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Chiapas Chronicles: From Canyons to Mayan Mysteries

Chiapas Chronicles: From Canyons to Mayan Mysteries

Recommended by 100% of the travelers
Starts At
Chiapas
Ends At
Chiapas
Duration
10 Days
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Trip Designed by
Karen Quintero

A proud Mexican hailing from the small city of Tlaxcala. Over the past four years, she has been dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes of Mexico and has developed a profound appreciation for the authentic Mexico she has come to adore. It's a Mexico brimming with culture, natural wonders, and warm-hearted people. What sets her apart is her commitment to traveling with a positive impact and forging meaningful connections. Karen is eager to share her wealth of experiences and knowledge to assist you in crafting an authentic journey through Mexico that reflects her passion and values.

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Itinerary Highlights:

  • Boat tour through the Sumidero Canyon
  • San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán
  • Walk and jump in the waterfalls of Tzimol
  • Explore Montebello’s lakes & hike El Perol trail
  • Jungle and hiking in the Montes Azules Reserve
  • Yaxchilán, the Mayan city lost in time
  • Jungle experience in a Lacandon community
  • Transfer to Palenque

Day 1 | Welcome to Chiapas!

Upon landing at Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional driver who will escort you to your hotel in the picturesque town of Chiapa de Corzo, just a 35-minute drive away.

To kick off your trip in style, we have arranged for you to enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a restaurant. You can indulge in traditional local cuisine while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Don't forget to take a moment to take it all in; this is the start of a wonderful journey.

Day 2 | Boat tour through the Sumidero Canyon

Begin your day by making your way to the Islet of Cahuaré, the start point for your boat adventure through the Sumidero Canyon. This natural wonder is a geologic marvel, with roots dating back 136 million years. The canyon's towering walls reach 2,624 ft (800 m) above the Grijalva River, surrounded by lush vegetation and an abundance of wildlife.

From observing a wide diversity of flora and fauna, such as bromeliads, pines, river crocodiles and spider monkeys, to taking in the breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves and interesting rock formations, this tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience. 

After your excursion, you will be transferred to the charming town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

Day 3 | San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán

Start your day by embarking on a hike to the indigenous Mayan Tzotzil village of San Juan Chamula, a 9.3-kilometer hike that takes about 2 hours to complete. This village is known for its unique blend of indigenous and religious traditions, reflected in its mystical rituals that combine pre-Hispanic and Catholic customs. Once you arrive, you will visit the church of San Juan Bautista and its traditional market, gaining an in-depth understanding of the local culture.

Next, you will hike to the village of Zinacantán, also known as "the place of bats." This Tzotzil village is less crowded than San Juan Chamula but equally charming. It is renowned for its ancestral know-how of belt weaving of colorful traditional clothes, adorned with many motifs rich in symbols waiting to be interpreted. You will have the opportunity to be invited to the house of a local, where you will discover his weaving workshop and traditional cooking. You will also be honored to try the traditional drink "poshé."

After a culturally-rich morning, you will have some free time for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will be back in San Cristóbal, with a free afternoon to enjoy this magical town, famous for its renowned gastronomy that has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Day 4 | Walk and jump in the waterfalls of Tzimol

Embark on an unforgettable Adventure in Tzimol! Start your day early and meet your experienced local guide, who will provide you with all the necessary safety equipment for the day's activities. Climb aboard an all-terrain vehicle and take a scenic dirt road through the breathtaking mountains and hills of the region. Admire the picturesque agricultural and sugar cane fields while taking in the stunning view of Angostura Dam on the horizon.

Upon arrival, embark on a thrilling 400-meter trail leading to the river. Your guide will take you through the tranquility and beauty of the forest to experience the rush of adrenaline at the first and second waterfalls. Experience the thrill of canyoning, including walking, swimming, jumping, sliding and climbing on the river bank with jumps ranging from half a meter to 7 meters high.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can unwind in one of the hammocks under the shade while listening to the soothing sounds of nature.

Day 5 | Explore Montebello’s lakes & hike El Perol trail

Discover the natural beauty of Los Lagos de Montebello, one of the most iconic places in the state of Chiapas, a site made up of countless lagoons with turquoise and emerald tones that are part of this outstanding Natural Protected Area. Recognized as a National Park, Los Lagos de Montebello is a hydrological region of high biological richness, home to over 157 species of orchids and 93 species of fungi, making it an important area for the conservation of birds.

Experience the beauty of the lakes up close as you paddle in a traditional wooden boat for about an hour, admiring the stunning shades of blue as the sunlight penetrates the water. Then, take a 3-hour hike through the forest paths and hillside, enjoying epic viewpoints and lovely forest paths. The trailhead begins from Lago Pojoj in Lagunas de Montebello National Park. This tour offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, surrounded by nature and tranquility. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore one of the most emblematic places in Chiapas.

Day 6 | Jungle and hiking in the Montes Azules Reserve

Experience the Wonders of the Jungle at Canto de la Selva, an ecotourism hotel located on the banks of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (5-hour drive). To get there, you'll take a boat ride on the Lacantun River, one of the cleanest and most biodiverse rivers in the country. During the boat ride, you'll have the opportunity to observe stunning landscapes and diverse fauna, such as aquatic birds and, with a bit of luck, macaws and crocodiles. 

Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and join a two-hour guided walk through the jungle. Here, you'll learn about the secrets and stories of the place, including its majestic ceibas and engage in activities such as Jaguar monitoring. With a bit of luck, you'll also have the chance to observe some other species that inhabit the Lacandon Jungle, such as pheasants, toucans, red macaws and howler monkeys. The sounds of the jungle create an extraordinary experience. Conclude your day with a one-hour night walk and see the jungle in a different light. It's a unique and unforgettable experience.

Day 7 | Yaxchilán, the Mayan city lost in time

Start the day with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a 4-hour journey to the ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilán, also known as the "place of the green stones.'' Once you arrive, you will meet your local guide, who will take you on a motorboat ride on the Usumacinta River, the largest in Central America and a natural border between Guatemala and Mexico. This 40-minute boat ride will take you into the heart of the jungle, where you will reach the ancient city of Yaxchilán.

Spend approximately 2 hours exploring and learning about the history of this ancient city, examining the original paintings, stelae and lintels that narrate the lifestyle and government of that pre-Hispanic city. As you return to the pier, you may be lucky to spot some of the endemic birds and wildlife that call this area home.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious meal at Escudo de Jaguar before your driver takes you to Campamento Lacandones (a one-hour drive) for the night. This day trip offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most significant ancient Mayan cities and the natural beauty of the Usumacinta River.

Day 8 | Jungle experience in a Lacandon community

Upon arrival, a camp at "Campamento Lacandones." will be set up. Next, embark on a 4-5 hour (9 km) journey into the heart of the jungle with a local Lacandon guide. During this adventure, explore the area's natural beauty, including a small archaeological site called Lacanjá and a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. Throughout the journey, the guide will share their knowledge of the local fauna, flora, and medicinal plants.

Day 9 | Transfer to Palenque

Explore the lesser-known archaeological area of Palenque, where you can see how quickly the jungle can re-absorb an entire city. Once a center of civilization until the 7th century, the now-abandoned town was taken over by the forest until people rediscovered it and began excavations. Since then, the site has been recognized for its historical value and given a UNESCO designation. These days, the ruins are one of Mexico's most important Mayan sites, with plenty of artifacts that shed insight into the myths, rituals, beliefs and lives of its people. As part of its importance, both regionally and nationally, archaeologists have determined that Palenque was one of the main sites that influenced other settlements of the Usumacinta Basin. 

On your way, you will head an hour outside the town of Palenque for a relaxing adventure at the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls. The falls are famed for their beautiful turquoise waters, which cast a refreshing spray into the surrounding air (perfect for cooling off!)

Look around when you reach the falls—you might be able to spot fish in the clear water, monkeys in the trees, or even toucans, parrots, or motmots (clock birds) in the canopy above you.

Day 10 | ¡Hasta pronto, Mexico!

Your driver will take you from Palenque to Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (a 2-hour drive, the reason why we suggest flights after 1:00 pm.)

Hear it from our travelers!

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FAQs

Many travelers interested in the itinerary "Chiapas Chronicles: From Canyons to Mayan Mysteries" had these common questions. If you have a question that isn't here please, feel free to email us at contacto@rutopia.com, and we will be happy to assist you with any questions you might have about this or other custom made itineraries.

What is the price of this trip?

We tailor your trip based on your budget preferences. To give you an idea, here are the approximate price ranges per person per day depending on the destination, type of accommodation, and experiences you are seeking for your journey: Basic: $180 - $219 USD; Standard: $220 - $269 USD; Comfort: $270 - $319 USD; Luxury: $320+ USD.

What are the accommodations for this trip?

Our Travel Specialists propose accommodations based on availability for your travel dates and according to your preferred category: Basic, Standard, Comfort, or Luxury.

The accommodations we partner with are selected through an evaluation process to ensure they meet our quality and environmental impact criteria, whether it be regenerative, positive, or neutral.

What is the positive impact of this trip?

Traveling with Rutopía stands out for its significant positive impact, as we meticulously select providers who are deeply committed to local regeneration. When you embark on a journey with Rutopía, you're not just traveling; you're actively contributing to the creation of income and employment opportunities within local communities and aiding in the preservation of ecosystems. Moreover, you get to indulge in truly authentic experiences. Every trip with Rutopía carries a meaningful positive impact, underscored by our status as a Certified B Corporation. This certification is a testament to our genuine ethical commitment. Consequently, each travel experience with Rutopía transforms into a powerful agent of change, making every journey with us not only memorable but also profoundly impactful.

Why Book with Rutopía Instead of Independently?

We want your journey to be more than just amazing: authentic, safe, and comfortable from the moment you start planning until you return home.

By receiving support from one of our Travel Specialists, you enjoy these benefits:

  • Access to the best travel advice, straightforward and direct, while simultaneously supporting the local economy and contributing to a positive impact on destinations.
  • Forget about wasting time navigating through numerous platforms and reading piles of reviews. We've already gone through the process in detail to select local businesses and cooperatives that meet our quality standards and are committed to driving positive impact.
  • Say goodbye to the stress of organizing all the logistics of your bookings and operations. Thus, your only job will be to relax and enjoy the journey.

Moreover, we will provide Remote Travel Assistance: weeks before your trip, you will receive all the details you need to prepare. Before and during the journey, you can contact your assigned advisor at any time via phone call or WhatsApp.

Is it Safe to Take this Trip with Rutopía?

Yes, it is the safest way to explore the depths of Mexico. All our local partners, including guides, hosts, and accommodation providers, undergo a thorough curation process, with safety conditions being a fundamental criterion. This includes ensuring they are located in "safe zones" of the country, have the support of local authorities, follow appropriate safety and emergency protocols, have years of experience, and have received validation from both visitors and reputable organizations.

Additionally, we offer a comprehensive Travel Assistance Service. By booking with us, you will have access to one of our dedicated experts, available remotely to assist with any queries or needs you may have before and during your journey.

With over a decade of experience in organizing trips, we confidently address and prioritize all possible safety concerns, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for our travelers.

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Sabrina N
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Perfect

For those who don't like to manage logistics like hotels, rental cars, activities. And above all, to have someone who speaks fluent French that we can reach at any time for the unexpected... You are in the right place! Thank you to Chloe for the preparation of our trip, to Melina our Ariadne's thread and Teresa for her welcome and help at the arrival and departure. A big thank you to Enrique and Blanca from Nuevo-Durango for their welcome, their smiles, their family, a lot of emotions at the time to leave you. Thanks to Mémo for your teaching of Mexican customs (Sian Ka'an) The Yucatan is a magnificent region. And the population is very pleasant. Only downside Holbox... Too much dust, too much smell of fuel oil, too much tourist. I will keep in memory these wonderful moments!

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pascalrichard0304
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Discovering wonderful and surprising sites, Mayan communities with an unforgettable welcome, breathtaking landscapes, a very pleasant climate in the middle of March...and smiling people! A big thank you to Rutopia and his team for the elaboration of this ideal circuit, alternating nature, city life, simplicity and comfort. Thanks to Mélina for the follow-up during our trip. We don't speak Spanish well enough, and we appreciated having a French-speaking contact person who could be reached if necessary. We still have a lot to discover and hope to come back very soon, and with Rutopia without hesitation!

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Claudia A
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Super organization, great accommodations and nice team

The trip was perfectly organized, we were always exclusive or in very small groups and had freedom to do our own activities. All accommodations were fantastic and sustainable, the food almost always local and very good, we could always fill our Rutopia water bottles and travel as plastic free as possible. We were met at the airport and had assistance getting a rental car. After that, we traveled independently but had our fixed dates and reservations with Rutopia. It was the perfect mix!

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Mikel D
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The best moment lived in Mexico

We were traveling as a group of friends with nothing organized. We like to improvise and be able to find alternative plans to the conventional tourist routes. We arrived in Puerto Escondido - Mexico's paradise - and started looking for options. A Mexican friend recommended us to contact Rutopia and we did. We explained our way of traveling - which they quickly understood - and in a few hours they came to us with a perfect selection of activities. We chose one of them and the next day we found ourselves galloping through beautiful hills, crossing a small lagoon in canoes, bathing on an unspoiled beach at sunset and sipping freshly picked coconuts with some mezcal. We had dinner in the only hut on the beach, eating fish that had been caught that day from the lagoon. Then we went to see the luminescence of the placton with paddle canoes until we were surprised by one of the biggest and reddest moons I have ever seen in my life. We ended up sleeping in bamboo huts a few meters from the waves. There were no more than 5 huts on the miles of beach that we could see. And at ALL times with an exquisite treatment - sympathy, kindness and attention. This is just one of the plans we booked with Rutopia, which definitely changed the course of our trip. Without a doubt, I would repeat this experience in any place I would like to visit in Mexico. Viva Mexico!

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Alexhcros1500
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Super local agency

We have worked with Rutopia for several tours in Mexico in the Yucatán and Chiapas and we have never been disappointed. Authentic experiences, with locals, in magical places and off the beaten tourist track. Our contact Marisol was always super available and responsive, understanding and anticipating our desires. And she speaks very good French. I highly recommend Rutopia!

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Bikø J
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Chiapas, Neri and her family

I traveled to Chiapas for an ecotourism experience with Rutopia and I liked it very much, the team responds very quickly to all questions and accompany the traveler throughout the experience, I missed my flight and they were very flexible to accommodate the entire itinerary, My destination was the lakes of Tziscao, where I was received by Neri with his family in very nice cabins next to a lake with incredible views and a magnificent tranquility, with them you make experiences of beekeeping and coffee and tours to nearby lakes, Montebello is a must! 100% recommended.

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DaniEla
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Just wonderful!

We had an amazing trip excellent organized by Jorge and supervised by Melina from Rutopia. We spent 10 days in Mexico, starting in Ciudad de Mexico where we visited the amazing Teotihuacan and then we flew to Yucatan for the amazing sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Tulum, Merida, Valladolid and the great Island Holbox. The trip was perfectly organized, the hotels were very good, and the guides were carefully chosen. We highly recommend Rutopia and especially Jorge! Leer menos

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David
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Journey to Mexico City, Cholula and Cuetzalan

We had a wonderful time. We started out in Mexico City with a 2 day tour filled with museums, food, and beautiful sights. We then went on to Cholula to experience the culture in a smaller town, see a local market, and eat traditional food. We finished the tour in a small town called Cuetzalan, where most people speak an indigenous language. All of our guides were great. Thank you for a memorable vacation!

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Elena R.
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A literally perfect trip to the Yucatan peninsula

Tom and I knew we wanted to go to Mexico. We knew we wanted a little bit of culture, some wildlife, and maybe a splash in the ocean. That's it. With the vague and minimal information we gave them, Rutopia was able to put together a perfect trip for us. We had a flawless itinerary. It's so clear that Rutopia really cares about the communities (animals and humans) in Mexico. Everything we did and everywhere we stayed felt like they were helping us experience Mexico as authentically and respectfully as possible. It's almost impossible to pick a highlight, but top of the list has to be the day we shared with Enrique, a Mayan host who was unbelievably generous with us. He shared the community gardens, including history and background about the families that live in Nuevo Durango and other nearby communities. He showed us the neighborhood cenotes, Punta Laguna, Uma Nojoch Keej (a wildlife reserve), and more. We picked and prepared the plants as Enrique and his wife Blanca showed us the best way to cook them (and rescued us when we were pricked by the nopales!). We saw howler monkeys and spider monkeys in the wild which was very cool. That had to be the very best day, but every day was amazing. Sian Ka'an reserve was lovely, the Mayan ruins were spectacular, the snorkeling in Puerto Morelos was fabulous, the bicycle cenote tour was jaw'droppingly gorgeous. I'm waxing superlative but it really all was like a dream. Beyond the activities, the scheduling and pace was perfect for us. We felt like we really made the most of our six days, but with enough downtime to explore and enjoy at our leisure. From picking up our car at the airport to finding our accommodation, the logistics were very smooth at every interaction. Special shoutout to Melina who pretty much instantly helped us when we had any questions about the trip. We've never used a travel planning service like this before. But after this trip, we'll never go back to the old way!

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Varadarajan
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Fantastic Will do it again

My wife and I had a fantastic holiday in Mexico thanks to Marisol, Ana, Teresa and their colleagues & partners. The entire itinerary and arrangements were put together in less than 4 days. What we really liked about Marisol & her team was that they were only a message or a phone call away for any query/suggestion, etc. The trip was bespoke to the extent that Rutopia had kept in mind about our interests, food habits & executed bookings, tours. They were also very flexible in catering to last minute changes/requests. The team took upon them to ensure that our entire trip was comfortable & safe by taking care of even small stuff that one normally finds out post getting to a place. We would definitely like to use their services again!!

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Sue G
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Mayan Site Tour in Yucatan Penninsula Mexico

Rutopia did an outstanding job with the arrangement and execution of a 9 day tour of Mayan sites in the Yucatan peninsula. We provided Rutopia with the general parameters of the trip we wanted and they suggested an itinerary. After our approval, they set up the hotels, transportation within Mexico, and site tours. The hotels were good quality, and all of the drivers and tour guides showed up on time. We were very impressed with the quality of the tour guides and learned a lot on the trip. Jorge handled setting up the itinerary, and Melina handled the execution of the trip and was readily available via WhatsApp throughout the trip for any questions or issues. Melina was particularly helpful in changing our transportation arrangements to the airport at the last minute per our request. I would recommend Rutopia and would use them again for future trips.

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Cat839
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Great experience with this agency, totally recommend!

Great experience with this agency. Our tour in Mexico was perfect and organised with great passion and precision. Special thanks to Mel (our direct contact during the trip) for being super responsive and to Jorge Barbosa (our tour guide in Mexico City). Totally recommend this tour operator!

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Adventures in the Yucatán!
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Adventures in the Yucatán!

Such an amazing time in the Yucatán! Between floating in the mangroves to visiting Chichén Itzá to spending a whole day on the beach in El Cuyo, I couldn’t have planned a better trip without their help. Thank you so much for an unforgettable birthday vacation!! Simply amazing! Don’t think twice about having them help you plan your next vacation!

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Kris S.
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Enjoyed using Rutopia

Enjoyed using Rutopia (Marisol and Melina) to plan my trip to Mexico. Marisol helped me figure out the best options fand booked everything. Melina was my in country support. Rutopia (the company through Kim Kim) is great and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take the burden out of vacation planning. My son and I truly enjoyed the trip knowing everything was taken care of and we just had to have fun. Thanks!

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Victoria O.
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Two Weeks in Mexico

Seamless transfers, excellent hotels particularly in Mexico city and Puebla, combined with various cultural and food tours. Particular highlights were the cultural/food tours in Mexico city and Puebla (also including the anthropology museum in Mexico city), and the rural tours in Oaxaca where we visited textile workshops, mescal producers and participated in a cooking class using traditional equipment. Also, although we didn't need it, the on call remote assistance was reassuring. I would definitely recommend Rutopia.

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