A Culinary Adventure Through Mascota and Talpa de Allende
Ventura Chef Services invites travelers to step beyond the familiar and into the heart of Mexico with a two-day culinary and cultural experience rooted in family, tradition, and regional flavor. Led by Chef Roman Ventura, a native of the mountain town of Mascota, this immersive journey offers guests a rare opportunity to explore two of Jalisco’s most captivating Pueblos Mágicos—Mascota and Talpa de Allende—through the lens of food, history, and community.
Designed for travelers seeking authenticity, the Culinary Adventure moves at a thoughtful pace, allowing time to absorb the landscapes, meet the people, and savor the flavors that define life in Mexico’s highlands. The experience is now available on February 20–21, with the March 20–21 departure sold out and a waitlist open for those hoping to join.
A Personal Vision Shaped by Home
For Chef Ventura, this journey is deeply personal. Mascota is not simply a destination on the map—it is the place where his understanding of food, family, and culture began. Surrounded by farmland and ranches, Mascota is an agricultural community where ingredients are cultivated with patience and pride. Fields of corn, beans, avocados, poblano peppers, fruit trees, and agave stretch along the roads leading into town, forming a landscape that has influenced Ventura’s cooking from an early age.
“When you drive into Mascota, you pass so many fields,” Ventura explains. “I wanted my tour guests to really experience those local ingredients in the food we serve over the two days.”
Food in Mascota is inseparable from tradition. Many of the town’s customs are centered around religious holidays, seasonal festivals, and family gatherings that bring the community together. These celebrations, still actively observed today, left a lasting impression on Ventura during his childhood.
“Like many small towns in Mexico, Mascota still celebrates holidays and festivals with traditions that give guests a true sense of Mexico,” he says. “I remember them from my childhood, and I try to get back and spend time with my family whenever I can. On the tour, I want my guests to feel some of those same traditions as we walk through the central plaza, visit a local bakery, and learn about Mascota’s history.”
Discovering Authentic Mexico Beyond the Coast
While Puerto Vallarta is known internationally for its beaches and resorts, Ventura believes that Mexico’s smaller towns offer a deeper connection to the country’s cultural roots. Mascota and Talpa de Allende move at a slower, more intentional rhythm, where daily life unfolds in public plazas and long-held customs remain part of everyday experience.
“Small towns are very different from places like Puerto Vallarta and other resort cities,” Ventura explains. “When you visit a small town, you get a more authentic sense of Mexican culture and tradition. And the people are always welcoming.”
This authenticity is what defines the Culinary Adventure. Rather than observing from a distance, guests are invited to participate—walking the streets, sharing meals, and engaging with the families who shape these communities.
Day One: Agave, Mountains, and Mascota’s Story
The adventure begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Puerto Vallarta through the Sierra Madre mountains. The journey leads to Raicilla del Ciervo, a local distillery dedicated to preserving the ancestral craft of raicilla, an agave-based spirit native to the region. Guests tour the facility, learn about traditional production methods, and taste raicilla paired with a rustic barbecue that highlights local flavors.
From the distillery, the group continues into Mascota, often called La Esmeralda de la Sierra for its lush surroundings and tranquil beauty. A local guide leads a walking tour through the town’s historic streets, sharing stories that blend local history with personal memories. Guests explore the central plaza, learn about Mascota’s spiritual heritage, and visit local establishments that have long been part of the town’s daily life.
After checking into a local hotel and taking time to relax, the group reconvenes for an intimate evening meal at El Encanto de Ventura, a restaurant operated by Ventura’s sister. The multi-course dinner reflects the culinary identity of the region—simple ingredients elevated through careful preparation, respect for tradition, and a deep love for the land. For those wishing to continue the evening, an optional raicilla bar hop offers a chance to experience Mascota’s welcoming nightlife and further explore the spirit that defines the region.
Day Two: Talpa de Allende and the Power of Family
The second day begins with a home-cooked breakfast prepared by Chef Ventura’s aunt, Lourdes Cázares. This meal, shared in a family setting, offers guests a rare glimpse into the domestic traditions that shaped Ventura’s culinary roots. It is a quiet, meaningful start to the day—one that underscores the importance of family in small-town Mexico.
From there, the group travels to Talpa de Allende, a town known for its religious significance and centuries-old Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Pilgrims from across the country visit Talpa each year, and the town’s spiritual energy is woven into its architecture, markets, and daily routines. A guided stroll through the town reveals its colonial charm, vibrant streets, and enduring traditions.
Lunch is prepared by the Ventura Family, continuing the family collaboration that defines the tour. As guests gather around the table, conversations flow easily, and connections deepen. What began as a group of travelers now feels like a shared community.
Creating Meaningful Moments
When asked what best captures the spirit of Mascota and Talpa de Allende, Ventura points to the way people come together.
“Family and neighbors are extremely important in small towns like Mascota and Talpa,” he says. “People gather in the evenings and on weekends in the central plaza to talk about what’s happening in town. They come together to share drinks—maybe a little raicilla—and a meal.”
That sense of togetherness is intentionally recreated throughout the Culinary Adventure.
“Everyone sits around a table together,” Ventura explains. “We share drinks and food cooked by me, my family, or friends, and we talk about the experiences we’ve had over the two days. Many guests are meeting for the first time, but by the time it ends, I want them to feel like they’ve shared something special with family or close friends.”
A Journey That Lingers
As the group begins the scenic return to Puerto Vallarta on the second afternoon, the experience leaves a lasting impression. Guests depart with a deeper understanding of Mexico’s culinary heritage, a greater appreciation for small-town traditions, and memories shaped by genuine human connection.
With the February 20–21 adventure still available and the March 20–21 tour sold out with a waitlist, this two-day journey offers a rare opportunity to experience Mexico in a way that is intimate, meaningful, and deeply rooted in place. Guided by Chef Roman Ventura and his family, the Culinary Adventure is not just a tour—it is an invitation into the heart of Mexico.
