Mexico City with Jose Salazar

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.

After settling in, we’ll join Jose for our inaugural escapade: an exclusive after-hours tour of the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology (NMA). Beyond its remarkable architecture, the interior transports us to another realm—quiet corridors adorned with exquisite displays of ancient Aztec stone sculptures and murals.

Such a remarkable dive into history deserves an equally exceptional dining experience. Our destination is the trendy Máximo Bistrot, where we’ll indulge in an authentic welcome feast. Expect a medley of vibrant, locally sourced ingredients, remixed and reimagined into dishes like stone crab and mole verde and oxtail ricotta ravioli.

As the sun dips below the horizon in the lively Polanco district, we’ll raise our glasses in a hearty salud! to Jose and the thrilling adventures ahead.

Today, we head south through the city to Coyoacan, the dreamy tree-lined neighborhood that Frida Kahlo once called home. 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.

Afterwards, we’ll continue 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. As we taste our way through the maze of stands and restaurants, Jose will guide us through his favorite spices and ingredients, picking out a few for a special treat later.     

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 sample Jose’s market finds alongside an exquisite lineup of artisanal mezcal.

Dinner, if you’re even hungry, is on your own this evening.

This morning, we dive straight into the heart and soul of Mexico City with a food-centric exploration through the city’s historic center. Alongside Jose and an 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. 

Feeling inspired from the morning’s bites and sites, we’ll head back to the hotel, and contemplate our next moves. Those inspired to sip a paloma at Sofitel’s rooftop bar or wander down Reforma’s streets and revel in the majesty of Bosque de Chapultepec are encouraged to just that. Others who have an appetite to witness a Lucha Libre fight can follow Jose and immerse themselves in one of the city’s most colorful pastimes. 

Either way, we’ll meet back up for an evening cruise through some of the capital’s oldest barrios—Anzures, La Roma, and La Condesa—in search of the perfect taco. We don’t want to ruin the surprise, so let’s just say our quest will not be in vain. 

Today is all about celebrating Mexico City’s most cherished culinary traditions. We’ll begin our morning at the neighborhood market, weaving our way through stalls bursting with gem-toned produce and fresh, leafy herbs. As a special treat, Jose and Chef Alfredo Chavez—a trailblazer in the city’s dining scene—will guide us through the market’s unique ebb and flow, introducing us to their favorite vendors and sharing their tips for choosing the choicest ingredients.

Baskets brimming with market finds, we’ll move next to the kitchen, rolling up our sleeves for a hands-on cooking class. As the drinks flow, we’ll help Jose and Alfredo 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.

True to his style, Jose has gone above and beyond for tonight’s dinner. Our venue is Filligrana,  the Roma-district hotspot where mere food turns to art with exquisite dishes that showcase the region’s most iconic flavors. After Jose and the resident chef collaborate on a one-off dish, we’ll raise our glasses and toast the culmination of a truly extraordinary shared experience.

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!