Cuisine, Coast + Culture in Mexico

Colonia Narvarte is renowned for its dozens of taquerias and a tranquil setting that has not changed much in decades. You’ll try delights such as tacos al pastor and visit a lively cantina for a ‘chela’ (slang for cold beer) or a cocktail. You will also attend a private mezcal tasting led by a local chef and expert in a cosy neighbourhood restaurant.

Navigate the canals of Xochimilco aboard a trajinera (a traditional colourful boat) and discover how and where the Aztecs grew food to supply citizens of their capital city. En route, you’ll explore Coyocan, with its narrow colonial-era streets, plazas, cafes and a lively bohemian atmosphere, then head to the Frida Kahlo Museum, the artist’s former home. This fascinating spot is brimming with artwork and artefacts associated with Kahlo and her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera.

An icon of Mexico City’s culinary scene, Contramar is the place for seafood. The chefs (one of which was culinary advisor to the Mexican President last time we checked) rustle up the likes of world–class ceviche and creative fish tacos, made from the freshest seafood delivered to the restaurant each morning.

Embark on a private boat for a day of discovery around beautiful Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Set in crystal-clear waters fringed by idyllic beaches, observe schools of dolphins, sting rays or perhaps even whales, with the highlight being snorkelling or diving with playful sea lions. A picnic lunch on the beach is included, and this expedition can also be modified to a full day of scuba diving for PADI-certified individuals.

The season for whale watching in Baja California Sur runs from January to mid-April, offering a life-affirming opportunity to observe the majesty of these enormous creatures up close. From January to February, you might even catch them frolicking with their newborn calves. After returning from a day on the water, stroll the ‘Malecon‘ (beachfront promenade), where locals come to chat, exercise and enjoy epic sunsets. Check out the numerous seaside bars and bistros serving up ‘almejas de chocolata‘ or chocolate clams, served with a dash of lime and hot sauce.

This pocket-sized town has become a haven for an urbane, artsy crowd. Visit local hot spots such as art galleries and coffee shops, then hit the beach club back at your hotel to watch the sun set into the ocean. End the day with dinner at the most innovative eatery in town, Paradero. A graduate of the world famous Pujol kitchen, chef Eduardo Rios brings big flavours together with refined technique in dishes such as aguachile ceviche and bone marrow tacos.

The unique tropical setting of Todos Santos with its mixture of desert, freshwater oasis, ocean and a lagoon makes it an ideal location for myriad bird species – more than 160 have been recorded here. Accompanied by a certified naturalist, you will travel to the finest local sites to admire a rich diversity of birdlife – with a little luck you might also be able to spot one of the few endemic species that call Todos Santos home.