Mexico City with Marcos Ascencio

Bienvenidos a México!

Our exploration of the captivating capital—CDMX—kicks off at our stylish basecamp nestled in the heart of the Reforma district, a neighborhood distinguished by Bosque de Chapultepec, the city’s largest park.

Once we’ve settled in, we’ll set out to explore the city’s top spots for tacos, beer, and mezcal. We’ll stroll through iconic neighborhoods like San Rafael, Anzures, La Roma, and La Condesa, sampling a variety of tacos, from ‘al pastor’ to regional specialties, at different taquerías. Our final stop will be at Mexico City’s first mezcal bar, where a resident mezcalero will guide us through the smoky, sweet, and herbal notes of this traditional spirit.

It’s a perfect moment to cheers the beginning of this incredible journey together.

This morning, we dive straight into the heart and soul of Mexico City with a food-centric, gastronomic exploration through the city’s historic center. Alongside our expert local guide, we’ll wind through sweeping plazas and marvel at the city’s most iconic monuments, popping into local cantinas and buzzing markets as we go. Between bites of Aztec-inspired fare and street-food favorites, we’ll chat with some of the city’s most beloved makers and chefs, learning their stories and gleaning their best food tips. We’ll also have a guest of honor in tow who will assure us intimate access to the makers behind the market.

Feeling inspired from the morning’s bites and sites, we’ll head back to the hotel for a little siesta. Just make sure you set an alarm because a Lucha Libre fight awaits us in the evening. After two hours of cheering for our heroes and whistling at the heels, we’ll go our separate ways for a night on our own.

Once we reset after breakfast today, we’ll reconvene for another immersive experience. First, we’ll meet with a local chef at the market, the heart of any Mexican neighborhood. While weaving around the stalls, we’ll learn about the history of Mexican  ́mercados ́ and the importance of the unique produce on offer.  Afterward, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a hands-on cooking class. As the drinks flow, we’ll help prepare a full spread of fresh appetizers, traditional mains, and decadent regional desserts. Each course is a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich culinary history and a dazzling component of the family-style lunch we’ll tuck into afterwards.

Today, we head south through the city to Coyoacan, the dreamy tree-lined neighborhood that Frida Kahlo once called home. Frist, we’ll walk in Frida’s footsteps with a stop at her favorite shopping spot. Inside Coyoacan’s two-story marketplace, stalls overflow with artisanal crafts and all matters of mouthwatering bites, from tostadas piled high with ceviche to mangos carved into intricate roses.

Afterward, we’ll pay homage to the iconic artist with a tour of Casa Azul, the cobalt blue residence Frida shared with her husband, Diego Rivera. It’s a heartfelt, deeply personal ode to the artist’s legacy, and we’ll wander through intimate exhibitions of folk art and memorabilia to gain a profound understanding of Frida’s life and inspiration.

We’ll all but float to our next destination: In Xochimilco, we’ll trade land for water, hopping aboard colorful gondolas to glide through canals built by the Aztecs. As michelada vendors float past and mariachi music sails through the air, we’ll learn more about the historic agricultural islands that continue to feed the city today.

Our farewell dinner is an event in every sense of the word. We can’t give away too many details, but let’s just say it will involve multiple courses, multiple toasts and an amazing group at the table.

Alas, all beautiful things must come to an end. We’ll say our farewells and cherish all the new connections we’ve made, filling up on one last exquisite breakfast before private transfers to the airport. Hasta la proxima!