El Pica Barbacoa and Texcotzingo Archaeological Site

El Pica Barbacoa and Texcotzingo Archaeological Site Tour Review

If you’re after a day that combines culinary tradition, archaeological intrigue, and a taste of local life outside the buzz of Mexico City, this tour offers a compelling blend. For about $161.64 per person, you’ll spend roughly nine hours exploring the village of La Purificación, savoring a slow-cooked lamb barbacoa at El Pica 1, and wandering among the ancient ruins of Texcotzingo. Guided by a knowledgeable local guide, Alan, this experience promises a genuine connection to Mexico’s cultural and historical roots—all in a private setting, tailored just for your group.

One of the things we love about this experience is how it combines food and history seamlessly. The barbacoa brunch is not just about eating; it’s about understanding a tradition that took generations to perfect, with the added bonus of seeing the actual underground oven process. The second highlight is the Texcotzingo archaeological site, where the Royal baths and terraces reveal a glimpse of ancient Mexico’s engineering ingenuity.

A possible consideration is the travel time—while the drive across the dry Texcoco lake bed offers interesting scenery, it does take about 75 minutes each way. Travelers expecting a leisurely pace may want to prepare for a bit of a day trip rather than a half-day tour.

This tour suits those who appreciate authentic local cuisine, are interested in early Mexican civilizations, and enjoy personalized, small-group experiences. If you’re craving a true taste of Mexico’s culinary and archaeological treasures, this tour will likely meet and exceed your expectations.

Key Points

• Authentic Cuisine: Experience the traditional barbacoa lamb prepared in an underground oven, a culinary method rooted in Mexican culture.
• Expert Guidance: Alan’s local knowledge enhances the understanding of both food traditions and the archaeological sites.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the significance of the underground cooking process and the histories behind the ruins.
• Scenic Drive: Travel across the Texcoco lake bed and through local villages, offering a glimpse of rural Mexico.
• Historic Ruins: Explore Texcotzingo’s terraces and baths built during pre-Hispanic times, as well as two rock-cut baths of Nezahualcoyotl and his queen.
• Flexible Tour: The experience is private, so your group can enjoy a more personalized and relaxed pace.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Out: Mexico City to La Purificación

Your day begins early at the meeting point in Mexico City, where you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle. We appreciated how the drive out across the almost-dry Texcoco lake bed sets the scene for the day. It’s a landscape that’s both stark and beautiful, with the hills framing the city as you leave behind the busy streets. The one-hour and fifteen-minute ride is quite scenic, especially if you enjoy seeing rural Mexico up close.

The Traditional Barbacoa at El Pica 1

Once in La Purificación, your first stop is at El Pica 1, renowned for its authentic barbacoa. The meal here isn’t just a feast; it’s an educational experience. Alan, your guide, is from the village himself and shares the story of how lamb is slow-cooked in a traditional underground horno. As we watched the process, he explained that this method has been used for generations, giving the meat its distinctive, tender, and smoky flavor.

The brunch lasts about two hours and is a great opportunity to ask questions about local food customs. We loved the way Alan pointed out interesting local options for vegetarians, which shows that the tour is considerate of different dietary needs while still showcasing the culinary heritage.

Onward to Texcotzingo: Exploring the Ruins

From La Purificación, the journey continues through local villages to the hilltop overlooking Texcotzingo. This part of the tour offers a picture-perfect view of the archaeological site below, where the ruins of terraced gardens and baths await.

The archaeological site, known for the Baths of Nezahualcóyotl and his Queen, features rock-cut pools and terraces that reflect the sophisticated engineering of pre-Hispanic Mexico. The site’s inclusion in Netflix’s “Ancient Apocalypse” hints at some controversial theories about its purpose, which can make for an interesting conversation about archaeological interpretations.

You’ll have over three hours to explore on foot. We loved how the view from the viewpoint allows you to appreciate the scale and ingenuity of the ancient builders. The site is smaller than Teotihuacan but offers a more intimate glimpse into a period when royalty and elite engaged in leisure and ceremonial practices here.

Relaxation and Reflection Overlooking the Site

After exploring the ruins, you’ll return to the vehicle for a rest stop with refreshments, overlooking the site and Mexico City. It’s a peaceful moment to reflect on the history and to enjoy the scenery.

Return to Mexico City

The journey back takes about an hour and a half, and by then, you’ll likely feel that you’ve gained a deeper appreciation for Mexico’s ancient past and culinary traditions. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, leaving you with memories that blend taste, history, and stunning landscapes.

Practical Aspects and Value

This tour is priced at $161.64 per person, which includes transportation, guided insights, and a traditional meal. Considering the private nature of the experience, personalized attention from Alan, and the opportunity to visit both culinary and archaeological sites, it offers good value. The admission tickets are free for the sites visited, so your main investment is the guided experience and transportation.

Comfortable, moderate physical activity is recommended, as you’ll be walking around the ruins and engaging with the local environment. The tour’s schedule is well-structured, but keep in mind the travel time — it’s a full-day commitment.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour is suitable for travelers who enjoy culture, historical sites, and local cuisine. It’s ideal for those who are comfortable walking and want an authentic, small-group experience. Since it offers a private tour, you’ll have the flexibility to ask questions and explore at your own pace.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a combination of culinary adventure and archaeological discovery outside the typical tourist spots, this tour is perfect. It’s well-suited for history buffs, food lovers, and anyone eager for a deeper understanding of Mexican culture. The private setup makes it a good choice for couples or small groups seeking an intimate experience.

It might not be ideal if you prefer fast-paced sightseeing or are limited in mobility, as there’s a fair amount of walking and a full-day schedule.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, while the main highlight is the barbacoa lamb, there are interesting local vegetarian options available, and you can discuss your dietary preferences with the guide.

How long is the drive from Mexico City?
The drive to La Purificación takes about 75 minutes, crossing the almost-dry Texcoco lake bed—a scenic route that adds to the experience.

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, guiding, and the meal at El Pica 1. Admission to the archaeological site is free.

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private experience, designed for your group only, which allows a more relaxed and customized pace.

What is the physical demand of the tour?
A moderate level of physical activity is required, as you will walk around the ruins and explore on foot.

Will I see the actual cooking process of the barbacoa?
Yes, the guide Alan will explain the traditional underground oven process, giving you insight into this ancient culinary method.

Are there alternatives if I don’t eat meat?
The tour offers local vegetarian options, but it’s best to specify your dietary needs when booking.

How long does the archaeological site visit last?
You’ll have about three hours and fifteen minutes to explore the site on foot, including time at the viewpoints and interest spots.

What’s the best time of day to go?
The tour starts at 8:00 am, giving you a full day of exploration and avoiding the afternoon heat.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced day of culinary tradition and archaeological discovery, perfect for travelers eager to experience Mexico beyond the usual tourist attractions. The private setting, intimate exploration, and authentic local stories make it stand out from larger, more generic tours.

For those interested in learning about traditional cooking methods, seeing ancient ruins with fewer crowds, and enjoying a personalized experience, this tour packs a lot of value into a single day. It’s especially suited for curious travelers seeking meaningful cultural engagement and those comfortable with a full day of moderate activity.

If you’re after a taste of Mexico’s past and present woven into one memorable outing, this tour deserves a spot on your Mexico City itinerary.