3 Places to Find Quality, Local Tours & Experiences

Making salsa in a small town just outside Mexico City

One of the best ways to practice sustainable travel is to support the communities in our destinations. By ensuring the money we spend is being funneled back into the community, we are bolstering local economies. Luckily, supporting these communities is also key to having an authentic travel experience. However, not all experiences are created equal, so I’ve put together a list of the tried and true organizations I’ve used for the most enjoyable, authentic experiences in my travels.

ViaHero - If you’re traveling alone and concerned that one-on-one time with a local tour guide might be awkward, this is a great option. ViaHero is like having a friend in every city you visit, who can put together the perfect itinerary for you based on their experience living in the city. From just $30 per day, you’ll get plenty of insider knowledge and advice so you can navigate the city with all the ease and confidence of a local.

Tours by Locals - Around for more than a decade, this company makes it easy to connect with local guides offering a variety of tours so you can match how you spend the day with what you’re interested in - from culinary excursions to exploring the city’s history to guided tours of famous museums and cultural institutions.

Airbnb Experiences - I booked one of these on my recent visit to Mexico City and it was by far one of my favorite parts of the trip. The cooking class took me just outside of the city (about 30 minutes with normal traffic), into a mountain village surrounded by beautiful forest. I spent the afternoon with my host, Luz, and his abuelito learning how to make authentic Mexican salsa and quesadillas. The family was so sweet, and I learned a TON from my very passionate host about his day-to-day life and what he loves about Mexico City as well as his little village.