The Mexico City Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about traveling to Mexico City, Valle de Bravo, and San Miguel de Allende.
You’re about to embark on an incredible journey through the heart of Mexico—exploring ancient history, vibrant cities, incredible cuisine, art, ritual, and connection in Mexico City, Valle de Bravo, and San Miguel de Allende. From bustling markets and sacred pyramids to monarch butterflies, thermal waters, and meaningful shared meals, this experience is designed to immerse you in the many layers of Mexican culture.
Along the way, you’ll not only explore new landscapes and traditions, but also create space to slow down, reflect, connect, and experience the journey more deeply through mindfulness, creativity, movement, and presence.
To help you feel fully prepared, we’ve put together everything you need to know before traveling to Mexico with us. We can’t wait to share this experience with you!
The Weather
How should I dress?
February is one of the most beautiful times to visit central Mexico, with generally sunny days, cool mornings and evenings, and very comfortable temperatures for exploring.
In Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, daytime temperatures are typically in the mid 60s to mid 70s °F, while mornings and evenings can dip into the 40s and 50s °F due to the higher elevation.
As we journey into the mountains near Valle de Bravo and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, expect cooler temperatures—especially in the early mornings and shaded forest areas. Layering will be key throughout the trip.
February falls within the dry season, so rain is generally minimal, though it’s always a good idea to pack a lightweight rain layer just in case.
This trip includes city exploration, markets, cultural experiences, yoga, forest walks, and plenty of time spent outdoors, so versatility and comfort will go a long way!
You can find more detailed packing recommendations below.
packing list
What do I need to bring?
Your adventure through Mexico is filled with a wide variety of experiences — from city walking tours and vibrant markets to forest hikes, thermal waters, yoga sessions, cultural experiences, and relaxed evenings shared over incredible meals.
The key to packing for this trip is versatility. We recommend bringing comfortable clothing you can easily layer throughout the day as temperatures shift between warm afternoons, cool evenings, and higher-elevation mountain areas.
You’ll want to prioritize:
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight layers
A sweater or light jacket for cooler mornings/evenings
Comfortable clothing for movement and yoga
A small daypack for daily outings
Swimsuit for the thermal pools
Sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Reusable water bottle
A light rain layer, just in case
While there will be opportunities for light hiking and active exploration, this is not a highly technical outdoor trip, so there’s no need for heavy gear or specialized equipment. Comfort, ease, and adaptability are far more important than packing perfectly.
You can find our detailed packing list here, and we’ll walk through everything in much more depth during our two pre-trip calls together.
Sustainability is one of our core pillars at Root Adventures, so we always encourage borrowing gear from friends or family, shopping secondhand, or supporting small businesses and brands whose values align with your own whenever possible.
Health and Safety tips
what do i need to know about staying safe?
Your safety and well-being are deeply important to us. Throughout the journey, you’ll be supported by experienced trip leaders, trusted local guides, vetted transportation providers, and carefully selected accommodations every step of the way.
That said, travel always comes with a bit of unpredictability, and being prepared helps everyone have a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
A few helpful things to keep in mind:
Stay hydrated, especially at higher elevations like Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good support for cobblestone streets, markets, and uneven terrain
Use sun protection daily, even when temperatures feel mild
Keep valuables secure and practice normal awareness in busy public spaces, just as you would in any major city
Listen to your body and rest when needed — this trip is designed with balance and spaciousness in mind
If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical concerns, please communicate them with us ahead of time so we can best support you
Mexico City, Valle de Bravo, and San Miguel de Allende are all vibrant and welcoming destinations, and we intentionally partner with trusted local communities and guides who help us navigate these places responsibly and safely.
We also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip interruptions, cancellations, medical care, and travel delays for additional peace of mind while abroad.
Do as the locals do
A Crash course in the local culture of Oaxaca
At Root Adventures, we believe travel is at its best when approached with openness, curiosity, humility, and respect for the people and places welcoming us in. As travelers, we have the opportunity not only to experience another culture, but to engage with it thoughtfully and responsibly.
Mexico is an incredibly warm, vibrant, and welcoming country, and we hope this journey leads to meaningful connections, conversations, and friendships along the way. A little cultural awareness and effort can go a long way!
Language
Spanish is the primary language spoken throughout Mexico. In larger cities and tourism spaces, many people speak some English, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always deeply appreciated and helps create more meaningful interactions.
A few helpful phrases:
Hola = Hello
Buenos días = Good morning
Buenas tardes = Good afternoon
Gracias = Thank you
Por favor = Please
Mucho gusto = Nice to meet you
No gracias = No thank you
Currency
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, but cash is still very helpful for markets, smaller businesses, tips, and artisan purchases.
We recommend withdrawing pesos directly from an ATM upon arrival rather than exchanging money at the airport, where exchange rates are often less favorable. Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans before departure.
Please also keep in mind that most meals, transportation, accommodations, and activities are included throughout the trip, so you’ll mainly need spending money for souvenirs, alcohol, snacks, and occasional independent purchases.
Cultural Etiquette & Helpful Tips
Greeting people is customary and appreciated. A smile and simple “Buenos días” or “Buenas” goes a long way.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets, rural communities, or during ceremonies.
When visiting churches or sacred spaces, dress respectfully by covering shoulders and removing hats.
Support local artisans, makers, and small businesses whenever possible. Purchasing directly from local vendors helps support families and preserve traditional crafts and practices.
Bargaining exists in some markets, but kindness and respect should always come first.
Mexico often moves at a slightly slower and more relational pace than many travelers are used to — embracing that rhythm is part of the experience.
Above all, we encourage you to travel with curiosity, patience, and openness. Some of the most meaningful moments often happen in the unplanned conversations, shared meals, and small everyday interactions along the way.
Accommodations
Where am I sleeping?
Your accommodations throughout this journey have been thoughtfully selected to reflect the spirit, beauty, and atmosphere of each destination while providing comfort, rest, and meaningful connection to place.
Throughout the trip, we’ll stay in a combination of boutique hotels in the cities and peaceful nature-based accommodations in the mountains.
Casa Nuevo León — Mexico City (4 Nights)
Our first four nights will be spent at Casa Nuevo León, a beautifully designed boutique hotel located in the heart of Condesa—one of Mexico City’s most vibrant, walkable, and creative neighborhoods. Just steps from Parque México, the hotel offers the perfect home base for exploring the city’s cafés, galleries, parks, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
The property blends modern comfort with understated charm, offering cozy rooms, thoughtful design, and a calm atmosphere to return to after full days of exploration throughout the city.
Forest Cabins Near Valle de Bravo (1 Night)
Near the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, we’ll spend one night immersed in the tranquility of the forest at cozy mountain cabins surrounded by nature.
This peaceful retreat offers the opportunity to slow down, unplug, gather around the campfire, and fully absorb the beauty of the surrounding mountains and pine forests. Expect a more rustic and communal experience here—comfortable, grounding, and deeply connected to the natural environment.
Boutique Stay in San Miguel de Allende (2 Nights)
Our final two nights will be spent in one of Mexico’s most beautiful and artistic cities: San Miguel de Allende. Here, we’ll stay in a charming boutique property that reflects the warmth, creativity, and elegance the city is known for.
Expect beautifully designed spaces, walkable access to cafés, galleries, artisan shops, and historic streets, along with the opportunity to fully settle into the slower rhythm of our final days together.
Across all accommodations, rooms are based on double occupancy unless a single supplement is selected. Every property was intentionally chosen not only for comfort and location, but for the unique atmosphere and experience it brings to the journey as a whole.
Mindfulness & Yoga
What if I’ve never meditated or done yoga?
Have no fear! No prior yoga or meditation and mindfulness experience needed.
Nature is the ultimate teacher. Just getting out into the great outdoors has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Your Root Tour Leaders will provide you with simple and practical ways to keep your connection with nature, yourself, and your fellow travelers at the forefront of your experience.
But don’t worry, this won’t be a serious or quiet trip. At Root we see mindfulness as a way to participate in the ALIVENESS of life.
There will be moments you’ll be encouraged to observe silence, listen to nature, reflect on your internal experience or even possibly journal and share. And there will be many moments of raucous laughter, joyous storytelling, and playing in the dirt. Our trips have a little bit of everything!
To help you get the most out of your experience you will receive a pre-trip guide that has mindfulness and meditation practices, potential journaling prompts, and thoughtful ways to connect with nature throughout your adventure.
Final Tips
Anything else I need to know?
We’d love to impart some final words of wisdom for you here. These are tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years exploring, trekking, and guiding groups.
Pack light! The lighter the better. We cannot stress this enough! When packing ask yourself this question: “Do I absolutely need this?” If the answer is no, leave it behind.
A word about luggage. If possible, pack so that you can bring everything in a carry-on. That way if your luggage gets lost (knock on wood) you won’t be trying to piece gear together or purchase lots of expensive items last minute. If you do decide to check luggage then we recommend wearing or packingsome essentials in your carry-on just in case!