You are invited to step into the vibrant, flavor-filled heartbeat of Mexico City, a city that does not just welcome you… It pulls you into its rhythm, wraps you in its color, and feeds you stories one unforgettable bite at a time.

Join us for Maize & Markets: The Ultimate Mexico City Food & Drink Adventure, which is not simply a journey—it is a living, breathing celebration of culture, cuisine, and connection, curated by Andrew Colacchio and Chef Richard Gruica of The Gourmet Vacation from January 10th to January 15th, 2027.

From the very first golden hour on a rooftop in Polanco, cocktail in hand and the city shimmering beneath you, something shifts. Strangers become companions. Flavors become memories. And Mexico City begins to reveal itself—not as a destination, but as a feeling.

Guiding you through this experience is Andrew Colacchio, a food and travel content creator better known as @andrewloves_. With a background rooted in the culinary world, Andrew has built a devoted global audience through his honest, detail-driven approach to dining. He does not chase hype—he uncovers it. Each recommendation is intentional, each experience vetted, helping millions discover restaurants truly worth their time.

Alongside him is Chef Richard Gruica, the visionary behind The Gourmet Vacation—where travel becomes storytelling, and every journey is designed with precision, passion, and a deep respect for culture. Known for crafting immersive culinary adventures around the world, Chef Richard brings together exceptional people, unforgettable locations, and moments that feel both

elevated and deeply personal. With him, you do not just visit a place—you connect with it.

Over the course of six days and five extraordinary nights, you will dive headfirst into the soul of this vibrant capital. You will wander through ancient civilizations and bustling markets, taste tacos crafted from generations of tradition, and sip spirits that carry the essence of desert, smoke, and sun. You will stand before towering pyramids, dine inside a candlelit cave, and explore art that pulses with passion and history.

This is a journey where contrasts dance beautifully—where street food rivals fine dining, where ancient rituals meet modern creativity, and where every moment feels both electric and deeply rooted.

One night, you are ringside at the spectacle of lucha libre, swept up in the roar of the crowd. Another, you are savoring a Michelin-level tasting experience that redefines what Mexican cuisine can be. You might find yourself painting your own alebrije, cruising through ancient canals with mariachi music in the air, or toasting new friendships under a sky that seems to hum along with the city.

And somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, you become part of it all.

This is for the curious. The passionate. The ones who chase flavor, story, and connection across the globe.

In Mexico City, you’ll:

• Feast on tacos and sip artisan tequila

• Experience the thrill of Lucha  Libre from VIP seats

• Visit the best markets in the city and taste the best tacos, moles, and even insects!

• Walk the ancient path to the pyramids of Teotihuacan

• Craft your own colorful alebrije  (spirit animal) in a hands-on workshop

• Dine inside a mystical cave  restaurant

• Visit the iconic Frida Kahlo  Museum

• Get wonderfully lost in bustling markets  filled with flavor and artistry

• Sit down to a Michelin-level  dinner, curated as a surprise highlight

• Spend the day exploring the farm-to-fork experience at Xochimilco

• Experience the art of mariachi

• And so much more!

This is Mexico City—bold, soulful, and endlessly delicious.

This is an unforgettable culinary adventure where every bite tells a story, and every moment lingers long after the journey ends.

And this January… it is yours to experience 🌮🍸

Spaces are limited. 

Taste, create, and celebrate with us—this is...

Mexico as you’ve never experienced it before.

🌮 Day 1 — Street Food, Culture & Lucha Libre Spectacle

Sunday, January 10th

We begin by stepping into the heart of Mexico’s story at the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology. With a private expert guide, you will journey through centuries of history, standing face-to-face with monumental artifacts like the Aztec Sun Stone. These are not just relics—they are echoes of civilizations that continue to shape every flavor, tradition, and ritual you will encounter throughout your time here.

From there, the city becomes our playground...

Our private foodie walking experience winds through vibrant neighborhoods, bustling markets, and tucked-away taquerías known only to locals. You will taste your way through Mexico City’s culinary heartbeat—fresh-pressed masa transformed into tacos, sizzling meats carved straight from the trompo, and traditional drinks that refresh and surprise. Every stop tells a story. Every bite reveals a layer.

As night falls, the energy shifts...

We dive into a Tacos & Tequila Night before stepping into the electric world of Arena México for a VIP Lucha Libre experience. Ringside, the atmosphere crackles—masked luchadores leap, spin, and collide in a spectacle that is part sport, part theater, and entirely unforgettable. You will even take home your own custom lucha mask—a bold, colorful souvenir of a night that feels larger than life.

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Polanco (TBD)

🏺 Day 2 — The Mysteries of Teotihuacan & Cave Dining Extravaganza

Monday, January 11th

After an exciting night of Lucha Libre, we’ll ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast at our luxury hotel, we journey beyond the city to the awe-inspiring Teotihuacan—the legendary City of the Gods. With a private guide, we walk the Avenue of the Dead, stand before the towering Pyramid of the Sun, and uncover the mysteries of a civilization that once rivaled the greatest cities of the ancient world. The scale is humbling. The history, profound.

Then, a shift into something truly magical....

For lunch, we descend into a cave restaurant carved into ancient lava rock, where flickering light, live music, and folklore performances create an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. Traditional dishes arrive rich with flavor and history, each one echoing the land from which it came.

In the afternoon, creativity takes center stage with an alebrije experience—these vibrant, fantastical spirit animals are deeply rooted in Mexican folklore. You will select or paint your own, infusing it with personal meaning and bringing home a piece of Mexico’s artistic soul.

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Polanco (TBD)

🎨 Day 3 — Art & Adventurous Flavors

Tuesday, January 12th

We step into the colorful, intimate world of Frida Kahlo Museum. With a private art historian, you will explore her home, her gardens, and the deeply personal spaces where creativity and pain intertwined to produce some of Mexico’s most iconic art. It is emotional, vivid, and unforgettable.

Then… we turn up the adventure...

After working up an appetite, we dive headfirst into the adventurous side of Mexico City’s culinary soul with our Bugs & Beers Market Experience—a playful, bold exploration of one of the country’s most ancient food traditions. In a vibrant local market known for showcasing the very best of Mexico, you’ll sample delicacies like crispy chapulines (grasshoppers), rich escamoles (ant larvae), and flavorful maguey worms, each paired with craft artisan beers that elevate and balance every bite. It’s a feast for the curious and the courageous—but for those who prefer a gentler path, an array of incredible traditional dishes awaits. And for the bravest among you… we’ll crown a winner of the coveted Fearless Fork Award 🏆

After the excitement of our market visit, we’ll take a little break to unwind or explore more on your own before regrouping for our SURPRISE dinner at a Michelin spot. We can't say much about the meal, but we promise it will be AWESOME!

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Polanco (TBD)

🌿 Day 4 — Choose Your Flavor, Choose Your Adventure

Wednesday, January 13th

Today is yours to shape…

Like stepping into the pages of a classic Choose Your Own Adventure story, this day is all about crafting your own path. This flexible experience invites you to explore Mexico City through your own lens, choosing from a collection of thoughtfully curated moments designed to match your passions, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure—because today, your journey is entirely your own. Today is yours to shape...

🌞 Daytime Options

• Market cooking class with a local chef

• Chocolate & cacao tasting ritual rooted in ancient traditions.

• Traditional temazcal spa ceremony for deep relaxation and renewal

🌙 Nighttime Options

• Cocktail Lab: Mexican Spirits Edition

• Private mural & street art tour with curated bites

• Taco Omakase Experience highlighting elevated street food.

Every option is crafted to deepen your connection to the culture, the cuisine, and the spirit of the city.

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Polanco (TBD)

🚤 Day 5 — Serene Canals & Mariachi Magic: A Farewell to Remember

Thursday, January 14th

Our final day begins with something truly special in Xochimilco, a historic network of canals and floating gardens in southern Mexico City, originally engineered by the Aztecs as an advanced agricultural system known as chinampas—man-made islands used to grow crops on the water.

Aboard a private, beautifully adorned trajinera, we glide through these ancient waterways, where a vibrant tapestry of flower-filled gardens, colorful boats, and lively music brings the landscape to life. As we drift along, you’ll soak in both the serene beauty and festive spirit of this UNESCO-listed treasure, before stepping onto a traditional chinampa farm to discover centuries-old farming techniques still thriving today.

From there, we gather by the water for a farm-to-table lunch, savoring fresh, locally grown ingredients prepared with care—each bite a reflection of the land, the history, and the soul of Xochimilco 🌿🚤✨

As evening falls, we gather one last time in the vibrant Plaza Garibaldi for a farewell celebration that captures the very soul of Mexico. Surrounded by the electrifying sounds of live mariachi, the square comes alive with music, laughter, and the unmistakable rhythm of the city. Glasses are raised, voices join in familiar melodies, and the energy is both festive and deeply heartfelt—an atmosphere that feels like the perfect final note to our journey.

From there, we sit down for a farewell dinner that is far more than a meal. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve shared—the bold flavors, the unforgettable stories, the laughter, and the connections forged along the way. As plates arrive and conversations linger, you’ll find yourself savoring not just the cuisine, but the moments themselves… the kind that stay with you long after the last song fades 🎺✨

This is more than a dinner; it is a celebration of everything shared: the flavors, the stories, the laughter, and the connections that will linger long after the journey ends.

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Polanco (TBD)

✈️ Departure Day — Fond Farewells or Oaxaca Add-On

Friday, January 15th

Private transfers will be arranged according to your departure schedule.

Or… for those not quite ready to say goodbye, the journey can continue with an optional 3-day extension to Oaxaca—where even deeper culinary traditions await.

For those taking part in the Oaxaca extension...

Our Day of Discovery as Oaxaca is Unveiled: From City Streets to Gourmet Eats

Kick off your day with a leisurely morning, savoring a delightful breakfast before we make our luxury transfer to the airport. Our destination? The culinary heart of Mexico: Oaxaca! Upon arrival, after our flight from Mexico City, we'll check into our exquisite boutique hotel, where beauty and luxury meet. Once settled in, we'll embark on a walking tour through the vibrant center of Oaxaca, where we will explore the rich history that makes this city so enchanting. As the sun sets, prepare for a culinary experience like no other with dinner at one of Oaxaca's top dining spots, where we will indulge in authentic flavors and creative dishes that showcase the region's finest ingredients. Today is a day filled with exploration and unforgettable gastronomic delights!

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Oaxaca (TBD)

🎨🌮Day 7- Artful Adventures: Hands-On Creations and City Sights

Saturday, January 16th

Today unfolds as a vibrant celebration of Oaxaca’s art, culture, and culinary soul...

We begin with a hands-on workshop led by one of the region’s most talented local artists, inviting you to step into the creative spirit that defines Oaxaca. Here, you’ll craft your own unique piece of Oaxacan art—an expressive, personal keepsake that carries the colors, textures, and stories of this remarkable place home with you.

From there, we dive into the heart of Oaxaca’s legendary food scene with a private culinary tour through bustling markets and beloved local spots. Known as the gastronomic soul of Mexico, Oaxaca reveals itself through every bite—from the deep, complex layers of mole, rich with chilies, spices, and hints of chocolate, to the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth strands of quesillo, its iconic cheese. Each stop is a story, each flavor a reflection of centuries of indigenous tradition, colonial influence, and boundless creativity.

As the afternoon unfolds, the city becomes our canvas with a guided exploration of Oaxaca’s dynamic street art—bold, colorful, and pulsing with identity and expression. And as evening arrives, the rhythm shifts once more… the night is yours to shape, with endless possibilities to wander, taste, and soak in the magic of Oaxaca at your own pace ✨

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Oaxaca (TBD)

🌮 Day 8-Sunday, January 17th

Roots & Revelations: A Day of Oaxacan Wonders, Culinary Delights & Mezcal

Today we journey deep into the essence of Oaxaca, where nature, tradition, and craftsmanship intertwine in a tapestry of living culture. We begin with a visit to the awe-inspiring Arbol del Tule—the legendary Tree of Tule, the widest tree in the world. Standing beneath its sprawling ancient canopy feels like stepping into time itself, a quiet giant rooted in centuries of history. Just nearby, we wander the vibrant Artisan Market of Tule, alive with handwoven textiles, local crafts, and the colors of generations of makers.

From there, we dive into Oaxaca’s extraordinary textile heritage, witnessing the transformation of natural elements into art—dyeing, weaving, and intricate techniques passed down through time. Each thread tells a story, each pattern a reflection of identity, patience, and skill.

Our culinary journey then unfolds at a charming sustainable farm, where we gather for a hands-on tortilla-making experience guided by a beloved local abuela. Together with Andrew and Chef Richard, you’ll shape, press, and cook alongside tradition itself, culminating in a soulful lunch.

The afternoon leads us into the spirit world of Oaxaca with a visit to a boutique mezcaleria, where we are guided through the artistry and alchemy of mezcal production. From agave fields to bottle, you’ll taste the depth, smoke, and soul of this iconic spirit while learning the craft behind every pour.

As the sun lowers, we close the day at a beloved family-run mezcal country kitchen, where authentic Oaxacan dishes are served with warmth, simplicity, and heart. It’s a dinner rooted in tradition, shared stories, and flavors that feel like home—even far from it.

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Oaxaca (TBD)

🌆 Day 9- Farewell to Oaxaca & Return to the Heart of Mexico City

Monday, January 18th

As our unforgettable journey through Oaxaca gently comes to a close, the morning is yours to move at an unhurried rhythm—savor a final breakfast, soak in the last colors of the city, and let its spirit linger just a little longer. When the time comes, we travel in comfort with a luxury transfer to Oaxaca International Airport, carrying with us the flavors, stories, and moments that have defined this extraordinary chapter.

From there, we lift back into the energy of Mexico City, returning once more to its dynamic pulse. Upon arrival, we settle into our luxury hotel in Polanco, giving you space to refresh, reset, and ease back into the city’s cosmopolitan rhythm.

As evening arrives, the night opens itself entirely to you. Whether you choose a quiet moment of rest, a stroll through glowing streets, a memorable dinner in one of the city’s celebrated restaurants, or a dive into its electric nightlife, Mexico City is yours to rediscover at your own pace. It’s a return, a reunion, and a celebration all at once—an invitation to experience the city through new eyes, yet with familiar warmth.

Overnight: Luxury Hotel, Polanco (TBD)

Tuesday, January 19th

Private transfers will be arranged according to your departure schedule.