Mexico City with Rishi Kumar

November 30 - December 4, 2025 | One Exclusive Departure

Through the Looking Glass

An insider's view of CDMX’s vibrant culture and flavors with Rishi Kumar

November 30 - December 4, 2025 | 5 Days, 4 Nights

“I loved the efficiency, service, quality and personal touch... an amazing time!”
Cristina L.

Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018

$6,500

Per person based on double occupancy.

Acclaimed Chicago Chef & Global Citizen, Rishi Kumar  

You’ve just wandered into the local market, yet somehow, it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a different dimension — one in which color and texture reign supreme. Here, line cooks flash in lightning-fast streaks, while towers of marzipan vie for space with sticky tarugos and mangos the color of the sunshine. This week you’ve met chefs and artisans at the peak of their craft; you’ve contemplated Aztec stone sculptures and wandered the halls of Frida Kahlo’s candy-colored home. Later today, you’ll float alongside mariachi bands in Xochimilco’s ancient canals, but right now, immersed in the electric hum of market life, you feel it deep in your bones: this is Mexico City, exhilarating, intimate, and exquisitely high-definition.

Trip Highlights

  • Gastronomic walking tour
  • Cruise the Xochimilco canals
  • Visit Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul
  • Learn to cook local recipes alongside Rishi
  • Tour the iconic markets of CDMX
  • Take a historical food-tasting tour
  • Artisanal mezcal tasting
  • Lucha Libre fight

3 Reasons to Travel with Rishi Kumar

Chef Rishi Kumar’s culinary journey spans three continents but always leads back to Mexico. His newest venture, Mirra, has been named one of Chicago’s best new restaurants by Eater and The Infatuation, but his love of Mexican food began long ago. Born in Singapore, he fell in love with Mexican food early on and honed his craft at the Culinary Institute of America. After training with Michelin-starred chefs in France and Singapore, he moved to the U.S. and joined Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill, where he rose through the ranks, cooking and traveling extensively throughout Mexico. He was part of the team when Topolobampo won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant and later opened Bar Sotano, earning national acclaim for his innovative, globally influenced approach to Mexican cuisine.

Food for Thought

Great food sparks curiosity, and in Chicago, Mirra’s Mexican-Indian fusion quickly caught the attention of food journalists eager to decode its bold, spice-layered flavors. From mezze with guacamole and achar to barbacoa biryani sealed in roti, Chef Rishi’s cooking is a conversation—one best shared at a table with friends.

Culinary Storytelling

Before stepping into the kitchen, Chef Rishi dreamed of a career in journalism. When that path didn’t unfold, he found his voice through food—training under Michelin-starred chefs across three continents and shaping his own narrative at Mirra, where every dish tells a story of tradition, technique, and fearless creativity.

A New Perspective

Trained in classical French technique, Chef Rishi expected a rigid career path. Then he landed in Rick Bayless’s kitchen—a space where reverence for Mexican cuisine met a spirit of curiosity and innovation. That freedom shaped him, leading to the opening of one of the most unique American restaurants of the last decade, where he redefines Mexican food through a global lens with joyful, rule-breaking precision.

Day by Day

*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.

Day 1: Mexico City

November 30, Sun

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.

Tastemaker Moment: Rishi will lead a welcome toast at the mezcal bar

Day 2: Mexico City

December 1, Mon

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.

Tastemaker Moment: Rishi will curate some authentic bites and ingredients while he guides us through the market

Day 3: Mexico City

December 2, Tue

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.

Tastemaker Moment: Rishi will lead the cooking class alongside a local chef and friends

Day 4: Mexico City

December 3, Wed

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.

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.

Tastemaker Moment: Rishi will lead a round of farewell toasts
Mariachi band performing lively traditional music on a trajinera in Xochimilco, Mexico City, showcasing Mexican culture and festive spirit.

Day 5: Departures

December 4, Thu

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!

“The amount of culture and history our local guide provided surpassed my expectations. I learned more in four days than I would have with a month on my own.”
Chris S.
I loved how incredibly knowledgeable our local guide was.
Stephen F.
Being in a like-minded group of curious travelers pushed me outside my comfort zone to try new foods, explore new perspectives and even fly in a hot-air balloon over the pyramids!
Laura A.

Where We Sleep

A chic oasis in the heart of Mexico City, our hotel is luxuriously intimate and the ideal portal to the thriving metropolis below.

*On rare occasions, our hotels will change. Our standards for luxury and authenticity will not.

Sofitel Mexico City

Reforma District

Brimming with stylish details and out-of-this world views, Sofitel epitomizes the French art de vivre from Mexico City’s most enviable zip code. Sumptuous rooms come equipped with elegant marble bathrooms and all the luxuries you'd expect, while the rooftop bar and 38th-floor pool add to the sublime experience.

Book Mexico City with Rishi Kumar

Number of Travelers

Payment

Reserve your spot today with a $1,500 per-person deposit plus room supplements (if relevant). Please see our terms and conditions for full payment details.

$6,500

Per person based on double occupancy.

Can't travel on these dates?
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+1 (855) 219-8018

Make It Private

We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.

Start Here

Questions?

That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.

  1. What does the price include?

    Four nights at unique 5-star boutique accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; arrival and departure airport transfers; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals.

  2. What does the price not include?

    International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.

  3. Where does the trip start and end?

    Our adventure begins and ends at the Sofitel Mexico City Hotel in Mexico City, Mexico. The closest airport is Mexico City International Airport (MEX). On our final day, Modern Adventure will organize a complimentary transfer to MEX airport for all guests with flights departing at 12pm or later from MEX airport.

  4. What travel documents are needed?

    US citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Mexico for stays up to 180 days. The only requirement is a valid passport. We recommend that your passport is valid for 6 calendar months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. On arrival at the airport, you will be issued a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple).

    Not a US citizen? Please check with the Mexican Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.

  5. Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?

    For solo travelers, there is a $1,000 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are extremely limited; we recommend booking early to secure single accommodations.

  6. Who is going on this trip?

    Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.

  7. Who is leading this trip?

    This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.

  8. Do I need Travel Insurance?

    We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.

  9. What is the cancellation policy?

    You may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee.

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