Mexico City, San Cristobal de las Casas & Palenque: A Luxury Cultural Holiday in Mexico

Whilst we may have been lured by the sensation of silken sands beneath our feet, the rustle of the ocean breeze through tropical jungle and the taste of that first sip of Mezcal, we all know that Mexico doesn’t end there. Blessed with natural beauty, but also centuries, millennia of rich culture, this time, we’re venturing away from the beach and through the centre. Starting in Mexico City, your senses will experience a no-holds-barred immersion into Mexico. From there, it’s down through storied San Cristobal de las Casas and ancient Palenque. Each corner has its own story to tell and with luxurious hotels to retreat to each evening, you’ll be retelling them again and again.

History and Flavour in Mexico City

Kick-starting your cultural journey is Mexico City. A fascinating mix of old and new, colonial palaces stand strong beside boutique hotels and slick city skyscrapers. We’re whisking you to one such boutique bolthole in the heart of the fashionable Polanco district, Las Alcobas. With the hottest art galleries, restaurants and shops on your doorstep, there’s plenty to explore on your first evening in town. Tomorrow, we’ll lift the lid on Mexican history as we send you out in the company of an expert guide to explore some of the country’s most treasured and celebrated sites. Spend the morning scaling the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan before touring the ancient Aztec wonders of the city itself. Your guide will be on hand to unravel mysteries and give an insight into the world of this lost civilisation.

From history to gastronomy, tomorrow you’ll let your tastebuds lead the way as you sample some of Mexico City’s most iconic flavours on a street food tour. Start with freshly squeezed juices, before moving onto spicy burritos and sugary churros. Street chefs here take their tacos very seriously so make sure to taste some of their speciality tacos al pastor—a trip to Mexico City is not complete without one.

A Cultural Deep Dive in San Cristobal de las Casas

After savouring the delights of the city, your next stop is the lush valleys of Chiapas. Hot-foot from your plane onto your motorboat through the Sumidero Canyon to San Cristóbal de las Casas, marvelling at the soaring rock walls as you whiz past. This small market town is a colonial haven of white stucco walls, red-tiled roofs and cobbled alleyways just begging to be explored. Spend time soaking up the bohemian vibe or head to the highlands to visit the indigenous Tzotzil communities for a unique insight into the lives of the Maya people. Whilst here, you’ll bed-down at the incongruously contemporary Hotel b”o with its bold colours and statement furnishings.

Discover Ancient Maya History in Palenque

After a quick pit stop to cool off at the magnificent waterfall of Agua Azul, we’ll then take you deeper into the Chiapas rainforests for your private tour of ancient Palenque. Having lain deeply covered by towering Ceiba trees for hundreds of years, this ancient city offers fascinating insight as you learn about the inscriptions found there that narrate 180 years of the city’s history and climb up the temples that offer impressive vistas over the lush jungle all around. Tomorrow, more ancient wonder awaits as you navigate the thick jungle and Usumacinta River to reach the ancient sites of Bonampak and Yaxchilán. Loaded up om mythic tales and archaeological wonders, you’ll have gained a glimpse of a lost era before flying back through Mexico City and on home.