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.
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.)
