Tacos, Temples & Street Art: Mexico

Dive into Mexico’s rich heritage and urban creativity while contributing to powerful local impact.

This Impact Adventure to Mexico City with somos.travel is designed to spark curiosity, expand global awareness, and empower students to become changemakers.

Through immersive service work, cultural exploration, and hands-on learning, students will connect with local communities, discover Mexico’s rich history, and experience the energy of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Travel through Mexico City on a transformative adventure that blends community service, history, and modern creativity. From the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán to the lush canals of Xochimilco and the cutting-edge street art of Roma, this trip reveals the many layers of Mexico’s capital.

This journey is more than sightseeing, it’s about engaging with Mexico City’s people, challenges, and innovations. Through a local impact project, students will work alongside community partners, learning first-hand how grassroots initiatives are reshaping education, sustainability, and urban development.

At the heart of every Somos Impact Adventure is the “Impact” portion of the trip. In Mexico City, students will participate in a local service project addressing sustainability, education, or community well-being. Over two days, they’ll collaborate with grassroots organizations, work alongside local residents, and gain perspective on the opportunities and challenges of urban life in Latin America. Their presence and trip funding will directly support these local initiatives, creating lasting positive impact.

Comfortable, safe, locally owned accommodations in central Mexico City. Shared rooms (3–5 per room) with individual beds for each traveler

  • Included: All 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • A few meals on your own to explore local cuisine (budget $100–$180)
  • Dietary restrictions can be accommodated

All group transportation within Mexico City and for excursions is included: private van, public transportation, boat.

Your group will be led by a professional Somos Adventure Guide, plus local experts for history, art, and sustainability activities.

Travel insurance is required for all trips. Policies start around $75.

World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

To save your spot on the trip a $500 Deposit is required.  Payment plans are available.

If payment is a challenge, some guests choose to fundraise for their trip which is super easy with our guest software WeTravel. We can help advise students on how to fundraise.

To pay for the materials for the project you will work on, we ask that each guest donates or fundraises $250.

Mexico is a very safe country, full of amazing, kind, and hospitable people (just ask any of our guests or others who have traveled there). Safety is our #1 priority and we would never take anyone to places where they may be in danger. If you have any concerns, just ask and we are happy to answer questions!

This trip is designed for high school and college students and can be adapted for travelers of any age.

Absolutely. Mexico is a wonderful destination for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.

somos.travel will get you everything you need to get prepared for the trip and help you prepare if you are accepted. See the “Trip Prep” tab at the top of the page for some more info about this.

I think I really tried my best to make a positive impact by being respectful to everyone and helping out with the school projects.

Lucy Miller Boise High School, 2025

I feel like I was able to connect with the people there and form a relationship despite language barriers and I had a lot of fun with them.

Gabbie Dingman Boise High School, 2025

Planted trees and improved the school environment through painting. We also spent quality time with the kids.

Ethan Sims Boise High School, 2025

I think that we really helped out in painting the school and cleaning up the area so that it would be more enjoyable for the kids.

Elena Bowen Boise High School, 2025

I think I made a positive impact by creating relationships and being a source of kindness and help during our work at the school.

Eli Richins Bishop Kelly High School, 2025

I feel I made a positive impact because I took the time to talk to the children and helped improve their learning spaces.

Alazne Campbell Bishop Kelly High School, 2025

Helped brighten up their school by painting & playing with the kids during break. It felt like we were bringing energy and care.

Nicole Klein Boise High School, 2025

We helped the kids by making their learning surroundings more engaging and colorful, and spent time learning from them too.

Tate Moran Boise High School, 2025

I felt accomplished painting the school and helping set up better conditions. I hope the improvements last for the students and teachers.

Cora Smith Boise High School, 2025

I think if I made any impact it was definitely through the time I spent talking with the kids and learning about their lives.

Bella Hayden Boise High School, 2025

I loved chatting with the locals and learning how to help them with painting and cleaning the school. It felt collaborative and meaningful.

Tawny Lyons Boise High School, 2025
Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City
Arrive in Mexico City, meet your guides, and settle into your accommodations. Kick things off with a taco party and cultural orientation. Dinner included.
Day 2: Historic Centre + Culture
Visit Templo Mayor, the Zócalo, and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Lunch at Gastromotiva, a social gastronomy project. Wrap up with dinner together. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.
Day 3: Xochimilco + Coyoacán
Learn about sustainability in Xochimilco’s chinampas with an organic farm-to-table lunch. Visit the Anahuacalli Museum & Frida Kahlo House. Free evening to explore Coyoacán. Breakfast, lunch included. Dinner on your own.
Day 4: Community Impact – Day 1
Begin hands-on service work with a local partner organization. Group reflection in the evening. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.
Day 5: Community Impact – Day 2
Continue community service, building connections with local residents. Evening group discussions. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.
Day 6: Teotihuacán + Sustainable Architecture
Day trip to Teotihuacán for a guided tour of the pyramids, obsidian, and regional food traditions. Return to Mexico City to visit Tatiana Bilbao Studio, a leader in sustainable architecture. Breakfast, lunch included. Dinner on your own.
Day 7: Roma + Condesa Street Art
Explore Roma and Condesa through a street art walking tour, discovering how artists engage with social issues. Dinner together as a group. Breakfast included. Lunch on your own, dinner included.
Day 8: Anthropology + Chapultepec
Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, enjoy a picnic in Chapultepec Forest, and tour the Museum of Modern Art. Breakfast, lunch included. Dinner on your own.
Day 9: Departure Day
Final breakfast and transfer to the airport. Depart with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper understanding of Mexico City and its people. Breakfast included.

At the heart of every Somos Impact Adventure is the “Impact” portion of the trip. In Mexico City, students will participate in a local service project addressing sustainability, education, or community well-being. Over two days, they’ll collaborate with grassroots organizations, work alongside local residents, and gain perspective on the opportunities and challenges of urban life in Latin America. Their presence and trip funding will directly support these local initiatives, creating lasting positive impact.

No. While some basic phrases will be taught and encouraged, all activities are guided by bilingual leaders and local partners. Students will be able to participate fully without previous Spanish experience.

Projects may include supporting educational workshops, assisting with sustainability initiatives in urban gardens, or collaborating with local nonprofits on community well-being. Specific projects depend on local partner needs at the time of travel.

Safety is our top priority. Students are accompanied by professional Somos guides at all times. Transportation, accommodations, and partner organizations are thoroughly vetted, and activities are planned in safe, student-friendly areas of the city.

Most meals are included: daily breakfasts, plus a mix of group lunches and dinners. A few meals are intentionally left open so students can explore Mexico City’s diverse food scene. Vegetarian and other dietary needs are always accommodated.

The itinerary is designed to be accessible for most students. Activities involve walking tours, museum visits, and light physical work during service projects.

Our affiliate link: World Nomads

This page will help you with the essentials:

  • Passport
  • Flights
  • Traveler Insurance
  • Vaccinations
  • Fundraising
  • Payment Timeline
  • Traveler Forms and Onboarding
  • Volunteer Training
  • Packing & Final Preparation

 

Passports: Must be valid through your return date. Renew early if needed.

Flights: If you would like Somos to book your group’s flights, just let us know.

Travel Insurance: Required. This should cover lost baggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and injury. We recommend World Nomads and you can get a quote here.

Vaccinations: Mexico does not require specific vaccines for entry, but Hepatitis A & Typhoid are recommended. Check with a doctor or travel clinic in advance.

Fundraising: Somos can provide fundraising resources and coaching to make the trip more accessible and also to support and raise awareness for local impact partners we work with.

Payment Timeline:

  • Deposit: Due upon registration
    travel honors all deposits for life. If you can’t make your scheduled trip, your deposit is fully transferable to any future experience.

  • 50% Payment: Due 120 days before your trip starts

  • Final Payment (100%): Due 60 days before your trip starts

Traveler Forms & Onboarding

To ensure a safe and smooth journey, all travelers complete a short onboarding process that includes:

  • A Traveler Information Form to help us accommodate dietary needs, medical info, and emergency contacts
  • A brief Online Training Module to prepare for service, safety, and cultural awareness

If you’re organizing a group trip—such as a school, Rotary club, or corporate team—please reach out for custom onboarding and registration options tailored to your group.

Packing List: Will be shared closer to departure (includes recommended clothing, surf/beach gear, and service work supplies).

Pre-Trip Meet-up: Zoom or In-person orientation to meet the group and guides before departure.