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Want to see a Lucha Libre show in Mexico? A tour is the best (and safest!) way to do so.
On a recent trip to Mexico City, we attended one of the Lucha Libre events on a guided tour, 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. Plus, our tour made it so easy, and we had the best time while our guide took the lead!
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 in Mexico City.
We’ll give you our recommendations as well as all of the info you need to have a fantastic time when you go!
- Our TOP PICK for a Lucha Libre Tour in Mexico City
- What are the best Lucha Libre tours in Mexico City?
- Can you see a Lucha Libre show in Mexico City without a tour?
- The History of Lucha Libre in Mexico
- Where is Lucha Libre held in Mexico City?
- What to bring on to the show?
- How long is a Lucha Libre show?
- Is a Lucha Libre tour suitable for children?
- Is a Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City worth it?
- Other Activities to do While in Mexico City
- Where to Stay in Mexico City
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
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 did and LOVED! It’s an entire fun evening in Mexico City all planned for you. We started with a premium mezcal tasting before heading to the show. The best part? Drinks are included and so is a souvenir mask! It’s only $89 USD for everything, too.
You can check availability and book this tour in advance here!
What are the best Lucha Libre tours in Mexico City?
1. Lucha Libre Experience and Mezcal Tasting (our FAVORITE tour!)
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!
Book this Lucha Libre tour with mezcal tastings online here!
2. Lucha Libre with Traditional Tavern (the cheapest tour!)
This Lucha Libre experience is one of the highest-rated tours out there and the cheapest! Who doesn’t love that? We also really like that this is a small group tour with just 15 people, so you can make some friends as you enjoy the show. It also stops by a traditional Mexican tavern to try some drinks, making for a full evening out.
You’ll meet your guide and the group at the Pulqueria (tavern) in central Mexico City before the show. The Lucha Libre shows happen after dark, and it generally isn’t safe to walk around this area at night if you don’t know where you’re going. 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 have a fun evening!
The guide is a luchador, so you’ll learn about the sport over drinks before you head to the main event. Then, of course, enjoy the thrilling show with some new friends!
This tour includes a tour of the pulqueria, your pulque drink, entrance to the Lucha Libre show, and your wonderful guide for $60 USD – the cheapest option on this list. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean its low quality, check out the hundreds of glowing reviews here!
Book this Lucha Libre tour with FREE cancellation options here!
3. Lucha Libre Tour with Hotel Pick-Up
This tour will begin by picking you up from your hotel in Mexico City (most other tours only provide transport from specific meeting points.) On the way to the arena, your guide will explain the history and rules of Lucha Libre. 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.
Check availability and book this Lucha Libre tour with pick-up here!
4. Private Tour: Lucha Libre, Pulque, and Tacos
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!
Check availability, prices, and book your private Lucah Libre tour here!
5. Private Tour: Wrestling Show and Traditional 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.
Book this private tour with traditional dinner online here!
Related Read: For those heading to the Yucatan, you can read about my favorite tours of the Yucatan Peninsula here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
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!
Book our favorite Lucha Libre tour online here!
Related Read: To learn more about safety within the country, read our guide on staying safe in Mexico.
The History of 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.
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!
What to bring on to the show?
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!
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!
Is a Lucha Libre tour 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.
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!
Book our favorite Lucha Libre tour online here!
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 – $$$
For luxury travelers, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is a top choice. This incredible 5-star hotel has the BEST location since it’s right in the Zócalo – the main plaza in the city. This is a beautiful, historic hotel with a lobby that looks like it belongs in a movie! You’re within walking distance of so many of Mexico City’s best sights and the rooms are spacious. Plus, breakfast on the rooftop terrace is a highlight!
Rooms start at $200 USD per night, but you’ll save a lot on transportation costs since you can walk to so many amazing places! Book a room online here.
Mid-range – $$
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, Hostal Regina Downtown Mexico City is a fantastic option. Located in the Historic Center of the city and near the popular pedestrian-only street, Calle Regina, you’ll be right in the action. They offer dorm or private rooms that are clean, modern, and well-rated. This definitely has more of a party vibe, offering free beer and pizza to get the party going, but it’s a fun and convenient stay!
Dorm beds start around $14 USD and private rooms are around $45 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com or on Hostelworld.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Seeing a Lucha Libre show was one of my favorite memories from Mexico City. It’s a quintessentially Mexican experience and something we recommend even if you only have two days to spend in Mexico City! But since the arenas aren’t in the best neighborhoods, I say take 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.
How to Spend 1 Day in Mexico City
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