Chiapas Cultural Experience

Upon arrival at Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s most remarkable natural wonders. To join the two-hour boat tour through the canyon, please ensure your flight arrives no later than 1:00 pm. On the boat, we navigate the impressive canyon walls, towering above us and cloaked in dense vegetation. Along the way, you’ll spot wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys and a variety of birds, as well as the diverse flora of the surrounding rainforest. After the boat trip, we continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where you will be dropped off at your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel for a visit to the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. In San Juan Chamula, explore the whitewashed cathedral adorned with colourful decorations and filled with the scent of pine and flickering candlelight, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere. Both villages are predominantly inhabited by the Tzotzil Maya, who maintain their distinct language and traditional dress. In Zinacantán, sample a regional drink and discover ancient weaving techniques on traditional looms that date back to pre-Columbian times. Enjoy tasting handmade tortillas before returning to San Cristóbal de las Casas for a city tour. Here, you will see notable colonial architecture and learn about the town’s rich history. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore independently. Overnight in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

After breakfast, we depart at around 8:00 am for Montebello Lakes. On the way, we visit Amatenango de Valle, known as ‘The Town of Potters’, where we explore traditional mud crafting techniques. Continuing to Montebello Lakes, you will experience the striking natural beauty of the area, followed by a visit to Chiflón Waterfall. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim beneath the falls, a vivid way to awaken your senses. We return to San Cristóbal de las Casas by approximately 7:30 pm, leaving the evening free for you to relax at your leisure.

We depart early from San Cristóbal de las Casas and travel towards Palenque. Along the way, we stop at Agua Azul to enjoy a refreshing swim in its striking waterfalls, formed by the Otulún, Shumuljá and Tulijá rivers carving through dramatic canyons with steep cliffs. Next, we visit the impressive Misol-Ha Waterfall, which plunges 30 metres into a pool surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, offering a cool and tranquil setting. After these natural highlights, we continue to Palenque where you check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore independently.

After breakfast at your hotel in Palenque, we visit the renowned archaeological site nearby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable Mayan architecture and intricate sculptures. We explore key highlights including The Palace, The Temple of the Foliated Cross, and The Temple of the Sun, among other significant ruins. Following the tour, we transfer to Villahermosa Airport, arriving around 5:00 pm—please ensure your onward flight is scheduled accordingly.