The Best Documentaries About Mexico City to Watch Before Your Trip

The magical canals of Xochimilco offer a fascinating insight into the history of the city
The magical canals of Xochimilco offer a fascinating insight into the history of the city | © Chico Sanchez / Alamy Stock Photo

Mexico City is hard to capture from a single perspective: its food, art, music, and culture converge into a wild, chaotic, and awe-inspiring mix of sights and sounds. To help you get a grasp on the city before you go, we’ve gathered the best documentaries about the Mexican capital.

Want to discover the best of Mexico City with a small group of like-minded travelers? Join Culture Trip’s five-day adventure in the Mexican capital, which includes a chance to watch the high-flying antics of the lucha libre, a visit to Frida Kahlo’s house and a private tour of a local food market.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Mega Cities: Mexico City (2009)

The Mexico City episode from the Mega Cities series by National Geographic is admittedly a little old school. But it provides an excellent insight into the geography of the capital and why it’s so susceptible to natural disasters. Be warned, some of the photos from the 1985 earthquake are intense.

Reflexión (2016)

A trip down the historically important waterways of Xochimilco is a must on your trip to Mexico City

The chinampas (floating gardens) of Xochimilco are important, historic and endangered. The short documentary Reflexión introduces you to this beautiful and forgotten natural side of the capital and why we should all care about protecting these ancient Aztec floating gardens.

World’s Busiest Cities: Mexico City (2017)

In theWorld’s Busiest Cities episode on Mexico City, BBC reporters Dan Snow, Anita Rania and Ade Adepitan discuss and dissect the struggles of the capital, from maintaining clean water to the upkeep of the streets. It also looks into how the massive metropolis functions from day to day.

The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo (2005)

Come to the Mexican capital and you’ll see Frida’s image everywhere

Before visiting Mexico City, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the capital’s most famous resident. The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo by PBS tells the story of this fascinating, revered artist. It’s essential watching before you tour Casa Azul in the Coyoacan neighborhood – her family home and now a museum dedicated to her life and works.

Super Amigos (2007)

Super Amigos is a comic documentary telling the stories of five superheroes who have donned Mexican lucha libre masks and, instead of hitting the ring, head to the streets. These masked men fight injustice, prejudice, and corruption with the light-hearted attitude of a man in tights.

Chef’s Table: Enrique Olvera (2016)

Enrique Olvera is one of the most celebrated chefs in the country

Chef’s Table dedicated an episode to Mexican star chef, Enrique Olvera. It gives you a taste of the culinary scene in the capital and an insight into one of the leading gastronomic stars in Mexico. Watch before you visit Olvera’s Pujol, one of the top restaurants in the world.

Road to Roma (2020)

Director Alfonso Cuarón won an Oscar for his movie set in the Roma neighborhood

In this accompaniment to the 2018 Oscar-winning movie Roma, director Alfonso Cuarón lays out his artistic vision and process. The behind-the-scenes look at the film may have limited appeal if you’re not a film fanatic, but seeing how he recreated his memories of 1970s Mexico City – and more specifically the Roma nighborhood – is fascinating.

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