Mexico City Food Tour: The Jamaica Market

A longstanding cornerstone of local food and shopping culture, the Mexican market is a must-see when visiting Mexico City. During this 3-hour Jamaica Market Tour, led by a local insider or food expert, we'll dive inside the market as we feast both our eyes and stomachs, developing a deeper appreciation for the wide range of textures, colors, and flavors present in Mexican culture and cuisine.

Our Mexico City market tour will take place at Mercado Jamaica, one of the most historic and popular markets in the city. Originally a trading post for the Aztecs and established in the 1950s in its current form, the market has a rich history as a prime location on an ancient canal pathway. Our expert guide will begin by talking about the historic and current-day importance of the marketplace for Mexican people. We will then dive into the heart of the market to talk about—and sample—a number of fresh ingredients on offer, from moles to tortilla dough and pozole corn.

What makes Jamaica Market unique is its abundance of cut flowers and arrangements. It’s the go-to wholesale flower market for the city, and especially important during Dia de los Muertos celebrations in early November. Our expert will talk about the significance of local festivals and funeral rites, which relate to the floral theme at the market.

Our expert guide will facilitate discussions with local vendors who have served the culinary needs of Mexico City for decades and enjoy sharing their story. We will also discuss the changing face of neighborhood markets, which goes along withthe  changing shopping habits of locals. Along the way, we will sample a range of Mexican produce, much of it unknown outside of the country, to examine how these products fit into Mexican culinary traditions.

Time and belly-space permitting, we may end our exploration in a nearby food establishment to taste a prepared dish such as a huarache, an open-faced taco shaped like a shoe, or carnitas to culminate the discussion. 

Want a full tour of Mexico's prepared dishes? Try our Roma Food Tour, which explores the past, present and future of Mexican cuisine.

At the end of the walk, we will have gained a better understanding of the crucial role markets play in shaping local identity, while leaving with happy taste buds and florally-feasted eyes.

Yes, along the walk you will taste a variety of spices, ingredients and produce. There is a small tasting fee that will be added per person during checkout so that your guide will take care of all money transactions during the tour (and you can enjoy to the fullest!).

Please let us know in advance (in the notes section during checkout or by emailing us) any dietary requirements so your guide can plan accordingly.