The Mayan Roads
14 Days
The Mayan Roads
14 Days
Destinations: Tuxtla Gutiérrez – San Cristóbal de las Casas – Montebello Lakes – Yaxchilán – Nahá Reserve – Palenque – Campeche – Uxmal Archaeological Site – Mérida – Valladolid – Chichén Itzá
Highlights
- From as little as $250 USD per person/day
DAY 1 - Visit Sumidero Canyon Natural Park
Welcome to Chiapas!
Your local driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the first tour of your trip. You will head towards the Islet of Cahuaré embarkation point near Chiapa de Corzo, approximately a 25 minutes drive. Here, you will board a motorboat with other travelers to navigate along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon, a stunning natural formation whose geologic roots reach back approximately 136 million years ago. Its walls reach 2,624 ft (800 m) in height above the Grijalva River in the middle of lush vegetation. During the journey, you will see a wide diversity of wildlife, flora, and fauna such as bromeliads, pines, river crocodiles, and spider monkeys.
You’ll also see some waterfalls, caves, and interesting rock formations as you learn about the area’s nature. After your excursion, transfer to the charming town of San Cristobal de las Casas.
View of the Sumidero Canyon from the Grijalva River.
DAY 2 - Cooking Experience in Zinacantan & The Flavours of San Cristobal de las Casas
Today’s half-day adventure introduces you to the rhythms of local life as you feel the sun on your skin, smell the smoke in the air, and taste the traditional dishes of a charming local town. The day begins with a walk to the Tzotzil community of Zinacantan, where you’ll be welcomed into a local house to meet your hosts and take a look at the kitchen where you will later prepare the food. If you visit during the growing season, you’ll take an hour’s walk to a traditional cornfield, learning all about the ancient cultivation cycles known as milpa. Harvest the produce for today’s meal, then return to the house to get cooking!
In the early afternoon. Enjoy a five-course dinner that introduces you to the traditional flavors of the colonial town of San Cristóbal de Las Casas. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, where you will be able to ask about the creation process of each dish and interact with the open kitchen tasting. For two hours, you’ll be led on an immersive culinary experience as you follow the process of each dish and savor the many wonderful flavors of the region.
DAY 3 - Day in San Cristobal de las Casas
Enjoy a free day to explore this quiet town in the hills. Walking is the best way to get to know the true San Cristóbal, so take your time and enjoy getting lost in its narrow and colorful streets. From the lovely churches to the animated plazas, spend the day resting and learning about the regional culture.
The city is home to many churches, ex – convents, and museums. Some suggested cultural sites to enjoy are The Cathedral, the ex-convent of Santo Domingo, or the Church of Guadalupe. You could also visit “Lagrimas de la Selva”, an artisan amber workshop, the Jade Museum, the museum showcasing the typical dress of Sergio Castro, or the Na-Bolom Museum. Or, simply enjoy a delicious, aromatic coffee cup in one of the town’s many coffee shops.
DAY 4 - Explore Montebello’s Lake
Today, you will visit one of the most emblematic places in the state of Chiapas, Los Lagos de Montebello, a site made up of countless lagoons with turquoise and emerald tones that are part of this wonderful Natural Protected Area. This site is considered a National Park because it is located in a hydrological region of high biological richness in which there are more than 157 species of orchids, as well as more than 93 species of fungi and due to its characteristics is considered an area of high importance for the conservation of birds. During this tour that takes approximately 1 hour you will visit one of the lakes in the area paddling a traditional boat made of intertwined wooden logs, you will appreciate the shades of blue that as the sunlight penetrates them will give you the opportunity to contemplate a landscape of great scenic beauty surrounded by nature and tranquillity. Back to San Cristobal.
- Private tour
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September, 2022
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Adventures in the Yucatán!
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Mayan Site Tour in Yucatan Penninsula Mexico
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April, 2022
A literally perfect trip to the Yucatan peninsula
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July, 2022
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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November, 2021
Chiapas, Neri and her family
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Super local agency
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The best moment lived in Mexico
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September, 2020
Super organization, great accommodations and nice team
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March, 2020
Circuit in Yucatan
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March, 2020
Perfect
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DAY 5 - From San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque.
Start your day with a private transfer to the city of Palenque. On the road, you’ll stop for breakfast at a roadside cafe. Your first visit of the day is the Agua Azul waterfalls: the indigo color of the water, the bright green of the vegetation, the breeze in the air, and the calming sound of the water contribute to making this place one of the most spectacular spots of Mexico.
Your next visit is to the Misol-Ha waterfall, which cascades from 115 ft (35 m). Spend some time enjoying the refreshing water and taking photos as you soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The tour continues with a sunset visit to Palenque to visit one of Mexico’s most renowned archaeological sites. Sunset is the ideal time to visit, as there are no crowds, and the sunset provides a spectacular backdrop to learn about the area’s history.
Explore the lesser-known archaeological area of Palenque today, 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 city was taken over by the forest, until people re-discovered it and began excavations. Since then, the site has been recognized for its historic value and given a UNESCO designation. These days, the ruins are one of Mexico’s most interesting Maya sites, with plenty of artefacts that shed insight into the myths, rituals, beliefs, and lives of its people.
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, going for a refreshing swim, and relaxing by the water before heading back to town.
- Private tour
DAY 6 - Yaxchilán: The Mayan city hidden in the jungle
Today after breakfast you will take the road to visit the ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilan, the “place of the green stones”. With your local guide, you will board a motorboat to navigate the Usumacinta River, the largest in Central America and which acts as a natural border between Guatemala and Mexico, you will travel the river for approximately 40 minutes while you go into the heart of the jungle until you reach the city of Yaxchilan. Once at the site you will visit and learn, for approximately 2 hours, about the history of the most emblematic buildings of the place through the original paintings thousands of years old, steles and lintels that narrate the lifestyle and government of that pre-Hispanic city, in the end, you will take the boat back to the pier, hopefully on the way back you can see some endemic birds and wildlife of the place. Finally, your driver will take you to Nahá.
- Private tour
DAY 7 - Nature Exploration at the Nahá Reserve
Head deep into the jungle today, as a Lacandon guide accompanies you on a 2.5-hour tour through the remarkable Nahá Reserve. Listen as they share their knowledge of the different species of local flora and fauna, and contemplate the tranquility of Lake Nahá, where you’ll board a boat to navigate across the waters. Disembark for a short jungle trek near the water, where, with a little luck, you’ll be able to spot a variety of local wildlife, including turtles and crocodiles.
At sunset, head out with your local Lacandon guide to look for nocturnal birds. You will have the opportunity to walk around the Jungle Lodge to listen to stories and try to spot the owls that inhabit the place.
- Private tour
DAY 8 - Create & Shoot: Lacandon Bow & Arrow Workshop in Nahá
Until 50 years ago, the Lacandon Maya were a nomadic tribe living in the deep jungle of Chiapas. In today’s workshop, you will gain insight into their history and culture, and discover how they used handmade arrows and bows to hunt and feed their families. During the hour-long experience, learn how to turn a dry cane into a light and balanced arrow. You will feather the top, add the tip made with different stones, and finally tie it together to create your very own arrow. Once you’re happy with your creation, it’s time to test it out and demonstrate your archery skills!
Then, you will participate in a clay workshop, a material that’s been in use since pre-Hispanic times to make utensils and model figures of gods. The workshop is guided by one of the Lacandon artists, who will guide you to use your skills and imagination to create a unique clay piece, let your hands remember long-forgotten memories, and rediscover your creative and spiritual side. At the end your driver will take you to Palenque.
- Private tour
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DAY 9 - Transfer to Campeche via Cenote Azul
Your driver will pick you up this morning for a transfer to the walled city of Campeche. On the way, you’ll stop for a fascinating visit to one of the most famous natural attractions of the Yucatán Peninsula. Cenotes, baptized by the Maya as dz’onot or “water caverns,” are formed by the erosion of the region’s limestone, creating countless unique and extraordinary swimming holes and sinkholes that dot the landscape.
You will have plenty of free time to enjoy these natural wonders, diving into the stunning Cenote Azul or walking a trail that leads to two other scenic cenotes in the area, surrounded by incredible flora and fauna. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as kayaking or admiring the view from a zip line located 278 feet (85 m) above. At the end of your visit, your driver will continue to Campeche where you will spend the night.
- Private tour
DAY 10 - Explore the Archaeological Site of Uxmal - Night in Merida
Your driver will take you to the archaeological site of Uxmal, where your guide will tell you a little more about this impressive landmark. Meaning “thrice built” in Mayan, the name refers to the site’s crowning glory: the Pyramid of the Magician. Built atop the existing pyramids, legend has it that this monumental structure was constructed in a single night. However, this is very unlikely since it consists of several structures from different eras!
This city stands out for its grand architecture and decorative art in the Puuc style, with low, horizontal palaces built around patios. The detail is incredible, and you’ll appreciate the quality of indigenous art as you discover intricate sculptures made with polished stones that form a perfect mosaic. During its heyday, the city was one of the largest in Mesoamerica: at its peak, Uxmal was home to some 20,000 Maya. Transfer to Merida.
- Private tour
DAY 11 - City Tour of Merida: The White City
Spend some time exploring the historic city center of Merida, also known as the White City. Founded on top of what was once the Mayan city of Ichcaanzihó (better known as T’Hó), today Merida is a modern city that has developed a specific cultural identity due to its isolation from the rest of Mexico. Learn about the city’s indigenous roots, as well as its colonial history as you walk through Merida. You’ll see examples of colonial architecture, including the Cathedral, the Municipal Palace, and stroll along the city’s main avenue: Paseo Montejo.
- Private tour
DAY 12 - Visit Chichen Itza and swim in the mystical cenote of Yokdzonot
Today you will meet your local guide to visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. This pre-Hispanic city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once the most revered centre of worship and pilgrimage on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Then, you will have lunch and swim in the cenote of Yokdzonot. In 2005, a group of women from the rural community of Yokdzonot, Yucatan, organized to transform the Mayan cenote of their village into a unique ecotourism site. The cenotes were the main source of water supply in the middle of the Mayan jungle, which motivated the development of cities and settlements. They were also seen as symbolic settings and spaces for rain, life, death, rebirth and fertility rituals. This is why they were so sacred to this culture. This cenote is quite unknown, so it is not as crowded as others and its waters have a cool temperature to mitigate the heat outside. Back to Valladolid.
- Private tour
DAY 13 - Cultural & natural immersion in Yalcobá
Visit the Mayan community of Yalcobá in Valladolid, Yucatán and enjoy a day of cultural immersion. You will have a full day full of adventure and fun, because here, you will have a guided tour through the Milpa and the Mayan Forest, you will explore caves, get to know wonderful virgin cenotes where you can swim. Finally, you will have the opportunity to visit the handicrafts workshop that stands out for its jewelry from bull horn and weaved hammocks. Mayan gastronomy is another of the many treasures you will find in this town, so you will participate in a delicious gastronomic workshop that will allow you to learn about the regional food.
- Private tour
DAY 14 - Transfer from Valladolid to Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Private transfer – 2 hours – Goodbye Mexico!
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