Internationals Mexico City / Aztec Explorers

Malinco is one of the 132 Pueblos Mágicos and also has an unique archeological site. It is located at around 2 hours of Mexico City, in the State of Mexico. In a beautiful valley of exuberant vegetation at the foot of the mountains we can encounter this magical, ancestral town with cobbled streets and multicolored houses. Its streets are dotted with flowers that sprout from the walls of its colonial mansions and small temples from the 11th and 17th centuries, that will take you on a journey through Mexico’s past.

On the hill of idols awaits the archaeological zone, one of the most beautiful in the state and where a magnificent panoramic view of the town can be appreciated. This is one of the most important Aztec sites and was discovered in 1933. The visible complex dates from the Aztec Empire but the site’s use as a ceremonial center appears to be much older. The complex was built from the mid 15th century to the beginnings of the 16th. To get to the Cerro de los Idolos, you have to climb 426 stairs up to 125 meters, but you will be rewarded with amazing views and beautiful remainders of Mexicos rich prehispanic past.

Let´s explore a traditional Nochebuena / Poinsettia flower market, viveros (green houses) and beautiful Chinampas (islands created in prehispanic times), with more poinsettia flowers, in the outskirts of Xochimilco, the 3rd largest of the 16 boroughs of Mexico City.

This beautiful flower is was cultivated by the Aztecs for use in traditional medicine. They became associated with the Christmas holiday and are now popular Christmas decorations. In Nahuatl, the name is Cuetlaxóchitl.

Note: this is NOT near the ports of the boat trips by trajinera in Xochimilco, but an amazing, off the beaten track place !

First we will have a beautiful guided walk of around 1.5 hours through beautiful Chinampas and Channels, where the Nochebuena / Poinsettia flower are grown. We will explain about the significance of this flower in prehispanic and modern times, plus we will explain about the Chinampas and Channels, that were created in prehispanic times. The walk takes us along agricultural fields, bridges and the bright colors of the flowers are all around us.

Afterwards we will visit a traditional flower market and nearby plant nurseries, with more poinsettia flowers and more amazing foto opportunities. Plus optionally we can try delicious local food in one of the many traditional food stalls.

The Chinampas, Viveros and Flower market are still within the Mexico City limits, in the outskirts of Xochimilco, around 1.5 hours South of the historical city center of Mexico City, depending on traffic.

Let´s visit the wonderful and unique in the world Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary ´El Rosario´.

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site containing the over-wintering habitats of the population of the monarch butterfly. The reserve is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt pine-oak forests ecoregion on the border of Michoacán and Mexico State, 100 km (62 milles), northwest of Mexico City. Millions of butterflies arrive in the preserve annually. Butterflies only inhabit a fraction of the 56,000 hectares of the reserve from October-March. The biosphere’s mission is not only to protect the butterfly species, but it's habitat as well.

It is a steep walk uphill for about 1 to 1,5 hours; we will take it slowly to get used to the hight (3000 meters) and to enjoy the incredible views of the forest and the Monarch Butterflies (there are horses available).

It is important to pay asap 5/7 days before the date tour, to make sure we can arrange the right transport for the right amount of people.

The price is 1050 Mexican Pesos and includes private transport for the group, experienced driver, coordinator and entrance to the Butterfly Sanctuary.

Let´s explore the amazing archeological site Teotihuacán! Every Saturday and Monday from 7.30 to 15.00 with transport from Mexico City, entrance and certified guide. We start early to escape the crowds and the heat.

Departure is normally from Angel de la Independencia (Reforma). But pickup from Narvarte, Condesa or Centro MIGHT also be possible; check with us.

This is a complete visit to the highlights and hidden gems of Teotihuacan, exploring the Pyramids of the Sun, the Moon and the Feathered serpent + it´s Palaces and murals. With good logistics, specialist certified guide and without losing time in unwanted stops in for example the souvenirs stalls. We will adjust to your preferences; small groups! In English and Spanish. Also possible as private trip, ask us for a quote.

Teotihuacán is an Unesco world heritage site and the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas.

At its zenith, in the first half of the 1st millennium AD, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas, with a population estimated at 125,000 or more, making it at least the sixth largest city in the world during its epoch.

The city is thought to have been established around 100 BC, with major monuments continuously under construction until about 250 AC. The city may have lasted until sometime between the 7th and 8th centuries AD, but its major monuments were sacked and systematically burned around 550 AC.

Payment in advance; by cash payment at any 7 Eleven store or cash deposit at any Banamex bank. From abroad payment is also possible by Wise.

Price: 850 MXN pesos per person. Includes private transport for our small group, entrance and certified guide, in English and Spanish.

Reserve ideally 5 days before the tour. Prepaid 100 %, by cash payment at any 7 Eleven store or by Wise transfer.

For reservations / available places and payment information please contact Whatsapp 55.13.08.37.32. Lidia Herrera

About us and all contact details:

Let´s visit the wonderful and unique in the world Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary ´El Rosario´.

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site containing the over-wintering habitats of the population of the monarch butterfly. The reserve is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt pine-oak forests ecoregion on the border of Michoacán and Mexico State, 100 km (62 milles), northwest of Mexico City. Millions of butterflies arrive in the preserve annually. Butterflies only inhabit a fraction of the 56,000 hectares of the reserve from October-March. The biosphere’s mission is not only to protect the butterfly species, but it's habitat as well.

It is a steep walk uphill for about 1 to 1,5 hours; we will take it slowly to get used to the hight (3000 meters) and to enjoy the incredible views of the forest and the Monarch Butterflies (there are horses available).

It is important to pay asap 5/7 days before the date tour, to make sure we can arrange the right transport for the right amount of people.

The price is 1050 Mexican Pesos and includes private transport for the group, experienced driver, coordinator and entrance to the Butterfly Sanctuary.

Let´s explore the amazing Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary at the feet of the Popocatepetl Volcano.

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site containing the over-wintering habitats of the population of the monarch butterfly. The reserve is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt pine-oak forests ecoregion in the State of Mexico, 100 km (62 milles), northwest of Mexico City. Millions of butterflies arrive in the sanctuary annually. Butterflies only inhabit a fraction of the 56,000 hectares of the reserve from October-March. The biosphere’s mission is not only to protect the butterfly species, but it's habitat as well.

Some practical information:

• To reach the heart of the colony of the butterflies, it´s a steep walk uphill of around 40 minutes, depending on the location of the colony (they move every night, in search of the ideal circumstances to survive). We will be at 3000 to 3500 meters / 9800 to 11450 feet, but we take it easy to get used to the hight.

• Please bring confortable shoes / walking shoes, warm clothes in multiple layers, sweet and salty snacks and water. To help the local comunity we wil buy breakfast and lunch with them.

During this trip we will explore the State of Mexico.

It is important to pay 7/10 days before the date tour, to make sure we can arrange the right transport for the right amount of people.

The price is 1050 Mexican Pesos and includes transport for the group, experienced driver, tour guide, entrance to the sanctuary, walk enjoying the forest and the history of around 1.5 hrs, and explanations in Spanish and English by certified guide.

You can make a transfer, a cash deposit at any Banamex bank or a cash payment at any 7 Eleven store.

Let´s explore more hidden jewels of México together !