Mexico City Activities
When it comes to a city so rich in culture, it’s hard it narrow down the top can’t-miss experiences, so we spoke with our Director of Hospitality, Timothy Dillon, to get his destination debrief and help highlighting a few must-do’s in CDMX.
Luis Barragan's Casa Giraldi
“Renowned architect Luis Barragán’s influence on Mexico City’s architectural style is apparent throughout this entire sprawling city. Arguably the most famous Mexican architect in history, Barragán, who was born in Guadalajara, has famous homes and structures across Mexico.
While his personal home and studio is one of the most recommended sites to see in CDMX, I was struck more by his Casa Giraldi, a private residence in the San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhood that he was commissioned to build as a residence and office for advertising maven Martin Luque. The home was completed in the late 70s at the very end of his career in conjunction with an architectural retrospective led by MoMA that he was asked to take part in.
The home to this day remains a private residence to the Luque Family and is not easily as visited as Barragán’s home and studio which drastically creates a more intimate environment with the site. As with all of his designs, the colors used, the way he plays with window lighting, and the dramatic vantage points throughout the building are mesmerizing. The stunning jacaranda tree in which the house is built around was there long before the design work began and helped persuade Barragán, who had no interest in taking on the commission, to accept and design the home.
My friend and I spent 2 hours admiring the home which is not expansive. We felt as though we had been welcomed to a friend’s and were encouraged to stay for tea with the curator. It was a special visit.
This is a perfect stop to make while spending a day exploring Chapultepec, Mexico City’s largest and most well known public park.”
Xochimilco Sunrise Tour
“I’ll preface my share by noting this experience requires an early morning (5:00am) wake up which I am not keen on and will resist for nearly any other circumstance, BUT I have never woken up for something more worthwhile in years.
Xochimilco Park, set in the neighborhood of the same name, is home to the famous canals of Xochimilco, the last remnants of a vast water transport system built by the Aztecs. This extensive series of floating gardens is truly breathtaking. The banks of the waterways are flanked by papyrus, ahuejotes (similar to cypress trees), pines, and eucalyptus which actually help protect and support the floating gardens.
The sunrise chinampa experience I took part in is offered through Arca Tierra, an agricultural initiative that produces and markets organic food and promotes gastronomic experiences for vistors. This farm provides produce to both Enrique Olvera’s Pujol and Jorge Vallejo’s Quintonil, two restaurants ranked in the top 50 in the world. Arca Tierra provides some of the best guides in CDMX to take you through a sunrise boat ride in the gardens and canals, ultimately docking at their private finca where you are served a multi-course tasting breakfast menu paired with the most rich coffee I have tasted in years (which is significant having just visited Colombia, a nation known for it’s coffee). Everything put in front of us was so fresh and was made using only ingredients grown on the very farm we were touring.
The amount of knowledge and care for the canals, agricultural processes, and overall sustainability passed on through our guide was significant. We left this experience knowing it was something we’d cherish and remember for the rest of our lives.
If you’re open to an early morning, please take my word and visit Arca Tierra.”
Teotihuacán Pyramids
“While visiting the Teotihuacán Pyramids definitely stands out as an overtly tourist/site seeing activity, I highly recommend fitting it into your CDMX itinerary.
These ruins are some of the oldest in the world dating back to 100BCE. Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas, considered as the first advanced civilization on the North American continent, with a population estimated at 125,000 or more, making it at least the sixth-largest city in the world during its time.
The vast landscape and design of these structures (many of which were admittedly reconstructed from dig sites) is impactful. Work with our team to confirm the visit with a private guide who will be able to educate you on the history of the site and take you into specific areas not known by all visitors. This mostly includes the preserved painted murals that are hidden throughout the park and some of which are only accessed privately.
The sheer size of both the Moon and Sun pyramids is both disorienting and inspriring. How these structures were built the way they were when they were is just incredible.
So much is still unknown about the pyramids and the people who lived here which is both mysterious but emphasizes just how historic the city is. Take the 3 hours to go see it. You’ll be glad you did.
I’ll also note, this is a bit of a hiking experience and will undoubtedly leave you needing a slower day afterwards. Pack water, wear SPF, and proper footwear. There are steep part of the journey. Plan accordingly!”
Contributor — Alexandra DuPont