DAY 01 TUXTLA GUTIERREZ – CAÑON DEL SUMIDERO (CANYON SINK) – SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS
Reception at Tuxtla Gutierrez airport and transfer to the Grijalva River Pier to navigate and observe the geological wonder that gives the place the well known name of the “Cañon del Sumidero” (sinkwell canyon), whilst enjoying the diversity of flora and fauna characteristic of the area. Departure for the colonial city of San Cristobal de Las Casas (2'300 m. above sea level), founded in 1528 by Captain Diego de Mazariegos, and declared Human Cultural Patrimony. Hotel check-in on arrival and the remainder of the day free. Overnight stay.
DAY 02 SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS – INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES – CITY TOUR
Departure after breakfast, for the Indigenous Communities of the Tzotzil ethnic group. Our first visit will take us to the town of Chamula for a learning experience with an aim to understanding the fusion of contemporary traditions and ancient Mayan characteristics that give this place its identity. We will then continue towards Zinacantan where we will visit the church and the home of a family cooperative where we will be welcomed with a regional drink and have the opportunity to watch women work the waist loom which dates from Pre-Columbian times.
Having seen some of the samples of what they produce, we will be invited into their kitchen where we may be fortunate enough to be offered a tasting of their traditional hand-made tortillas. When finished, we will return to San Cristobal de Las Casas, where we will be undertaking a City Tour to get us familiarized with the most important features of this beautiful city with the charms of a colonial town. Remainder of the day free. Overnight stay.
DAY 03 SAN CRISTOBAL – AGUA AZUL – MISOL HA – ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PALENQUE
Early morning departure to Palenque stopping at Agua Azul, a group of waterfalls created by the currents of the: Otulún, Shumuljá and Tulijá rivers which have formed shallow canyons banked by vertical cliffs where you will be able to swim and enjoy the different areas of such magnificent environment. We will then continue on to the Misol-Ha waterfalls which rise 30 meters in height and are surrounded by natural rain forest, which make this an extraordinarily beautiful and refreshing place.
Our last stop will be a visit to the archaeological site of Palenque: A Mayan city known for its architectural and sculptural heritage with a number of admirable buildings including: the Palace, the Temple of the Foliated Cross, and the Temple of the Sun amongst others. Transfer to the hotel in the city of Palenque and overnight stay.
DAY 04 PALENQUE – “LA VENTA” MUSEUM– VILLAHERMOSA AIRPORT
After breakfast, departure for the city of Villahermosa where we will be visiting the “La Venta” museum, which houses one of the largest collections of pieces belonging to the Olmec Culture. This national treasure is divided into four main categories: altars, stelae, sculptures and the awesome Colossal Heads. Transfer to the city airport for the return flight
INCLUDES:
- Ground transportation in vehicles with air conditioning
- Driver / Guide (Spanish/ English) all through-out the visit
- All entrance fees to the National Parks and Monuments described in the itinerary
- Boat Trip through the “Cañon del Sumidero” ( The Sinkwell Canyon) - Shared vessel
- 2 nights hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas
- 1 night hotel in Palenque
- 4 Star Hotel
- Daily American-style breakfast, adults only
Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel Lobby / Angel Albino Corzo Airport.
Duration: 4 days.
Start/opening time: 9:30am.
End/closing time: 6:30pm.
Opening days/period: Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Languages: Spanish and English.
Medical restrictions: Please be advised that this trip may not be suitable for pregnant women or young infants.
The tour guide may also suggest that the tour is not suitable for some.