Oaxaca and Chiapas

Oaxaca is a quintessential lively Mexican town, with colourful Indian markets, delicious food and exquisite colonial churches. Wander through the narrow winding streets, people-watch from the terrace restaurants or head out of town and visit awe-inspiring ancient ruins. Mexico’s southernmost state of Chiapas has enormous variety, from stunning natural wonders, ancient civilisations to mysterious Maya villages. At the centre of Mexico’s indigenous heartland lies the picturesque town of San Cristobal de las Casas, with its charming blend of colonial architecture and indigenous culture. Soak up the atmosphere or explore the surroundings, including the mighty 800m deep Sumidero Canyon, the Lacandon Jungle, one of the largest areas of tropical rainforest in Mexico, the Agua Azul waterfalls and Palenque, arguably the most beautiful of all the ancient Mayan ruins in its atmospheric jungle setting.