Mexico-8-days: culture-culinary

Arrive at Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez (Airport code: MEX). After collecting your luggage and exiting the terminal, look out for your representative holding a placard with the JrnyOn logo. You are warmly greeted, received, and assisted with your transfer arrangements for a smooth arrival experience.

Dive into Mexico City's vibrant street food scene as you sample iconic tacos al pastor, savour freshly grilled elote from local stalls, and end on a sweet note with crispy churros. Finish in Narvarte with legendary tacos at El Vilsito. Taste the city's rich culinary heritage in every bite.

A short van ride to a car workshop that becomes, after sundown, one of Mexico City's great al pastor institutions.

Begin the day like a local with guajolotas (tamal sandwiches) and warm atole, Mexico City's classic commuter breakfast. Savour freshly steamed tamales tucked into bread, paired with this comforting maize-based drink.

Immerse yourself in the flavours of La Merced as you sample fresh tacos and traditional antojitos while exploring one of Mexico City's oldest districts. Discover pre-Hispanic ingredients, wander lively market lanes, and experience the rich culinary heritage that shapes the city's vibrant food culture.

Step into one of Centro's most iconic pulquerías. A pulquería is a traditional Mexican tavern or bar that specialises in serving pulque, an ancient alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the agave (maguey) plant. Sip traditional pulque or flavoured curados beneath vibrant psychedelic murals and experience a drink rooted in Mexico's ancient heritage. Alternatively, return to the hotel and enjoy time to relax and recharge.

Savour dinner at one of Mexico City's acclaimed restaurants. Taste local favourites such as tacos al pastor, chiles en nogada (seasonal) or mole while soaking up the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Fly from Mexico to Oaxaca and arrive ready to discover colourful streets, vibrant markets, and rich Zapotec heritage.

Flight Duration: 1 hour

Start the day at Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Savour Oaxacan tasajo and cecina grilled to order with refreshing fresh fruit aguas frescas. Soak up the lively market atmosphere and enjoy an authentic local breakfast.

Explore Oaxaca City's historic centre during a golden-hour orientation walk. Wander Jalatlaco's colourful murals, breathe in the aroma of cacao, almond and cinnamon from the traditional chocolate mills on Mina Street, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Treat yourself to nieve de leche quemada con tuna (burnt-milk ice cream with cactus-fruit sorbet) and a freshly grilled elote from the evening carts around El Llano Park.

Taste four distinctive mezcals at La Mezcaloteca. Discover agave varieties, production regions and traditional distillation methods. Savour each pour correctly as you explore Oaxaca's iconic spirit and its rich heritage.

Savour Oaxaca's iconic tlayudas at a local restaurant and enjoy the city's rich culinary heritage.

Visit the ancient Tule Tree, then explore Teotitlán del Valle, famed for its Zapotec weaving traditions. Discover the Vida Nueva Cooperative, where you gain insight into local craftsmanship and community life.

Start the day with a traditional Oaxacan breakfast. Savour memelas fresh off the comal with rich hot chocolate and refreshing tejate, experiencing the region's authentic flavours and heritage.

Step into the ancient Zapotec ruins of Mitla, famed for intricate geometric stone mosaics and sacred ceremonial spaces. Explore ornate tombs, admire remarkable craftsmanship, and uncover centuries of rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant, a traditional Oaxacan stone soup served with fresh local ingredients. Afterwards, unwind at the hotel and savour a relaxing afternoon at your own pace.

Begin the experience with a stroll through a vibrant local market, discovering regional fruits, vegetables and aromatic spices. Learn to prepare a traditional four-course Mexican comida, including mole, soup, salsa, salad and dessert, before enjoying the meal with wine, beer or mezcal. Relax for the rest of the day, soaking up the local atmosphere at your own pace.

End the day with a mezcalería crawl and soak up Oaxaca's lively nightlife. Savour smoky mezcal alongside iconic street food including crispy tlayudas, roasted elote and flavourful memelas.

Start the day at Ocotlán's lively Friday market. Sample tlayudas, tamales oaxaqueños and rich Oaxacan hot chocolate for breakfast as you browse colourful stalls bursting with local flavours and crafts.

Discover Santa Catarina Minas, famed for traditional mezcal craftsmanship and skilled artisans. Wander its peaceful streets, meet local producers, and experience authentic Oaxacan culture and heritage.

Savour lunch at Restaurant Almú, choosing local favourites such as plov or shashlik at your own expense. Return to the hotel afterwards. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and unwind at your own pace.

Explore Central de Abastos Market, one of the world’s largest wholesale markets. Wander colourful aisles packed with fresh produce, spices and local treats. You discover the vibrant rhythm of everyday Mexican life.

Head to Etla, the birthplace of Oaxaca’s famous quesillo cheese. Explore its traditional Wednesday market, browse local produce and artisan goods, and experience the authentic flavours and culture of the Oaxaca Valley.

Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner. Savour a three-course menu featuring Oaxacan flavours such as mole negro and tlayudas, while you soak up the restaurant's warm atmosphere.

Check out and head to Tlacolula. Explore the vibrant Sunday market before enjoying lunch of slow-roasted barbacoa tacos, memelas, or other Oaxacan specialities. Savour authentic local flavours.

Today your JrnyOn journey comes to an end. Transport will be arranged to get you to the Oaxaca International Airport (Airport Code: OAX) for your flight back home. Once on the flight, you can begin to plan for your next JRNY!