8 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Lucha Libre Tour in Mexico City

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Lucha Libre is one of the most iconic things to see in Mexico. The history of this sport runs deep in Mexican culture and is characterized by colorful masks and high-flying maneuvers. This professional wrestling match is more for entertainment, drawing thousands of people for every theatrical show. 

While visiting Mexico City we took one of the Lucha Libre events and I’d have to say that it was one of the most entertaining shows I have ever been to! The atmosphere is high-energy and extremely fun. It really gives you an authentic Mexico experience, as it is loved by locals and travelers alike! 

Before you jump into a Lucha Libre experience, it’s helpful to do some research. Trust me, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into! In this blog, I’ll break down all the things you should know before going to a Lucha Libre show including the best tour options from Mexico City.

We’ll give you our recommendation for the best Lucha Libre tours in Mexico City and all the info you need to have a fantastic time when you go!

Our TOP PICK for a Lucha Libre Tour in Mexico City

If you’re already sold on taking in a Lucha Libre show while in Mexico City, we recommend this specific Lucha Libre tour that we took that is led by a former luchador and includes a mezcal tasting! It’s an entire fun evening in Mexico City all planned for you. We had a blast and our guide was so great at filling us in on the history of Lucha Libre from his personal experience and making sure everyone in the group had a good time. It’s only $95 USD for everything (including a souvenir luchador mask!) and can be easily booked here!

1. About Lucha Libre in Mexico

To describe exactly what Lucha Libre is, think of professional wrestling, then add some spunk to it. This sport is also a theatrical event, usually with pre-determined results and staged maneuvers. That doesn’t make it less exciting, though! It’s a wild sport, and these luchadors (wrestlers) perform some impressive feats. 

Lucha Libre was brought to Mexico in 1933 by Salvador Lutteroth González, known as the father of the sport. Wrestling had already been an event in Mexico since the mid-1800s, but it was primarily an act in circuses and theaters. Gonzalez saw a professional match in El Paso, Texas, and knew it would fit in well with Mexico’s culture. 

He returned to Mexico City and established the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL). This is now called the CMLL and is the longest-running professional promotion company in the world. 

When you go to a Lucha Libre fight, you’ll see each luchador wearing a mask to protect their identity. This is an essential piece to the storyline and the luchador’s persona. In some matches, they put their mask on the line, meaning the winner will reveal the loser’s identity at the end. The mask is a symbol of pride and heritage, so getting “unmasked” is a big deal. 

In every Lucha Libre fight, you’ll be sure to see impressive moves from the wrestlers and enjoy the high energy from the spectators.

2. Where is Lucha Libre held in Mexico City?

The Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL, formally EMLL) hosts its matches in Arena Mexico, right in Mexico City. This arena has 16,000 seats and is frequently sold out. It is known as the Mecca of professional wrestling in Mexico.

There are other notable Lucha Libre arenas, such as Arena Coliseo, Arena Puebla, and the Arena Coliseo de Occidente.

Related Read: For another slice of Mexican culture, read about the best tours Teotihuacan tours from Mexico City!

3. What are the best Lucha Libre tours in Mexico City?

Lucha Libre Show + Tacos + Beer + Mezcal

Lucha Libre is truly an authentic Mexico City experience. This Best Night Ever Tour makes your night even more famously Mexican by having a taco dinner and mezcal tasting before the event! It’s the perfect way to build some foundational knowledge about the sport and get hyped up beforehand.

Your tour starts at one of Mexico City’s best taquerias. Here you’ll meet your tour guide and group, which will likely become new friends by the end of this experience! As you share a taco dinner, the guide will give you an introduction to Lucha Libre. He will explain the history, rules, and cultural significance of the sport. 

After dinner, you’ll head to a cantina for some mezcal to get you in the Lucha Libre spirit! Finally, your tour will head to Arena Mexico (or Arena Coliseo on Saturdays) to experience the show. You’ll see the two headliner matches of the night, which is sure to be like nothing you’ve seen before!

This Lucha Libre tour begins in the late afternoon or early evening and lasts up to 4 hours. It occurs on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday in Roma Norte, starting at Cariñito Tacos. On Saturdays, you’ll meet in the Centro at Mercado San Camilito. So if you’re not sure which day to go, choose the one closest to where you’re staying in Mexico City.

You’ll leave this experience with a full belly and full heart, as well as a surprise souvenir! There is a lot included in this tour, the show ticket, a meal, drinks, your guide, and the souvenir – all for just $108 USD. However, I suggest bringing extra money if you want to buy anything at the event itself.

For the best night ever, book this epic tour online here!

Mexican Wrestling: Experience Lucha Libre in Mexico City

This Lucha Libre experience is great for families looking to see a show in Mexico City! This tour is all about the performance itself. And since it covers transport from central meeting points, there’s no need to worry about finding the arena. You can simply enjoy the event – which you definitely will! 

We love that this tour provides roundtrip transportation from two central meeting points. The Lucha Libre shows happen after dark, and it generally isn’t safe to walk around any major city that you’re unfamiliar with at night. Having your local tour guides pick you up and take you to the venue really just takes the pressure off. The guides are familiar with the area, so you will stay safe and can have a fun evening! 

This 3.5-hour tour is great for families because it’s rather straightforward. A lot of the other tours last a long time and include alcohol in the cost. This experience simply takes you to the arena so you can enjoy the show at a more affordable price. It’s also a great option if you don’t drink alcohol or prefer to do dinner on your own.

This tour includes roundtrip transportation, entrance to the show, and a souvenir luchador mask! It happens on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and is open to all ages for $62-88 USD per person (depending on which seats you prefer). There might be an extra fee if it’s a special event – but the tour guides will let you know.

If you’re primarily about the show, this is the tour for you! So pick your date and book it online here!

Lucha Libre Experience and Mezcal Tasting

This incredible tour is your chance to learn about Lucha Libre from a former luchador! You’ll have a fun-filled evening as you learn about the sport over a mezcal tasting. Your ex-luchador guide will give you behind-the-scenes details of the sport and an overview of its heroes and villains. Then head to the arena to see it in action! 

Meet your professional guide at the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes. They’ll lead you to a local mezcaleria where you will have time to get to know the former luchador. You’ll learn all about the show you’re about to see, including its history and rules. You will also get to taste various mezcals and learn how this spirit is made. 

Then, you’ll head to the Arena Mexico for the show! It’s a 30-minute walk, and your guide will continue sharing fun facts on the way. One of my favorites is that this arena is known as Mexico’s “Cathedral of Lucha Libre”, so it’s pretty iconic to see a show here. 

Be prepared to walk quite a bit on this tour, and don’t bring anything you can’t take into the venue! This tour includes mezcal, a snack, entrance to the show, the guide, and a souvenir luchador mask. It costs $97 USD for adults and $89 USD for kids. It lasts 4.5 hours and takes place Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, Fridays at 6:30 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm.

I love that this experience is led by a former luchador, giving you a unique perspective of the sport! Whether you’re a couple, friends, or a family, it’s serious fun for everyone!

So for the inside scoop on Lucha Libre, book this tour online here!

Mexico City: Lucha Libre wrestling show tickets

Enjoy a fun and seamless experience with this Lucha Libre tour. The whole evening is super well-organized. You can have all the plans taken care of for you, so you can just drink tequila and watch the show ringside! 

This tour will begin by picking you up from your hotel in Mexico City. Your guide will explain the history and rules of Lucha Libre as you make your way to the arena. By the time the match starts, you’ll understand what’s happening and be ready to go.

Once you arrive at the show, you’ll be given your own luchador mask and two tequila shots. What better way to get in the luchador spirit?! 

You’ll be seated ringside and right next to your guide. This way, they can answer questions and explain more about the sport. The energy during these shows is high, and sitting with an enthusiastic group is even more fun! 

The whole thing lasts about 2.5 hours. After the match, you’ll be taken back to your accommodation. Hotel pickup/drop off, entrance fees, tequila shots, and a luchador mask are all included for $119 USD.

Unfortunately, this tour is only available Tuesdays at 7 pm and Fridays at 8:30 pm. So secure your ringside seats well in advance!  

Lucha Libre, Pulque, and Tacos Private Tour

For a VIP feel, we really like that this Lucha Libre tour has a private tour option, so you and your group can enjoy the whole evening together. You’ll get to experience this iconic event, as well as enjoy tacos and pulque (one of Mexico’s famous drinks). It’s an awesome bonding experience, and you’ll definitely see a new side of Mexico City.

This tour provides hotel pickup, where you will meet your guide. I always love private tours because you get that extra attention – and can ask all those burning Lucha Libre questions!

Your first stop will be at a local taqueria for handmade tacos! After filling up on tacos, you’ll head to a pulqueria to try this classic Mexican drink. Pulque is a fermented alcoholic drink made from a maguey plant. It’s sour in flavor and has been part of Mexico’s culture for hundreds of years. 

Finally, your group will head to the Lucha Libre show at the Arena Mexico for the event of a lifetime! You’ll see the luchadors perform their high-flying acrobatics as the rudos and tecnicos (bad guys and good guys) fight for the title. 

At the end of the show, this tour will take you back to your accommodation or to another spot in the city. There are plenty of activities in Mexico City – including nightlife. So feel free to go out after … especially if you have that post-show adrenaline pumping!

The 5-hour tour includes roundtrip transport, taco and pulque tastings, entrance ticket, and a guide. This private option costs between $77-$268 USD per person depending on your group size (maximum 15). You can also opt to join a small group if you don’t want a private tour for $76 USD per person. It’s available Tuesdays and Saturdays at 5 pm, Fridays at 6 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm.

This is a jam-packed evening offering some of the city’s top attractions. To take advantage of it all, book your private tour online here!

Wrestling Show and a Mexican Dinner

If you want to feel like a local, this private Lucha Libre tour is another great way to experience Mexico City! You’ll be entertained at a Lucha Libre show in the famous Arena Mexico. Then, your group will be treated to dinner at a traditional Mexican restaurant. 

This tour starts by picking you up from your Mexico City hotel. We are big fans of private tours that include this since then you can focus on your group and move at your own pace! Plus, you’ll get excellent seats so you can really soak up all that Lucha Libre action.

The first stop is the Lucha Libre show! Your tour guide will give you all the information about Lucha Libre and experience the show with you. So, feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like! It’s such a crazy performance, you’re bound to have a few.

After the wrestling match, you’ll head to dinner at a local spot. Enjoy homemade cooking at an authentic Mexican restaurant as you reminisce on the highlights of the show! Trust me, you’ll have lots to discuss over the meal.

On this tour, we also like that you get to know the area through a local guide. Plus, you’ll be hitting some of the best spots in the city with tasty food to boot.

This tour includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel, tickets to the Lucha Libre show, dinner, and your guide. Prices range from $70-$210 USD depending on group size (maximum 14). Tours last about 4 hours and take place Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday at 4:30 pm, 6 pm, and 7:30 pm.

If you love private tours, this option is for you! Grab your friends and secure this tour online here!

Related Read: For those heading to the Yucatan, you can read about my favorite tours of the Yucatan Peninsula here.

4. Can you see a Lucha Libre show in Mexico City without a tour?

Yes, you can see a Lucha Libre show without a tour, but it’s not recommended. The shows take place after dark, and the area where the stadium is located is not super tourist friendly.

While Mexico City is mostly safe, you should still use caution when exploring at night. Booking a tour will ensure you have safe transportation to and from the event.

Plus, the tours come with a local guide, so you get to learn more about the city in addition to the wrestling match. Overall, we found a tour was well worth it for a stress-free experience. Then you can concentrate on enjoying the show to the fullest!

Related Read: To learn more about safety within the country, read our guide on staying safe in Mexico.

5. What to bring on a Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City?

It’s best to leave all valuables at home, as the arena isn’t in a great part of town. However, I recommend bringing enough money to purchase food and drinks at the event (this isn’t covered by most tours). Just don’t carry around an excessive amount of cash.

They don’t allow large items such as cameras into the arena (as they can be thrown at the wrestlers!). However, you can bring your phone to take photos.

Wear comfortable walking shoes if you book a tour that includes more than just the show. You might do a lot of walking before you get to the arena – like on this luchador-led tour with a mezcal tasting. Otherwise, just bring yourself and be ready to have a fun experience!

6. How long is a Lucha Libre show?

Lucha Libre shows typically last 2-3 hours. The time can vary depending on how long each match goes or how many matches they schedule in a show.

It’s recommended to arrive about 30 minutes early to find your seats and get settled. If you book one of the tours that includes dinner or other activities, you can expect the experience to last a few hours longer.

Overall it’s easy to fit into your schedule – in fact, we have a night dedicated to Lucha Libre in our guide to spending three days in Mexico City!

Related Read: For all the foodies out there, here is everything you need to know before booking a taco tour in Mexico City!

7. Is a Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City suitable for children?

Lucha Libre shows are family-friendly! Kids love watching high-flying jumps and acrobatics, in addition to the bright colors and loud music. It’s a high-energy experience altogether.

Keep in mind that the shows run pretty late, there are ring girls dressed in scandalous clothing, and there can be rowdy locals in the crowd. But overall, many children attend these shows and really enjoy their time!

Certain tours on this list are alcohol-related, so attendees must be of a certain age. Double-check the age requirements of the tour you are looking to book! Other tours that serve alcohol will accommodate minors and serve them non-alcoholic beverages instead.

This private tour with dinner is a great choice for families. You’ll get roundtrip transportation and can enjoy the experience with your own personal guide. Plus, there are tours leaving as early as 4:30 pm.

If you just want to see the show, I recommend this show with roundtrip transportation. They’ll make sure you get to and from the show safely and gift you a souvenir mask – which kids love!

8. Is a Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City worth it?

Yes, a Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City is certainly worth it!

It’s a great chance to experience Mexico City in an authentic way. Many of these tours include a local guide who takes you to the best food and drink spots in the area. They have a passion for their culture and are excited to share it with travelers, so you really learn a lot during these tours.

Also, I always enjoy taking a tour because it takes the stress out of the day. It allows me to simply enjoy the performance. And with a Lucha Libre show, you’ll want to be fully present for all the action. It’s one of those Mexico City highlights that I hope everyone can experience!

Other Activities to do While in Mexico City

Seeing a Lucha Libre show is just one of the many fun things to do in Mexico City. Trust me, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary in this bustling city. To give you an idea of what’s on offer, I’ve highlighted some of our favorite activities below.

• Try local cuisine – Mexican food is world-famous for good reason, and Mexico City is one of the best cities to enjoy it! Take a taco tour, visit the Condesa area for amazing chocolate, or walk down Calle Regina, a pedestrian-only street filled with restaurants. For a broad sampling, I recommend this food tour through Colonia Roma or even this cooking class – which also visits the local market!

• Visit ancient ruins – As one of the oldest cities, Mexico City has many ancient ruins. You can visit the Templo Mayor Museum right in the city or take a day trip to Teotihuacan. We recommend this full-day tour which also stops at Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and for a tequila tasting! And for thrill-seekers or romantic occasions, take a hot air balloon over the city at sunrise!

• Buy local souvenirs – If you want to go shopping or find some local souvenirs, head to the La Ciudadela Artisanal Market. This market showcases artists’ work from around the country for very affordable prices – and the selection is huge!

• Take a city tour – Mexico City is HUGE. To get your bearings and a feel for the place, take a Mexico City tour! This private tour is customizable, so you can see the sights that interest you most, along with some hidden gems. And if you’re on a budget, take the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to check out multiple neighborhoods.

• Visit hot springs – If you’re looking to plan a day trip from Mexico City, the crystal-blue waters of Las Grutas de Tolantongo Hot Springs are the perfect remedy. It’s a picture-perfect location with a backdrop of gorgeous mountains. It’s a bit of a drive, though, which is why I recommend this full-day tour.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is massive, and there are lots of different areas to stay depending on what you want to get out of your trip. For this reason, we wrote a full guide on the best areas to stay in Mexico City as well as the best hostels in Mexico City! These blogs should help you choose an awesome place for your stay!

However, for a quick overview, here are some of my top recommendations.

Luxury – $$$

For luxury travelers, Casa Malí by Dominion Boutique Hotel is a fantastic choice. This upscale hotel in the heart of La Condesa is conveniently located close to iconic city landmarks such as the Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Castle.

It offers huge, modern studios starting at $170 USD, a spacious and cozy terrace, a gym, and even laundry and barbecue facilities for all guests. For guaranteed comfort, book your luxury stay here online!

Mid-range – $$

Hotel MX Roma is a clean, medium-budget hotel in La Roma, close to shops, bars, and restaurants. It has both standard and family rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen satellite TV. It offers a space with a terrace to enjoy with family or friends, private parking, a gym, free bikes, and 24-hour front desk service. It’s also an allergy-free property, so there’s no smoking and they use hypoallergenic products.

Rooms run $150 USD in peak season. However, you can snag one as cheap as $70 USD a night when you book in advance online!

Budget – $

For budget travelers, the Selina Hostel in downtown Mexico City is a great, well-known chain. I stayed here during one of my visits and loved the downtown location. Although the area may seem unsafe to some, it’s the Historic Center of Mexico City and where I spent most of my time. They have a common area, pool table, board games, and a bar – so it’s easy to meet others. If working remotely, there’s also a coworking space for an extra fee.

Bunk beds cost around $25 USD, and private rooms start at $80 USD. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can book Selina Hostel online through Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Renting a Car in Mexico

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. 

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Thanks for reading!

Seeing a Lucha Libre show was one of my favorite memories from Mexico City. It’s a quintessentially Mexican experience, and there’s really nothing like it. But since the arenas aren’t in the best neighborhoods, I always recommend taking a tour. Plus, the guides teach you all about Lucha Libre and get you excited before the main event!

Hopefully, you’ve found a Lucha Libre tour that suits your needs! And if you found this list helpful, check out our other blogs about Mexico. To give you an idea of what we cover, I’ve linked to some articles below. Thanks for reading!

25 BEST Things to do in Guadalajara, Mexico

15 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting Akumal Beach, Mexico

12 Things you NEED to Know about the Day of the Dead in Mexico