Mexico Real Food Adventure

Intrepid Travel Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
9 days
From: $ 1,810 $ 201 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Kick off your adventure with a taco dinner in Mexico City, your chance to try the authentic version of one of the world’s favourite foods.
  • Get hands on with a market visit and cooking class with a local chef in Oaxaca, and a seafood cooking class in the coastal town of Huatulco.
  • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, where Nahuatl descendants preserve traditions from pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ceremonies from ancient days.
  • Dig into the culture and history of Mexico during a walking tour of Mexico City’s historical centre and a visit to the ancient Mitla ruins.
  • This trip takes you to the source of some of the nation's most iconic foods, including churros, barbacoa, tamales, tortillas, elotes and mole.

Short Description

Get an authentic taste of Mexico on a 9-day journey through some of the country’s most famous culinary regions. Meander through Oaxaca’s aromatic markets with a local chef, take to the streets of Puebla to sample some the city’s local specialties, learn how to cook fresh seafood on the coast and tuck into tacos in Mexico City. Your local leader will help you dig into the culture and history of Mexico with walking tours, visits to ancient ruins and local interactions. If you’re after cultural richness, authentic experiences and flavoursome food that’s tinged with fiesta, then this adventure is for you.

Style Small group tour
Off the beaten track trips will stretch your comfort zone. They don't always feature tourist highlights, but dive deeper into local life and culture.
Itinerary Focus Off the Beaten Path
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Mexico City
End City Huatulco

Destinations

Mexico

Attractions & Cities Visited

Mexico City

Activities & Interests

Cooking

Age Requirement

15-99

No Single Supplement
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Itinerary

Day 1 Mexico City

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico City. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm where you'll meet your tour leader and travel group. Please check with the hotel reception where and when it will take place. After your welcome meeting, head out to a local restaurant to sample one of Mexico’s most celebrated dishes – tacos. You may like to accompany your tacos with a refreshing local beer or even horchata, a milky cinnamon rice drink.

Day 2 Mexico City

Take a private vehicle to San Pedro Tlahuac where Nahuatl descendants preserve pre-Columbian traditions – this is one of the last remaining places in Mexico that still has the canals and chinampa farms from the times of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. Start your visit in a family kitchen where tortillas are freshly pressed and cooked before being taken to the local market to sell. Be sure to sample the tortillas before boarding a trajinera for the 30 minute ride to the chinampas. These colorful flat-bottomed boats are used to navigate through the canals. Tour the chinampas with a Nahuatl farmer, who will show you their crops, explain how they make a chinampa and their tips for a successful harvest. Fill a basket with vegetables, which you’ll turn into a salad for lunch. A fresh and colourful spread will accompany your salad – tortillas stuffed with pork or vegetables and hibiscus tea. Time to board your trajinera before driving back to the centre of Mexico City, enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps relax in Chapultepec Park, take in some of the city's notable museums, or check out the home of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Day 3 Puebla

Indulge in a sweet morning with a visit to a local chuerreria making Mexico's signature cinnamon dusted churros. Then, enjoy a visit to a Mexico City institution: a two-storey bakery brimming with cakes, breads and biscuits, followed by a walking tour of the Centro Historico. Take in the beautiful Bellas Artes Palace, travel down the Paseo de la Reforma thoroughfare, and marvel at the enormous Zocalo square. Along the way you'll visit Mercado San Juan, the city’s main food market, then roam the surrounding streets and watch local vendors at work. Pull up a chair at one of the best seafood stands in the city for a late lunch. Catch a local bus to Puebla, a city known for its long culinary history. Puebla is renowned for dishes which combine Spanish and pre-hispanic influences, such as chiles en nogada (stuffed chillies covered in creamy walnut sauce). Venture out on a culinary city tour – start with some Pueblan street food like tacos Arabes (a style of taco created by Puebla’s Middle Eastern immigrants), or chalupas (fried tortillas with a spicy filling). Then, make a beeline for Calle de los Dulces (Sweet Street) to sample tortitas de Santa Clara (shortbread biscuits) and camotes (sweet potato lollies).

Day 4 Oaxaca

This morning your leader will take you to check out a local supermarket so you can gain an understanding of the contemporary food habits of modern Mexicans. Here, you’ll get an everyday-life insight into the culture, and your leader will pick up some popular snacks for the group to enjoy on your journey. Travel by bus to Oaxaca, a beautiful colonial city nicknamed the ‘land of the seven moles’. On arrival, head straight for the bustling Mercado 20 de Noviembre for lunch. Amongst the many great choices, tlayudas are a Oaxacan staple you shouldn’t miss. Next up, visit the fabulous Mercado Benito Juarez, a bountiful market taking up a full city block and brimming with produce, mole spices and pastes, and towers of Oaxacan cheese. With free time for the remainder of the day, you can continue to roam the markets, people watch in the zocalo, or take a gentle stroll around Oaxaca’s beautiful streets.

Day 5 Oaxaca

With a free day, you may like to visit the archaeological site of Monte Alban, an outstanding example of a pre-Columbian ceremonial centre. The terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial mounds of Monte Alban were carved out of the mountain. Those with a sweet tooth can find several shops on Calle Mina (just south of Mercado 20 de Noviembre) at which to learn about the production of real Oaxacan chocolate – and of course taste this regional specialty. This evening you’ll be joined by a local chef for a visit to the market, learning about Oaxaca’s produce and cuisine from an expert. You’ll then take the ingredients you’ve picked up at the markets and learn how to transform them into traditional Oaxacan dishes, which you’ll then enjoy for dinner.

Day 6 Oaxaca

Today you will venture out of Oaxaca for an insight into regional life. First, head to the ancient ruins of Mitla. Mitla (the Nahuatl word for 'underworld') is an important Zapotec archaeological site and was the main religious centre for the Zapotec people. At lunchtime, explore the abundant Mercado Tlacolula - renowned for its barbacoa and the ideal choice to fuel you through till dinnertime. On the way back to Oaxaca, stop into a mezcaleria (mezcal distillery). Although this tequila-like drop is experiencing a resurgence in popularity all over Mexico, it is largely produced in Oaxaca. It's generally enjoyed straight-up, so it's not for the faint-hearted!

Day 7 Huatulco

Board a morning bus for the long but scenic drive to Huatulco, stopping for lunch along the way. This is your chance to relax and unwind, as this town belongs to one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on Mexico's Pacific coast. It's also quieter and less touristy than some of the bigger beachside spots, although these are accessible by taxi. This evening you’ll get a taste of coastal cuisine over a tasty seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Huatulco

The day is yours to enjoy the chilled-out atmosphere of Huatulco. You may like to hang out on the beach, swim in the clear blue waters, or grab a glass of mezcal to toast to your adventure. This evening, enjoy a cooking class and feast on your creations in a traditional meal celebrating the bounty of the coastal region of Oaxaca. Your last dinner will certainly be one to remember as you tuck into an abundance of tasty seafood, and pick up some new recipes while you’re at it.

Day 9 Huatulco

Your adventure ends today. There are no activities planned for the final day.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 1,810
Price Per Day: $ 201 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceAvailability 
Dec-23-2023Dec-31-2023$ 2,285Sold Out Reserve
Jan-13-2024Jan-21-2024$ 2,0668 spots left Reserve
Feb-10-2024Feb-18-2024$ 2,0325 spots left Reserve
Feb-24-2024Mar-03-2024$ 1,9893 spots left Reserve
Mar-30-2024Apr-07-2024$ 1,98910 spots left Reserve
Apr-06-2024Apr-14-2024$ 1,98912 spots left Reserve
Apr-20-2024Apr-28-2024$ 1,91212 spots left Reserve
May-04-2024May-12-2024$ 1,91210 spots left Reserve
Jun-29-2024Jul-07-2024$ 1,9129 spots left Reserve
Jul-13-2024Jul-21-2024$ 1,91211 spots left Reserve
Aug-10-2024Aug-18-2024$ 1,91212 spots left Reserve
Sep-14-2024Sep-22-2024$ 1,91212 spots left Reserve
Oct-05-2024Oct-13-2024$ 1,98912 spots left Reserve
Oct-19-2024Oct-27-2024$ 1,98910 spots left Reserve
Nov-09-2024Nov-17-2024$ 2,06610 spots left Reserve
Nov-16-2024Nov-24-2024$ 2,06612 spots left Reserve
Nov-23-2024Dec-01-2024$ 2,06610 spots left Reserve
Dec-07-2024Dec-15-2024$ 2,06612 spots left Reserve
Dec-14-2024Dec-22-2024$ 2,06612 spots left Reserve
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Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

4,408 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

94%
4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,319
Great 672
Average 144
Disappointing 80
Terrible 193
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Mexico Real Food Adventure

I gave this score because Fernando Maspes

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
I gave this score because Fernando Maspes, our guide, organised everything beautifully. He covered not only local food and customs but history, architecture,and arts and crafts. He was charming and very well informed. Most of all he was very good company. Taxis arrived when they should, hotels were clean and comfortable and the range of food experiences comprehensive.
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Group had a range of ages 30-60

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Group had a range of ages 30-60 and mix of nationalities, so there was an interesting range of people to talk to. The group bonded quickly and easily. I have travelled a lot in South America independently and so I appreciated the ease of travel where the bus tickets and the hotels just "appeared". The foodie places were well chosen and we ate very very well!!
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Our guide Fernando was exceptional his knowledge

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Our guide Fernando was exceptional his knowledge and attitude made this experience so memorable and special for my family and I. He is an amazing guide and so passionate I would highly recommend this tour because of him.
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Small group, fabulous food, excellent tour leader

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Small group, fabulous food, excellent tour leader, great itinerary, excellent customer service.

Company Reviews

Went on Highlights of Japan Tour

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
Went on Highlights of Japan Tour, 8 days on19/11/23. Tour Leader was Yuki Saida, she was marvellous. Helpful, knowledgeable and patient.I suggest you keep her as she is an amazing asset to your Company. The group jelled together well but there is one point that needs examining. We travelled to the countryside a spent a night at a homestay on 21/11/23 at a stay called Voketto. The young man who owned it was charming but the place was a mess, cold, damp and basically a building site. He admitted he couldn't cook and he was right. i definitely advise a host course or a revamp of property if he is to remain on your books There was a trainee guide on the tour Junko she was very good too. Thank you Lesley Webb
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Avoid Intrepid

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Many recent reviews are pointing to a sharp decline in quality and service with Intrepid. My recent experience echoes all that has been mentioned. They are appalling at responding to serious concerns. I have countless auto responses from its laughingly useless and lazy customer service department. Their financial management is a joke. They couldn't find my payment despite my twice providing traces from my bank. They are pathetic liars about not just the money. They lied about their failure to send me any information about my upcoming trip, how they omitted me from the group email circulation. They lied about anyone including a 'senior manager' trying to phone me.
Even the length of the trip is a con with first day being nothing more than a brief meeting at 1800. The last 'day' being breakfast at the hotel with not a sight or sound of the Rep.
Intrepid is a dishonest mess. They are now purely concerned with making money.
Do not use this company. They are terrible and there are many better (and safer) providers out there.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Private Vehicle,Local Bus,Metro,Taxi

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 12

Accommodations

Hotel (8 nights)

Guides

All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. You can expect your Intrepid Food Adventures group leader to be passionate about the local food scene and keen to share their insider knowledge on the best authentic local food and drink experiences throughout your trip. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 15

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Villa Blanca Huatulco
  • Blvd. Benito Juárez Esquina con Zapoteco Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca
  • Huatulco
  • 70989
  • MEXICO
  • Phone: (+52) 9585870606

Alternate Finish point

  • For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
  • 13 Jan 2024 (QVZA240113), 10 Feb 2024 (QVZA240210), 24 Feb 2024 (QVZA240224), 30 Mar 2024 (QVZA240330), 06 Apr 2024 (QVZA240406), 20 Apr 2024 (QVZA240420), 04 May 2024 (QVZA240504), 29 Jun 2024 (QVZA240629), 13 Jul 2024 (QVZA240713), 10 Aug 2024 (QVZA240810), 14 Sep 2024 (QVZA240914), 05 Oct 2024 (QVZA241005), 19 Oct 2024 (QVZA241019), 09 Nov 2024 (QVZA241109), 16 Nov 2024 (QVZA241116), 23 Nov 2024 (QVZA241123), 07 Dec 2024 (QVZA241207), 14 Dec 2024 (QVZA241214)
  • AM Hotel & Plaza
  • Boulevard Chahue 1601 Huatulco, Oaxaca
  • Huatulco
  • MEXICO
  • Phone: +52 9585871500

Trip ID#:

intrepid-QVZA

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