Palenque Tour: Discover Chiapas’s Rich Heritage (10 Days)

Day 1: Chiapa de Corzo

Start the Palenque tour in colonial Chiapa de Corzo. Considered one of the oldest towns in Latin America,  it’s well-known for being an entry point to the spectacular Sumidero Canyon. Arrive at the airport at any time and take an independent transfer by taxi/shuttle bus to your accommodation. Once there, take your time to rest or explore the town. In the evening, meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting and dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Day 2: Chiapa de Corzo - Cañón del Sumidero National Park - Tuxtla Gutiérrez - Puerto Arista

In the morning, leave Chiapa de Corzo and visit the impressive Sumidero Canyon by boat. After that, head to the regional capital Tuxtla Gutierrez to discover its historic center and visit the famous Marimba Museum. Then, go to Puerto Arista, a quiet regional beach town famous for its extensive golden-sand beaches. Once there, ride an ATV and enjoy the stunning sunset on the beach. Finally, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puerto Arista
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: boat tour in Sumidero Canyon; ATV ride in Puerto Arista

Day 3: Puerto Arista - Iglesia Vieja Archeological Zone - Finca Argovia - Huixtla

In the morning, continue the tour with a guided visit to Iglesia Vieja, one of the 10 archeological sites in Chiapas. Those fascinating ruins use to be an important Mayan city in the Early Classic period of Mesoamerica. Later, go to the lush tropical highlands of the Sierra Madre to visit a coffee farm founded by the Swiss family in 1880. After that, transfer to the nearby town of Huixtla and join your Tour Leader for an orientation walk of its compact historic center. Finally, have an optional dinner and get together with your group in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Huixtla
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visits to Iglesia Vieja Archeological Zone and coffee farm near Tapachula; orientation walk of Huixtla

Day 4: Huixtla - Piedra Partida - Cascadas De Monte Cristo - Comitán de Domínguez

In the morning, continue our “Mexico Chiapas, Palenque, San Cristobal & Waterfalls Tour” in Piedra Partida, a fascinating place where you can see the stunning sunrise. Thereafter, explore nearby Cascadas de Monte Cristo and swim in its sweet thermal waters. Later, continue to a Magical Town of Comitán de Domínguez famous for being the cradle of the state’s independence. Once there, join your Tour Leader for an orientation walk of its charming colonial center. Finally, finish the day with an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Comitán de Domínguez
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: visits to Piedra Partida and Cascadas De Monte Cristo; orientation walk of the historic center of Comitán de Dominguez

Day 5: Comitán de Domínguez - El Chiflón Waterfalls - Chukumaltik Cenote - Lagunas de Montebello National Park

In the morning, check out and transfer to El Chiflón Waterfalls. Once there, tour around and discover several stunning waterfalls such as “El Suspiro”, “Ala de Ángel”, “Arco Iris”, and “Velo de Novia”. Additionally, explore this impressive place with a guided hike, and then, swim in its refreshing waters. After that, transfer to Chukumaltik Cenote to see a unique underground cave, perfect for swimming and diving. Then, head to Lagunas de Montebello National Park, a magical place consisting of 52 beautiful lakes. In the evening, see a breathtaking sunset over the lake before an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Lagunas de Montebello
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visits to El Chiflón Waterfalls Ecotourism Center and Chukumaltik Cenote

Day 6: Lagunas de Montebello National Park - Ya´ajche Ecotourism Center

In the morning, wake up early to see the gorgeous sunrise. After that, take a balsa trip on Lake Pojoj, a unique place with multi-color waters, beautiful nature, and a little charming island. Thereafter, transfer to Ya´ajche Ecotourism Center, a peaceful beautiful place next to the jungle, and immerse in its enchanting nature. Finally, in the evening, join your group for an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Ya´ajche Ecotourism Center
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: balsa trip on Lake Pojoj

Day 7: Ya´ajche Ecotourism Center - Bonampak & Yaxchilán Archeological Zones - Palenque

In the morning, visit the famous archeological site of Bonampak. Once there, learn about this enigmatic ancient place located in the middle of Lancandon Jungle in the state of Chiapas. After that, go to explore the ancient ruins of Yaxchilán Archeological Zone famous for the important Mayan texts found there. Then, transfer to Palenque, one of the Magical Towns in Mexico. It’s a paradise for lovers of archaeology, history, and nature. Eventually, after check-in and rest, join your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for an orientation walk of the center of Palenque followed by an optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Palenque
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visits to Bonampak and Yaxchilán Archeological Zones

Day 8: Palenque - Palenque Archaeological Zone - Agua Azul Waterfalls - San Cristóbal de las Casas

In the morning, continue our “Palenque tour” to discover Palenque, one of the most important archaeological sites in Chiapas and Mexico. Once there, appreciate its UNESCO-listed monumental structures and learn about their history. Then, visit Agua Azul Waterfalls, another must-see attraction in this area, known for its fascinating turquoise waters. After that, transfer to San Cristobal de las Casas, a Magical Town famous for its beautiful colonial architecture, traditions, and gastronomy. Once there, have some rest before taking an orientation walk to its charming historic center. Finally, get together with your group for an optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit to Palenque Archeological Zone; entrance to Agua Azul Waterfalls; orientation walk of San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 9: San Cristóbal de las Casas  - Zinacantán - San Juan Chamula - San Cristóbal de las Casas

In the morning, experience a 1200-year-old Mayan ceremony of temazcal, a therapeutic steam bath with pre-Hispanic roots. After that, visit Zinacantán, a Tzotzil village famed for its traditional textiles, fruits, flowers, and handicrafts.  Later, transfer to a nearby San Juan Chamula, another self-governing Mayan village. Once there, visit its mysterious centuries-old church where locals keep practicing unique religious syncretism. Afterward, transfer back to San Cristobal de las Casas to continue exploring this charming colonial town. Finally, get together with your group for an optional farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: temazcal ceremony; orientation walks of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán

Day 10: San Cristóbal de las Casas

Last day of our “Palenque tour”. Thus, decide by yourself what time to leave or extend your vacations and stay longer!

• Accommodation: n/a
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: n/a