Pies Descalzos with Laila Navarro Part 2 How Travel Can Transform You

In this heartwarming continuation of our conversation with Mexico City guide Laila Navarro, we go deeper into the why behind her unforgettable tours.

Moments That Matter Laila shares powerful stories from her guests—like the man who returned to the Basilica after healing. These aren't just tours. They're memories made together. Laila pours her heart into making each experience “something special,” and it shows.

Travel as a Force for Good For Laila, travel is more than checking off a list. It’s a way to shift perspectives, prioritize meaningful experiences over material excess, and reconnect with what really matters—nature, kindness, and joy. Her hope is that guests leave not just with photos, but with a renewed sense of self.

Not Just a City Tour – An Invitation to See Differently Want to taste your way through street markets? Wander a forest in the middle of the city? Dive into Mexican culture in Coyoacán? Laila’s tours are full of thoughtful details and unexpected stories. They're designed to give you a richer understanding of Mexico City and the people who live there.

Let Go of the Fear – Mexico City Is Waiting Laila gently challenges common fears about travel in CDMX, from tap water to street food to riding the metro. Her message: Mexico City is alive with generosity, friendliness, and wonder—if you’re willing to see it with fresh eyes.

Connect with Pies Descalzos Learn more or book a tour at piesdescalzos.fun Like on Facebook: facebook.com/piesdescalzostours Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/piesdescalzostours

This episode is for anyone craving more connection, more meaning, and more discovery in their travels.

A Two-Part Journey Through Mexico City

What if your next trip felt less like sightseeing… and more like a revelation?

Laila didn’t plan to be a tour guide — in fact, she studied architecture and design. But after burning out in underpaid creative jobs, she stumbled into the world of guiding and discovered something that lit her up. Learn how a simple trial tour turned into a calling, and how she sees travel as a bridge between people, history, and nature.

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Laila explains why most visitors miss the depth of Teotihuacan — and how starting at the on-site museum transforms your understanding of what you're seeing. You’ll also hear what it was like to watch hot air balloons rise with the sun over ancient ruins. It’s not just a visit. It’s a chance to feel small and in awe. For more information about this tour, check it out on Viator.

When Christopher and Ashleigh asked for a tour focused on Diego Rivera’s murals, Laila created one from scratch — and got emotional in the process. This episode unpacks how art, politics, and memory are fused into Mexico City’s walls — and why this tour might just change how you see public art forever. For more information and to book this tour, check out Viator.

You’ve heard of the party boats — but Lila takes Riley (and others) into a different Xochimilco: quiet canals, morning mist, ancient farming techniques, and a farm-to-table breakfast after kayaking. You'll hear how indigenous wisdom still echoes here, if you're willing to listen. To learn more about this tour, visit Viator.

For Laila, guiding isn’t about facts — it’s about feelings. She talks about building relationships, not just delivering information. For travelers like you who crave real connection, this episode is a reminder that the best trips are built on shared humanity.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be deeply seen, heard, and invited into a culture — not just observe it — this is your episode.

Listen now, and get ready to rethink what a "tour" can be. Be sure to check back in next week for the second half of this interview! More information about Laila and her tours can be found at PiesDescazlos.fun.

Mexico City: Must-Do Experiences Beyond the Guidebook

In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher share the standout moments from their Mexico City trip—what was absolutely worth it, what surprised them, and what they’d do differently next time.

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Centro Histórico The city’s historic core is packed with must-see sites like the Zócalo, Templo Mayor, the Cathedral, and Diego Rivera’s murals. It’s easy to explore on foot, even from neighborhoods a bit farther out like Reforma.

Anthropology Museum This museum is essential for understanding Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures. We booked a guided tour, which made a huge difference in helping us connect with what we were seeing.

Diego Rivera’s Murals Seeing Rivera’s art at Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Museo Mural Diego Rivera gave us a visual crash course in Mexican history and revolution. To check out the tour we took, click here.

Chapultepec Park A massive park with museums, a zoo, and even a castle. It’s a peaceful place to escape the bustle and spend a few unhurried hours.

Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul Visiting the Blue House in Coyoacán helped us understand Frida’s art and life in a more personal way. Make sure to get tickets in advance—it’s popular for a reason. Consider a guided tour if you want to dig deeper into Frida's life.

Sunrise Kayaking in Xochimilco One of our most memorable experiences. Paddling through early-morning canals past floating farms and birds was peaceful and unforgettable. For more info on this tour, click here.

Trip Planning Tips Plan for at least 3–4 full days. Staying in more than one neighborhood adds variety. Big breakfasts and late dinners worked better for us than three structured meals. Give yourself time to slow down.

We highly recommend checking out tours from Pies Descalzos!

What We’d Do Differently We’d allow more time at Templo Mayor, build in time to relax in Roma Norte, and be better prepared for early mornings, especially when it comes to food and coffee.

Wine Break We took a pause with a bottle of Auxerrois from Chateau Fontaine in Northern Michigan.

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