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Behind the Rind: Central Mexico Exploration with Cheese Expert Lisa Lopez
Jan 15 - 20, 2027
Behind the Rind: Exploring Central Mexico
with Cheese Expert Lisa Lopez
January 15-20, 2027
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Almost sold out! Just 2 spaces available.

This isn’t just a cheese trip - it’s a chance to explore something that hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves.
Join Lisa Lopez as she travels through central Mexico to better understand a cheesemaking culture in a region that's overlooked in the cheese world. While much of the global spotlight stays on Europe, Mexico has a rich cheese traditions that rarely get the same recognition, despite the quality, diversity, and creativity happening on the ground.
Lisa is deeply passionate about exploring and sharing the art of cheesemaking in Latin America, bringing hands-on experience from apprenticing at creameries, judging major competitions, and recently serving as the U.S. Supreme Judge at the prestigious Mundial do Queijo in Brazil.
With Lisa as your host, you’ll visit farms and creameries, meet the people behind the work, and experience the food and places that shape it, all with the shared goal of learning something new. Expect to meet the makers, taste the products, have farm-to-table dining experiences, and even a bit of history thrown in to this itinerary.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to go beyond the obvious, this is an opportunity to taste a side of the cheese world that most people miss. The region around Querétaro and San Miguel de Allende offers an easy blend of culture, food, and scenery. Expect walkable historic centers, colorful architecture, and lively markets, balanced by quiet countryside filled with farms, vineyards, and small producers.
Scroll to see all the details of this itinerary. Limited seats are available - early bookings are encouraged!
Sign up by June 1st for a $200 discount!
Price until June 1st:
Single Occupancy: $3,640 per person
Double Occupancy: $2,930 per person
Price starting June 2nd:
Single Occupancy: $3,840 per person
Double Occupancy: $3,130 per person
*Meal Inclusions are indicated on each day. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Itinerary
Trip Details
Fri, Jan 15
Sat, Jan 16
Sun, Jan 17
Mon, Jan 18
Tue, Jan 19
Wed, Jan 20
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Walking Taco Tour (D)
Welcome to Querétaro!
This gorgeous city is located in central Mexico just north of Mexico City, known as a great place to visit for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant food scene, and growing reputation for wine and artisanal cheese production.
After your arrival at the QRO airport, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. Hotel Criol, one of the best hotels in Queretaro, is located just 200 meters from Plaza de Armas, the heart of the Historic Downtown. Once you’ve settled in, join your travel group for a walking tour of the city center, then join a local foodie for an unforgettable Taco Tour (enough food for dinner!) through Queretaro’s City Centre. Visit four handpicked spots, from traditional street stalls to modern taquerías.

After the tour, you’ll be returned to your hotel for a restful night's sleep.
Day 2 | Biquette, Tequisquiapan & Bocanegra (B, L, D)
After breakfast at your hotel in the morning, you will set out into the countryside for a visit to La Biquette, a charming artisanal goat farm nestled among rolling hills that produces French style goat cheeses. Here, you will enjoy an intimate cheese tour, learning about traditional production methods while tasting a selection of delicate, handcrafted cheeses paired with local flavors.

Afterwards, continue to the picturesque town of Tequisquiapan, where you will stroll through its vibrant market filled with regional delicacies, crafts, and colors, and enjoy a light lunch featuring carefully selected tastings of local specialties.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Bocanegra for guided tour of their cheese caves, and then a refined food experience with drinks, where contemporary techniques meet regional ingredients in a creative tasting that highlights the essence of Querétaro’s gastronomy.

After this flavorful day, you will return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your own leisure to explore Queretaro as you'd like.
Day 3 | Quesos del Rebaño & Farm to Table Dining (B, L)
In the morning, you will set out into the countryside for a visit to Quesos del Rebaño, a boutique, award-winning sheep cheese farm where tradition and craftsmanship come together. During a guided tour, you will learn about the cheesemaking process, from pasture to plate and enjoy a tasting of their distinctive artisanal cheeses, each reflecting the character of the region.

Afterwards, continue through the scenic landscapes to Bárbaro Asador del Campo, a farm to table concept, where a late lunch awaits in a relaxed countryside setting. Here, you will savour expertly prepared dishes cooked over open fire, paired with a selection of natural wines from Vinos Barrigones.
During your visit, you will also enjoy a guided tour of the natural wine production, learning about their minimal-intervention philosophy and the unique methods behind each bottle.

Following this leisurely and flavorful experience, you will return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 4 | Pyramid Cerrito, Finca Luciernagas & Rancho San Jose Maria (B, L)
In the morning, you will set out to visit a nearby pyramid, where you can explore this ancient site and take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape while learning about the region’s rich pre-Hispanic heritage.

Afterwards, continue to Finca La Luciérnaga, a peaceful countryside creamery dedicated to producing natural sheep milk cheeses. Here you’ll learn about their production and enjoy a relaxed picnic surrounded by nature, featuring fresh, local products in a tranquil setting.
In the afternoon, head to Rancho San José María for a unique “be a shepherd for a day” experience. Here, you will learn about their sheep milk cheese production, take part in traditional rural activities, learning about sheep herding and the rhythms of life on the ranch in an authentic and hands-on way.

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel to enjoy the evening at your own pace.
Day 5: San Miguel de Allende & Cooking Class with Cheese from Quesos Navarro (B, D)
Enjoy a captivating visit to San Miguel de Allende, one of Mexico’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations. Begin with a guided city tour through its picturesque historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll stroll along cobblestone streets, admire colorful colonial façades, and visit iconic landmarks such as the stunning Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

After exploring the city on foot, continue to Luna de Queso for a delightful lunch experience. Here, you’ll enjoy a selection of artisanal cheeses and regional specialties in a relaxed countryside setting, offering the perfect complement to your cultural tour. To enjoy the shop’s offerings freely, lunch is not included in today’s program.
In the evening, you will enjoy a hands-on cooking class featuring products from Quesos Navarro. You will learn to prepare traditional regional dishes and savour your creations in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

After this educational and immersive culinary experience, you will return to your hotel and can enjoy the rest of the evening on your own.
Day 6: Farewell Breakfast & Departure (B)
It’s time to say adiós to this beautiful, colorful, and welcoming region and its warm-hearted people. After your final farewell breakfast
According to your flight departure we will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport of Queretaro.
Alternatively, opt to extend your trip to other nearby destinations in Mexico. Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City are all great cities to explore.
Your travel advisor, a resident and expert on Mexican travel destinations, is happy to assist with a bespoke trip extension.Booking Schedule, Payments and Conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Group Size and Minimum Requirement
- This trip is designed for a group of at least 12 travelers. The trip will proceed only if a minimum of 12 paying participants is reached.
- If the minimum number of travelers do not RSVP and complete their $100 deposit, this trip will be cancelled and/or rescheduled.
- In the event of cancellation, passengers who have paid their $100 deposit can use this towards any future itinerary or travel experience with Vacationeeze.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: 5-night stay at Hotel Criol *or similar (Standard room with breakfast included). In the event that Hotel Criol cannot accommodate all travelers, some or all of our travelers will be accommodated in a nearby hotel of equal quality.
- Private Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all scheduled tours and transfers from the Queretaro airport (QRO).
- Tours and Experiences: Private expert-led tours with a bilingual guide, tastings and classes throughout the region.
- Meals: 11 Meals plus tastings, as described in the itinerary.
Not included in the price- International flights to/from Mexico
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, room service at hotel, additional beverages, or optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Voluntary gratuities for guides & drivers
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Medical expenses or emergency services
- Any expenses incurred due to flight delays or cancellations
- Optional excursions or experiences not specified in the itinerary
- Meals not described in the itinerary
Itinerary Subject to Change
Disclaimer: Due to circumstances beyond our control, like weather events, political unrest, or other local conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted but will offer equivalent or higher quality experiences.Booking and Payment Policy
A non-refundable deposit of $100 USD per person is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. This deposit will be applied toward the final balance of your trip. If the trip is cancelled, travelers can use this deposit towards any future travel experiences with Vacationeeze.- Additional deposit of approximately 30% due: August 1, 2026
- Remaining balance due: November 15, 2026
- Cancellation policy: All amounts paid are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against loss in unforeseen circumstances.
Health and Mobility Considerations
Participants should be in good physical condition as some activities require moderate walking. If you have mobility restrictions or need special accommodations, please inform us in advance. Due to the local conditions, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you have special dietary requirements, we will make every effort to accommodate, but due to the nature of local cuisines and the experiences included, we cannot guarantee specific accommodations.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events, is highly recommended. Insurance is not included in this itinerary package. Many of our travelers have been very happy with this company, and you can get a quote in 2 minutes on their website.
Weather Conditions
Weather may impact outdoor activities. In case of adverse weather, alternative arrangements will be made.
Legal Disclaimer
By booking this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined. The tour provider reserves the right to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control such as adverse weather, political unrest, or natural disasters. The provider is not liable for personal losses.

Your Advisor
Kelsey Caballero
Vacationeeze LLC
kelsey@vacationeeze.com
+1-215-454-2069