Culinary Mexico

One of the best parts of Mexico – its food. Devour top-notch tacos, authentic mole and decadent seafood, inspiring cookery classes and everything from critically acclaimed fine-dining restaurants to mouth-watering street food joints. This is the ultimate Mexico itinerary for foodies. Get under the skin of these top culinary destinations, exploring Mexico City, along with the authentic colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca, a very fun itinerary with delicious food found at every turn.

Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca
9 nights private tour from GBP £7,300 per person
Culinary Mexico
Journey highlights
  • Ten days of foodie heaven.  Explore Mexico and eat your way around its many charming pavement cafés, gourmet restaurants and street food, the perfect way to get to know this rich and vibrant country

  • Submerge in unique cities and towns, indigenous culture and epic architecture all with an abundance of culinary delights

  • Immerse yourself in Mexico City, home to a wide range of dining venues to suit all tastes, including several of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America

  • Spend time at the cookery school of Meson Sacristia de la Compania in Puebla, known for its delectable mole Poblano

  • Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

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Best time to visit
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The South-Central Highlands of Mexico are good to visit for much of the year, although rainy season in Oaxaca usually lasts from June to October, when it can also be quite cold. The best months to visit are from November to May, which are the sunnier months throughout the country and outside of the official hurricane season. It can get hot and humid on the Caribbean coast and in the afternoons there may be occasional short sharp tropical showers but these usually give way to sunny weather.

Itinerary

Fly to Mexico City
Day 1-4

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, home to some of the world's top restaurants and mouth-watering street food venues. Stay for three nights in the upmarket neighbourhood of Polanco, at boutique Las Alcobas which boasts a critically acclaimed restaurant by chef Martha Ortiz, as well as a top concierge service who can recommend other incredible restaurants in the area. Settle into the hotel before you embark on an evening guided taco tour to sample some of the city's best. Your guide will drive you between the famous central neighborhoods of San Rafael, Anzures, La Roma, and La Condesa to discover some of the best traditional taquerías. Learn about the cultural and gastronomic heritage of this magical pre-Hispanic spirit while soaking up the atmosphere of Mexico City’s first mezcal bar.

Enjoy a lazy breakfast before your next tour to experience an insider gastronomic journey from market to table with your own private chef, Alfredo Chavez. Your driver will take you to meet Alefrado at the local market. Where he will lead you around the stalls, learning about the history of Mexican mercados and the importance of the unique produce on offer, selecting ingredients ahead of your cooking session. Under expert guidance, you will get to prepare a 6-course meal that celebrates the origin, culture, and joy of Mexican cuisine. Relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour, spending the remainder of your day at your leisure.

The following day you are in for another foodie spectacle, with a Mexican art, cheese and wine pairing experience in Coyoacán. Step into the creative world of Frida Kahlo at Casa Azul, the artist´s beloved lifelong home, for a fascinating insight into how the artist worked and lived. Soak up the charm of Coyoacán with your private guide as you meander through the cobblestone streets, leafy green plazas and local markets offering handmade crafts and fresh produce. You will finish the day with a unique tasting of artisanal Mexican cheese paired with a selection of three Mexican wines.

Today you bid farwell to Mexico City. Your private guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the city of Cholula, roughly a 3 hour drive from through the Paso de Cortes, a mountain pass about 3600 meters above sea level in central Mexico. En route you will stop to enjoy a regional lunch where you will try fresh blue corn quesadillas stuffed with chicken tinga or squash blossoms, and a warm cup of atole or coffee. Then continue to Cholula, home to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest in the world today. Arriving at your wonderful hotel, Banyan Tree Puebla.

Accommodation: Las Alcobas ( 3 nights )
Day 4-7

Puebla, Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico

Puebla is best known for its colonial-era architecture, traditional Mexican cuisine, and Talavera pottery. Banyan Tree Puebla is located in the gorgeous historic city centre, housed in four historic buildings around a central courtyard, with a stylish fusion of contemporary design embedded within beautiful original architecture, creating an inspired and elegant hotel for exploring Pueblo. Take time to relax by the funky rooftop pool with an expertly crafted margarita, with stunning views over the city.

In the morning your private guide will take you on a full day tour of the Puebla and its museums. Roam the Zócalo and its beautiful colonial architecture, including more than 70 churches many adorned with painted ceramic tiles. Wander down la Calle de los Dulces (the candy street) and visit the City Hall in the main plaza. You’ll also see the Palafoxiana Library, Barrio de Los Sapos and Cathedral which boasts two of the tallest bell towers in Mexico. Enjoy lunch at a local downtown restaurant. After lunch enjoy a visit to one of two sites: International Barroco Museum or the Amparo Museum. At the end of the day your driver will take you back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening as you wish.

After a leisurely morning, you will partake in a private cooking class. During this class at the Meson Sacrista de la Compañia’s Cooking School you will learn about the typical food of this region, before getting hands-on and creating a recipe of your choice. Once the food is prepared you will be able to sit together and enjoy all your hard work.

 

Accommodation: Banyan Tree Puebla ( 3 nights )
Day 7-10

Oaxaca City, Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico

Your last stop is arguably the foodie capital of Mexico, Oaxaca - home of mezcal, chapulines (grasshoppers) and even more mole varieties than you can imagine. Stay at the boutique hotel Casa Oaxaca which is home to one of the city's best restaurants and a must for dining out during your stay.

On your first evening here you will experience a private mezcal tasting session in the comfort of a private tasting room located in a historic colonial-style house in Oaxaca City´s centre. You will learn about mezcal´s fascinating origins, its history, and the mezcalero families who have been producing it for generations. Taste the flavours, aromas, and notes of each sample.

The following day you will embark on a full-day excursion to the pretty village of Teotitlan Del Valle. Your guide will take you to visit the Teotitlan Del Valle market followed by a visit to a Zapotec family home to see the process of how traditional woven rugs are made. Followed by a regional cooking class and lunch as a special guest while sharing secrets of authentic Oaxacan cuisine. After enjoying this beautiful place, return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.

After a relaxing morning you´ll visit a typical market in Oaxaca City before creating your own meal at a local cooking school and restaurant. After selecting the menu for the day, head out to learn about typical Mexican ingredients, walking to a local market with your guide. Take in the sights and smells as your cooking guide talks about the fundamentals of Mexican cooking, like colourful and flavoursome dried chilies. After the market, step into the kitchen rareing to create your feast. With the guidance of your chef, you´ll spend the next couple of hours chopping, grinding, and frying to create 3 salsas, 3 types of tortillas, an appetizer, soup, Oaxacan mole, and a dessert. With a glass of something refreshing, you can relax and enjoy of the gorgeous food you have prepared.

Accommodation: Casa Oaxaca ( 3 nights )
Fly home via Mexico City
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
Deposit from * Enquire
November 2024 GBP £7,600 GBP £1,100 plan your trip
December 2024 GBP £7,700 GBP £1,200 plan your trip
January 2025 GBP £7,700 GBP £1,200 plan your trip
February 2025 GBP £7,700 GBP £1,200 plan your trip
March 2025 GBP £7,700 GBP £1,200 plan your trip
April 2025 GBP £7,500 GBP £1,100 plan your trip
May 2025 GBP £7,500 GBP £1,100 plan your trip
June 2025 GBP £7,300 GBP £1,100 plan your trip
July 2025 GBP £7,700 GBP £1,200 plan your trip
August 2025 GBP £7,700 GBP £1,200 plan your trip
September 2025 GBP £7,300 GBP £1,100 plan your trip
October 2025 GBP £7,300 GBP £1,100 plan your trip
  • November 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,600
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,100
  • December 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,200
  • January 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,200
  • February 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,200
  • March 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,200
  • April 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,500
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,100
  • May 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,500
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,100
  • June 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,100
  • July 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,200
  • August 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,200
  • September 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,100
  • October 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £7,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £1,100
  • plan your trip

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