DETAILS
Go behind the scenes of Mexico City’s vibrant contemporary art scene and ancient treasures. Gain VIP access to Zona Maco, Latin America’s largest art fair, before it opens to the public. Visit intriguing contemporary artists in their private studios and enjoy curated tours of archaeological wonders and exceptional museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, housing one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Mesoamerican art. Witness how the city’s Aztec heritage influenced modern artists like Mexico’s own Frida Kahlo, with before-hours access to Kahlo’s lifelong home, Casa Azul.
- Pricing from
- $9,799
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
Feb 3, 2025 - Feb 9, 2025
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL MEXICO CITY POLANCO
Seamlessly merging contemporary elegance with functionality, this refined hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with sophisticated marble-clad bathrooms. Delight in authentic Mexican cuisine at Xanat Bistro & Terraza, or take a refreshing dip in our outdoor pool after a day of activities in the city. Stay active in its health club equipped with cardio machines and free weights. A nearby helipad is available, with complimentary transportation to and from the helipad provided for all guests.
ITINERARY
-
day 1
DEPARTURE / MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Depart by air to Mexico City, where you’ll be welcomed this afternoon and transferred to your hotel. After settling into your room, venture out for an exclusive after-hours tour of the Museo Nacional de Antropología, one of the world’s most acclaimed museums. Wander through 23 cavernous rooms, each dedicated to a pre-Columbian civilization that once thrived in Mexico. Marvel at the colossal Aztec Sun Stone, a 24-ton basalt disc etched with intricate glyphs. Gaze into the stern faces of giant Olmec stone heads. Peer into a meticulous replica of the tomb of Pakal, the great Mayan king. Back at the hotel, raise a glass with your fellow travelers at a reception to kick off your adventure.
-
day 2
MEXICO CITY
Step back in time at the Templo Mayor, the Aztec capital’s beating heart. Built in 1325 and expanded until the Spanish arrived in 1521, this sacred site honored two mighty gods: Huitzilopochtli, the deity of war, and Tlaloc, the bringer of rain and bountiful harvests. The temple embodied the Aztec belief in the delicate balance of life. After lunch, join a curator at the Museo de Arte Moderno to admire masterpieces by celebrated Mexican artists. Take an inside look at the surreal visions of Remedios Varo and Frida Kahlo; the bold, vibrant works of Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros; haunting photographs by Manuel Álvarez Bravo; and a sculpture garden featuring abstract forms by Mathias Goeritz and Manuel Felguérez. Later, on a guided tour of the palatial Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes, towering murals by Rivera and Siqueiros will command your attention. A highlight is the museum’s stunning theater with its extraordinary Tiffany Studios crystal curtain, a shimmering centerpiece that dazzles the eye.
-
day 3
MEXICO CITY
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge creativity at the Museo Jumex, a sleek travertine fortress designed by David Chipperfield. Since its 2013 debut, this museum has housed one of Latin America’s most extensive private collections of contemporary art. Encounter thought-provoking pieces by luminaries like Damien Hirst, Gabriel Orozco, Nancy Rubin, Tacita Dean, Cy Twombly, and Olafur Eliasson. Natural light floods the open galleries through a distinctive sawtooth roof, illuminating each artwork with a gentle glow. After lunch at leisure, dive into the electrifying atmosphere of Zona Maco, Latin America’s premier art fair. With VIP access, you’ll get a sneak peek before the crowds arrive. Immerse yourself in the pulsing energy of Mexico City’s dynamic art community as you explore the installations and mingle with artists and collectors from around the globe. Cap off your day with a stroll through the fashionable Roma neighborhood. Gather for dinner this evening.
-
day 4
MEXICO CITY
Discover a realm of wonder at Casa Gilardi, the final residential masterpiece by celebrated Mexican architect Luis Barragán. Completed in 1976, this private home is a symphony of saturated hues, precisely directed light, and shimmering water, epitomizing Barragán’s signature fusion of modernist ideals and Mexican traditions. A majestic jacaranda tree rises from within. This extraordinary space once inspired American artist James Turrell, who lived here and drew inspiration from its masterful manipulation of light. Continue your exploration at LABOR Gallery, where provocative exhibitions delve into the complexities of labor and the working-class experience. For a unique dining experience, head to Lago/Algo. Perched above the tranquil waters of Lake Chapultepec, this innovative restaurant is housed in a 1964 modernist structure. Here, trendsetting cuisine, contemporary art, and striking architecture converge.
-
day 5
MEXICO CITY
Wander through the lovely streets of Coyoacán, where the Museo Frida Kahlo awaits. Go behind the scenes at this cobalt-blue house known as Casa Azul, Kahlo’s birthplace, childhood home, and creative sanctuary. Nearby, the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo, a masterpiece by architect Juan O’Gorman, invites you to explore the intimate spaces where the iconic artists lived, worked, and entertained. Cap off your morning with a visit to a local artist’s studio. Next, join a curator at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC), Mexico’s first public museum dedicated solely to 21st-century works. Marvel at pieces by trailblazers like Francis Alÿs, Gabriel Orozco, and Damián Ortega. After lunch, find yourself at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Library (UNAM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1949 and 1952, this architectural gem boasts a façade adorned with murals that chronicle Mexico’s history, from the founding of Tenochtitlán to the impact of Spanish colonialism and the nation’s modern evolution. Admire the Central Library’s façade, embellished with mosaics by Juan O’Gorman and David Alfaro Siqueiros’s powerful mural, The People to the University, the University to the People. As evening falls, reconnect with your fellow travelers over a memorable dinner at a beloved Mexico City restaurant.
-
day 6
MEXICO CITY
Join a director or curator on an enchanting journey through the Museo Rufino Tamayo, a treasure trove of modern art founded by the celebrated Mexican artist in 1981. Marvel at masterpieces by giants like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and René Magritte. Rufino Tamayo (1899–1991), a pivotal figure in 20th-century Mexican art, carved out a unique style that melded Mexican identity and cultural traditions with European influences like Cubism and Surrealism. After exploring the museum at your leisure, indulge in a mouthwatering Oaxacan lunch at a renowned restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided exploration of the Kurimanzutto Gallery, a once-nomadic art space now permanently housed in the San Miguel Chapultepec district. Founded by José Kuri, Mónica Manzutto, and thirteen artists inspired by Gabriel Orozco’s vision, this innovative gallery previously transformed unconventional spaces like markets and parking lots into temporary exhibition venues. Kurimanzutto continues to champion new and dynamic forms of expression, nurturing deep connections between artists and the community.
-
day 7
: MEXICO CITY / RETURN
After breakfast, depart for the Mexico City airport and your flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.
Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans