Del Valle Travel Guide

Del Valle is a hidden gem in Mexico City. Explore the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, food scene, and travel tips with our extensive guide.


Introduction to Del Valle

Del Valle is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of Mexico City, Mexico. This hidden gem is known for its beautiful parks and plazas, excellent dining options, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s the perfect place to explore historic landmarks, breathtaking natural beauty, and indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, be sure to include Del Valle in your itinerary! In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, eat, and stay, as well as provide some insider tips for a memorable experience.

List of Places to Visit in Del Valle

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology is one of Mexico City’s top attractions, and for good reason. This world-class museum is home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone and the Jade Mask of the Zapotec Bat God.

Frida Kahlo Museum

Located in the nearby neighborhood of Coyoacán, the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, is a must-visit for art lovers. This former home of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo has been transformed into a museum, showcasing her life and works.

Xochimilco

Xochimilco is a series of man-made canals that dates back to Aztec times. Visitors can hire a colorful boat, known as a trajinera, and float down the canals while enjoying live music and traditional food and drink.

Natural Attractions of Del Valle: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parque Hundido

Parque Hundido, or “sunken park,” is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Mexico City. This park is known for its unique design, with a sunken central plaza and surrounding gardens. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll or a picnic with friends and family.

Parque de los Venados

Parque de los Venados, or “deer park,” is another lovely green space to explore. It’s named for the deer that used to roam the area, but is now home to a variety of birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Visitors can take a yoga class, enjoy a musical performance, or just relax in the shade of a tree.

Cerro del Judío

Cerro del Judío, or “Jewish Hill,” offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for hiking and picnicking, and is often used as a filming location for movies and TV shows.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Del Valle

Ciudad Universitaria

Ciudad Universitaria is the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and is also a popular spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can rent a bike and ride through the tree-lined paths, or take a guided tour of the impressive murals and sculptures that adorn the buildings.

Desierto de los Leones

Desierto de los Leones National Park is a stunning wilderness area just outside of Mexico City. Visitors can hike through the forest, explore the historic monastery, and take in the breathtaking views.

Best Things to Do in Del Valle: Activities and Tours

Cooking Class

Mexico is famous for its delicious cuisine, so why not take a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local specialties yourself? There are several cooking schools in Del Valle that offer classes in traditional Mexican dishes like mole, tamales, and chiles en nogada.

Street Art Tour

Del Valle is home to some of the city’s most vibrant street art, and there are several tours that highlight the best pieces and introduce visitors to the city’s art scene. Guided tours often include a visit to the local street art festival, as well as a chance to meet some of the artists and learn about their techniques.

Week-Long Itinerary for Del Valle

Day 1: National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Park

Start your trip with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, followed by a stroll through the nearby Chapultepec Park.

Day 2: Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum

Spend the day exploring the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, and be sure to stop by the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Day 3: Street Art Tour and Parque Hundido

Take a guided street art tour in the morning, followed by a relaxing afternoon in Parque Hundido.

Day 4: Xochimilco

Head south to Xochimilco and spend the day floating down the canals in a trajinera.

Day 5: Desierto de los Leones

Take a day trip to Desierto de los Leones and hike through the beautiful national park.

Day 6: Cooking Class

Learn to make traditional Mexican dishes at one of Del Valle’s many cooking schools.

Day 7: Parque de los Venados and Cerro del Judío

Spend your last day in Del Valle exploring these two lovely parks.

Food and Drink Scene of Del Valle

Must-Try Dishes

Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al pastor are a Mexican classic, made with marinated pork, pineapple, and onions. Be sure to try them from one of the many street vendors in Del Valle.

Churros

For a sweet treat, head to El Moro for some of the best churros in the city. They’re served with a rich chocolate sauce for dipping.

Local Beverages

Mezcal

Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It’s a popular drink in Mexico, and there are several bars in Del Valle that specialize in this smoky spirit.

Horchata

Horchata is a sweet, refreshing drink made with rice, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s the perfect accompaniment to spicy Mexican food.

Where to Stay in Del Valle: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Isaaya Hotel Boutique

This stylish and modern hotel is located in the heart of Del Valle, just a short walk from many of the neighborhood’s top attractions. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel offers a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

Casa Pepe

For a more intimate experience, consider staying at Casa Pepe, a charming guesthouse with just four rooms. The hosts are friendly and welcoming, and the rooms are decorated with colorful Mexican folk art.

What to Buy in Del Valle: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Handmade Crafts

Del Valle is known for its artisanal crafts, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Be sure to visit the local markets and shops to find unique souvenirs to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Del Valle

Festivals

Del Valle is known for its lively festivals and celebrations. The most famous is the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated throughout Mexico during the first two days of November.

Language

The official language of Mexico is Spanish, so it’s helpful to have some basic language skills when visiting Del Valle. However, many people in the tourism industry speak English, so you should be able to get by without fluency in Spanish.

Best Time to Visit Del Valle

The best time to visit Del Valle is from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are manageable. However, Mexico City is a year-round destination, so you can visit anytime and still enjoy all that Del Valle has to offer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Del Valle

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases
  • Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable

Don’t:

  • Carry large amounts of cash
  • Wear flashy jewelry or expensive clothing
  • Touch street animals

Safety and Health

Safety in Del Valle

Mexico City has a reputation for being dangerous, but like any large city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Del Valle

Mexico’s high altitude can take some getting used to, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take it easy for the first few days. Be careful when eating street food, and be sure to wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick.

Getting to Del Valle: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Del Valle

The closest airport to Del Valle is Mexico City International Airport, which is located about 30 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near Del Valle

Mexico City has several bus stations, but the most convenient for travelers to Del Valle is the Terminal de Autobuses del Sur.

Other Options

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Mexico City, and are often the easiest way to get around.

How to Get Around in Del Valle

Del Valle is a relatively small neighborhood, and most of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, taxis and ride-sharing services are always available if you prefer not to walk.

Where to Go Next from Del Valle: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Puebla

Puebla is a beautiful colonial city located about two hours southeast of Mexico City. It’s known for its colorful buildings, stunning churches, and delicious cuisine.

Teotihuacan

Just outside of Mexico City lies the ancient city of Teotihuacan, one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico. Visitors can explore the imposing pyramids, as well as the surrounding temples, palaces, and markets.

Conclusion

Del Valle is a wonderful destination in its own right, but it’s also a great base from which to explore the many attractions of Mexico City and beyond. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, you’re sure to find something to love in Del Valle. So pack your bags and get ready for a truly unforgettable trip!

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