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National Museum of Anthropology Tour: A Guided Crash Course

Discover ancient Mesoamerican civilizations in Mexico’s #1 museum
From US$271 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • National Museum of Anthropology
  • Aztec Sun Stone (Calendar Stone)
Photos & Highlights
  • Learn about Aztecs, Maya, and other ancient Mexican civilizations with a history or anthropology expert
  • See the famous Sun Stone (Calendar Stone) and learn its backstory
Tour Description
El Museo Nacional de Antropología, or the National Museum of Anthropology, is known as an essential safeguard of the legacy of indigenous Mexico. It contains some of the country’s most vital artifacts, such as the magnificent Stone of the Sun (perhaps better known as the Aztec calendar stone). 

National Museum of Anthropology Tour in Mexico City

On this 3-hour National Museum of Anthropology Tour, we will be accompanied by a historian or anthropologist as we examine a vast collection of pre-Hispanic relics. We will discover not only the traditions and cultures that define Mexico historically but also how these various elements have influenced modern-day Mexican culture.

From Teotihuacan to the Aztecs

After a brief introduction to the history of the building and Pre-Classic civilizations such as the Olmec culture, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of Teotihuacan. An early Classic site rich in pyramids, burial tombs, and mural paintings, we’ll discuss why it had such influence over other regions, and how its unique artistic style and iconography of main deities were echoed throughout Mesoamerica for hundreds of years before its mysterious collapse. 

Then we’ll enter the museum’s main exhibit hall, the Aztecs. Here our expert guide will select pieces to exemplify the culture’s focus on war practices, territory expansion, and multicultural trade throughout Mesoamerica. We’ll marvel at the Sun Stone and learn its suspect history since its rediscovery in 1790 and what it has to do with US/Mexican relations and Mexican identity today. Our expert will continue with a discussion on the Spanish conquest, its forced religious practices on native populations, and the syncretism that resulted.

The Maya and Indigenous Mexico Today

The latter part of our visit will focus on the Maya—a people who have persisted through the ages and are now at the forefront of cultural resistance in Mexico. After an introduction to the Mayan codices and ancient political structure, we may step outside to examine Mayan architecture at full scale. Our guide will then take us on a journey to the underworld to one of the most celebrated (and lucky) archaeological finds in the country. Finally, we’ll conclude with a discussion of the decline of this civilization and the endurance of the Maya even today.

Take Aways

At the end of our tour, we'll emerge from our time together with a better understanding of pre-Hispanic history in relation to the archaeological pieces that we’ve discussed. We’ll also have a greater ethnographic awareness of indigenous populations in Mexico today as a result of our focused examination of the Anthropology Museum. 
Experts
Gabriel Gabriel
Federal Guide
Jazmin Jazmin
Archaeologist
David David
Historian
Jens Jens
Historian
David David
Archaeologist
Jose Oscar Jose Oscar
Local Guide
Alejandra Alejandra
Local Guide
Silvia Luz Silvia Luz
Local Guide
What is included in the tour?  
Your purchase of the 3-hour tour of the National Museum of Anthropology includes the guide’s time and tickets to the museum (that will be charged per person during checkout). The guide will purchase these tickets for you before the start of your tour so you need not wait in line.

Why isn't the tour offered on Sundays and Mondays?  
The tour is not available on Sundays primarily due to the substantial crowds that frequent the museum on that day, creating an environment less conducive to an enjoyable tour experience. Additionally, the museum is closed to the general public on Mondays.

Is this tour suitable for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes. The museum is wheelchair accessible and it has manual wheelchairs available to loan.
Where You'll Start
(4.91) 159 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Jens was terrific! He was extremely knowledgeable and very engaging. Even our teenagers paid attention most of the time. We loved the tour and were very glad to have Jens with us to help us better understand the incredible history represented in this impressive museum.
David was extremely knowledgeable, professional and still fun and interesting. The tour was very informative and we got so much more out of the museum because of him. We wish we had more time in the Mexicas/Aztec room because we feel like we missed so much. Maybe next time!
David was extraordinary! Really “knows his stuff”! The museum itself is an amazing architectural building, and the collections and settings of artifacts is amazing. 100%. Patricio.

Discover the Depths of History: The Ultimate Guided Tour at Mexico City's Anthropology Museum

Embark on a journey of discovery with our National Museum of Anthropology Tour: A Guided Crash Course, an unforgettable exploration of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. This tour, designed for curious minds and culture enthusiasts, offers an immersive dive into the heart of one of the world’s premier anthropology museums.

From the moment you enter the museum, our expert guides will lead you through an engaging narrative spanning thousands of years of history. You’ll encounter the fascinating artifacts of ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs and Maya, and gain deep insights into their remarkable societies. This National Museum of Anthropology Tour: A Guided Crash Course ensures that you don’t just see the exhibits but truly understand the stories they tell.

Context Travel is committed to educational depth and cultural immersion, making this tour more than just a visit—it’s a transformative experience. With personalized attention and sustainable practices, our tours offer a responsible way to explore the world. Join us and discover the connections between past and present, learning how ancient cultures continue to influence modern Mexico.

Get ready to enrich your knowledge and perspective with this unique, friendly, and expertly guided tour. Your adventure in anthropology awaits!