Tonina is the biggest ruins, and is from the Mayan culture that it looks like a maze and long stairs, Chiapas is an amazing place where you can appreciate the Mayan culture and their connection to the nature that's why this tour is followed to the visit of the Corralito waterfall.
Z.A. DE TONINÁ: Built over a little natural clay range in the north of Ocosingo. During the tour, you see temples and palaces of the Mayan culture that forms a monumental labyrinth with 70 meters high.
The archaeological sites of Bonampak and Yaxchilan are incredible places lost in the Lacandona jungle that you can only visit after a long trip because the arrival is through a river and a jungle but once you get there you will never want to leave; the architecture is pure ancient art.
BONAMPAK: This archaeological site is located in the heart of the Lacandona forest. You can admire the murals that explain you the wars and the victories of this Mayan city.
YAXCHILÁN: In this Mayan site was found a huge amount of prehispanics sculptures on the bank of the wide river Usumacinta. The structure of this site is in the middle of the jungle.
Traveling through the Lacandona forest is an experience that everyone enjoys it because you can see a lot of animals and plants that are from this region but you also need to be careful because is a big forest and if you don't pay attention and get lost it probably be something bad.
LACANDONA FOREST: Belonging to “Montes Azules” natural reserve, the lacandona forest offers, Mayan prehispanic monuments, natural environment that visitors can enjoy with the company of one lacandon guide.
During this time we will find natural landscapes where you can appreciate a big vegetation and Mayan archaeological remains.
You will start visiting the Archeological Site of Palenque: We will know the Calavera temple, the red queen, the palace, the cross plaza, ball game and the inscriptions temple where there are the remainders of the Maya ruler, Pakal.
Then, Misol–Há: it is a wonderful waterfall which rises to 30 meters above sea level, hidden by the big vegetation of the place.
Finally, Agua Azul: One of the most spectacular natural sceneries of México, where you can admire a waterfalls series that forms natural pools created over the Agua Azul River.
An unforgettable experience that will captivate your senses, visiting great attractions that will leave you stunned: Waterfalls turquoise Agua Azul, Misol-Há with its impressive curtain of water over 20 meters high and the magnificent archaeological site of Palenque (Named by Unesco as World Heritage Site).
Time visit to the archaeological site is approximately 2.30 hours, Misolha (45 mins) and Agua Azul (1.30 hours). The visit includes an American breakfast Arriving to Palenque City.
Visit the Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo (first colonial city founded by Spanish conquistadores) and enjoy an unforgettable experience on this amazing tour that takes you to this fascinating natural wonder, located in Chiapas.
Here will embark a boat then will take us on 2 hour ride through the high and steep sides of the canyon as we see stunning waterfalls, beautiful caves, and amazing cliffs. After finishing our boat ride, we will head over to Chiapa de Corzo, a typical town where there are several restaurants serving regional cuisine. There you will be able to visit the city's central fountain, an outstanding piece of Mudejar style brickwork.
Tradition and Culture in an ancient environment of the Mayan Culture. Chamula and Zinacantan: Guided tour of the church and surroundings of San Juan Chamula (1.5 hours), then visit to Zinacantán, famous for looms and textile processing (1.5 hours). Time for traditional indigenous lunch (quesadillas, beans, organic coffe).
Enjoy to discover more about this myths, religion, beliefs and customs with the bright colors of Chiapas. In Chamula a local guide will explain the history of the region and you will be able to visit the Church of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) that has simple but incredibly beautiful ornamentation on the outer facade. Once there, see the artistic beauty of the church on the inside and see the exceptional arrangement of its altars, with Catholic saints dressed according to indigenous traditional customs. You will find out about the native people and their customs. You can observe how ancient Mayan traditions are now intertwined with modern day Catholic practices.
We will take you to Zinacantan as the last part of the tour, another magical indigenous population very near San Cristobal de las Casas, where you can admire the beauty of the Church of San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence) and see first-hand the laborious handmade work of the weaver women, who, with a loom at their waists, make magnificent textile pieces such as “Huipiles” (ponchos), tablecloths, bedspreads and cushion covers. After these visits we will make a stop to visit the Magical Town of San Cristobal de las Casas, and its main touristic walkers and surroundings.
Our adventure starts when we pick you up at the door of your hotel, so we can continue into a course toward the Chiflón Waterfalls (1.5 hours), where through almost 5000 feet we´ll be able to admire a series of waterfalls and reach the highest part of the mountain to enjoy the breeze from the Bridal Veil waterfall and its impressive drop of over 300 feet.
After this experience we continue the journey toward the Montebello Lakes National Park ( 2 hours), visiting from 4 to 6 lakes where you can appreciate its crystalline waters ranging from pale blue through violet, emerald and turquoise.
Archeology, culture and nature! Be prepared to enjoy the majestic Archeological Site of Toniná (2 hours). Pre-Hispanic city, whose meaning in Tzeltal is "Big Stone House". It's a holy space built in an unnatural mountain of 7 levels on a limestone hill overlooking a large and long Valley.
We'll enjoy of its views and then we'll go to Ocosingo to appreciate the San Jacinto de Polonia's church, that was built on XV Century (1 hour), we'll have time to enjoy the surroundings, and the we'll go to Corralito's waterfall (1.5 hours), near of Oxchuc town, nestled in the mountains, where you can see amazing views and paths in their natural environment.
Enjoy this beauty nature located in Montes Azules reserve, get ready to live this fascinating experience visit the breathtaking waterfalls formed by the Santo Domingo river (3 hours), then we arrive to the magic town of Comitan de Dominguez from a colonial ambient and tzeltal origin that conserves cultural grounds and majestic arts to discover (1.5 hours).
Las Nubes Waterfalls is a powerful and picturesque formation nestled in the Lacandon Jungle. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric mist of Las Nubes to understand why the waterfalls are named “The Clouds”. Absorb the beauty of the lush greenery of jungle then saunter over a bridge suspended high over the treetops. Wander alongside the gentle Santo Domingo River before ascending a hill to enjoy incredible views of the stunning scenery.
DAY 01 TUXTLA GUTIERREZ–CAÑON DEL SUMIDERO–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–LAGOS DE MONTEBELLO–SAN CRISTOBAL
Morning departure from “San Cristobal de las Casas” to “Lagos de Montebello”. Our first stop to the indigenous pottery community of”Amatenango del Valle “, from where we will head for the “Chiflón” waterfall, a natural freefall of water surrounded by exuberant vegetation of reeds and palm groves. We will end this tour with a visit to Mexico´s most beautiful Lake District, known as: “Lagos de Montebello”.
This nature reserve consists of several acres of pines, oaks and rain forest (jungle) where, weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to admire and enjoy the many lakes and appreciate the varying hues of the waters in this splendid and picturesque natural environment. Early evening return to San Cristobal de Las Casas. Overnight stay.
DAY 03 SAN CRISTOBAL –INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES – TUXTLA AIRPORT
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. Transfer from San Cristobal de Las Casas – Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport for the return flight.
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
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 – LAGOS DE MONTEBELLO – SAN CRISTOBAL
Morning departure from “San Cristobal de las Casas” to “Lagos de Montebello”. Our first stop to the indigenous pottery community of ”Amatenango del Valle “, from where we will head for the “Chiflón” waterfall, a natural freefall of water surrounded by exuberant vegetation of reeds and palm groves. We will end this tour with a visit to Mexico´s most beautiful Lake District, known as: “Lagos de Montebello”. This nature reserve consists of several acres of pines, oaks and rain forest (jungle) where, weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to admire and enjoy the many lakes and appreciate the varying hues of the waters in this splendid and picturesque natural environment. Early evening return to San Cristobal de Las Casas. Overnight stay.
DAY 03 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 01 TUXTLA GUTIERREZ – CAÑON DEL SUMIDERO - 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 – LAGOS DE MONTEBELLO – SAN CRISTOBAL
Morning departure from “San Cristobal de las Casas” to “Lagos de Montebello”. Our first stop to the indigenous pottery community of”Amatenango del Valle “, from where we will head for the “Chiflón” waterfall, a natural freefall of water surrounded by exuberant vegetation of reeds and palm groves. We will end this tour with a visit to Mexico´s most beautiful Lake District, known as: “Lagos de Montebello”.
This nature reserve consists of several acres of pines, oaks and rain forest (jungle) where, weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to admire and enjoy the many lakes and appreciate the varying hues of the waters in this splendid and picturesque natural environment. Early evening return to San Cristobal de Las Casas. Overnight stay.
DAY 03 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 01: Tuxtla Gutierrez – Cañon del Sumidero – 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” (sink well 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 – Yaxchilán - Bonampak – Palenque
Very early morning start for the drive to Frontera Corozal, where we will be boarding a boat for an approximately hour-long journey down the river to visit the mystical archaeological site of Yaxchilan, renowned for the quality of the sculptures to be found there. Upon our return, we will go on to visit Bonampak which means "painted walls". This site is famed for the vividly painted walls throughout its expanse, which depict many features of Mayan day-to-day life. Return trip to Palenque and overnight stay.
Day 05: 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.