Impact DestinationsTransformational Luxury
A pale axolotl with pink feathery gills resting on dark pebbles.

Axolotl conservation and the Chinampas, Mexico

Fund conservation of an Aztec farming technique and axolotls, and unlock a culinary experience with a leading Mexican chef.

A journey to inspire your own

Suggested Mexico Trip Itinerary

This adventure not only enables you to leave a legacy by conserving axolotls and preserving Ancient Aztec cooking traditions, you also get to explore Mexico City, hot air balloon over Teotihuacan Pyramids, Cuna de Tierra Vineyard, San Miguel de Allende and Cabo. Perfect for lovers of history, culture, gourmet dining, and breathtaking nature… all in luxury.

Trip highlights

  • Visit the Chinampas and learn the history of these garden islands and about the preservation efforts to protect them
  • Unique culinary experience at the Chinampas led by acclaimed chefs Israel Montero & Juan Pablo Ballesteros
  • Support efforts to save the Axolotl from extinction and learn all about this intriguing endemic species, while you sponsor their conservation
  • Hot air balloon rides over Teotihuacan Pyramids, and San Miguel de Allende
  • Private visits to archeaological sites
  • Wine tasting and cooking class at Cuna de Tierra Vineyard
  • Artisinal tequila tasting
  • Private sailing in Cabo

Example price includes

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers
  • Expert local guides
  • Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Note: Price excludes international and domestic flights, but these can be arranged, including by private jet

Sample day-by-day itinerary

The outline below is an example, not a fixed departure.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive Mexico City transfer to the St Regis, gourmet dinner (D)

    A bright lounge and bar with colourful cushions and large windows.
  2. Day 2

    Private walking tour of historical Mexico City with chocolate tasting. In the evening private visit to Anthropology Museum (B)

    Mexico City's central square with its cathedral and a large Mexican flag.
  3. Day 3

    Axolotls & Chinampas Conservation Project with exclusive culinary experience.Discover mysteries of the ancient Aztec city of Mexico-Tenochtitlan with an early morning nature experience in back channels of Xochimilco. Enjoy bird watching and learn all about the intriguing Axolotl salamander, a rare amphibian with unique regeneration abilities that is on the verge of extinction, and support the conservation efforts for this incredible creature. Finish with a private gourmet dinner at Limosneros Restaurant (B,L,D)

    An illustration of planted chinampa islands separated by canals.
  4. Day 4

    Private Hot Air Ballooning experience over Teotihuacan Pyramids (B)

    Hot-air balloons floating above pyramids and mist-covered terrain.
  5. Day 5

    Private Mexican Galleries and Design tour in Mexico City. In evening private visit to Templo Mayor Archaeological Site (B)

    Visitors outside the vivid blue and red entrance to Museo Frida Kahlo.
  6. Day 6

    Helicopter expedition to Cuna de Tierra Vineyard for VIP Cooking experience with lunch & wine pairing. Overnight at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (B,L)

    Two people seated beside rows of vines in golden evening light.
  7. Day 7

    Private full day city and artisan studio tour & Casa Dragones Tequila Tasting (B)

    Sunset over open farmland beside a large tree.
  8. Day 8

    Private Hot Air Balloon at sunrise & market-to-kitchen experience in the heart of San Miguel (B)

    A pink church overlooking the gardens and colourful buildings of San Miguel de Allende.
  9. Day 9

    Fly to Cabo, stay at One & Only Palmilla (B)

    A palm-lined swimming pool with loungers and parasols in warm evening light.
  10. Day 10

    Luxury Sailing Private Experience. Keep watch for the incredible sea life like dolphins, rays, and, in the winter months - humpback whales (B,L)

    A whale's tail rising above the blue ocean.
  11. Day 11

    Day at leisure (B)

    White resort buildings with red roofs overlooking a rocky coastline and blue ocean.
  12. Day 12

    Transfer to airport and fly out (B)

    A pale starfish resting on dark pebbles.

Note: This is a sample itinerary, to give you an idea of what is possible. We delight in tailoring the trip to your exact requirements

Travel with purpose

Philanthropic Encounters in Mexico

Chinampas gardens, illustrating axolotl conservation and a culinary encounter in Mexico City, Mexico
Culinary Excellence

Unique Culinary Experience at the Chinampas

Fund efforts to save the axolotl from extinction and preserve the ancient organic gardening technique known as chinampas.

View Encounter

Beyond the journey / Mexico

Other highlights

A wider view of the places, encounters and experiences that have shaped journeys here. All arrangements are discussed afresh.

The art of being somewhere

Where to rest your head

Find places to stay that complement your journey. Your journey designer will advise on options and availability.

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Before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a Mexico trip support axolotl conservation?

On an Impact Destinations Mexico journey your contribution funds the conservation of the axolotl and of the chinampas, the Aztec floating-garden farming technique that sustains its habitat in Xochimilco. You then see the work with the people doing it, by boat through the canals.

What is the culinary experience at the chinampas?

It is a private meal led by a leading Mexican chef, using ingredients grown on the chinampas themselves, and it is unlocked by your contribution to the conservation project.

Can whale shark or whale encounters be added to a Mexico journey?

Yes, in season and with responsible marine operators; we confirm timing and the appropriate partner before travel.

More questions? See the full FAQ.

Ready to Explore Mexico?

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Beyond the Bucket List — free Impact Destinations guide

Prepare for the Extraordinary

Download your definitive guide to transformational travel and begin planning your legacy encounter.

Download Free Guide