The Mayan Roads

14 Days

TripAdvisor-5 stars

The Mayan Roads

14 Days

TripAdvisor-5 stars

Destinations: Tuxtla GutiérrezSan Cristóbal de las CasasMontebello LakesYaxchilánNahá ReservePalenqueCampecheUxmal Archaeological SiteMéridaValladolidChichén Itzá

Highlights

  • Take a boat ride and contemplate the natural wonder of the Sumidero Canyon
  • Connect with nature in the Nahá Reserve
  • Explore the archaeological sites of Palenque, Uxmal and Chichén Itzá.
  • Walk through the historic center of Mérida and notice its pre-Hispanic and colonial influence
MEXICO MAP FOR TOURS

DAY 1 - Visit Sumidero Canyon Natural Park

Grijalva River, Sumidero Canyon, Mexico

Welcome to Chiapas! 

Your local driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the first tour of your trip. You will head towards the Islet of Cahuaré embarkation point near Chiapa de Corzo, approximately a 25 minutes drive. Here, you will board a motorboat with other travelers to navigate along the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon,  a stunning natural formation whose geologic roots reach back approximately 136 million years ago. Its walls reach 2,624 ft (800 m) in height above the Grijalva River in the middle of lush vegetation. During the journey, you will see a wide diversity of wildlife, flora, and fauna such as bromeliads, pines, river crocodiles, and spider monkeys. 

You’ll also see some waterfalls, caves, and interesting rock formations as you learn about the area’s nature. After your excursion, transfer to the charming town of San Cristobal de las Casas.

View of the Sumidero Canyon from the Grijalva River.

DAY 2 - Cooking Experience in Zinacantan & The Flavours of San Cristobal de las Casas

Cooking Experiance in Zinacantan

Today’s half-day adventure introduces you to the rhythms of local life as you feel the sun on your skin, smell the smoke in the air, and taste the traditional dishes of a charming local town. The day begins with a walk to the Tzotzil community of Zinacantan, where you’ll be welcomed into a local house to meet your hosts and take a look at the kitchen where you will later prepare the food. If you visit during the growing season, you’ll take an hour’s walk to a traditional cornfield, learning all about the ancient cultivation cycles known as milpa. Harvest the produce for today’s meal, then return to the house to get cooking!

In the early afternoon. Enjoy a five-course dinner that introduces you to the traditional flavors of the colonial town of San Cristóbal de Las Casas. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, where you will be able to ask about the creation process of each dish and interact with the open kitchen tasting. For two hours, you’ll be led on an immersive culinary experience as you follow the process of each dish and savor the many wonderful flavors of the region.

DAY 3 - Day in San Cristobal de las Casas

Enjoy a free day to explore this quiet town in the hills. Walking is the best way to get to know the true San Cristóbal, so take your time and enjoy getting lost in its narrow and colorful streets. From the lovely churches to the animated plazas, spend the day resting and learning about the regional culture.

The city is home to many churches, ex – convents, and museums. Some suggested cultural sites to enjoy are The Cathedral, the ex-convent of Santo Domingo, or the Church of Guadalupe. You could also visit “Lagrimas de la Selva”, an artisan amber workshop, the Jade Museum, the museum showcasing the typical dress of Sergio Castro, or the Na-Bolom Museum. Or, simply enjoy a delicious, aromatic coffee cup in one of the town’s many coffee shops.

DAY 4 - Explore Montebello’s Lake

Lagunas de Montebello en Chiapas

Today, you will visit one of the most emblematic places in the state of Chiapas, Los Lagos de Montebello, a site made up of countless lagoons with turquoise and emerald tones that are part of this wonderful Natural Protected Area. This site is considered a National Park because it is located in a hydrological region of high biological richness in which there are more than 157 species of orchids, as well as more than 93 species of fungi and due to its characteristics is considered an area of high importance for the conservation of birds. During this tour that takes approximately 1 hour you will visit one of the lakes in the area paddling a traditional boat made of intertwined wooden logs, you will appreciate the shades of blue that as the sunlight penetrates them will give you the opportunity to contemplate a landscape of great scenic beauty surrounded by nature and tranquillity. Back to San Cristobal.

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!
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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.
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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 - From San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque.

large Misolha waterfall

Start your day with a private transfer to the city of Palenque. On the road, you’ll stop for breakfast at a roadside cafe.   Your first visit of the day is the Agua Azul waterfalls: the indigo color of the water, the bright green of the vegetation, the breeze in the air, and the calming sound of the water contribute to making this place one of the most spectacular spots of Mexico.

Your next visit is to the Misol-Ha waterfall, which cascades from 115 ft (35 m). Spend some time enjoying the refreshing water and taking photos as you soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The tour continues with a sunset visit to Palenque to visit one of Mexico’s most renowned archaeological sites. Sunset is the ideal time to visit, as there are no crowds, and the sunset provides a spectacular backdrop to learn about the area’s history. 

Explore the lesser-known archaeological area of Palenque today, 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 city was taken over by the forest, until people re-discovered it and began excavations. Since then, the site has been recognized for its historic value and given a UNESCO designation. These days, the ruins are one of Mexico’s most interesting Maya sites, with plenty of artefacts that shed insight into the myths, rituals, beliefs, and lives of its people. 

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, going for a refreshing swim, and relaxing by the water before heading back to town.

DAY 6 - Yaxchilán: The Mayan city hidden in the jungle

City in the jungle Mexico travel

Today after breakfast you will take the road to visit  the ancient Mayan city of Yaxchilan, the “place of the green stones”. With your local guide, you will board a motorboat to navigate the Usumacinta River, the largest in Central America and which acts as a natural border between Guatemala and Mexico, you will travel the river for approximately 40 minutes while you go into the heart of the jungle until you reach the city of Yaxchilan. Once at the site you will visit and learn, for approximately 2 hours, about the history of the most emblematic buildings of the place through the original paintings thousands of years old, steles and lintels that narrate the lifestyle and government of that pre-Hispanic city, in the end, you will take the boat back to the pier, hopefully on the way back you can see some endemic birds and wildlife of the place. Finally, your driver will take you to Nahá.

DAY 7 - Nature Exploration at the Nahá Reserve

Culture & Jungle in Chiapas DAY 8

Head deep into the jungle today, as a Lacandon guide accompanies you on a 2.5-hour tour through the remarkable Nahá Reserve. Listen as they share their knowledge of the different species of local flora and fauna, and contemplate the tranquility of Lake Nahá, where you’ll board a boat to navigate across the waters. Disembark for a short jungle trek near the water, where, with a little luck, you’ll be able to spot a variety of local wildlife, including turtles and crocodiles. 

At sunset, head out with your local Lacandon guide to look for nocturnal birds. You will have the opportunity to walk around the Jungle Lodge to listen to stories and try to spot the owls that inhabit the place.

DAY 8 - Create & Shoot: Lacandon Bow & Arrow Workshop in Nahá

Arrow making

Until 50 years ago, the Lacandon Maya were a nomadic tribe living in the deep jungle of Chiapas. In today’s workshop, you will gain insight into their history and culture, and discover how they used handmade arrows and bows to hunt and feed their families. During the hour-long experience, learn how to turn a dry cane into a light and balanced arrow. You will feather the top, add the tip made with different stones, and finally tie it together to create your very own arrow. Once you’re happy with your creation, it’s time to test it out and demonstrate your archery skills!

Then, you will participate in a clay workshop, a material that’s been in use since pre-Hispanic times to make utensils and model figures of gods. The workshop is guided by one of the Lacandon artists, who will guide you to use your skills and imagination to create a unique clay piece, let your hands remember long-forgotten memories, and rediscover your creative and spiritual side. At the end your driver will take you to Palenque.

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PLAN

DAY 9 - Transfer to Campeche via Cenote Azul

Water caverns Yucatán Peninsula

Your driver will pick you up this morning for a transfer to the walled city of Campeche. On the way, you’ll stop for a fascinating visit to one of the most famous natural attractions of the Yucatán Peninsula. Cenotes, baptized by the Maya as dz’onot or “water caverns,” are formed by the erosion of the region’s limestone, creating countless unique and extraordinary swimming holes and sinkholes that dot the landscape.

You will have plenty of free time to enjoy these natural wonders, diving into the stunning Cenote Azul or walking a trail that leads to two other scenic cenotes in the area, surrounded by incredible flora and fauna. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as kayaking or admiring the view from a zip line located 278 feet (85 m) above. At the end of your visit, your driver will continue to Campeche where you will spend the night.

DAY 10 - Explore the Archaeological Site of Uxmal - Night in Merida

Your driver will take you to the archaeological site of Uxmal, where your guide will tell you a little more about this impressive landmark. Meaning “thrice built” in Mayan, the name refers to the site’s crowning glory: the Pyramid of the Magician. Built atop the existing pyramids, legend has it that this monumental structure was constructed in a single night. However, this is very unlikely since it consists of several structures from different eras! 

This city stands out for its grand architecture and decorative art in the Puuc style, with low, horizontal palaces built around patios. The detail is incredible, and you’ll appreciate the quality of indigenous art as you discover intricate sculptures made with polished stones that form a perfect mosaic. During its heyday, the city was one of the largest in Mesoamerica: at its peak, Uxmal was home to some 20,000 Maya. Transfer to Merida.

DAY 11 - City Tour of Merida: The White City

main avenue Paseo Montejo

Spend some time exploring the historic city center of Merida, also known as the White City. Founded on top of what was once the Mayan city of Ichcaanzihó (better known as T’Hó), today Merida is a modern city that has developed a specific cultural identity due to its isolation from the rest of Mexico. Learn about the city’s indigenous roots, as well as its colonial history as you walk through Merida. You’ll see examples of colonial architecture, including the Cathedral, the Municipal Palace, and stroll along the city’s main avenue: Paseo Montejo.

DAY 12 - Visit Chichen Itza and swim in the mystical cenote of Yokdzonot

Chichen Itza pyramid, Yucatan

Today you will meet your local guide to visit  the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. This pre-Hispanic city is recognized as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once the  most revered centre of worship and pilgrimage on the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Then, you will have lunch and swim in the cenote of Yokdzonot. In 2005, a group of women from the rural  community of Yokdzonot, Yucatan, organized to transform the Mayan cenote of their village into a unique ecotourism site. The cenotes were  the main source of water supply in the middle of the Mayan jungle, which motivated the  development of cities and settlements. They were also seen as symbolic settings and spaces  for rain, life, death, rebirth and fertility rituals. This is why they were so sacred to this culture. This cenote is quite unknown, so it is not as crowded as others and its waters have a cool  temperature to mitigate the heat outside. Back to Valladolid.

DAY 13 - Cultural & natural immersion in Yalcobá

COOKING WORKSHOPS IN MEXICO

Visit the Mayan community of Yalcobá in Valladolid, Yucatán and enjoy a day of cultural immersion. You will have a full day full of adventure and fun, because here, you will have a guided tour through the Milpa and the Mayan Forest, you will explore caves, get to know wonderful virgin cenotes where you can swim. Finally, you will have the opportunity to visit the handicrafts workshop that stands out for its jewelry from bull horn and weaved hammocks.  Mayan gastronomy is another of the many treasures you will find in this town, so you will participate in a delicious gastronomic workshop that will allow you to learn about the regional food.

DAY 14 - Transfer from Valladolid to Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Private transfer – 2 hours – Goodbye Mexico!

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

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