Mexico Off the Beaten Track: A Culinary and Cultural Journey Through Santa María la Ribera and San Rafael
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking several miles over city sidewalks and standing during food tastings.
Overview
Explore Mexico City’s vibrant neighborhoods of Santa María la Ribera and San Rafael on a 4.5-hour food and culture tour. Taste authentic street food and traditional Oaxacan dishes while connecting with local history and community beyond the tourist trail.
Mexico Off the Beaten Track
4.5 hours
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Discover the authentic side of Mexico City in the charming neighborhoods of Santa María la Ribera and San Rafael. Enjoy local street food, traditional Oaxacan dishes, and unique drinks like Pulque, all while connecting with warm locals and uncovering the city's rich history. Experience Mexico beyond the tourist trail!
Mexico City has famous neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Centro Histórico, but we’ll take you to two lesser-known historic colonias: Santa María la Ribera and San Rafael. They aren’t popular yet, and that’s what makes them so pure and authentic — here you can feel the real life of Mexico, away from the tourist bubble, and meet warm, wonderful people.
During the tour, we’ll make a special stop to share a “side B” of Mexico, a story that connects to a global awareness topic, giving you a deeper look at the city.
We’ll start with a hot drink and a favorite pastry while getting to know each other.
In San Rafael, we’ll taste street food from a local favorite while learning about its history and architecture.
Then, in Santa María la Ribera, we’ll visit its main monument and try the most traditional dish from Oaxaca.
As we go on, we’ll sample Pulque, a traditional Mexican drink that’s even older than tequila and mezcal, made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant.
To finish, we’ll enjoy a refreshing michelada — made the way true locals from Mexico City like it — so you can get to know us and the city more deeply.
ATTENTION: Click here to see the SUNDAY MENU before booking. The menu changes on Sundays and vegetarian options are not available then.
Recommendations
- Come comfortable
- Come hungry
Adventure Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes
The tour involves several hours of walking through urban neighborhoods on mostly paved streets.
Come hungry and ready to taste
The experience includes multiple food tastings at local eateries and street vendors.
Carry cash for small purchases
Some street vendors and shops might not accept cards, so having local currency is helpful.
Stay hydrated
Mexico City’s altitude and dry climate can be dehydrating; bring a reusable water bottle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds like great-tailed grackles
- Local street cats and dogs
History
Santa María la Ribera neighbors preserve early 20th-century architecture reflecting Mexico City's growth during the Porfiriato period.
Conservation
The tour encourages sustainable tourism by supporting small local businesses and minimizing environmental impact in dense city neighborhoods.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Ciudad de México
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating city streets and uneven sidewalks throughout the tour.
Light jacket or layer
Spring weather can be variable—layers keep you comfortable during cooler mornings and evenings.
spring specific
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Useful for sun protection during daytime walks through exposed city areas.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated and eco-friendly during the tour's extended walking segments.