flavors, and stories that define Mexico's contemporary culinary scene.

Hotel: Rodona Hotel opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level: Moderate

A striking building with white marble and glass dome ceiling against a twilight sky and lit by warm lamps.
Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), Mexico City

Today is dedicated to one of Mexico City's greatest cultural treasures: its food. We'll set out on a guided street food tour, exploring vibrant local markets, neighborhood eateries, and bustling stalls beloved by residents. Along the way, you'll sample a variety of regional specialties while learning how food reflects the history, migration, and traditions that have shaped the city over generations.

More than just a meal, this immersive experience offers a window into everyday life in Mexico City, where culinary traditions are woven into the fabric of community and culture.

After the tour, enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. And fair warning: after a day of tasting your way through the city, dinner may be the last thing on your mind.

Hotel: Rodona Hotel opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

materials for taco making on a large round griddle.
Street food vendor preparing tacos on a comal

Before dawn, we'll head to Teotihuacan for a hot-air balloon ride over one of the most important ancient cities in the Americas. As the sun rises over the Valley of Mexico, we'll take in sweeping views of the Pyramid of the Sun and the surrounding archaeological landscape from above.

Back on the ground, Rick will guide us through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, sharing insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of a city that was among the largest and most influential in the world between AD 100 and 700. Highlights include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the city's political and ceremonial center.

We'll enjoy a group lunch at La Gruta, a one-of-a-kind dining experience set within a natural cave near the site, before returning to Mexico City. The evening is yours to explore at your own pace.

Hotel: Rodona Hotel opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

Tachog Lhakhang's iron chain bridge
A hot-air balloon ride at sunrise over Teotihuacan

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll have time to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma Norte, known for their leafy boulevards, striking architecture, and thriving café culture. This independent exploration offers a chance to experience daily life in two of Mexico City's most beloved districts.

We'll reconvene for a memorable group lunch before traveling by private coach to Coyoacán, a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, colorful plazas, and artistic heritage. There, we'll visit the iconic Casa Azul (Blue House) Museum, the former home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and gain insight into the life and work of one of Mexico's most influential artists.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Explore the city, enjoy dinner wherever you choose, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this remarkable destination.

Hotel: Rodona Hotel opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity Level: Moderate

A closeup of a vibrant blue and orange building with a yello sign that says: Museo Frida Kahlo.
Casa Azul (Blue House) Museum, Coyoacán

Enjoy a leisurely morning to relax, browse local shops, or simply wander and enjoy our neighborhood at your own pace.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way to Xochimilco, a historic network of canals and floating gardens that once helped sustain the Aztec capital. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its colorful trajineras, brightly painted boats that glide through the canals while families and friends gather to celebrate special occasions.

As we cruise through the waterways, we'll sample local food and drinks, take in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy the sounds of mariachi music drifting across the water. It's a lively and memorable introduction to a tradition that has endured for centuries.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Hotel: Rodona Hotel opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

colorful and brightly painted boats each filled with a long table and chairs on both sides.
colorful trajineras on the Xochimilco

After breakfast, we'll explore the historic heart of Mexico City, where the legacies of the Aztec Empire and colonial New Spain converge. Centered around the Zócalo, we'll visit the Templo Mayor and the Metropolitan Cathedral, two landmarks that tell the story of the city's layered past. Once the spiritual center of the Aztec world, the Templo Mayor lay hidden beneath the city for nearly 500 years before its remarkable rediscovery in the twentieth century. Today, the entire historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following our morning exploration, we'll return to Condesa for lunch on your own before departing Mexico City for San Miguel de Allende. Upon arrival, settle into our beautiful hotel and take in the charm of this celebrated colonial city.

Hotel: Hacienda El Santuario opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level: Moderate

aerial view of the historic town square El Jardín, and a neo-Gothic church framed in a green courtyard.
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Guanajuato, Mexico

After breakfast, we'll spend the day discovering San Miguel de Allende, a city celebrated for its colonial architecture, thriving arts scene, and vibrant cultural traditions. Named Travel + Leisure's "Best City in the World" twice and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel has long captivated visitors with its beauty, creativity, and sense of place.

Enjoy time to wander its cobblestone streets, admire its colorful façades, browse galleries and artisan shops, and soak in the atmosphere of one of Mexico's most beloved destinations. Lunch is on your own, offering the perfect opportunity to discover a café or restaurant that catches your eye.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Hotel: Hacienda El Santuario opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast

Activity Level: Moderate

an evening street with people wandering through cobblestone with a large gothic church in the background.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

Today we'll journey to the enchanting city of Guanajuato. Traveling by private coach, we'll make several meaningful stops along the way, including the Santuario de Atotonilco, often called the "Sistine Chapel of Mexico," and Dolores Hidalgo, the birthplace of Mexico's independence movement. While there, we'll enjoy a regional lunch featuring carnitas and homemade ice cream, a local specialty.

Once among the world's most important silver-mining centers, Guanajuato flourished on its mineral wealth and became one of the most prosperous cities in the Spanish Empire. Today, its colorful hillside neighborhoods, winding alleyways, and remarkable architecture have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Hidalgo Market, designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer behind Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower.

After returning to San Miguel de Allende, the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Discover a local restaurant, stroll the illuminated streets, or simply relax after a day of exploration.

Hotel: Hacienda El Santuario opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

Colorful buildings facing a cobbled street
Guanajuato City, Mexico

Enjoy a leisurely morning to sleep in, browse local shops, or simply wander the picturesque streets of San Miguel de Allende. Today offers an opportunity to embrace the city's easy rhythm and discover its unique character at your own pace.

Spend the day exploring colorful neighborhoods, stopping into galleries and artisan boutiques, and finding the perfect spot for lunch on your own. Whether you're people-watching from a café, photographing the city's beautiful architecture, or revisiting a favorite corner, this final day is yours to savor.

This evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey together and reflect on the people, places, and experiences that have made this adventure memorable.

Hotel: Hacienda El Santuario opens a new window

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity Level: Moderate

Terra cotta buildings framing a large church with gothic spires and a bright yellow dome.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

Enjoy one final breakfast together before transferring to Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) for your journey home.

As our time in Mexico comes to an end, we hope you leave with lasting memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and culinary traditions that make this country so remarkable. From ancient cities and vibrant markets to unforgettable meals and meaningful conversations, this journey has offered a unique window into the many stories that shape Mexico today.

Safe travels, and until our paths cross again, ¡adiós!

Meals: Breakfast

Activity Level: Easy

A woman rowing a low boat filled with flower baskets.
Flower vendor navigating the historic canals of Xochimilco

Tour Leaders

a man in a tan jacket.
Rick Paine
a woman with curly hair and brown jacket.
Valerie Gates

Rick Paine

Rick Paine has been introducing University of Utah students to the wonders of Mesoamerican archaeology since 1995. He has led several learning abroad trips to Costa Rica, teaching tropical forest ecology and land use, as well as GoLearn's Maya/Guatemala adventure. Rick is an experienced Maya scholar and has conducted fieldwork at several Maya sites, as well as excavations in Turkey, and the United States. Rick is currently a member of the Mirador Basin archaeological project. El Mirador is a colossal pre-Classic Maya site in the Peten rainforest of northern Guatemala; it is a key to understanding the rise of Maya civilization.


Valerie Gates

Valerie Gates is a teacher and the English as a Second Language coordinator at West High School in Salt Lake City. Valerie was the 2016 Salt Lake District Teacher of the Year, and the 2017 Utah Teacher of the Year. The same warmth, dedication, and attention to every detail that make her an exceptional teacher make Valerie an amazing tour leader.

Valerie has a great love of Mexican and Central American culture, which she loves to share. Valerie and her husband, Rick Paine, have led the GoLearn Maya trip to Guatemala and Honduras, as well as the Oaxaca trip. Valerie grew up in Montreal and Toronto, and has travelled extensively in Europe, Turkey, Mexico and Central America. She has worked at El Mirador, on two archaeological projects in Honduras, and several in the United States, and considers herself a qualified digger. Valerie and Rick have lived in Denmark and Honduras, as well as the US and Canada. When they were excavating at Copan, Valerie and Rick drove from Pennsylvania to Honduras and back.

Details and What to Expect

February 22-March 4, 2027

Tour is limited to 14 participants

Double occupancy: $6,900 per person.

Single occupancy: $7,500 per person.

Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.

Read the Terms and Conditions for payment and cancellation details.

Terms & Conditions

Included

  • Hotel accommodations
  • All hotel accommodations as stated in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts and meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers and local transportation
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • Guided Street Food Tour
  • Entry/tickets to museums and sites as stated in the itinerary
  • All gratuities for meals, local guides, and drivers

Not included

  • Airfare to and from Mexico. Important Note: We are arriving to Mexico City at the Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) and departing from the Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO)
  • Souvenir photos from hot air balloon ride
  • Meals that are not specifically noted in the itinerary
  • Museums and historical sites not noted in itinerary
  • Cancellation and lost luggage insurance
  • Any costs outside of the itinerary

Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins at home. We’ll meet about a month or so before the trip to discuss travel logistics and packing. Our guides Valerie and Rick live in Massachusetts, so we’ll be having our pre-departure meeting online. This trip may appeal to travelers from all over the U.S., and we’re happy to send you all the necessary information you’ll need in advance if you cannot join us for this meeting.

A trip reunion about a month after returning will be the perfect conclusion to our journey. We’ll exchange pictures and stories while remembering the highlights of our tour. Go Learn expeditions are designed to be small, boutique experiences where one returns with a group who become friends for life. Good food, drink, and company await us at this reunion.

February is an excellent time to visit the Mexican highlands. Temperatures are pleasant and skies are clear, but it does get cool at night. Daytime temperatures in Mexico City are generally in the mid-70s to 80s (Fahrenheit). Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s (Fahrenheit). A jacket or fleece is recommended for early mornings and evenings.

In order to fully explore the sights on our itinerary, participants should be in reasonably good health and not subject to major mobility challenges. This trip will involve moderate walking and easy hiking. Both San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato are fairly hilly (much less than hills in SLC’s Avenues, for example). Teotihuacan is very sunny and gets hot as the day goes on. A good hat and sunscreen are essential.

This is an Activity Level 2 trip. Learn More about our activity levels.

Activity Levels

This trip includes multiple walking tours of various cities, neighborhoods, and archeological site. Participants should be able to board the shuttles, buses, and hot air balloons independently and manage their own luggage as required.

Please note that our boutique hotels are housed in historic buildings and do not have elevators. Participants should be comfortable climbing stairs and navigating uneven sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and occasional inclines. We may average 5 miles of walking per day and while touring museums or archeological sites, we may be required to stand for extended periods of time.

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes; we’ll be doing a lot of walking! We will rely on private coaches for our transportation.

Many people dining on colorfully painted tables and chairs inside of a volcanic grotto.
La Gruta, located inside a natural volcanic grotto in San Juan Teotihuacán, Mexico.