Newsletter PDF for Mexico DMC Launch FINAL 21Feb25 Optimised

Welcome to
A&K Mexico!

We’re thrilled to announce that our long-awaited
Mexico DMC has opened its doors for business.
Spearheaded by A&K veteran Graeme Bull, who has
been with the company for over 14 years and also
launched the Colombia office, our Mexico DMC is
ready and waiting to unveil all the colors, flavors and
exhilarating adventures the country has to offer.

When you entrust your business to A&K Mexico, you’ll discover
Graeme has done an exceptional job streamlining operations
and securing key partnerships. Not only has our General
Manager assembled energetic and creative teams of qualified
specialists to staff our offices in Mexico City and Mérida, but a
formidable network of in-country experts, too. From unique
suppliers to celebrity chefs and knowledgeable guides, A&K
Mexico’s roster of high-profile contacts guarantees your clients
exclusive experiences that take them behind the scenes across
the country.

 

With its welcoming people, storied archaeology and tropical
idylls, Mexico is a country that never ceases to inspire. But it
takes seasoned experts to truly showcase its wonders in style.
This is where we excel. Explore these pages for a taste of the
bespoke, high-end services we’re proud to offer.

 

¡Viva México!

 

Dalia Gibu

Vice President, DMC Sales & Marketing – The Americas

Condé Nast Traveler Top Specialist 2021 – 2024

Get to Know Mexico
Time Zone



Currency



GMT -6 in Quintana Roo




The currency is the Mexican Peso.
However, US Dollars are accepted in many
places of interest.



Language


While there is no official language,
Spanish is spoken by over 99% of
the population.

Best time to visit


Mexico is an expansive country, with
diverse climates and landscapes, and
each season has its advantages. When
booking with A&K, a local expert will
always recommend the best destinations
based on a customer’s preferred dates of
travel and interests. However, as a general
rule, consider the following
December to April: dry season, with
very little rain and plenty of pleasant
weather. During these months, the
average daily maximum temperature is
28°C (82°C)
May to October: wet season. Although
the rains are heavier and more
prevalent on the Caribbean coast, this
is an excellent time to visit the
country’s inland destinations.

Mérida
In Yucatán's largest city, sweeping
colonial-era plazas are framed by
majestic museums and churches
built upon Mayan ruins. In
atmospheric streets, restaurants
celebrate the piquant flavors of
Yucatecan cuisine. Combining
finery and folk tradition, Mérida
offers a fascinating gateway to the
natural and archaeological
wonders of the Southeast.

Destination
Highlights
SAN MIGUEL DE
ALLENDE
Magnificent Baroque and
Neoclassical architecture, a vibrant
art scene and some of Mexico’s
most exciting gastronomy give this
Central Highlands city unmissable
charm. Time-worn cobblestone
streets belie the innovation at work
in upmarket kitchens, rooftop bars
and boutique hotels.

PUERTO VALLARTA
Few beach resorts can rival the beauty of Puerto Vallarta, perched
on a Pacific bay and cradled by the Sierra Madre mountains. The
cosmopolitan oceanfront offers chic bars, boutiques and modern
sculptures lining the El Malecón boardwalk. Inland, excursions into
the jungles and peaks of Jalisco await the adventurous.

OAXACA

LOS CABOS

Riviera Maya

Emerging as one of Mexico’s most
sought-after destinations, Oaxaca
showcases its Indigenous heritage
through distinctive cuisine, crafts
and festivities, including
Guelaguetza in July and Day of the
Dead in November. Its 16th-century
colonial old town is recognized by
UNESCO, along with the intriguing
pre-Columbian site of Monte Albán.

Baja California’s reputation for
spellbinding sun, sea and sand
stems from postcard-perfect Los
Cabos, its collection of designer
villas, wellness retreats and worldclass golf courses decorating the
southern tip of the peninsula. Our
whale-watching tours and guided
hikes blend adventure into lavish
itineraries replete with relaxation.

Beloved for its cobalt waters and
evocative Mayan ruins, the
Caribbean paradise of Tulum excels
in barefoot luxury eco-hotels,
snorkeling trips and intrepid jaunts
to jungle-clad cenotes. Its long,
sugary beaches, framed by swaying
palms and frequented by turtles,
must be seen to be believed.

Exclusive Experiences
Exclusive after-hours access to
Chichén Itzá
The Yucatán Peninsula’s most iconic
archaeological site can be extremely busy.
This private, guided tour takes place at
sunrise, allowing guests to witness the
breathtaking beauty of the Mayan ruins in
the magical quiet of dawn. As they watch
the first rays of sunlight illuminate the
towering Pyramid of Kukulkan and
surrounding temples, they will glean
details of the rich history and culture of
the Mayan civilization from their local
guide, along with personalized insights
into the architecture, symbolism and
significance of the UNESCO World
Heritage site.


The tour is perfect for those seeking a
unique, intimate connection with one of
the world’s most remarkable wonders.

Private mezcal tasting in Oaxaca
No visit to Mexico is complete without
sampling the local mezcal, crafted from
the agave plant, or the “tree of wonders”.
At A&K, we have developed a private
tasting with a distillery owner to offer an
intimate journey into the heart of Mexico’s
mezcal heritage.


Guests will explore the artisanal
production methods passed down
through generations, before sampling
premium, handcrafted mezcal varieties.
Each is infused with distinct flavors
reflecting Oaxaca’s rich landscape and
culture. With every sip, as they discover
the nuances and stories behind each
bottle, their appreciation for the cherished
spirit will deepen.

Inspiring Itineraries
Mexico’s cultural highlights
From Mesoamerican pyramids and preColumbian cities to an internationally
acclaimed art scene and a growing
presence on the world’s gastronomy
stage, Mexico sizzles with opportunities
to get up close and personal with its
culture. This 10-day odyssey leverages
luxury bases in Mexico City, Oaxaca and
Mérida and our network of expert guides
to showcase the breadth and depth of the
country’s heritage.


The adventure begins in the dynamic,
delicious capital, where tours include
Templo Mayor, the ancient center of the
Aztec universe, and the historic Zócalo
plaza, sprawling beneath the ornate bell
towers of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
From this hub, day excursions take in the
humbling pyramids of Teotihuacán and the
bustling canals of Xochimilco, home to
floating food vendors, artisans and
mariachi bands.


Onwards to Oaxaca, which has shifted the
nation’s focus from tequila to mezcal,
inspiring a country-wide movement

ingredients. Here, guests sip smoky spirits
and tuck into tlayudas on an off-thebeaten-track tour of the city’s lively food
scene, as well as touring the enigmatic
ruins of Monte Albán and the ateliers of
San Martín Tilcajete.


In Mérida, discover the secrets behind
Yucatecan dishes like Papadzules or Pollo
Pibil at an immersive cooking workshop,
learning how ancient Maya[1] recipes and
techniques are still honored today. From
here, step back in time with an expert-led
excursion to the great Maya city of Uxmal,
awash with representations of the rain
god Chaac.

Inspiring Itineraries
Local Luxury in Mexico City
Mexico City has long lured artists, chefs,
filmmakers and boundary-breakers, and
A&K’s local guides filter out the noise so
your clients can tune into this city’s

unique rhythm on an unforgettable sevenday program.


Think you know your tlayudas from your
tetelas? The world’s first Michelin-starred
taco stand can be found in Mexico City;
when it comes to food, Chilangos (as the
locals are called) don’t do things by halves.
Here, a culinary crash course with a
renowned local chef unlocks the flavors
behind some of the capital’s most
distinctive dishes.


A vast tapestry of sprawling neighborhoods
and storied monuments, Mexico City is
best understood alongside A&K’s expert
guides. Among the city’s most curious
barrios, Xochimilco boasts bustling canals
inherited from the Aztecs; explore on a
trajinera gondola while your host selects
the best street food to sample.

The city’s cutting-edge museums chart
everything from Trotsky to tequila. Our
tours pay homage to Mexico’s artistic
icons at Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul and at
Palacio de Bellas Artes. They also explore
the venerable National Museum of
Anthropology, which we open exclusively
for our guests after hours, and the stately
Chapultepec Castle.


Of course, no trip to Mexico is complete
without laying eyes on Teotihuacán, where
the towering Pyramids of the Sun and
Moon stand as testament to the country’s
mighty pre-Hispanic heritage. For those
wishing to level up, we offer the
opportunity to hot air balloon over the site
at dawn – a chance to truly take in the
scale of Mesoamerica’s first metropolis.

Inspiring Itineraries
Journey into the Maya World
The peerless beauty of the Yucatán
Peninsula must be seen to be believed:
powdery beaches home to nesting turtles,
cenote swimming holes laced with vines
and a necklace of Maya cities rising from
the jungle that proclaim the region’s rich
pre-Columbian heritage. This eight-day
adventure marries the headline attractions
with intimate cultural experiences, allowing
guests ample time to enjoy the serenity of
their luxury accommodation, too.


Welcome to Mérida, the cultural heart of
the Yucatán and the gateway to its
treasures. Here, the city’s colonial-era
mansions and plazas tell a story of
conquest and Catholicism, while its lively
markets proclaim the richness of the land
and skills of its artisans. Among the most
important archaeological sites in the region,
nearby Uxmal represents the pinnacle of
Maya artistry; its towering pyramids and
profusion of symbolic motifs rival even
those of Chichén Itzá.


Transition from cultural discovery to coastal
serenity as the program moves next to the



Riviera Maya, stopping en route to tour
pastel-hued Valladolid and take a dip in a
secluded cenote. While all our handpicked
hotels and lodges are superlative in their
style and comfort, Chablé Maroma
deserves a special mention – a timeless
beachfront sanctuary where treetop villas
blend with nature.


From here, days slinks past in a montage
of private snorkeling excursions, jungle
tours, gourmet seafood lunches and
rejuvenating spa treatments. With expert
guides and seamless transfers part of the
A&K promise, this itinerary offers a truly
unforgettable Yucatán escape.

Meet the Team
Karina Moreno


Jessica Bringas


An expert in corporate and incentive
groups, as well as tailormade travel,
Karina brings unwavering
professionalism and a passion for
Mexico’s heritage to her role at A&K.
With nearly 15 years of experience
under her belt, including a master’s
degree in business, her passion for
tourism is matched by her warmth
and attention 

to detail.



Adept at navigating international
markets and creating meaningful
connections with clients, Jessica joins
A&K Mexico with over a decade of
experience in the travel industry. She
holds a master’s degree in business
and hospitality, which has provided her
with a strong basis in managing and
enhancing customer experiences. 



Tour Consultant



Sales Manager



Graeme Bull

General Manager



Launching A&K Mexico has been a
proud chapter in an illustrious career
for Graeme, a veteran manager at the
company. As a brand that commands
considerable reputation in Mexico,
consolidating a network of high-end
suppliers and forging relationships
with experts to create exclusive
insider access experiences, builds on
strong foundations.


A&K's ninth on-site office in the
Americas unites a team of seasoned,
multilingual travel professionals with
diverse specialisms and in-depth
knowledge of Mexico's finest luxury
and adventure products. He looks
forward to creating extraordinary
journeys that showcase the very 

best of Mexican culture to 

discerning travellers

Now, as part of the world’s largest
network of luxury DMCs, Karina’s goal
is to deliver creative, bespoke
journeys that keep clients and guests
coming back for more. After all,
Mexico is a destination to fall in love
with – its natural diversity and
culinary experiences cannot be
matched. Raised amid the Colonialera monuments of lofty Toluca,
Karina has been a proud resident of
the Yucatán since 2008.

Paulina Roman

Operations Manager



Born and raised in Mexico City, Paulina
holds a degree in Tourism
Administration with a specialization in
Planning and Product Development,
along with a diploma in Graphic
Design. With 12 years of experience in
the tourism industry, she sees herself
as a solution-oriented person, always
looking for the most efficient ways to
fix problems and overcome obstacles.


Paulina sees the opening of the new
Mexico DMC as a project with
immense growth potential, which she
loves to be part of. She is looking
forward to showing guests that
Mexico has it all – an array of cultural
and nature-inspired pursuits that can
be tailored into the perfect trip for all
moods and interests. There is always
something new to see or discover!

Her professional interests in high-end
travel and gastronomy equip her to hit
the ground running in our new DMC,
curating bespoke itineraries that
showcase A&K's exclusive portfolio of
properties and culinary experiences.
For her, Oaxaca is a must-visit
destination; a beautiful region home to
spicy dishes and warm-hearted
people. Jessica is also passionate
about Mexico’s capital city, where she
was born and raised.

Ma ra me cu
y

A

Sales Assistan

z

a


t



Known for her professionalism,
positivity and solution-orientation
approach to business, Mayra thrives in
client service, always eager to ensure
everyone on her books feels valued
and prioritized. Fluent in nglish and
currently learning talian, she brings a
global perspective to her role and a
desire to connect clients with 

special interests to the perfect
bespoke journey
E

I

.



With over six years in travel and
hospitality and a bachelor’s degree in
tourism, Mayra is an active contributor
to the travel industry and, in her spare
time, a passionate traveller. She
believes the most important thing to
pack is an open mind. Mexico has a
magic, she says, suited to travellers
willing to dive into its jungles,
beaches, traditions and festivities.

info-mexico@abercrombiekent.com | +52 696 435 270