Join our 5-day tour and go in the track of the world´s oldest civilization that ever existed in our history. Explore the unique archaeological site of Palenque, and unveil the heritage of the Ancient Mayan culture. Sail down the Sumidero Canyon and admire the gems of local nature, before you walk down the picturesque streets of San Cristobal de las Casas and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere in San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. You will be astonished by the marvellous beauty of the Montebello Lakes and refreshing bath under the Chiflón´s waterfall that will leave a memorable experience. This trip is full of a rich and exciting adventure that will leave you with stories to tell for years!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Sumidero Canyon: The imposing1000-meter-high cliff rising above the Grijalva. Sail down the peaceful waters of the canyon and admire the natural gems of mother nature.
Palenque: Old Mayan city, protecting the rich Mayan architecture, sculpture, roof comb, and bas-relief carvings.
Montebello Lakes: the most scenic spot in the National Montebello Park, a protected area located in the state and enjoy the spectacular views over its multicolour lakes with tones ranging from midnight blue to turquoise.
Day 1: ARRIVAL TUXTLA GUTIERREZ – SUMIDERO CANYON – SAN CRISTOBAL (80 km – 1.5 hrs)
Upon your arrival at Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport, meet and greet is followed by the transfer to Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s outstanding natural phenomena (In order to participate on Sumidero Canyon boat tour, please make sure your arrival arrangements are not later than 01:00 pm). Once in Sumidero Canyon, we embark on the boat to experience 2-hours boat trip along the imposing canyon bed. Find yourself dwarfed by the sheer scale of its high walls, covered in thick vegetation. Admire the beautiful wildlife, such as crocodiles, monkeys, and birds and the great variety of flora of the surrounding rainforest. After the boat ride, we continue to San Cristobal de las Casas with drop-off at your hotel.
Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Day 2: SAN CRISTOBAL – SAN JUAN CHAMULA AND ZINACANTAN – SAN CRISTOBAL (30 km – 1 hr)
Wake up early to your breakfast, meet your guide and get ready for the visit of the indigenous villages San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to see the whitewashed cathedral with colourful ornamentation and pine-scented is a real marvel and the candlelight in the interior evocates the spiritual atmosphere. The towns are almost entirely inhabited by Tzotzil Maya, a tribe with their unique language and specific way of clothing. Try regional drink in Zinacantan and learn the loom waste weaving techniques which are dating back to pre-Columbian times. Taste traditional hand-made tortilla and once back in San Cristobal de las Casas, learn about the historical sites during the city tour where you can admire marvels of the colonial architecture. After this half-day tour transfer back to San Cristobal and the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Day 3: SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS - MONTEBELLO LAKES & CHIFLON´S WATERFALL – SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS (230 km – 5.5 hrs)
Rise and shine early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Approx. at 8:00 am departure towards Montebello lakes. En route, you will visit a small community in Amatenango de Valle, “The Toen of Potters” and you will learn the traditional way of mud crafting. Further on continue to Montebello Lakes and Chiflón´s waterfall, stunning natural phenomena, refreshing bath under the waterfall wake up your senses and leave a memorable experience. Return to San Cristóbal around 7:30 pm and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Day 4: SAN CRISTOBAL – WATERFALLS - PALENQUE (230 km – 5.5 hrs)
Today you will be departing from San Cristobal de las Casas early in the morning at around 4:00 am and you will be heading towards Palenque, one of the most beautiful areas conserving Mayan heritage. En route, you can take a refreshing bath in Agua Azul waterfalls surrounded by rainforest and feel the energy of the natural wonder. Upon your arrival at Palenque, visit the temples of Palenque. This archaeological site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it boasts some of the finest Mayan architecture, sculpture, roof comb, and bas-relief carvings. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the premises, admiring its beauty and gathering interesting information. You will check in to your hotel at approx. 6:00 pm and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Palenque.
Day 5: PALENQUE – LA VENTA – DEPARTURE VILLAHERMOSA (407 km – 5.5 hrs)
Enjoy your last morning breakfast at the hotel in Palenque, after which you will be departing towards Villahermosa, located on the riverbank of Grijalva and Carrizal. En route, you will visit the La Venta Museum, where you can admire the Olmec culture, with its exhibition of 36 outdoor monoliths, among which the Head of Jaguar, the Monkey Looking at Heaven, the Humanized Jaguar, and many other. At a convenient time, we will make the transfer to Villahermosa airport. (Estimated arrival at Villahermosa airport is at 5:00 pm, please arrange your flight accordingly)
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
