Sunshine & Slow Cooking: A Mountain Culinary Vacation in Tepoztlán (July 25-Aug 1, 2027)
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SUNSHINE & SLOW COOKING:
A MOUNTAIN CULINARY VACATION IN TEPOZTLÁN
Cooking, Eating & Living Outdoors Year-Round
7 Nights / 8 Days – July 25-Aug 1, 2027
Tepoztlán is famous for many things — its mountains, its markets, its food — but what surprises most guests is the climate. Sunny days, cool evenings, and fresh mountain air make it one of the most comfortable places in Mexico year-round. This week is designed to take full advantage of that rhythm: cooking outdoors, lingering at the table, and letting meals unfold naturally.
You’ll stay at La Villa Bonita, Chef Ana García’s home and a purpose-built culinary retreat created specifically for open-air cooking. From the mountain-view kitchen to shaded terraces and long afternoons by the pool, this is not a hotel experience — it’s life at a Mexican home where food, weather, and good company shape each day. You’ll be welcomed as part of the family and invited to slow down, cook, and enjoy the sunshine.
Trip Highlights
- ✓ Cooking every day in an open-air mountain kitchen
- ✓ Perfect year-round climate for outdoor living
- ✓ Fresh, seasonal Mexican cooking
- ✓ Market visits and local producers
- ✓ Daily breakfasts from Mari’s kitchen
- ✓ Balanced menus: light, bold, comforting & festive
- ✓ Agua frescas and refreshing cocktails
- ✓ One full cultural excursion day
- ✓ A free day to relax, hike, or explore
- ✓ Small group, family-style experience
IMPORTANT! This schedule provides a general outline of a typical 7-night culinary vacation; every week is different. We may adjust dishes or excursions to take advantage of seasonal ingredients or guest interests — always to enhance your experience.
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome Under the Stars (Sunday)
Guests arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), where airport pickup is provided (Ask about schedule to meet out Shuttle). The drive to Tepoztlán takes approximately 1½ hours. Upon arrival at La Villa Bonita, enjoy relaxed welcome snacks — guacamole, cheeses, homemade salsas, and chips — and take in your first mountain sunset.
Later that afternoon/evening guests will enjoy Chef Ana and Chef Ale’s 4-course chef’s table gourmet dinner made from primarily local ingredients grown in the garden or from local providers. Dinner is served within our ample open-air kitchen with a view of the valley below or above our kitchen in the elevated dining area with a 360-degree view of the mountains. Chef Ana will explain her dishes to the guests and also discuss how the week will unfold.
Arrival Snack Beverage
Agua fresca: Mango con limón
Cocktail: Paloma ligera
Day 2 – FIRE UP THE PIT! (Monday)
The day begins with Mari’s famous big breakfast with fresh fruit, biscuits, homemade jams and jellies along with a new traditional Mexican main dish each morning. Guests will go to the local Tepoztlán market to select the best ingredients from Chef Ana’s local providers and bring these ingredients back for the cooking session in the open-air kitchen. Today’s menu is inspired by warm days and outdoor lunches — fresh, colorful dishes that feel satisfying without being heavy. This is the kind of food Mexicans love when the sun is out and the table is set in the shade.
These traditional dishes from the rancherías between Morelos and Guerrero are a festive favorite — a surprising combination that challenges what most people expect from Mexican food.
Menu
- Barbacoa de Pollo Ranchera (Ranch-style chicken barbacoa)
- Espagueti Blanco (White spaghetti)
- Salsa Verde Casera (Homemade green salsa)
- Tortillas de Maíz (Corn tortillas)
- Pastel Imposible / Chocoflán (Impossible cake / chocoflan)
Cocktail of the Day
Micheladas y Cerveza Fría (Micheladas and cold beer — today’s drink of choice)
Agua Fresca
Agua de Limón con Chía (Lime water with chia)
After lunch, afternoons and evenings are relaxed. Guests often nap, swim, read, or enjoy a drink in the open-air kitchen as the temperature cools and the mountains glow.
Day 3 – Modern Mexican – Traditional Ingredients in New Presentations (Tuesday)
Today has an optional yoga session ($15 USD) and you can join or hang back and enjoy the morning. Breakfast will be late today but you can have coffee, fruit and yogurt before having our “main” breakfast at about 11:30. As the evening air cools, Mexican kitchens naturally turn to comforting dishes meant to be shared. Today’s menu brings together warmth, spice, and deeply familiar flavors — perfect for cooking and eating outdoors. Cooking today will start at 12:30.
Mexican food is deeply traditional, but it’s also constantly evolving. Today’s class explores how classic flavors can be reinterpreted in a more modern way without losing their soul. These dishes balance richness with brightness and show how Mexican cooks adapt old ideas to new kitchens. You’ll learn how sauces, textures, and techniques come together in a way that feels current — but still unmistakably Mexican.
Menu
- Lasaña de Chicharrón en Salsa Verde (Crackling or Pork Skin lasagna)
- Lasaña de Huitlacoche con Bechamel (Huitacoche or Corn Mushroom Lasagna with Béchamel)
- Ensalada Verde con Aderezo Casero
- Guayaba or Guava Pie
Cocktail of the Day
Mezcalita con Naranja y Canela (Tequila with Orange and Cinnamon)
Agua Fresca
Agua de Hierbabuena con Pepino (Mint and Cucumber water)
Evenings are social but unstructured. Guests gather for conversation, board games, or stroll into town for ice cream or coffee.
Day 4 – Cuernavaca: Teopanzolco pyramids, Contemporary Art Museum & Hacienda de Cortes (Wednesday)
Discover the Teopanzolco Pyramids, an ancient site right in the heart of Cuernavaca that offers a glimpse into pre-Hispanic Morelos. Continue to the Museo Morelense de Arte Contemporáneo (MMAC), a stunning modern space featuring exhibitions by top Mexican and international artists. Enjoy classic tortas sold outside the Teatro Teopanzolco, a local favorite, and conclude the day with a relaxing meal or drink at the historic Hacienda de Cortés, surrounded by lush gardens and colonial architecture.
After returning to La Villa Bonita, the evening is free. Relax at the house, enjoy the cool air, or head into town — we’re happy to help arrange transportation.
Day 5 – Family-Style Mexican Comfort Food (Thursday)
After breakfast and option yoga, guests will go to the tortilla mill to grind masa for tortillas made from local corn grown by Mari! Today is all about comfort — the food people cook when they want to feel at home. Soup technique is crucial. These are the dishes that appear at family tables, school lunches, and quiet weekday meals. They may look simple, but they rely on balance, timing, and seasoning to be truly good. Chef Ana often says this is the hardest food to cook well, because it has to taste like a memory.
Menu
- Sopa de Papa y Poro – Potato and Leek Soup
- Rollitos de Res Rellenos de Papa y Zanahoria en Caldillo de Jitomate – Beef rolls with potato and carrots in a tomato broth
- Coditos con Crema – Elbow macaroni with Mexican cream sauce
- Calabacitas a la Mexicana – Mexican squash
- Budín de Tapioca – Tapioca pudding
Cocktail of the Day
Cantarito de Tequila
Agua Fresca
Agua de Piña Natural (Pineapple water)
Evening options include relaxing in the orchard, enjoying cocktails in the kitchen, or taking an easy walk into town as the air cools.
Mimosa with Mexican Cava, anyone?
Day 6 – Sunny Mexican Brunch (Friday)
Our final cooking day is brunch — relaxed, festive, and perfect for outdoor tables. Led by Chef Alejandra Quiroz, this class celebrates the joy of cooking when the weather is just right. Everybody wants to learn the secrets of the great breakfasts that they have enjoyed throughout the week. This is a must! Kick it off with a Passionfruit Mimosa!
Menu
- Crepas Poblanas (Savory Poblano-style crêpes)
- Crepas de Flor de Calabaza (Squash blossom crêpes)
- Ensalada de Jitomate, Aguacate y Panela con Aderezo de Cilantro (Tomato, avocado, and panela cheese salad with cilantro dressing)
- Gelatina de Yogurt con Frutas de Temporada (Yogurt gelatin with seasonal fruit)
Cocktail of the Day
Mimosa de Maracuyá (Passion fruit mimosa)
Cocktail of the Day
Mimosa de Maracuyá (passion fruit Mimosa)
Agua Fresca
Agua de Papaya con Limón (Papaya and Lime Water)
In the evening, guests who wish may visit La Taberna del Telón for live music and dancing — an optional independent activity we’re happy to help arrange.
Take a hike up to the Tepozteco pyramid for incredible views of the town.
Day 7 – Free Day (Saturday)
A full day to hike, explore, shop, rest, or simply enjoy La Villa Bonita. Activities today are not included, but we’re happy to help plan your day.
Your final evening is yours — perhaps a last swim, sunset drinks, or one more shared moment in the kitchen.
Tepoztlan is full of exquisite street art.
Day 8 – Departure (Sunday)
Ohhh! Parting is such sweet sorrow. Today we will reminisce about a great week full of memories and great food and will plan for our next great adventure. Final breakfast and transfer back to MEX.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
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- 7 nights lodging at La Villa Bonita — all rooms with en suite bathroom and shower
- Roundtrip airport transfers (shuttle schedule applies)
- All cooking classes with Chef Ana García and Chef Alejandra Quiroz
- Full breakfast every day, featuring a different hot dish from Mari’s kitchen
- Lunch on all cooking days and all meals listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages during cooking classes and self-serve afterwards in the kitchen
- All excursions listed in the itinerary
- Personalized PDF recipe manual after your stay
- Use of robes, hair dryer, and locally made toiletries
- Fiber-optic Wi-Fi
- Daily maid service; laundry upon request
- Full access to the open-air kitchen for snacks, leftovers, and drinks — ¡Estás en tu casa!
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NOT INCLUDED
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- Airfare
- Airport transfers outside the shuttle window (private car available for a fee)
- Personal shopping, dining out, or activities not listed in the itinerary
- Costs of optional Saturday (Thursday for 5-night) and optional evening activities
- Optional yoga sessions
- Gratuities
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PRICE
7-Night Package — 4 Cooking Days
$1,999 USD + 16% tax per person (double)
$2,499 USD + 16% tax (single)
5-Night Package — 2 Cooking Days
$1,799 USD + 16% tax per person (double)
$2,299 USD + 16% tax (single)
5% discount when paid in full at booking, or when 50% is paid at booking and the remaining balance is paid on the first day of the full month prior to arrival. IVA sales tax is 16%.
Book Now!
Tepoztlan, the original “Pueblo Magico” (magic village) and one of Mexico’s most unique destinations is located about 5280 ft. above sea level and roughly 1 hour 15 minutes south of Mexico City making transportation easy (we pick you up in the Mexico City airport and bring you back). Because of its incredible “eternal spring” climate, Tepoztlan is a year-round destination where our award-winning packages take place.
Due to its year-round average daily temperature of 83 F/28 C, Tepoztlan has become an off-the-beaten-path destination for those who want a wonderful climate with a picturesque, artistic, authentic, and traditional Mexican backdrop. Tepoztlan’s temperate climate with prevailing sunshine, its wonderful adobe facades, incredible local festivals, and ancient cobblestone streets attract Mexicans and foreign tourists from all over the world who seek a traditional, small-town environment.
Tepoztlan is one of the most unique, authentic, and safest places you can visit and has one of the lowest crime rates in the American hemisphere. You will get this understanding in the first 15 minutes after setting foot in the village. It is a place that time seems to have forgotten with time-honored culinary traditions, wonderful local produce, and a very enjoyable pace of life focused on family and friends.
Tepoztlan is made up of artists, stubborn townspeople, and subsistence farmers who vigilantly guard their traditions from change, which makes it an ideal destination for the “foodie” and the traveler seeks to experience a rich culture. “Tepoztecos,” as they are known here, appreciate the foreign tourist because you appreciate their culture. You can walk anywhere day or night and people will say “hello” to you, be cordial, but not overburdening.
This Magic Village with its mystical vibe is known as the “Sedona of Mexico” and consists of a very small, tight-knit community where people are very content with their lifestyle — a full social calendar that consists of constant cultural events, celebrations, and festivals during both the week and weekend. Tepoztlan is a piece of art without comparison – exquisite but not commercial. In Tepoztlan, you will hear the enveloping sounds of the community, the church bells, the rooster crowing, the occasional firecracker and the music wafting through the valley. So, enjoy your stay and when you go home, please tell everyone about your experience in the “hidden culinary jewel of Mexico.”
Sunshine and Slow Cooking
July 25-Aug 1, 2027
7-Night True Foodie Package (Best Deal!) (SUN-SUN) | 5-Night Starter Package (SUN-FRI) |
7 | 5 |
4 HANDS-ON COOKING SESSIONS IN THE FANTASTIC OPEN AIR KITCHEN WITH TRIPS TO THE DAILY MARKET, FARMER'S MARKET, AND TORTILLA MILL | 2 HANDS-ON COOKING SESSIONS IN THE FANTASTIC OPEN AIR KITCHEN WITH TRIPS TO THE DAILY MARKET, FARMER'S MARKET, AND TORTILLA MILL |
BIG BREAKFAST EVERYDAY AND ACCESS TO THE KITCHEN FOR FOOD, DRINKS, SNACKS, WHENEVER YOU LIKE THROUGHOUT YOUR STAY. | BIG BREAKFAST EVERYDAY AND ACCESS TO THE KITCHEN FOR DRINKS, FOOD, SNACKS, WHENEVER YOU LIKE THROUGHOUT YOUR STAY. |
MEX (MEXICO CITY- BENITO JUAREZ) AIRPORT PICKUP & RETURN* (CHECK GROUP SHUTTLE TIMES ON PRACTICAL INFORMATION TAB) | MEX (MEXICO CITY - BENITO JUAREZ) AIRPORT PICKUP & RETURN* (CHECK GROUP SHUTTLE TIMES ON PRACTICAL INFORMATION TAB) |
MARKET WALKING-EATING TOUR AND TRIP TO CORN MILL | MARKET TOUR WALKING-EATING TOUR AND TRIP TO CORN MILL |
LUNCH OF DISHES PREPARED ON ALL COOKING DAYS WITH BEER, WINE, & COCKTAIL SERVICE, SNACKS THROUGHOUT THE COOKING DAY | LUNCH OF DISHES PREPARED ON ALL COOKING DAYS WITH BEER, WINE, & COCKTAIL SERVICE, SNACKS THROUGHOUT THE COOKING DAY |
INCREDIBLE PERSONALIZED BOOK-READY, PDF MANUAL OF ALL OF THE DISHES THAT YOU MADE DURING YOUR STAY (ARRIVES AFTER YOUR STAY SO YOU CAN MAKE ALL OF THE DISHES AT HOME!) | INCREDIBLE PERSONALIZED BOOK-READY, PDF MANUAL OF ALL OF THE DISHES THAT YOU MADE DURING YOUR STAY (ARRIVES AFTER YOUR STAY SO YOU CAN MAKE ALL OF THE DISHES AT HOME!) |
DAY OFF ON SATURDAY TO BUILD YOUR OWN ITINERARY OR RELAX BY THE POOL | DAY OFF ON THURSDAY TO BUILD YOUR OWN ITINERARY OR RELAX BY THE POOL |
HIGH SPEED FIBER-OPTIC WIFI, DAILY MAID SERVICE, AND LAUNDRY SERVICE | HIGH SPEED FIBER-OPTIC FOR WIFI, DAILY MAID SERVICE, AND LAUNDRY SERVICE |
$ 1,999 USD plus tax | $ 1,799 USD plus tax |
PAYMENT OPTIONS: 5% DISCOUNT FOR PAYMENT IN FULL OR HALF NOW AND HALF ON FIRST DAY OF MONTH PRIOR TO ARRIVAL WITHOUT DISCOUNT | PAYMENT OPTIONS: 5% DISCOUNT FOR PAYMENT IN FULL OR HALF NOW AND HALF ON FIRST DAY OF MONTH PRIOR TO ARRIVAL WITHOUT DISCOUNT |
La Villa Bonita No-Change-Fee Guarantee!
We want you to enjoy your vacation at La Villa Bonita and we know that things may come up that preclude you from joining us. While we do not accept cancelations or refund payments, if you need to change your reservation for any reason you can do so once without penalty and subject to availability. You will receive a credit towards the same experience that you can apply to a different date or different experience. If you choose a more expensive experience you will need to pay the difference. Please contact us for further details.
Payment Options and Sales Tax
You can receive an additional 5% discount by paying in full upon making your reservation or you can pay full price paying half to reserve and half due on the first day of the month prior to arrival. The 5% discount is not valid with any other discount, sale or promotion. We will send you an invoice by email that you can pay online. Prices do not include 16% sales tax which will be added to the final price of your package. Tips for the staff are not included.
Welcome to Chef Ana´s mountain home that was specially designed for her culinary program. La Villa Bonita was built in a citrus orchard on a hectare of terraced land and consists of 8 guest rooms all with private baths. Each of the guest rooms has a different design and all are very comfortable. All rooms have a king bed and some rooms have the possibility of 2 twin beds or 1 king and french doors that open up to a common courtyard with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and steps from the open-air kitchen. Chef Ana and her family live on the property as well in their townhouse.
The specially-designed open-air kitchen is complete with a living area, three sinks, lots of cooking and prep space as well as a 360-degree view of the majestic mountains. Above the kitchen sits our 16-person-capacity glass table with an incredible panoramic view of the Tepozteco mountains, the ex-convent, and the town below. La Villa Bonita is located in a very quiet residential area of town away from the downtown hum.
Airport Departure. For departure, we have more flexibility. If you would like to use our shuttle, your departure time should be after 12 noon. You may leave earlier for an additional fee. We have an Uber driver on call who charges $1900 pesos per trip (currently about 105USD).-
Included
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Not Included
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La Villa Bonita offers Chef Ana Garcias’ award-winning culinary and cultural vacation experiences in our specially-designed resort in the foothills of the Tepoztlan valley.
Contact Info
Start your Mexican culinary adventure now! Dates available year-round. Contact us for the most up-to-date availability.
+1 (631) 994-3436 // US
email: [email protected]
