After a decade of sharing traditional Mexican cuisine with the world, the mother-daughter duo of James Beard Award-winning Chef Iliana de la Vega of El Naranjo in Austin, TX, and food writer and anthropologist Isabel Torrealba have announced an evolution to their food tour company. The former Mexican Culinary Traditions, which began as a mission to showcase the country’s food and culture, has grown into a broader global exploration under a new name: Culinary Traditions.
The new identity is accompanied by expanded offerings. In addition to its popular culinary trips to Oaxaca, Mexico City and Mérida/Yucatán, Culinary Traditions has unveiled a new destination: Chile. The new journey will be guided by Chef Pilar Rodríguez, the first woman recognized as a United Nations Tourism Ambassador in gastronomy and wine. She also owns a restaurant called Food & Wine Studio.
Just as Culinary Traditions has worked to reshape perceptions of Mexican cuisine, the team wants to showcase Chile’s "rich and often overlooked culinary landscape." The nine-day immersion trip to Chile will explore Santiago’s dining scene, visit local markets and private homes, and experience the Colchagua wine region with expertly paired meals and tastings.
Upcoming Culinary Traditions experiences include:
- “An Andean Culinary & Wine Journey” (Chile, November 10-18, 2025) – A nine-day immersion highlighting Chile’s diverse cuisine, from indigenous Mapuche dishes to fine dining, along with visits to Santiago, Colchagua’s wine country, and dining experiences in private homes.
- “Ancient Traditions Alive” (Oaxaca, September 24-30 & December 1-7, 2025) – A week-long exploration of Oaxaca’s gastronomic traditions, complete with market visits, home-cooked meals and encounters with indigenous cultures.
- “Where Worlds Collide” (Mexico City, October 10-16, 2025) – A week-long adventure through Mexico City’s culinary scene, from street vendors to fine dining, including a visit to a chinampa (floating garden).
- “Mayan Tastes & Traces” (Mérida, December 9-15, 2025) – This trip offers a deep dive into Yucatán’s rich culinary traditions, from vibrant markets to historic haciendas, with a focus on Mayan heritage.
For more information, visit www.culinarytraditions.com.
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