Lonely Planet Experiences: Downtown Los Angeles Taco Trek
Los Angeles, USA
From USD 55.00
Office phone number: +1 323 300 5370
Lonely Planet Experiences: Downtown Los Angeles Taco Trek
Los Angeles, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
Tour snapshot
Calling all taco lovers! This food-focused tour delves into L.A.’s rich Latin American heritage for a taste of some seriously delicious tacos. And you’ll be in good hands — your local guide is a true taco-lover and an expert who loves to share why this humble dish is not to be missed on any visit to the city.
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
-
Highlights
- Learn all about the birthplace of Los Angeles while enjoying a freshly made taquito
- Explore colorful Olvera street, the oldest street in Los Angeles and home to a lively Mexican marketplace
- Try two types of tacos from locally-loved vendors your guide can vouch for
- Soak up the vibes at Grand Central Market, a city institution since 1917 and a food-lover's dream
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- At your first stop at the Cielito Lindo, you will enjoy taquitos from a family-owned food stand that has been in business since 1934..
- At Grand Central Market, you'll enjoy a carnitas taco from Michoacan, Mexico, the traditional birthplace of carnitas. All vendors at this historical market are LA locals and non-franchises.
- You will taste a mole taco from Guisados, a local restaurant with several locations and deep connections to the surrounding local communities. They started The Featured Artist Program in 2011 as a continuous effort to display local art and photography in their restaurants. Through the years, artists have benefited from having their work in front of a multitude of visitors from all over the world.
- By joining this tour, you are helping to keep LA's deep Mexican heritage in the spotlight, during times where national forces are creating tension.
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point:
Plaza Firehouse, 501 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
View on Google Maps
- Starting time: 11.00 AM
- Ending point:
Pershing Square Metro Station
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, 1 taquito, 2 tacos.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide
Los Angeles has a deep connection with its Mexican heritage. In fact, it’s estimated that close to half of L.A.'s residents can trace their roots to Latin American origins.
This is especially notable at El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the oldest section of the city and a living monument to the city’s vibrant Latino heritage. This is where you’ll be meeting your local guide to begin your taco-hopping adventure.
Your taco tour will take place in buzzing downtown Los Angeles where you’ll be visiting places serving up authentic Mexican food. On our tasting list for the day are taquitos, a carnitas taco, and a traditional mole taco!
After meeting your guide and getting a brief introduction to the area, you’ll walk over to the colorful and inspiring Olvera Street, often referred to as the birthplace of Los Angeles.
It’s here at this historic Mexican marketplace that we’ll make our first stop: Cielito Lindo for a taquito. The tiny stand has been serving freshly stuffed, rolled and fried taquitos since 1934.
After our taquito, we’ll take a walk through the federal and justice district of Downtown Los Angeles, making our way to Grand Central Market, a downtown landmark since 1917. The market is home to tons of mouth-watering food, but we’re here for tacos! While strolling the market stalls, we’ll stop for a traditionally made carnitas taco.
After Grand Central Market, we’ll visit the Spring Arcade Building, another spot filled with great food, for our last tasting: a mole taco.
Your taco tour ends here. Before you go, be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on what else to see, do, and eat in the city.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, 1 taquito, 2 tacos.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide
Dress standard: Please wear sun protection and comfortable shoes for walking.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
-
Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@losangelesurbanadventures.com.
-
Local contact
Office phone number: +1 323 300 5370
Email address: info@losangelesurbanadventures.com
BACK TO TOP