TORONTO — Starting Nov. 1, Sunwing’s new ‘Viva Mexico’ program will introduce vacationers to an authentic Mexican experience during their stay.

Offered in partnership with a number of carefully-selected boutique hotels, customers will take part in a wide range of complimentary activities designed to teach them more about the country’s rich gastronomic and cultural traditions.

At Playa Mazatlan Beach Hotel in the Pacific Coast resort town of Mazatlan, Sunwing vacationers can look forward to folkloric dance lessons, Spanish speaking tips, tortilla-making, margarita master classes and much more. They’ll also learn how to prepare nieve de garrafa (homemade Mexican ice cream) using the age-old recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation.

While at Emporio Hotel and Suites in Cancun, guests can make traditional guacamole, tortillas and salsas from scratch, learn how to create rice decorations and design their own piñata. And travellers who arrive between November and March can witness the Be Turtle conservation program that includes a sea turtle release. There are also daily bicycle tours of the local area to explore beyond the resort itself.

In Puerto Vallarta, vacationers can take part in a salsa lesson at Friendly Vallarta Beachfront Resort and Spa or opt for a tequila tasting or tour of the local art gallery. Regular ‘hands on’ cooking classes celebrating the best of Mexican cuisine are also included as part of the complimentary activity program.

Mexico is consistently one of the tour operator’s most popular vacation hotspots and Sunwing will offer packages from nearly 30 different departure points across Canada this coming winter. All Sunwing vacations to Mexico also include flights with Sunwing Airlines.

A week at Playa Mazatlan Beach Hotel is available from $795 plus $422 taxes based on two people sharing a Garden View Room on an all-inclusive basis and departing from Toronto on Dec. 8 and 15, 2015.