Smiling mariachi musicians in charro suits playing guitar and violin on a trajinera boat at Xochimilco in Mexico City

Mexico City with Jose Salazar

October 11 - 15, 2024 | One Exclusive Departure

Savor Mexico City

Experience the flavorful heart and cultural soul of Mexico City with Chef Jose Salazar

October 11 - 15, 2024

One exclusive departure — likely to sell out

5 Days, 4 Nights

Best of Mexico City, from Xochimilco to Coyoacán

Price from

$7,900

Per person based on double occupancy.

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

A hand-drawn graphic collage for Mexico City featuring a map silhouette, a plate of street tacos with lime, ornate traditional pottery, and craft cocktail tools. This gold and black illustration captures the diverse culinary and artisanal highlights of a Mexico city guide.

You’re strolling through Coyoacan’s two-story marketplace, and every one of your senses is on ecstatic overdrive—stalls overflow with artisanal crafts and mouthwatering bites, from tostadas piled high with ceviche to mangos carved into intricate roses. As you absorb the historic bustle of Mexico City, exquisite threads emerge—you recall the obsidian masks from last night’s after-hours visit to the National Anthropology Museum and you can feel their essence in the crafts on display. Later tonight, you’ll dive deeper into the past and cruise the ancient canals of Xochimilco, mezcal in hand, beside a mariachi band. This is the brilliance of Mexico City, a place defined by centuries of tradition, but pulsing with vitality and joy.

You’re joined by Jose Salazar, a Food and Wine Best Chef, James Beard Award finalist, and one of Cincinnati’s most respected culinary personalities. His restaurants—Salazar, Mita’s, Goose & Elder—are acclaimed spots for New American cuisine combining the traditions and flavors of Latin America and the world. This is Jose’s third (!) Modern Adventure, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces once again, this time in a city that has long captured both his heart and his soul.

No matter how much you know about Mexico City’s mesmerizing culture and food, this journey will teach, delight—and leave you hungry for more. Wander colorful markets, taste incredible street food and ancient Aztec ingredients, then wash it all down with the finest artisanal mezcal. This is Mexico like you’ve never imagined.

Taste

Vibrant street food, Aztec ingredients, artisanal mezcal—flavors beyond comparison

Marvel

At colorful markets, Aztec waterways, stylish eateries, intimate museums

Meet

Seasoned chefs and cherished artisans, new friends and beloved local makers

Connect

With Chef Carlos Anthony and Mexico City's most stunning traditions and culture

3 Reasons to Travel with Jose Salazar

After starting his career alongside some of the world's most acclaimed chefs (Thomas Keller to name one,) Jose decided to leave the city and set up shop in Cincinnati. Now, he’s a Food and Wine “Best Chef,” a four-time James Beard nominee, and a staunch believer that fundamental flavors should never be watered down. This is his third modern adventure, and we are thrilled to be traveling together again.

Chef Jose Salazar smiling in a denim apron against a yellow floral backdrop

Street Food First

Despite all his fine-dining accolades, when Jose is traveling, he's drawn to the markets and stalls on the streets. One of his personal favorite street food memories: al pastor tacos in Mexico City.

Cooking Out of Turn

While working as a server and bartender, Jose would get in trouble for spending too much time back in the kitchen picking the minds of chefs like Donatella Arpia. These moments inspired him to enroll in the New York Restaurant School, and the rest is history.

Throwing Shades

Colors speak to Jose and he is famous for combining vibrant farm-fresh ingredients into works of art. For him, the dish is a blank canvas waiting to be painted with blue corn huarache, salsa verde, or braised radish.

Your Experience

A cook in a vibrant Oaxaca kitchen serves a plate of traditional Mexican food, surrounded by colorful produce and handmade utensils—capturing authentic culinary culture for Modern Adventure travelers exploring Mexico City, Oaxaca, and beyond.
“Street food is a vital part of the story of Mexico City.”
Jose Salazar

Mexico City | Xochimilco, Coyoacán & Polanco

Colorful flower crown wreaths stacked on a small vendor boat on the Xochimilco canals in Mexico City
Hands placing handmade blue corn tortillas on a large black comal in Mexico
Rows of colorful Lucha Libre wrestling masks displayed for sale at a market stall in Mexico City
“I travel to hear the stories behind the food and the people who make it.”
Jose Salazar

Day by Day

*On rare occasions, this itinerary may change.

Day 1: Mexico City

October 11, Fri

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.

Elegantly plated fish crudo with herb purée and edible flowers on a turquoise ceramic plate at a fine dining restaurant in Mexico City

Day 1: Mexico City Highlights

  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn airplane flying in front of a textured golden circle. Private transfers to hotel
  • Hand-drawn illustration of a person admiring a framed painting, evoking Mexico City’s vibrant art and museum culture. After-hours NMA visit
  • MOAD icon showing a hand-drawn plate, fork, knife, and spoon arranged on a placemat Welcome dinner at Máximo
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at Sofitel

Day 2: Mexico City

October 12, Sat

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.

A portrait of a woman with graying hair and red floral accessories, dressed in a purple checkered apron and a brightly embroidered top. Standing in a bustling local market in Mexico City

Day 2: Mexico City Highlights

  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn pair of binoculars with a strap. Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul
  • MOAD icon showing hand-drawn bowls of food with chopsticks and a small dish on the side. Coyoacan market tour
  • A circular gold and black logo featuring a minimalist, stylized bird emblem in a stippled art style, representing boutique travel experiences and global expeditions from Portland to Tokyo and Mexico City. Xochimilco canal cruise
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at Sofitel

Day 3: Mexico City

October 13, Sun

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. 

Masked Lucha Libre wrestlers mid-match in a wrestling ring at Arena México in Mexico City

Day 3: Mexico City Highlights

  • Illustrated icons of a painter's palette, brushes, and jeweler's pliers representing artisan craft experiences on Modern Adventure trips Explore Mexico City
  • MOAD icon showing hand-drawn bowls of food with chopsticks and a small dish on the side. Food markets & tastings
  • A circular gold and black logo featuring a minimalist, stylized bird emblem in a stippled art style, representing boutique travel experiences and global expeditions from Portland to Tokyo and Mexico City. Neighborhood taco tour
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at Sofitel

Day 4: Mexico City

October 14, Mon

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.

An airy, boutique restaurant terrace in Mexico City featuring a large arched window overlooking vibrant green trees. The interior combines rustic wooden floors with stylish blue and cream velvet chairs, capturing the sophisticated, nature-integrated culinary scene of Mexico.

Day 4: Mexico City Highlights

  • A stylized, hand-drawn illustration of a local open-air market display featuring piles of fresh produce and bulk goods with handwritten price signs. Market tour
  • A stippled line art drawing of a classic toque blanche chef's hat in gold and black, symbolizing elite culinary guidance and chef-led food tours in gastronomic capitals like Paris, San Sebastián, and Florence. Hands-on lunch
  • MOAD icon showing a hand-drawn plate, fork, knife, and spoon arranged on a placemat Farewell dinner at Filligrana
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn multi-story building with windows and a central entrance. Stay at Sofitel

Day 5: Departures

October 15, Tue

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!  

A sunlit view of contemporary urban architecture in Mexico City, featuring the striking hexagonal-tiled exterior of the Museo Soumaya alongside sleek glass skyscrapers. This scene in the vibrant Polanco neighborhood captures the fusion of art, culture, and modern design that defines a luxury Mexico city tour.

Day 5: Departures Highlights

  • A stippled line art drawing of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van in gold and black, representing premium group travel and custom road trip itineraries through iconic cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Transfer to CDMX airport
  • MOAD icon depicting a hand-drawn airplane flying in front of a textured golden circle. Flights home

People Love MO/AD's Mexico

Mexico 2020_Artistic gourmet dish served on a turquoise ceramic plate, topped with edible flowers, seeds, cream, and caviar, showcasing modern Mexican cuisine.
Mexico 2020_Tall cacti and spiky palm trees stand under a clear blue sky, capturing the dry, sunny landscape typical of southern Mexico.
Mexico 2020_Two women enjoy a lively conversation while sitting on a bright yellow and red wooden boat along a calm canal, surrounded by greenery on the banks.
Mexico 2020_A beautiful historic church with twin bell towers and a pink-trimmed white facade, framed by leafy green trees against a clear blue sky.
Mexico 2020_A striking street mural of a man’s face with colorful circles in the background, while a man rides past on a bicycle in the foreground.
Mexico 2020_Large tropical green leaves growing in front of a rustic terracotta-colored wall, with small vines hanging above.
Mexico 2020_Ornate golden baroque altar inside a grand cathedral with towering stone columns, high vaulted ceilings, and visitors seated on wooden pews.
Mexico 2020_A woman in a pink apron grilling meat over open flames at a bustling market stall, with fresh cuts of meat displayed behind glass.
Mexico 2020_Two smiling women in vibrant purple and orange dresses perform a traditional folkloric dance, twirling their skirts in a lively street celebration.
Mexico 2020_A hand holds a refreshing cocktail in a clear glass, garnished with a curled cucumber slice and a sprig of herbs, served in a lively social setting.
Mexico 2020_A collection of pre-Hispanic clay figurines with expressive faces and outstretched arms on display in a museum, showcasing traditional Mesoamerican artistry.
Mexico 2020_A contemporary Mexican gourmet dish plated on a white bowl-shaped plate, featuring a piece of fish topped with herbs, seeds, and edible flowers, with a green sauce base for an artistic presentation.
Mexico 2020_Colorful trajineras, traditional Mexican flat-bottomed boats, lined up along the canal with people enjoying a ride, surrounded by trees and festive decorations.
Mexico 2020_Taquero slicing meat from a large trompo al pastor inside a taquería, with flames roasting the marinated pork.
Mexico 2020_Tabletop view of people sharing a traditional Mexican meal with grilled meats, tortillas, guacamole, and salsas in a lively communal setting.
Mexico 2020_Colorful trajineras navigate the canals of Xochimilco as people enjoy boat rides surrounded by vibrant decorations and greenery.
Mexico 2020_Blue corn quesadilla served on a rustic stone plate with a side of fresh guacamole, accompanied by traditional drinks on a wooden table.
Mexico 2020_Entrance to the Mercado Artesanal Mexicano with arched gates, colorful facade, and people walking by on the street.
“
“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 modern, sunlit penthouse lounge in Mexico City featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive urban views. A spread of champagne and gourmet snacks sits on a sleek table, representing the elevated, sophisticated travel experiences offered in the heart of Mexico.

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

A sleek indoor infinity-style pool in Mexico City featuring modern dark textured walls, wooden decking, and large windows overlooking the city. This high-end wellness space captures the sophisticated urban retreat experience available during a Mexico getaway.

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.

Floating snack vendor poling a small boat past colorful trajineras and mariachi musicians on the Xochimilco canals in Mexico City

Book Mexico City with Jose Salazar

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.

$7,900

Per person based on double occupancy.

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

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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 Sofitel Mexico City Reforma 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 11am or later from MEX airport.

    Detailed arrival and departure guidance is provided in your post-purchase trip materials, including recommended routes, transfer options, and timing considerations. If you have specific questions before booking, our team is always happy to help.

  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 $900 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?

    We understand plans can change. Here’s how cancellation fees are incurred depending on when you let us know:

    • More than 150 days before departure: $1,500 per person deposit
    • 150–121 days before departure: 50% of the total trip price
    • 120 days or less before departure: 100% of the total trip price

    For the full details, please see our terms and conditions.

  10. When will my final balance be due?

    Your payment schedule depends on how far in advance you book your trip:

    • At the time of booking: Pay your $1,500 deposit per person.
    • 180 days before departure: 50% of your trip cost is due.
    • 120 days before departure: Full balance is due.

    We’ll send you secure payment links and reminders before each due date to make the process easy. If you book within 120 days of your trip, the remaining balance is due within 10 days.

  11. Is this trip the right fit for me?

    Modern Adventure trips are active, immersive small-group experiences. Our itineraries often involve sustained walking and standing throughout the day, including stairs, uneven terrain, cobblestones, unpaved paths, and moving between experiences at a pace that keeps the day flowing for the group.

    These experiences are not suitable for travelers who require physical mobility assistance, personal care support, or significant itinerary modifications in order to participate. In many destinations, accommodations for significant physical limitations may not be possible without materially altering the experience for the individual traveler or the group.

    All travelers are responsible for informing Modern Adventure of any physical limitations, medical considerations, or concerns before booking, or as early as possible before departure. Please don’t hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions. We want every traveler to feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared for the journey ahead.

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“I’d had Oaxacan food before, but few restaurants served meals like this—'celebration food' worth the effort only for births and weddings. And, apparently, for Modern Adventure.”

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