Culture & Jungle in Chiapas

11 Days

TripAdvisor-5 stars

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas

11 Days

TripAdvisor-5 stars

Experience the ultimate adventure in Chiapas with our expert hosts, who will guide you on a journey of discovery through the region’s natural beauty. From majestic canyons and cascading waterfalls to serene lakes and rushing rivers, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes this area offers.

But that’s not all; our tour also takes you to some of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the region, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. And, as we explore charming towns, you’ll discover the warmth and hospitality of the local people, making for an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

  • Take a kayak tour through the colossal Sumidero Canyon
  • Explore the iconic prehispanic cities of Yaxchilan and Palenque
  • Spend a night in a beautiful Lacandon camp
  • Learn about traditional cuisine in Zinacantán
  • Enjoy a tour in the beautiful lagoons of Montebello

DAY 1 - Welcome to Chiapas

Triunfo Day 1

Upon landing at Angel 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.

After settling in and freshening up, you will have the opportunity to meet with your local guide, who will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the itinerary and offer valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your travel experience.

To kick off your trip in style, we have arranged for you to enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at the renowned Árbol de la Vida 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 - Kayak tour through the Sumidero Canyon

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas DAY2

You will begin your day by making your way to the Islet of Cahuaré, the embarkation point for your kayak 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.

With your expert guide by your side, you will embark on a 4-hour kayak tour, covering approximately 8 kilometers as you explore the canyon’s many wonders. 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. Your guide will share interesting facts and stories about the area’s nature and history, ensuring a complete experience.

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

Rest assured that your safety and enjoyment are our top priority, and we are confident you will have an unforgettable experience on this tour.

DAY 3 - San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas DAY 3

You will 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 “poshee.”

After a cultural-rich morning, you will have some free time for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will be back in San Cristobal, with a free afternoon to enjoy the magical town of San Cristobal de las Casas, 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

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas DAY 4

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.

End your day with a delicious quesadilla or sandwich to refuel before returning to Tzimol. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty all in one day!

Rated 5-stars by more than 1,500 travellers on Tripadvisor.

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travelers

Victoria O.

September, 2022
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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Kris S.

April, 2022
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!
Kimkim Review of Rutopia

Melissa W.

July, 2022
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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Cat839

April, 2022
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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Sue G

June, 2022
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.
Kimkim Review of Rutopia
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Varadarajan

July, 2022
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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Elena R.

April, 2022
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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David

July, 2022
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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DaniEla

March, 2022
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!
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Bikø J

November, 2021
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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Alexhcros1500

March, 2021
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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Mikel D

April, 2021
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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Claudia A

September, 2020
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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pascalrichard0304

March, 2020
Circuit in Yucatan
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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Sabrina N

March, 2020
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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DAY 5 - Explore Montebello’s lakes & hike El Perol Trail

DAY 5 CHIAPAS

Discover the Natural Beauty of Los Lagos de Montebello! Today, you will visit 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

DAY 6 CHIAPAS Mexico Tour

Experience the Wonders of the Jungle at Canto de la Selva! After a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Canto de la Selva, an ecotourism hotel located on the banks of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. To get there, you’ll take a boat ride on the Lacantun River, one of the last 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 embark on a two-hour guided walk through the jungle, where you will learn about the secrets and stories of the place, including its majestic ceibas. With a bit of luck, you’ll also have the chance to observe some species that inhabit the Lacandon Jungle, such as pheasants, toucans, red macaws, or howler monkeys. The sound of the jungle is an extraordinary experience. Take a one-hour night walk in the evening and see the jungle in a different light. This is a unique and unforgettable experience.

DAY 7 - Yaxchilan, the Mayan city lost in time

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas 7

Start the day with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a 4-hour journey to the ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilan, also known as the “place of the green stones.” Once you arrive, you will be met by 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 Yaxchilan.

Spend approximately 2 hours exploring and learning about the history of this ancient city, examining the original paintings, steles, 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 - Lacanjá trekking & night walk at Nahá

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas DAY 8

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before setting off with a local Lacandon guide for a 4-5 hour (9 km) journey into the heart of the jungle. Explore the area’s natural beauty, including a small archeological site called Lacanja and a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. Your guide will also share their knowledge of the local fauna, flora, and medicinal plants.

After lunch at Campamento Lacandones, you will head to Nahá, a place of landscapes, stories, knowledge, colors, sounds, and silence. Here, you will participate in an archery workshop and learn how to make and prepare your own arrows and bow. Test your skills with a traditional bow and arrow, and enjoy a 2-hour evening walk (2 km) to hear the sounds of the jungle. You may even spot owls in the wild and admire their beauty with some luck. This full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the jungle’s natural beauty and learn traditional skills from a local guide.

DAY 9 - Nahá Reserve and Metzabok Lagoon

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas DAY 9

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Lacandon Jungle with our full-day tour. Start your day with a delicious breakfast before setting off with a local Lacandon guide for a 3 to 4-hour tour through the breathtaking Nahá Reserve.

You will begin with a 1-kilometer walk along a country road until you reach the trail entrance, where you will embark on a 3-kilometer trail (round trip) that leads to the stunning Nahá Lagoon. Your guide will share their knowledge of the different species of local flora and fauna as you take in the tranquility of the lake. Board a boat to navigate the waters and disembark for a 1-kilometer jungle trek near the water, where, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to spot a variety of local wildlife, including turtles and crocodiles. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Nahá before heading to Metzabok.

Metzabok, an exuberant lagoon located in the heart of the Lacandon Jungle, is considered a natural wonder and included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This vast territory extends along the banks of southern Chiapas, with 8,322 acres (3,368 hectares) of the rainforest ecosystem, home to an abundance of flora, fauna, bodies of water, and spectacular scenery. The Lacandon Maya, who have carefully guarded this area for hundreds of years, preserve and protect its beauty as it thrives as an eco-tourism destination. Take a boat trip to one of the lagoons, where you can discover trails leading to Maya ruins, cave paintings, and even human remains from hundreds of years ago.

After an action-packed day, you will head to Palenque, where you will spend the night.

DAY 10 - Palenque & Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas 10

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. 

Then, 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.

Spend a couple of hours enjoying the scenery, a refreshing swim, and relaxing by the water. When you return, your guide will be waiting for you with a delicious barbecue on the banks of the river, where he will cook meat, chicken, fresh salad, and fried plantains for dessert. Back to Palenque. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel. 

DAY 11 - Last day in Mexico

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas DAY 11

Today, your driver will take you from Palenque to Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (a 2-hours drive). We suggest flights after 1:00 pm. 

We are sure you will not leave as you started, this is the charm of Mexico, unique and beautiful, and there are more places to explore; we wait for you for the next adventure.

Create your Mexican adventure!

Our team will help you with free destination advice, activity ideas and provide full costings.

So you can stop dreaming and start packing! 

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