Mexico City with Carlos Anthony

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos a México! Our journey through the country’s mesmerizing capital—CDMX, short for ‘Ciudad de México’—begins at our hotel, a stylish oasis in the heart of the city in the Reforma district, bordered by distinguished Bosque de Chapultepec, the largest park in the city. 

We’ll take a moment to get settled, and then we’ll meet up with Carlos and head out on our first adventure: an exclusive, after-hours visit to the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology (NMA). While the building on its own is an architectural wonder, inside it’s another world, one lined with hushed halls and exquisite exhibits of Aztec stone sculptures and murals as old as time.  

Such an unforgettable glimpse into history begs for an equally unforgettable meal. At stylish Rosa Negra in Polanco, we’ll sit down for a bonafide welcome feast—think vibrant, hyperlocal ingredients and charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, seasoned to perfection with the region’s traditional herbs and spices. As the sun sets over the buzzy Polanco district, we’ll raise our glasses in a hearty salud! to Carlos and the adventures to come.

Day 2: Mexico City

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 Carlos 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, the afternoon ours to relax or explore. Sip a paloma at Sofitel’s rooftop bar or wander down Reforma’s streets and revel in the majesty of Bosque de Chapultepec. We won’t meet up again until dinner, and trust us on this one—it’s a real treat: in the Roma district at Filigrana. Here, mere food turns to art with exquisite dishes that showcase the region’s most iconic flavors.

Day 3: Mexico City

This morning, 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, Carlos 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 Carlos’ market finds alongside an exquisite lineup of artisanal mezcal.

Day 4: Mexico City

If yesterday was an homage to one of the city’s greatest artists, 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, Carlos 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 Carlos 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.

Carlos, in typical fashion, has pulled out all the stops for dinner tonight. At La Unica, we’ll gather for a farewell feast, a symphony of inspired dishes that showcase the best of the country’s exquisite cuisine. Alongside a special guest, we’ll round out the night with a toast to the memories and friendships we’ll cherish for years to come. 

Day 5: Departures

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!