Eight Cities to
Illuminate the Senses

 
 

Each uniquely crafted Mexico excursion is curated and crafted to immerse you in gratifying sensations, to introduce you to historic places, to connect you to new, like-minded people in small group travel, and to delight you in Mexican culture.

These packaged trips are the heart of Gusto México.

 

See

… the sun setting on a cruise in Puerto Vallarta

Hear

… the sensual sounds of salsa music at Don Pedro's

Smell

… the fragrances of nature on a hike to San Pancho

Taste

… the agave spirits of mezcal and raicilla at a hidden bar called Cava

Touch

… the cool waters of the Pacific ocean during surf lessons at La Lancha

 

The Sayulita experience is for the adventurous and sporty traveler who likes to be on-the-go during their trip. Think small group travel with all of your best friends! We'll stay on the north side of Sayulita’s main beach in a hotel that features two yoga shalas and two pools for taking a cool dip in the afternoon. We will indulge in daily yoga classes followed by either a hike to San Pancho, surf lessons at La Lancha in Punta Mita, or a day trip to snorkel and swim at Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta on a private cruise. If you’re up for it, end the day with salsa lessons and dancing at Don Pedro's right in town. Each activity is optional, meaning you can just as easily relax on the beach just steps away from the hotel!

 
 

See

… artisans handcrafting local gifts at Fábrica La Aurora

Hear

… live music at Rancho Zandunga's Sunday concert and Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar

Smell

… flowers falling from beautiful jacaranda trees and lavender fields at Viñedos San Lucas

Taste

… the agave spirits at La Mezcalería, Viñedos San Lucas

Touch

… everything from handmade clothes to rugs at Mercado de Artesanías

 

San Miguel de Allende is the art capital of Mexico, with endless markets, art galleries, music, restaurants and bars to explore. You will have plenty of time to wander around on your own and get lost in the cobblestone streets, filled with houses of rich shades of terracotta, earthy browns, and dusty pinks. While with the group, we will go to Fabrica la Aurora to watch artisan handcrafted gifts being made right in front of your eyes, pick out handmade clothes and rugs to take home at Mercado de Artesanias, and finish the day with live music and tapas at Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at the Rosewood hotel. This relaxing town invites travelers to absorb San Miguel’s ever-changing colors and skyline views daily.

 
 

See

… 360 degree views of land and sea on top of hotel Cuatro Cuatros

Hear

… the pounding waters at La Bufadora

Smell

… different varietals of wine from Valle de Guadalupe

Taste

… locally made cheese and olive oil from Valle de Guadalupe

Touch

… freshly-picked grapes at Casa Pedro Domecq as we explore hidden tunnels that lead to their wine production station

 

The main attraction of our Ensenada trip will be spending time in the Valle de Guadalupe, where the majority of Mexican wines are produced. We’ll start our wine tour where it all began at the first winery of the region, Casa Pedro Domecq. Throughout the tour, we’ll make our way to other distinct wineries in the valley such as Monte Xanic, Decantos, Las Nubes, and Chateau Camou. Our welcome dinner will be at the famous and delicious Finca Altozano, where we’ll share family style plates of local meats, cheeses, and fresh seafood from the main town of Ensenada. Other restaurants we can visit include Fauna, Lunario, Tras Lomita, and more! We’ll end the trip with a memorable sunset at Cuatro Cuatros, offering the most spectacular view of the Mexican coastline, we guarantee it!

 
 

See

… vibrant colors of local street art

Hear

… the sounds of communication between whale sharks as you swim with them

Smell

… the ocean breeze in hammocks by the sea

Taste

… juicy lobster pizzas and cold beers at ROOTS restaurant

Touch

… cool Caribbean waters during a SUP stand-up paddle class

 

This tiny island is the perfect place for you to learn the art of relaxation. Plenty of time will be dedicated to taking long walks on the beach or in the Carribean sea, sipping margaritas, and feeling the breeze flow through your hair. Our hotel, Las Nubes, is located on the far side of the island and allows for complete isolation from the hustle and bustle of the main downtown. After a long day of travel getting to the island, we’ll fill our stomachs with Holbox’s famous lobster pizza and artisanal beers at Roots restaurant. Stand-up paddleboards are provided, allowing you to glide seamlessly through crystal clear waters. Whale sharks are the main attraction of the island, so we will dedicate one full day to see and swim with these gentle giants. Imagine completely disconnecting from your daily routine and coming home feeling utterly refreshed.

 
 

See

… Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Hear

… birds chirping as you look over the great Hierve el Agua on top of a mountain

Smell

… fresh flowers and plants at the Ethnobotanical Garden

Taste

… the agave spirits of mezcal at Los Amantes or Tobaziche

Touch

… everything in the kitchen as you learn to cook a traditional meal at Casa Crespo

 

Oaxaca is one of the trips to do in Mexico! Although somewhat difficult to get to, your time in Oaxaca will feel like a whirlwind of fun. Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico, specializing in mole, tlayudas, tamales, huitlacoche corn fungus tacos, chocolate, coffee, and mezcal. In order to get a deeper look into the culinary world, we will dedicate one day to a market tour and cooking class with chef Oscar Carrizosa. We’ll also take a look into the world of mezcal, tequila’s lesser-known cousin, and go to Los Amantes mezcal farm for a tasting and tour. Our boutique hotel, El Diablo y La Sandía, is located right downtown and provides close access to the Ethnobotanical Garden, the Oaxaca Cathedral, the Templo de Santo Domingo and more! An optional day trip will be a couple of hours outside of town to visit Hierve el Agua, a beautiful set of natural rock formations that resemble cascades of water.

 
 

See

… some of the clearest turquoise waters as you explore multiple cenotes

Hear

… wind blowing as you set sail through the Mexican Caribbean

Smell

… incense burning and essential oils during a massage on the beach

Taste

… three different ceviche variations as you learn to cook this fresh classic dish

Touch

… history at the Mayan ruins

 

Beachside cabañas await us at Cabañas Hotel, in the middle of Tulum’s main beach. We’ll explore four different cenotes, driving to Cenote Tortuga for the day, and taking a day trip into Playa del Carmen to set sail into the Biosphere Reserve National Park and snorkel with stingrays and turtles. The Tulum Mayan Ruins are located just down the road, so we’ll take off on bicycles and feel the Caribbean breeze rushing through our hair before stepping back in time and learning about Mayan history. Tulum is mostly known for their ceviche variations, so a private cooking class will show us all the delicious possibilities with fresh fish, shrimp, and octopus. Don’t forget to wash it down with tequila and mezcal! You’ll leave being able to bring a little bit of Tulum back home to your friends and family by creating the same savory dishes.

 
 

See

… the original Mexico City of Tenochtitlán that was built by the Spaniards

Hear

… local jazz bands play at the famous El Zinco Club

Smell

… street vendors cooking up Mexican classics, such as torta de tamal and tacos al pastor

Taste

… multiple unique foods that can only be found in the city

Touch

… history in Centro Historico where multiple important monuments are available to explore

 

Going to the capital is one of the most fun Mexico guided tours. On this whirlwind experience, we’ll start off with day one in Zocalo, formally called the Plaza de la Constitución, where the entire city of Mexico expands from. Beneath the cobblestone streets and monuments lies the old Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Day two is dedicated to Frida Khalo, one of Mexico’s most influential women. The house that she shared with famous artist Diego Rivera is called Casa Azul and gives you an inside look at their lives as well as their famous mole recipe painted on the kitchen wall. To finish the trip, we’ll step back into history and explore the ruins of Teotihuacan. For a break from the busy city, Parque Chapultepec awaits, as well as a stop at Mercado Roma to get some food and wine to enjoy in nature.

 
 

See

… 360 degree views of Todos Santos and beyond as you hike up Punta Lobos mountain range

Hear

… waves crash as you walk miles and miles along the beach without seeing another person

Smell

… sea salt in the area while you lounge at El Faro Beach Club

Taste

… organic food that is grown locally by nearby farms

Touch

… cool Pacific waters as you paddle into waves during your private surf lesson

 

While in Todos Santos, you’ll be able to partake in optional yoga classes every morning right before a delicious traditional organic Mexican breakfast. You will have exclusive access to El Faro Beach Club, located on one of Todos Santos’ most secluded and private beaches. If you’re up for it, surf lessons at Playa Cerritos are included. We will enjoy a day trip to Cabo San Lucas, sailing to El Arco and enjoying lunch at The Office where you can dig your toes into the sand while enjoying a cold Modelo and famous baja fish tacos. An optional day hike to Punta Lobos will be provided for the adventurous soul, but you will have plenty of time to sit and relax on the beach or explore the quaint downtown of one of the artistic cities in Baja. You'll see that Baja California allows for an amazing backdrop for small group travel.