Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at the Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport at 12:00 PM (by Flight AM553), you will be met by your driver (he will be waiting for you outside of the baggage claim area holding a sign with your name on it) and transferred to your hotel in San Cristóbal de las Casas. (This service is on a private basis.)

San Cristobal de las Casas

Nestled in the Central Highlands of Mexico, in the state of Chiapas sits the incredibly picturesque town of San Cristóbal de las Casas at an elevation of 2,200 m (7,200 ft). This charming town was founded by the Spanish as a military fort in 1528 and is the cultural center of the state and a hub for exploring this region brimming with rich history and natural wonders.

As you tour the streets of San Cris, as it is known by many, you will sense the Spanish colonial history in the cobblestone streets, colorful Baroque and Moorish buildings, old Cathedral and the city center. You will also experience the still present indigenous population and the highly visible culture in the markets, on the streets, and in the neighboring communities. You may even need to find creative ways to communicate with some of the local who only speak indigenous languages.

San Cristobal de Las Casas Private City Tour

Pick up time: 9:00 AM. Explore the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, with its red-tiled roof houses and narrow winding streets. Led by your expert guide you will visit the churches, museums, and markets of the city, discovering local textiles and handicrafts. (This service is on a private basis.)

Private Tour to Indigenous Villages & Sumidero Canyon

Pick up time: 8:00 AM. After breakfast, you will visit the indigenous village of San Juan Chamula (10km, 25 minutes). The Tzotzil Maya of San Juan Chamula practice very interesting religious rituals that blend pre-Hispanic traditions with Catholicism. You will visit the church in the center of town, where there are no pews and no altar. Instead, worshippers kneel on the floor, lighting candles and chanting. Seven kilometers west of Chamula is another indigenous Tzotzil Maya town, San Lorenzo Zinacantán. Zinacantán is one of the most colorful communities in the highlands, with locals wearing red, blue, and purple clothing embroidered with large flowers. You will visit the traditional back-strap weavers, and sample handmade tortillas and the local home-brewed fire-water.

Afterward, you will be driven to the docking pier on Rio Grijalva, just outside of Chiapa de Corzo (32km, 35 minutes) for the Sumidero Canyon boat tour. The Sumidero Canyon is a national park located just outside of the capital of Chiapas State, Tuxtla Gutierrez. This large canyon’s cliffs rise some 900 meters above sea level. You will make your way by boat through the canyon along the Grijalva River, which extends across the states of Chiapas and Tabasco and flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The canyon that developed as a result of a geographical fault during the Pleistocene Era is home to a plethora of wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys, and marine birds. There are also a number of unusual rock formations to observe as you jet along this blue-green river and take in the view. The boat tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

When the boat ride is over, you will be driven to Chiapa de Corzo for lunch (not included) before heading to San Cristóbal de las Casas (65km, 1 hour 15 minutes). (This service is on a private basis.)

En Route to Palenque via Agua Azul Waterfalls

Pick up time: 8:00 AM. After a beautiful time in San Cristobal, your driver will meet with you and take you to Palenque. En route, you will visit Agua Azul (160km, 3 hours) to swim in the bright blue waters under this vast cascade. After your visit, you'll continue on the rest of the way to your hotel in Palenque (310 km, 6 hours). Time for lunch will be provided but meals are not included. (This service is on a private basis.)

Palenque

The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is a fascinating archaeological Mayan zone located in the State of Chiapas. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for representing a masterpiece of human creative genius, Palenque is a prime example of a Mayan sanctuary during the Classical Period.

The site of Palenque is estimated to span nearly 25 square miles and contain over 1,000 documented buildings, however, less than 10% of the city has actually been excavated. Of the small area which has been uncovered, visitors witness beautiful craftsmanship and architecture which shed light into Mayan mythology, bearing unique testimony to the Maya culture. The 75ft high Temple of the Inscriptions contains one of the only crypts found inside a pyramid in Mexico!

Yaxchilan and Bonampak

Pick up time: 6:00 AM. Discover the ancient Mayan cities of Bonampak and Yaxchilán. Together with your guide, you will spend a full day visiting these two unique archeological sites. Observe the carefully preserved murals at Bonampak which narrate the Mayan life and rituals. Later on, continue your tour by taking a boat trip down the Usumacinta River to reach Yaxchilán. The river is an archeological site on the banks surrounded by the jungle. Time for lunch will be provided but meals are not included. (This service is on a private basis.)

Palenque Archaeological Zone & Misol Ha Waterfall

Pick up time: 8:00 AM. This exploration of Maya history and natural wonders will take you to the archeological site of Palenque and the Misol Há waterfall. Explore Palenque and learn about the inscriptions found there that narrate 180 years of the city’s history. Climb up the temples that offer impressive vistas over the lush jungle all around, before heading to the Misol Há waterfall to observe its powerful natural force. Time for lunch will be provided but meals are not included. (This service is on a private basis.)

Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. At 8:00 AM, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the Villahermosa airport (140km, 2 hours) in good time to board your flight departing at 12:01 PM (by Flight AM 506). (This service is on a private basis.)

We wish you safe and happy travels home!