Culinary Tour of Mexico

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City

This private culinary tour of Mexico gives travelers insider access to the diverse flavors of the country through visits to local food markets, private cooking classes, street food tastings, reservations at the best restaurants and more. It also includes cultural touring with your own guide and driver, as well as accommodation at Mexico's best luxury hotels.

Begin in Oaxaca, one of Mexico's best destinations for food and traditional arts. During private touring, visit a food market to sample cheese, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and, for the adventurous, chapulines (grasshoppers) with chile, salt and lime. Stop in a chocolate workshop to taste one of the region's best-known products. Also explore the colonial center of Oaxaca—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—including the zocalo (main square), cathedral, food markets and folk art shops. Enjoy a private cooking lesson to learn to prepare local dishes, such as one of the several mole dishes Oaxaca is famous for. One day, take a private excursion through a nearby valley to tour the archaeological ruins of Mitla and visit indigenous markets and craft villages specializing in woven textiles. Also, visit a mezcal distillery to taste the smoky spirit characteristic of Oaxaca. Another day, visit Monte Alban, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site with stone temples and great views over the region. Enjoy a colorful Guelaguetza performance of traditional song and dance one evening.

Next, visit Puebla, a historic city with a rich culinary heritage. Enjoy a private cooking lesson and learn to prepare local dishes such as mole poblano or chiles en nogada (chilies in walnut sauce). During private touring, explore the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of colonial-era architecture. Visit the bustling zocalo and beautiful Palafox Library, see ornate churches decorated with gold and colorful tiles and perhaps browse for locally produced Talavera ceramics. Explore local food markets and sweets shops, and sample local street food like cemitas (a hefty and flavorful local sandwich) and tacos al pastor. One day, take a private excursion to nearby Cholula, a vast archaeological site.

Continue to Mexico City, the sophisticated and vibrant capital of Mexico. During flexible private touring, your expert private guide and driver will show you the very best of the city and provide an insightful link to Mexican culture and cuisine. In the historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Spanish colonial architecture and Aztec ruins—tour the Zocalo, the remnants of the Templo Mayor and the colorful food stands in San Juan Market. At a local museum, learn about the ingredients and techniques of Mexican cuisine from the pre-Hispanic era to today. Also stop at an upscale food hall to see some of the country's latest food trends. Take a private cruise through the floating gardens of Xochimilco, and explore the San Angel district, an area of leafy residential neighborhoods, art galleries and crafts shops. Also visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) and see beautiful colonial architecture in Coyoacan. Along the way, stop in favorite taquerias and food stalls, and perhaps visit an ice cream parlor to sample unusual flavors such as mamey (a tropical fruit) and rompope (egg nog). One day, take a private excursion to Teotihuacan, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site of stone pyramids. Also, enjoy a private tequila tasting to learn about Mexico's most famous distilled spirit. Other touring options in Mexico City include the National Museum of Anthropology, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Casa Luis Barragan, Museo Jumex and Museo Soumaya.