Hi! I’m Sheila, a proud Mexican with over 20 years of experience living abroad in Germany, which deepened my love for Mexico’s vibrant culture, rich traditions, and unique flavors. With years in the tourism industry, I specialize in creating personalized, unforgettable journeys that reflect your dreams. Passionate about nature, hidden gems, and local gastronomy, I’m here to make your Mexican adventure extraordinary—let’s start planning your next experience together!
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 take you to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where you will be staying for the beginning of this trip. This charming mountain town is the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Chiapas.
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 & El Chiflón
Today, you will live a unique experience of approximately nine hours accompanied by your local guide in Spanish and a group of travelers. You will begin the two hour and thirty minute tour to reach the Chiflón ecotourism center, a place managed by families from the neighboring ejido who have worked for nearly 25 years to maintain it and make its attractions known. There you will be able to walk quietly for 2 hours along a trail surrounded by the most spectacular nature of the region, with a turquoise blue river and a series of impressive waterfalls, including the Velo de Novia waterfall, the second largest in Mexico. During the hike, you will see a great variety of birds, butterflies and, if you are lucky, some reptiles. Afterwards, the tour will take you to the Montebello Lakes for a ninety minute drive where you will take a break for lunch. Montebello is a national park of great ecological importance due to its more than 157 species of orchids and 93 species of fungi, besides being a high conservation area for birds. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the most emblematic lakes, each with a unique shade of turquoise blue, and explore the orchid island on a traditional raft. You will also be able to take pictures, enjoy traditional handicrafts and food and, if time permits, visit the international lake, which divides Mexico and Guatemala.
Day 6 | Misol-Ha and Agua Azul adventure
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 and Bonampak archaeological sites
Today you will start very early in the morning on a shared tour, after a one hour drive you will take time for breakfast, the experience continues with a ninety minute drive to Frontera Corozal, place where along with your guide you will board a boat to navigate the Usumacinta River, which acts as a natural border between Guatemala and Mexico, you will travel the river for about thirty minutes until you reach the Mayan city of Yaxchilan, which means place of green stones. Once there, you will visit for two hours the history of the most emblematic buildings of the place such as the ball game and the labyrinth, stelae and lintels that narrate the lifestyle and government of that pre-Hispanic city, at the end, you will take the boat back. On the way back to the main boarding place you will take a short rest and if you wish you can have something to eat before leaving for Bonampak. After a fifty minute ride you will arrive at the Lacandon community of Lacanja Chansayab, where you will change transportation to enter the dense jungle for nine kilometers and arrive at Bonampak, a Mayan city whose name in Spanish means: Place of painted walls: You can discover the magic of this site in one of its three chambers that narrate the political, religious and warrior life of Bonampak, you will also witness the presentation of an heir, the preparation of the war, the war itself and finally the presentation of the captives and sacrifices, all through its mural paintings that are more than 1100 years old. Once the Bonampak experience is over, you will take the local transportation back to your hotel in Palenque.
Day 8 | Motiepá trail and the Archaeological Zone of Palenque
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 | Roberto Barrios waterfalls
Today, you will take a tour of approximately three hours accompanied by your local guide and other travelers through Roberto Barrios waterfalls, also known as Valle de Bascán waterfalls, which many people consider a hidden jewel and a natural treasure in Chiapas, as well as a unique visual spectacle, which will offer you a peaceful and serene atmosphere to take pictures. Enjoy this tour amongst the Chiapas jungle as long as you look up to stepped waterfalls characterized by crystal and turquoise-colored waters or, if you want, you could walk in the path going down the river’s side until you reach the natural pits, where you can take a refreshing shower as long as you enjoy the landscape accompanied by jungle’s sounds. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this beauty of nature and escape from everyday hustle and bustle.
Day 10 | ¡Hasta pronto, Mexico!
Your driver will take you from Palenque to Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport.
