Culture & Jungle in Chiapas
11 Days
Culture & Jungle in Chiapas
11 Days
Experience the ultimate adventure in Chiapas with our expert hosts, who will guide you on a journey of discovery through the region’s natural beauty. From majestic canyons and cascading waterfalls to serene lakes and rushing rivers, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes this area offers.
But that’s not all; our tour also takes you to some of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the region, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. And, as we explore charming towns, you’ll discover the warmth and hospitality of the local people, making for an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- From as little as $250 USD per person/day
DAY | HIGHLIGHTS | OVERNIGHT |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Welcome to Chiapas | Chiapa de Corzo |
Day 2 | Kayak tour through the Sumidero Canyon | S. Cristóbal de las Casas |
Day 3 | San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán | S. Cristóbal de las Casas |
Day 4 | Walk and jump in the waterfalls of Tzimol | Tzimol |
Day 5 | Explore Montebello’s lakes & Hike El Perol Trail | La Trinitaria |
Day 6 | Jungle and hiking in the Montes Azules Reserve | Marqués de Comillas |
Day 7 | Yaxchilan, the Mayan city lost in the time | Ocosingo |
Day 8 | Lacanjá trekking & night walk at Nahá | Ocosingo |
Day 9 | Nahá Reserve and Metzabok Lagoon | Palenque |
Day 10 | Palenque & Roberto Barrios Waterfalls | Palenque |
Day 11 | Departure form Mexico! |
DAY 1 - Welcome to Chiapas
Upon landing at Angel Albino Corzo International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional driver who will escort you to your hotel in the picturesque town of Chiapa de Corzo, just a 35-minute drive away.
After settling in and freshening up, you will have the opportunity to meet with your local guide, who will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the itinerary and offer valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your travel experience.
To kick off your trip in style, we have arranged for you to enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at the renowned Árbol de la Vida restaurant. You can indulge in traditional local cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Don’t forget to take a moment to take it all in; this is the start of a wonderful journey.
- Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 - Kayak tour through the Sumidero Canyon
You will begin your day by making your way to the Islet of Cahuaré, the embarkation point for your kayak adventure through the Sumidero Canyon. This natural wonder is a geologic marvel, with roots dating back 136 million years. The canyon’s towering walls reach 2,624 ft (800 m) above the Grijalva River, surrounded by lush vegetation and an abundance of wildlife.
With your expert guide by your side, you will embark on a 4-hour kayak tour, covering approximately 8 kilometers as you explore the canyon’s many wonders. From observing a wide diversity of flora and fauna, such as bromeliads, pines, river crocodiles, and spider monkeys, to taking in the breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves, and interesting rock formations, this tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Your guide will share interesting facts and stories about the area’s nature and history, ensuring a complete experience.
After your excursion, you will be transferred to the charming town of San Cristobal de las Casas, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Rest assured that your safety and enjoyment are our top priority, and we are confident you will have an unforgettable experience on this tour.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 3 - San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán
You will start your day by embarking on a hike to the indigenous Mayan Tzotzil village of San Juan Chamula, a 9.3-kilometer hike that takes about 2 hours to complete. This village is known for its unique blend of indigenous and religious traditions, reflected in its mystical rituals that combine pre-Hispanic and Catholic customs. Once you arrive, you will visit the church of San Juan Bautista and its traditional market, gaining an in-depth understanding of the local culture.
Next, you will hike to the village of Zinacantán, also known as “the place of bats.” This Tzotzil village is less crowded than San Juan Chamula but equally charming. It is renowned for its ancestral know-how of belt weaving of colorful traditional clothes, adorned with many motifs rich in symbols waiting to be interpreted. You will have the opportunity to be invited to the house of a local, where you will discover his weaving workshop and traditional cooking. You will also be honored to try the traditional drink “poshee.”
After a cultural-rich morning, you will have some free time for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will be back in San Cristobal, with a free afternoon to enjoy the magical town of San Cristobal de las Casas, famous for its renowned gastronomy that has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 4 - Walk and jump in the waterfalls of Tzimol
Embark on an unforgettable Adventure in Tzimol! Start your day early and meet your experienced local guide, who will provide you with all the necessary safety equipment for the day’s activities. Climb aboard an all-terrain vehicle and take a scenic dirt road through the breathtaking mountains and hills of the region. Admire the picturesque agricultural and sugar cane fields while taking in the stunning view of Angostura Dam on the horizon.
Upon arrival, embark on a thrilling 400-meter trail leading to the river. Your guide will take you through the tranquility and beauty of the forest to experience the rush of adrenaline at the first and second waterfalls. Experience the thrill of canyoning, including walking, swimming, jumping, sliding, and climbing on the river bank with jumps ranging from half a meter to 7 meters high.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can unwind in one of the hammocks under the shade while listening to the soothing sounds of nature.
End your day with a delicious quesadilla or sandwich to refuel before returning to Tzimol. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty all in one day!
- Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner
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Mayan Site Tour in Yucatan Penninsula Mexico
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Journey to Mexico City, Cholula and Cuetzalan
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March, 2022
Just wonderful!
We had an amazing trip excellent organized by Jorge and supervised by Melina from Rutopia. We spent 10 days in Mexico, starting in Ciudad de Mexico where we visited the amazing Teotihuacan and then we flew to Yucatan for the amazing sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Tulum, Merida, Valladolid and the great Island Holbox. The trip was perfectly organized, the hotels were very good, and the guides were carefully chosen. We highly recommend Rutopia and especially Jorge!
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Chiapas, Neri and her family
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The best moment lived in Mexico
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Circuit in Yucatan
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March, 2020
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DAY 5 - Explore Montebello’s lakes & hike El Perol Trail
Discover the Natural Beauty of Los Lagos de Montebello! Today, you will visit one of the most iconic places in the state of Chiapas, a site made up of countless lagoons with turquoise and emerald tones that are part of this outstanding Natural Protected Area. Recognized as a National Park, Los Lagos de Montebello is a hydrological region of high biological richness, home to over 157 species of orchids and 93 species of fungi, making it an important area for the conservation of birds.
Experience the beauty of the lakes up close as you paddle in a traditional wooden boat for about an hour, admiring the stunning shades of blue as the sunlight penetrates the water. Then, take a 3-hour hike through the forest paths and hillside, enjoying epic viewpoints and lovely forest paths. The trailhead begins from Lago Pojoj in Lagunas de Montebello National Park. This tour offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, surrounded by nature and tranquility. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore one of the most emblematic places in Chiapas.
- Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner
DAY 6 - Jungle and hiking in the Montes Azules Reserve
Experience the Wonders of the Jungle at Canto de la Selva! After a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Canto de la Selva, an ecotourism hotel located on the banks of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. To get there, you’ll take a boat ride on the Lacantun River, one of the last cleanest, and most biodiverse rivers in the country.
During the boat ride, you’ll have the opportunity to observe stunning landscapes and diverse fauna, such as aquatic birds and, with a bit of luck, macaws, and crocodiles.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and embark on a two-hour guided walk through the jungle, where you will learn about the secrets and stories of the place, including its majestic ceibas. With a bit of luck, you’ll also have the chance to observe some species that inhabit the Lacandon Jungle, such as pheasants, toucans, red macaws, or howler monkeys. The sound of the jungle is an extraordinary experience. Take a one-hour night walk in the evening and see the jungle in a different light. This is a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 7 - Yaxchilan, the Mayan city lost in time
Start the day with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a 4-hour journey to the ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilan, also known as the “place of the green stones.” Once you arrive, you will be met by your local guide, who will take you on a motorboat ride on the Usumacinta River, the largest in Central America and a natural border between Guatemala and Mexico. This 40-minute boat ride will take you into the heart of the jungle, where you will reach the ancient city of Yaxchilan.
Spend approximately 2 hours exploring and learning about the history of this ancient city, examining the original paintings, steles, and lintels that narrate the lifestyle and government of that pre-Hispanic city. As you return to the pier, you may be lucky to spot some of the endemic birds and wildlife that call this area home.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious meal at Escudo de Jaguar before your driver takes you to Campamento Lacandones (a one-hour drive) for the night. This day trip offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most significant ancient Mayan cities and the natural beauty of the Usumacinta River.
- Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 8 - Lacanjá trekking & night walk at Nahá
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before setting off with a local Lacandon guide for a 4-5 hour (9 km) journey into the heart of the jungle. Explore the area’s natural beauty, including a small archeological site called Lacanja and a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. Your guide will also share their knowledge of the local fauna, flora, and medicinal plants.
After lunch at Campamento Lacandones, you will head to Nahá, a place of landscapes, stories, knowledge, colors, sounds, and silence. Here, you will participate in an archery workshop and learn how to make and prepare your own arrows and bow. Test your skills with a traditional bow and arrow, and enjoy a 2-hour evening walk (2 km) to hear the sounds of the jungle. You may even spot owls in the wild and admire their beauty with some luck. This full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the jungle’s natural beauty and learn traditional skills from a local guide.
- Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 9 - Nahá Reserve and Metzabok Lagoon
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Lacandon Jungle with our full-day tour. Start your day with a delicious breakfast before setting off with a local Lacandon guide for a 3 to 4-hour tour through the breathtaking Nahá Reserve.
You will begin with a 1-kilometer walk along a country road until you reach the trail entrance, where you will embark on a 3-kilometer trail (round trip) that leads to the stunning Nahá Lagoon. Your guide will share their knowledge of the different species of local flora and fauna as you take in the tranquility of the lake. Board a boat to navigate the waters and disembark for a 1-kilometer jungle trek near the water, where, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to spot a variety of local wildlife, including turtles and crocodiles. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Nahá before heading to Metzabok.
Metzabok, an exuberant lagoon located in the heart of the Lacandon Jungle, is considered a natural wonder and included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This vast territory extends along the banks of southern Chiapas, with 8,322 acres (3,368 hectares) of the rainforest ecosystem, home to an abundance of flora, fauna, bodies of water, and spectacular scenery. The Lacandon Maya, who have carefully guarded this area for hundreds of years, preserve and protect its beauty as it thrives as an eco-tourism destination. Take a boat trip to one of the lagoons, where you can discover trails leading to Maya ruins, cave paintings, and even human remains from hundreds of years ago.
After an action-packed day, you will head to Palenque, where you will spend the night.
- Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 10 - Palenque & Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
Explore the lesser-known archaeological area of Palenque, where you can see how quickly the jungle can re-absorb an entire city. Once a center of civilization until the 7th century, the now-abandoned town was taken over by the forest until people rediscovered it and began excavations. Since then, the site has been recognized for its historical value and given a UNESCO designation. These days, the ruins are one of Mexico’s most important Mayan sites, with plenty of artifacts that shed insight into the myths, rituals, beliefs, and lives of its people. As part of its importance, both regionally and nationally, archaeologists have determined that Palenque was one of the main sites that influenced other settlements of the Usumacinta Basin.
Then, you will head an hour outside the town of Palenque for a relaxing adventure at the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls. The falls are famed for their beautiful turquoise waters, which cast a refreshing spray into the surrounding air (perfect for cooling off!)
Look around when you reach the falls—you might be able to spot fish in the clear water, monkeys in the trees, or even toucans, parrots, or motmots (clock birds) in the canopy above you.
Spend a couple of hours enjoying the scenery, a refreshing swim, and relaxing by the water. When you return, your guide will be waiting for you with a delicious barbecue on the banks of the river, where he will cook meat, chicken, fresh salad, and fried plantains for dessert. Back to Palenque. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel.
- Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 11 - Last day in Mexico
Today, your driver will take you from Palenque to Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (a 2-hours drive). We suggest flights after 1:00 pm.
We are sure you will not leave as you started, this is the charm of Mexico, unique and beautiful, and there are more places to explore; we wait for you for the next adventure.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Create your Mexican adventure!
Our team will help you with free destination advice, activity ideas and provide full costings.
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