At a Glance
Travelers (5)
- Adithya & Vatsala — mid-30s
- Leela — almost 4 (32+ lbs). Bedtime 7:30 PM. Tires easily; no afternoon nap.
- Sanjay & Anuradha Sahay — late 60s. Flat-ground walking fine; no steep climbs; ~8K daily step cap.
Flights ✓ Ticketed · conf. GDGJF8
- Outbound: DL625 · JFK 9:41 AM → MEX 12:55 PM · Thu Aug 27
- Return: DL7976 · MEX 9:05 AM → JFK 4:28 PM · Tue Sep 1 (hotel pickup 6:30 AM)
- All 5 travelers ticketed under Delta confirmation GDGJF8 (receipts received May 30).
Pace
Max 2 major activities per day. Mornings outdoor (rainy afternoons). Dinner by 6:30 PM. Generous rest blocks.
Booking Checklist
Top-priority bookings to lock before anything else. Each has a real deadline or supply risk.
Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul) — Private Guided Tour ✓ BOOKED · Ariadna Jun 1
Fri Aug 28, 10:30 AM · Private English guided tour for 5. Confirmed by Ariadna Togo Jun 1. Pay at museum on the day (guided tour + tickets). 🔴 MUST reconfirm Thu Aug 27 (day before) — call/email Ariadna or the visit auto-cancels. 15-min late = cancelled + full cost charged. Bring printed letters on the day.
Cost: $320 MXN foreign adult × 2 = 640 · $30 MXN senior × 2 = 60 · $30 MXN child × 1 = 30 · English guided tour (group rate, max 15) = 700 · Total ≈ MXN 1,430 (~$85 USD for party of 5).
Two letters required (request + thanks, both addressed to Director Perla Labarthe). Template-based content already drafted in chat. Bring printed originals on Aug 28; digital copies to follow per Ariadna's instructions.
Bonus: includes a 1-year courtesy pass to the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum — we're skipping it (multi-level stone structure with stairs is hard for grandparents; doesn't fit the itinerary; far south of Coyoacán).
Contact: a.togo@museofridakahlo.org.mx
Rosetta lunch reservation ✓ BOOKED
Sat Aug 29, 1:00 PM, party of 5 · confirmed via Tock Jun 1. Deposit paid: $700 MXN/pp ($3,500 MXN total) — credits to the final bill. Contact at restaurant is Daniela (not Nashla). 10-min grace period; no valet parking.
⚠️ Important: "Garden" seating is actually inside per Daniela — preference flagged but not guaranteed (tables are assigned at time of arrival). 48-hr reconfirm on Wed Aug 26.
Quintonil lunch ✓ BOOKED · TOCK-R-SZI2IRE5
Mon Aug 31, 1:00 PM, party of 2 ONLY (A+V — Leela & grandparents do a gentle Roma morning). Booked via Tock Jun 29. Deposit $6,000 MXN (~$330, $3,000/pp) applied to the final bill — non-refundable. Suggested dining time 3 hr → done ~4 PM, back to Roma ~4:30 PM. Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco · +52 55 5280 2680.
🔴 No kids / no strollers — Quintonil is "guests 12 and over, no facilities for babies." Confirms the A+V-only split (Leela with grandparents). · Reducing the party forfeits the deposit; reschedule needs 72 hr notice. · Re-send the dietary brief Fri Aug 28 (3 days before); kitchen pre-confirmed allium-free for Adithya, standard vegetarian tasting for Vatsala.
Calendar event already set for June 29, 9:00 AM ET.
Lodging ✓ BOOKED
3BR Roma Sur Airbnb · Calle Bajío 315, Roma Sur, CDMX 06760 · Superhost Arely · Airbnb Luxe · $1,828.54 for 5 nights · Free cancellation through Aug 22. See Lodging section below for details + post-booking message to host.
Private airport transfer
Aug 27 arrival → use Uber XL Reserve (pre-book in app, locks ~$10–15 USD price). Pickup MEX Terminal 1 Level 2, Puerta 7–8. Bring your own RideSafer vest. See Logistics → Airport for full details.
Alebrije painting workshop ✓ BOOKED · conf. TAEM5R82
Sun Aug 30, 2026 · 10:30 AM – 12:45 PM CST · 5 guests · English session · beginner level · take-home alebrije per participant. Airbnb Experience 92592 — "Paint an iconic alebrije with a master artist".
📍 Meeting point: Casa Fusión, Calle Londres 37, Colonia Juárez 06600 — a design bazaar ("Bazar Fusión"), green facade, a few blocks from the Ángel de la Independencia. Uber tip: search "Bazar Fusión" — it routes straight to the studio.
Host: María · 📞 +52 55 2702 2981 (message her with any questions). Diego & Luis Rodolfo are co-hosts. Total paid: $218.70 USD ($54.95 × 5 guests − $100 Luxe coupon + $43.96 tax, Visa 0201).
🔴 Age policy flag: official listing says "guests ages 5 and up." Leela will be 3y9m. Both hosts approved her in writing (Luis Rodolfo Jun 9: "your three-year-old daughter can come, no problem" · Diego: "perfect for all ages"). Keep the Airbnb message thread / screenshots as proof in case day-of staff asks.
🔓 Free cancellation until Sat Aug 29, 10:30 AM CST (1 day before). Soft 48-hr reconfirm via the Airbnb thread to María is worth doing.
Lodging
✓ Booked · 3BR Roma Sur · King Bed · AC Superhost · Airbnb Luxe
Address: Calle Bajío 315, Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX 06760 · View on Google Maps
Hosted by Arely · 7 years hosting · 5.0 ★ (small review count but Luxe-vetted)
Total: $1,828.54 USD ($309.81/night × 5 + $279 tax) · paid in full or split-pay $914.27 now + $914.27 on Aug 14, no fees
Free cancellation through Aug 22, 2026 — last-chance cancel date set as a reminder
Confirmed amenities
- 3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms · sleeps 5 · main king + bedroom 2 (two queens) + bedroom 3 king (Leela gets her own bed — no Pack 'n Play needed)
- Elevator (52"+ deep, 32"+ doorway — handles luggage and grandparents)
- AC in all bedrooms · ceiling fans
- Full kitchen, dishwasher, washer/dryer
- Pool · gym · coworking · 24/7 security · free parking
- $100 credit toward a service (chef, massage, etc.)
Post-booking actions
- Optional: message Arely to ask which side of building unit faces (Viaducto vs interior — noise) and confirm unit floor
- Add Aug 22 to your calendar as cancellation deadline (insurance against finding a better fit)
No agenda. Hydrate aggressively. No alcohol today. Grandparents rest before dinner.
Shopping list: dairy yogurt, eggs, bread, fruit (bananas, mangos, apples), plant milk, hummus, tomatoes, avocado, plain crackers, bottled water for daily use. Also grab the Fri Xochimilco picnic items now — peanut butter, extra fruit, corn tortillas, roasted peanuts, electrolyte sachets — so Friday morning is just assemble-and-go.
Mosquito precaution for Vatsala (pregnant): apply picaridin 20% before boarding (pregnancy-safe). Long sleeves + light pants. Risk is low — CDMX is above the CDC 2,000 m Zika line and the canal mosquitoes are wetland species, not the Aedes Zika/dengue vector; the moving open boat also keeps them off. Midday timing = lowest activity. Confirm with OB.
⚠️ Afternoon = small rain risk (storms ~4–7 PM); the 1:45 start finishes before the worst, trajineras are roofed, pack ponchos.
Steps: ~6,000. Two activities (Casa Azul + Xochimilco), both low-exertion (tour + boat); the load is in the Ubering, not the walking — Coyoacán + Xochimilco are both south, so it's one efficient loop. Whole family together all day (no split). Stairs: 1 (skippable) at Frida studio.
Phone/WhatsApp: +52 55 3461 0413 to confirm a Sat 5:15 PM table for 5 (1 high chair).
Steps: ~7,500. Heaviest activity day — Castle (hill via trenecito) + Rosetta + Palacio + Govinda. Pacing: every block is seated or short; 4 Uber legs in afternoon for energy savings. Castle closed Mondays — Saturday is the right slot. Avoid Sundays (free for residents = mobbed).
Light/medium day after Sat's heavy Centro afternoon. Whole family. Pregnancy-aware pacing — workshop is seated, Migrante is seated, Lord Buddha is casual food hall.
⚠️ Backup if Migrante kitchen falls short on the day: Vegamo (Mérida 83, Roma Norte). La Pitahaya is consumed on Day 1 (no repeats).
Steps: ~5,500. Three blocks (workshop morning + Migrante + Lord Buddha). Lighter day for Vatsala after Sat's Centro afternoon. Palacio Nacional moved to Sat afternoon (60-min visit after Rosetta).
A + V · Quintonil ★★ Michelin · BOOKED
~11:45 AM Uber to Polanco (~25–30 min). 1:00 PM lunch at Isaac Newton 55 — extended tasting, vegan + allium-free, kitchen pre-confirmed. ~3 hr (their suggested dining time); back to Roma ~4:30 PM. Conf. TOCK-R-SZI2IRE5 · party of 2 · $6,000 MXN deposit (applied to bill).
Adults only (Quintonil is 12+, no strollers) — that's why Leela's with the grandparents. Re-send dietary Fri Aug 28 (3 days before).
Grandparents + Leela · gentle Roma morning
- Stroll the Roma Sur streets · Mercado Medellín (atmospheric, kid-photogenic) · Miga Vegana for a treat
- Low-key, walking-distance, no agenda — back to the Airbnb for Leela's quiet time / grandparents' rest by early afternoon
Steps: ~4,000. One splurge (Quintonil lunch, A+V) + gentle Roma morning for the rest + walkable Suvai dinner. Lighter than the old Xochimilco Monday — deliberately easy on the pre-flight day. 7:30 PM bed is critical with the 6 AM Tue flight.
Restaurant Directory
Status reflects email outreach across 3 rounds (~29 inquiries). Updated 2026-06-08.
✓ Confirmed flexible
Quintonil ★★ Michelin · BOOKED SPLURGE
Kitchen team consulted; confirmed dishes can be prepared without alliums. Requires 3-day advance dietary notice. Closed Sundays. Book via Tock June 29 (window opens).
✓ Booked: Mon Aug 31, 1:00 PM, A+V only · conf. TOCK-R-SZI2IRE5 · $6,000 MXN deposit (applied to bill). 3-hr tasting; adults 12+ only. Closed Aug 24–30, so Aug 31 was the only date.
Rosetta ★ Michelin · BOOKED
Chef Elena Reygadas. Daily-changing menu; kitchen confirmed dietary flexibility. Reservation: Sat Aug 29, 2026 · 1:00 PM · party of 5 · deposit $700 MXN/pp paid (credits to final bill). Contact: Daniela (not Nashla) via the same thread. 10-min grace period; no valet. Lunch 1–5:30 PM, closed Sundays. Reconfirm 48 hr before.
⚠️ "Garden" seating is inside per Daniela (Jun 1) — preference flagged at booking but tables assigned at arrival.
Loncheria Suvai
Confirmed via email: "we have South Indian food which is vegan and food without onion and garlic." Dosa, sambar, idli, lemon rice, coconut rice. Whole-food (not mock meat).
Booked use: Mon Aug 31 dinner (chill night-before-flight, walking distance from Airbnb).
Lord Buddha Review-based · verify on Sat walkthrough
HappyCow/Tripadvisor reviewers attest the owner-chef accommodates onion-free off-menu. No direct email confirmation. Pre-call/walk over to the stall during Sat afternoon to verify in person before Sun dinner.
Booked use: Sun Aug 30 dinner. 5-min Uber from Airbnb.
Vegamo Confirmed (limited)
Confirmed via email May 18: "limited options without onion and garlic" but offered specific dishes — fruit bowl, açaí bowl, pancakes (whole-food picks), plus Beyond burger / vegan sausage burrito / kale salad with modifications (more processed).
Trip role: Sun lunch backup if Migrante's kitchen falls short on the day (would shift breakfast→lunch role). Otherwise unused — Sun morning is now workshop + light breakfast at Airbnb.
Miga Vegana 100% vegan bakery · walkable
100% vegan artisan bakery, baked fresh on-site daily — conchas, croissants, cinnamon rolls, chocolatines (menu changes daily). Entire case is Adithya-safe — vegan pan dulce is allium-free by nature, no "sin cebolla/ajo" needed. Same zip as the Airbnb. Hours: Tue–Sat 9 AM–8 PM · Sun 9 AM–4 PM · closed Mon.
Trip role: Day 1 (Thu) walk stop to stock breakfast pan dulce; grab-and-go breakfast option Sat & Sun mornings.
Govinda CDMX Naturally sattvic · ✓ Confirmed
Adjoining the ISKCON Hare Krishna temple. Sattvic by religious doctrine — no onion, no garlic, no mushroom in any dish, no email or pre-call needed. Hours (per @GovindaCDMX Instagram): Tue–Wed 12:30–7:30 PM · Thu–Sun 12:30–8:30 PM · closed Mon. ~10–15 min Uber from Condesa.
Booked use: Sat Aug 29 dinner 5:15 PM (early so we wrap by 6 PM and hit home by 6:30 PM for Leela's routine). WhatsApp +52 55 3461 0413 to confirm a table for 5 (1 high chair).
Migrante Michelin Selection · BOOKED #19951
Reservation: Sun Aug 30, 2026 · 1:30 PM · table for 5 · confirmed via OpenTable Jun 4 (#19951). 20-min grace period; 500 MXN/pp no-show fee. Confirmed flexible via email May 18: "Regarding onions, garlic, and leeks, we can also consider adapting some dishes." Offers 6-course / 9-course tasting OR à la carte. Re-send full dietary brief on the Aug 28 48-hr reconfirm; ask for kid-friendly plate for Leela then.
⏳ Soft / pending modification
Maximo Bistrot Confirmed but didn't fit · future trip
Confirmed flexible via email May 13: "we can accommodate your food restrictions." Chef Eduardo García sources daily. Hours Mon–Sat 1:00–11:00 PM, closed Sundays. Couldn't fit this trip — Thu chill (arrival); Fri = Casa Azul + Xochimilco South Day; Sat locked with Rosetta + Govinda; Sun closed; Mon = Quintonil lunch + Suvai. Save for a future visit when traveling without toddler + grandparents.
La Pitahaya Vegana Day 1 dinner · Thu Aug 27
Confirmed-safe list (per their PDF, May 13): Hamburguesa Rosa, Tacos estilo Baja (sin pico/mayo), Nachos (sin pico). All drinks + desserts safe. Mostly processed plant-protein — acceptable for one casual arrival-day dinner; walking distance + confirmed-safe is the priority on Day 1.
Café Nin Skip — too far + thin menu
Elena Reygadas's casual sister to Rosetta. ~3.5 km from Calle Bajío 315 (10–15 min Uber, not walking distance). Menu is mostly salads + hummus (latter likely contains garlic). Not worth a cross-town Uber for limited Adithya-safe options. Save for future trip if staying in Juárez/Centro.
⏸ Silent · no reply after follow-up
Outreach sent May 12–13, follow-ups May 18. Treating as dead — not chasing further. Listed here for record only.
Restaurants: Lord Buddha (email — walk-in instead) · Pizza del Perro Negro · Cancino · Ojo de Maíz · Anatol · Botánico (hotmail retry) · Utopia · Café Nin · Meroma (Diana went silent post-chef-check May 13) · Loup Bar (auto-reply only — book online).
✗ Confirmed cannot accommodate
NAAN OUT
"We use onion and garlic extensively on the menu so unfortunately we cannot accommodate that specific request." (Email, May 12)
Pujol OUT
"Onion is an ingredient present in virtually all preparations on the menu and cannot be substituted or removed." (Email, May 12)
Masala y Maíz ★ OUT
"We would be delighted to welcome you to our restaurant, we unfortunately cannot accommodate your specific dietary requirements." (Email, May 13)
Em ★ OUT
"The vast majority of our dishes contain garlic and onion, as they are an essential part of traditional Veracruz-style Mexican cuisine... our sauces and some preparations do contain garlic and onion, although their flavor and aroma are not noticeable." (Email, May 13) — same dodge as Pujol; not viable for an intolerance.
Sartoria OUT
Replied twice (May 14, May 15) confirming they cannot accommodate even with cross-contamination flexibility. Vegan + allium + mushroom restrictions are too many for their pasta menu.
Asai Kaiseki OUT — too limited
Replied May 13 offering only seaweed salad, vegetable tempura, vegetable roll, nopal nigiri, natto nigiri. Not enough for a real meal.
❌ Undeliverable / no email exists
Plantasia · Rokai · Botánico (original gmail) · Ticuchi · Casa Virginia · Carmela y Sal · Lardo
Chill Dinner Delivery Picks (Thu + Mon)
For the 2 "chill" nights — order via Rappi or Uber Eats to the Airbnb. All confirmed Adithya-safe.
Best delivery options
- Suvai (Zacatecas 139, Roma Norte) — South Indian dosa, sambar, idli. Confirmed onion/garlic-free. Kid-loves dosas. Slotted as Mon Aug 31 sit-down dinner (post-Quintonil, A+V eat light).
- Mercado Roma food hall (Querétaro 225) — order from Lord Buddha stall for Adithya; family picks from other stalls (Gold Taco vegan, Que Bo! chocolates, Spanish baguettes). Multiple cuisines, one delivery.
- Pan Comido (Tonalá 91, Roma Norte) — casual cafe, vegan-friendly. Light pastries, sandwiches, simple plates. Best for sandwich-style dinner.
- Vegamo (Mérida 83) — fruit bowls, açaí bowls, Beyond burger (sin cebolla). Slightly breakfast-leaning but works for light dinner.
Setup before trip
- Download Rappi app — works with Mexican mobile number OR international SMS. Order via app or website.
- Or use Uber Eats via your existing Uber account.
- Pay with credit card — both apps support international cards.
- Most deliveries arrive in 30–45 min in Roma.
Suggested split
- Fri Aug 28 (post-Xochimilco South Day): Pan Comido, Vegamo, Mercado Roma food hall, or local Roma Sur fonda. Low-effort hot meal at the Airbnb table after a long day of touring + the boat.
- Day 1 (Thu) and Day 5 (Mon) are both walking-distance sit-down dinners (La Pitahaya, Suvai) — no delivery needed.
Pre-Trip Action Timeline
All the time-sensitive bookings and prep, chronologically. Calendar reminders set for each.
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Mon Jun 29 | ✓ Quintonil booked — Mon Aug 31, 1:00 PM, party of 2 (conf. TOCK-R-SZI2IRE5, $6,000 MXN deposit). Quintonil was closed Aug 24–30; Aug 31 was the only date that week. |
| Now / ongoing | eSIM optional (buy early August if wanted). All other major bookings locked — see Bookings tab. |
| Mid–Aug | Print Casa Azul letters (request + thanks) on personal letterhead. Bring originals to the museum Aug 28. (PDF already e-signable at /Users/adithyabanavar/Downloads/FridaKahlo_GuidedTour_Letters.pdf.) |
| Sat Aug 22 | 🚨 Last day to cancel Airbnb for full refund. Reconfirm Aug 27 arrival logistics with Arely. |
| Wed Aug 26 | Reconfirm Rosetta 48 hr before (Daniela, same Tock thread). Reconfirm Migrante 48 hr (OpenTable #19951; re-send full dietary brief). Pre-book Uber XL Reserve for Aug 27 12:55 PM landing. |
| Thu Aug 27 | 🛫 Trip begins. 🔴 Day-before reconfirm for Casa Azul guided tour — email or call Ariadna (a.togo@museofridakahlo.org.mx) before end of day or tour auto-cancels. |
| Fri Aug 28 | Re-send Quintonil dietary requirements (3 days before the Aug 31 reservation) — do it between Casa Azul and Xochimilco. |
| Sat Aug 29 | 🔓 Alebrije workshop cancellation deadline — 10:30 AM CST (1 day before). Soft 48-hr reconfirm via Airbnb to María. |
Packing Checklist
- RideSafer Vest Gen 6 Small (Blue) for Leela ✓ ordered May 16 (order #64278; ships mid-June, arrives late-June/early-July). Travel-vest format = packs in your daypack. Practice runs at home through July/August so Leela's comfortable wearing it.
- Compact umbrellas + packable rain jackets (umbrella alone fails in CDMX storms)
- SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen — UV 12–15 at altitude, burn time ~10 min unprotected
- Brimmed hats for all 5 (including Leela)
- Sunglasses for everyone including Leela
- Closed-toe walking shoes with grip (wet cobblestones in Roma are slick)
- Layers: t-shirts + long-sleeve + light fleece for evenings (mid-60s°F)
- Reusable water bottles + electrolyte sachets (altitude hydration)
- Tylenol/paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, hand sanitizer, prescription meds + copies
- Indian comfort snacks (theplas, khakhras, dry roasted chana) for picky moments
- Cash: stash of MXN 20/50/100 bills for tips
- Walking sticks/canes for grandparents (or buy at any Sanborns)
- US passports + ID confirming grandparents' age 60+ (free museum entry)
- Screenshots of the alebrije-workshop host messages approving Leela (3y9m) — listing policy is age 5+, but María's team approved her in writing. Bring as proof.
- Leela's busy-bag (tablet, headphones, quiet toys, snacks) — especially for Rosetta lunch (Sat) and the Fri Xochimilco boat / South Day travel
- eSIM for Mexico (Saily / Holafly / Airalo) — optional but recommended to use Uber/Rappi without WiFi friction. Buy in early August if you want it.
- WhatsApp installed on phones (primary way Mexican businesses communicate)
- Picaridin 20% mosquito repellent for Vatsala (pregnancy-safe; for Xochimilco wetlands)
- Vatsala's prenatal records (digital + printed copy)
- Passports — required for Palacio Nacional security check Sun morning
Spanish Phrases
Hola, soy vegano estricto y también sigo una dieta jainista. NO puedo comer: cebolla, ajo, champiñones, lácteos, huevo, miel, manteca, ni caldo de pollo. ¿Pueden preparar un plato fresco solo con verduras, arroz, tofu o frijoles cocinados sin cebolla y sin ajo para mí? El resto de mi familia es vegetariana sin otras restricciones. Gracias.
Short ordering phrases
- Sin carne, sin pollo, sin pescado — no meat / chicken / fish
- Sin huevo, sin leche, sin queso, sin mantequilla — no egg / milk / cheese / butter
- Sin manteca — no lard (critical for beans/rice/tortillas)
- Sin cebolla, sin ajo, sin hongos/champiñones — no onion / garlic / mushrooms
- ¿Lleva cebolla o ajo? — Does it have onion or garlic?
- ¿Los frijoles tienen manteca? — Do the beans have lard?
For the grandparents (simple)
- Hola · Gracias · Por favor · Sí · No · No, gracias
- Agua, por favor — Water please
- Baño — Bathroom (BAHN-yoh)
- Ayuda — Help
- Taxi al hotel, por favor — Taxi to hotel please
- Print the hotel name + address on a card to hand drivers
Logistics
Airport (MEX) → Airbnb · Aug 27 arrival 12:55 PM
Recommended: Uber XL Reserve. Pre-book in the Uber app up to 90 days ahead — locks the price, no surge. ~$10–15 USD (180–260 MXN) to Roma Sur. Family-of-5 + luggage = XL. Bring your own RideSafer vest (Gen 6 Small ordered) — Uber doesn't provide car seats in Mexico.
- Pickup at MEX Terminal 1, Level 2 (departures level), Puerta 7 or 8. NOT the street-level arrivals area (those touts are unauthorized).
- Need working mobile data on landing — pick up an eSIM before departure (Saily, Holafly, Airalo).
- Drive time: 35–55 min midday.
Alternatives if you'd rather have door-to-door pre-booked:
- Cabify (local rideshare; well-rated in Mexico)
- DiDi (also at MEX, slightly cheaper than Uber)
- Suntransfers (private transfer ~$25–35, far cheaper than Welcome Pickups' $50+)
Avoid Welcome Pickups — overpriced for what's a 5-min Uber XL exercise.
Car seat for Leela (CDMX 2026 rules)
The law: Federal Mexican law requires all children under 12 years OR under 1.45 m to use an approved child restraint — in Uber, taxi, rental, private car, no exceptions. CDMX traffic officers do enforce, especially near schools/hospitals. Fines MXN 1,200–3,500 (~$65–190 USD).
For Leela's bracket (almost 4, 32+ lbs, ~15 kg): forward-facing with a 5-point harness. Mexico accepts seats certified to FMVSS 213 (US) or UN Reg 129 (i-Size).
Uber + airport taxis do not provide seats. Pre-booked private transfers will if you ask 24+ hours ahead.
Three options:
- Option A · RideSafer Travel Vest, Small (recommended). ~1 lb, ~$160. Wearable harness, packs into a daypack. Sized for 3+ years and 30–60 lbs — Leela fits cleanly. Legal in Mexico (FMVSS 213) and all 50 US states — reusable for Ubers/rentals at home for years. Safety community endorses Small for age 4+.
- Option B · Cosco Scenera Next. ~7 lb, ~$60 on Amazon, FAA-approved for the airplane seat, FMVSS 213. Bulkier to lug but gives more crash protection than a vest. Use it on every Uber. Cheaper upfront if you don't already own one.
- Option C · rent locally. Taxi Bambino or similar will deliver a rented seat to your hotel. Adds ~$30–50 USD. Useful if you want zero luggage hassle.
My read: Option A wins for Leela's age/size. 6 lb of luggage saved, ~$100 more upfront but reusable for years of US Ubers, and safety-wise it's appropriate at 4. Confirm fit with the manufacturer size chart before buying.
Tipping
- Restaurants: 10–15% cash on pre-tax. Check for auto-added "propina sugerida" first.
- Hotel housekeeping: MXN 40–60/day on pillow.
- Bellhop: MXN 25–50 per bag.
- Tour guide: 10–15% or MXN 300–500 half-day.
Altitude (7,350 ft)
Symptoms 2–12 hr after arrival: headache, fatigue, nausea, poor sleep. Usually resolves 24–48 hr.
First 48 hr: hydrate 3–4 L/adult, NO alcohol, light meals, short walks. Day 1 = rest day.
Watch Leela for: irritability, refusing food, unusual sleepiness.
Seek care for: persistent vomiting, confusion, chest pain, severe shortness of breath at rest.
Safety
Condesa & Roma Norte are among the safest CDMX neighborhoods. Day walking is relaxed; take Uber after dark instead of long walks.
- Fake-police "wallet inspection" scam — never hand it over. Ask for ID and walk to nearest hotel/restaurant.
- ATM skimming — use only bank-branch ATMs (BBVA, Santander, Banorte, Scotiabank). Cover PIN.
- Distraction pickpockets — keep wallet in front pocket / money belt for grandparents.
- Never take unmarked street taxis. Uber / DiDi / Sitio only.
Weather (late Aug–early Sep)
Daytime 22–24°C, evenings 12–15°C. Cool, not hot.
Rain: dry mornings, thunderstorms 4–7 PM (~60–90 min, often heavy). Plan outdoor for mornings.
UV at midday: 12–15 (extreme). Burn time ~10 min unprotected.
Money
- MXN dominates. USD accepted in tourist hotels at bad rates.
- Cards: Visa/MC widely accepted; Amex friction common.
- Cash: bank-branch ATMs only. Decline "convert to USD" prompt at ATM.
- Tipping always in cash pesos preferred.
- Notify your bank of travel dates.
Emergency contacts
- 911 — all emergencies (English available in CDMX)
- Tourist police: 55-5207-1007
- LOCATEL (non-emergency): 55-5658-1111
- US Embassy CDMX: 55-5080-2000
- Indian Embassy: 55-5531-1050