• Basilica of Guadalupe

  • Toluca

  • Cradle of Muralism

  • Palace of Fine Arts

  • National Museum of Anthropology

  • Diego Rivera Studio-Home

  • Fresh Fruits at Local Markets

  • National Palace

  • Taxco

  • Toluca

  • Chapultepec Castle

  • Xochicalco

  • Xochimilco

  • Teotihuacan

  • The National University (UNAM)

  • Tula Archaeological Zone

Mexico continues to break records as one of the world’s major tourist destinations. As one of the host countries for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, even more visitors have discovered that Mexico offers so much more than its spectacular beaches. From outstanding restaurants—including several Michelin-starred establishments—to world-class art, extraordinary archaeological sites, spectacular folk art, and striking viceregal religious art and architecture, there truly is something for every taste.

And there is always something new to discover. The Dolores Olmedo Museum, home to the largest private collection of Frida Kahlo paintings, recently reopened its doors after a six-year hiatus. The new MUT Textile Museum occupies a gorgeous, impeccably restored colonial building and even incorporates a fascinating archaeological window.

Add to that the city’s countless art galleries, constantly changing temporary exhibitions, magnificent urban art, vibrant markets, seemingly endless concerts, and an extraordinary range of restaurants. Combine all of this with Mexico’s legendary hospitality, and you have an unparalleled vacation destination—one that offers something new and exciting around every corner.

We're here to help, because, on the surface, Mexico may seem easy to understand—but there are layers of history, culture, art, and tradition that aren’t always easy to grasp on your own.

Understand Mexico can help you make the most of your time in and around Mexico City by helping you prioritize what to see and do. We offer a wide range of experiences, from the must-see National Museum of Anthropology and the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan to the obligatory visit to historic downtown—and all sorts of customized routes in between. Tell us what interests you, and we’ll help you discover Mexico!

Looking for an in-depth exploration of a historical, anthropological, artistic, or cultural site in or around the capital?   That's our specialty. Consider joining one of our learning experiences, designed to go beyond simply seeing a place and help you understand it.

Schedule a private tour tailored to your interests and travel plans.  Contact us directly to discuss what you'd like to see.

Or join one of our pre-planned group tours.  Check our calendar by clicking the “Calendar” button on the blue ribbon at the top of this page to see upcoming group activities.

If you’re a local, sign up for our regular newsletter for updates on our group tours. We hate spam and promise never to share your email with anyone!

Mexico city tours

Outside CDMX

Talks

Understand Mexico offers a wide array of colorful, dynamic PowerPoint presentations, conferences, and informal talks on sundry topics related to Mexico. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico, the American School Foundation, The International Women’s Club of Mexico (Formerly Newcomers’ Club), and The Ebell of Los Angeles are among our clients.

When COVID hit and tourism came to an unexpected halt, we discovered the magic of Zoom and shifted our attention from offering in-person museum and walking tours to providing weekly talks on Mexican history, anthropology, and virtual tours.  Painted Walls: Mexico’s Modern Muralist Movement, Mexico City’s Signature Museums, Prehispanic Cultures, the Indigenous People of Mexico, Magical Neighborhoods, Magical Towns, Nimble Fingers: The Handmade Crafts of Mexico, and Day of the Dead are just a few of our recent topics. We also provide intercultural briefings and an introduction to life in Mexico for ex-pats.

Among our most requested topics:

General Culture

  • A Taste of Mexico (Introduction to Mexico)
  • Random Reasons to Love Mexico (A Potpourri of Why I Love This Country) Part One and Part Two
  • Gift of the Gods: Native Foods of Mexico (from Prehispanic Times to Today)
  • Painted Walls: Mexico’s Modern Muralist Movement
  • Diego Rivera: Master Muralist and Latin Lover
  • Frida Kahlo: The Woman Behind the Pain
  • Remarkable Mexican Women
  • Nimble Fingers: The Handmade Treasures of Mexico (Crafts)
  • Legends of Love: The Untold Love Stories of Mexico
  • Day of the Dead Festivities: What’s It All About?
  • Piñatas, Posadas and Pastorelas: The 3 Ps of a Mexican Christmas
  • The Reckoning of Time: Ancient Calendars
  • Out of Context: Foreigners Who Left Their Mark on Mexico (and the World) Part One and Part Two

 

The Virtual Armchair Travel Series

  • CDMX’s Magical Neighborhoods: A Virtual Tour
  • Mexico’s Enchanting Magical Towns
  • Mexico’s Signature Museums: An Armchair Tour
  • Teotihuacan: The City Where the Gods were Born
  • Templo Mayor: Ruins in the Heart of Mexico City: A Virtual Tour
  • Tlatelolco: Plaza of the Three Cultures
  • The City of the Eagle and the Serpent: Prehispanic Mexico City
  • Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites; An Armchair Tour
  • Mexico City Seen Through Its Art
  • National Museum of Anthropology: Right Wing
  • National Museum of Anthropology: Left Wing
  • National Museum of Anthropology:  Ethnographic Halls
  • The Hidden Museums of Mexico
  • The Charms of Chiapas
  • The Pleasures of Puebla: A Virtual Tour
  • Zipping Through Zacatecas
  • Hidalgo State:  From Poor to Powerful
  • Reforma Avenue: A Microcosm of Mexico

 

Shaping A Nation (history series can be given independently or as a series)

  • Mesoamerica – Mexico Before the Conquest
  • Overtaking an Empire: The Discover and Conquest of America
  • III. 300 Years of Mexico’s History Erased:  The Spanish Viceroyalty (1521-1821)
  • Breaking the Chains from Spain: Mexico’s Independence
  • Maximilian and Carlota: Mexico’s Second Empire Gone Array
  • VII. Unravelling the Mexico Revolution
  • VIII.  Picking Up the Pieces:  Post-Revolutionary Mexico