Urban Orchard in Desierto de los Leones in Mexico City

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This $75 tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation and activities.
• Exclusive Guide and Private Group: Led by experts Ruben and David, the experience is private, ensuring personalized attention.
• Rich Plant Diversity: Over two hundred native Mexican plants are showcased, with opportunities to learn about edible and ornamental species.
• Hands-On Foraging: Participants forage for seasonal fruits, veggies, or seeds, directly connecting with their food sources.
• Interactive and Sensory: The tour emphasizes sensory engagement—crushing leaves, tasting flavors, and listening to orchard sounds.
• Includes Snacks and Drinks: Coffee, tea, and snacks are part of the package, enhancing the relaxed, educational atmosphere.

Introduction: An Urban Oasis in Mexico City for Plant Enthusiasts

The Urban Orchard in Desierto de los Leones offers a unique escape into a lush, green space right in Mexico City. Priced at $75 per person, this 5-hour guided experience is ideal for plant lovers, curious adventurers, and those wanting to connect deeply with nature. Led by Ruben and David, the tour combines education, hands-on activities, and a relaxed pace, making it approachable for most.

The tour begins with a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from the meeting point at Avenida Chapultepec, setting the stage for an enriching day amidst native Mexican plants. Though the experience is private and intimate, it’s accessible to anyone interested in learning about urban gardening, edible plants, and biodiversity. It offers a chance to see, hear, smell, and taste the orchard’s living palette, creating a memorable connection between people and their food.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This 5-hour private tour costs $75 per person, including transportation, snacks, and drinks.
• Expert Guides: Ruben and David share their knowledge with warmth, making the experience personal and engaging.
• Diverse Plant Collection: The orchard features over 200 native plants, including seasonal fruits, vegetables, and ornamental species.
• Interactive Elements: Visitors forage for produce, crush leaves to discover fragrances, and imagine simple, tasty dishes.
• Sensory Focus: The tour emphasizes listening to bird and insect sounds and tasting flavors, heightening sensory awareness.
• Convenient and Comfortable: Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle with coffee and snacks included, ensuring comfort throughout.

Exploring the Desierto de los Leones Urban Garden

The journey starts at the designated meeting point in Mexico City, where an air-conditioned vehicle takes guests to the orchard. The drive lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This scenic ride sets a relaxed tone before stepping into the lush environment.

Once at the orchard, Ruben and David guide visitors through the space, introducing trees, plants, and veggies that thrive in this urban setting. Their explanations emphasize the techniques used to develop and care for this green haven, including composting methods, chicken care, and biodiversity promotion. The orchard functions as a biodiverse habitat supporting birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles, bridging the gap between urban life and nature.

Hands-On Foraging and Sensory Engagement

A key highlight of this tour is the hands-on approach to learning about plants. Participants crush leaves to release fragrances, taste seasonal produce, and identify seeds and flowers. This tactile engagement helps deepen understanding and appreciation for the plants’ roles in both ecology and cuisine.

Foraging is designed to be simple yet satisfying—walking among the garden beds, picking ripe fruits or veggies, and imagining how to incorporate them into meals. These activities turn the orchard into a practical classroom for sustainable living and urban gardening.

Meeting Ruben and David: Knowledgeable and Welcoming Guides

Ruben and David are praised for their warm, welcoming demeanor and expert storytelling. Their scientific and cultural expertise shines through as they introduce a variety of native edible and ornamental plants. The guides foster a personal, intimate atmosphere that makes learning fun and accessible.

Reviews highlight Ruben’s storytelling skills and the guides’ ability to explain complex concepts in an engaging way. Their passion makes the experience feel tailored and memorable, encouraging questions and curiosity.

The Flora and Fauna of the Orchard

The orchard boasts over two hundred species of plants, mainly native Mexican varieties. These include fruiting trees, seasonal vegetables, and ornamental plants, all cultivated with care. The variety allows visitors to see how summer flavors are preserved for winter and how biodiversity supports the ecosystem.

Birdsong, insect chatter, and the sight of chickens roaming freely add to the lively atmosphere of the orchard. The environment is alive with sounds and sights of nature, making it a sensory-rich experience.

The Food and Drink Experience

Included in the tour are coffee, tea, and snacks, providing refreshment during breaks or after activities. These offerings help create a relaxed, social environment where participants can reflect on what they’ve learned.

There are no alcoholic beverages included or offered, keeping the focus on healthy, natural, and seasonal flavors. The emphasis remains on fresh, nutrient-packed produce collected during foraging.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour departs from Avenida Chapultepec in Mexico City, with most travelers able to participate. The activity is near public transportation, making it accessible for many. It is a private experience, ensuring exclusivity for your group.

The experience runs Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, giving flexibility for scheduling. Since the activity depends on good weather, it may be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are poor, with full refunds or alternative dates offered.

Why Choose This Tour: Authentic, Personal, and Eco-Conscious

This Urban Orchard tour stands out for its personalized approach—guided by passionate experts who love sharing their knowledge. The interactive, sensory activities make it more than just a walk in the garden; it’s an opportunity to engage directly with the plants and animals.

The biodiversity focus and hands-on foraging provide a practical understanding of urban sustainability. The included snacks and drinks add to the comfort, making it suitable for families, plant enthusiasts, and curious visitors seeking a meaningful connection with nature.

The high review ratings (5.0 based on 9 reviews) reflect consistent satisfaction, particularly praising the guides’ warmth and expertise. This tour is ideal for those eager to learn about Mexican plants, enjoy a peaceful outdoor activity, or explore the city’s green spaces in a more intimate way.

Urban Orchard in Desierto de los Leones: A Green Escape in Mexico City

This experience offers an authentic, hands-on approach to discovering native Mexican flora, perfect for plant lovers and eco-conscious explorers. Its personal guides, diverse plant collection, and interactive activities make it a top choice for those wanting to connect deeply with the natural environment within Mexico City.

While it might not suit visitors seeking a large-group tour or nightlife, those interested in sustainable gardening, biodiversity, and sensory learning will find it rewarding. The 5-hour duration allows ample time to explore, listen, taste, and learn at a comfortable pace.

For anyone curious about urban ecology and native plants, this tour provides a practical, memorable, and enriching experience in a beautiful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation, activities, and free time for foraging.

What’s included in the price?
The $75 fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, coffee, tea, snacks, and the guided activities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is engaging for those interested in plants and nature. Suitable for families, especially with children comfortable spending time outdoors.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour departs from Avenida Chapultepec in Mexico City, which is accessible by public transportation.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance, and the activity can be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.