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Tour Overview
Join our 5-day tour and go in the track of the world´s oldest civilization that ever existed in our history. Explore the unique archaeological site of Palenque, and unveil the heritage of the Ancient Mayan culture. Sail down the Sumidero Canyon and admire the gems of local nature, before you walk down the picturesque streets of San Cristobal de las Casas and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere in San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. You will be astonished by the marvellous beauty of the Montebello Lakes and refreshing bath under the Chiflón´s waterfall that will leave a memorable experience. This trip is full of a rich and exciting adventure that will leave you with stories to tell for years! ...more ...less
Highlights
Sumidero Canyon: The imposing1000-meter-high cliff rising above the Grijalva
Sail down the peaceful waters of the canyon and admire the natural gems of mother nature
Palenque: Old Mayan city, protecting the rich Mayan architecture, sculpture, roof comb, and bas-relief carvings
Montebello Lakes: the most scenic spot in the National Montebello Park, a protected area located in the state and enjoy the spectacular views over its multicolour lakes with tones ranging from midnight blue to turquoise
Places You'll See
Central Square in San Cristobal de Las Casas
Del Carmen Arch Tower, San Cristobal de las Casas
Agua Azul turquoise waterfall and cascade, Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Palenque
Itinerary
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Day 1
:
ARRIVAL TUXTLA GUTIERREZ – SUMIDERO CANYON – SAN CRISTOBAL (80 km – 1.5 hrs)
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas
Del Carmen Arch Tower, San Cristobal de las Casas
Central Square in San Cristobal de Las Casas
The San Cristobal Cathedral
Location: San Cristobal de las Casas
Upon your arrival at Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport, meet and greet is followed by the transfer to Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s outstanding natural phenomena (In order to participate on Sumidero Canyon boat tour, please make sure your arrival arrangements are not later than 01:00 pm). Once in Sumidero Canyon, we embark on the boat to experience 2-hours boat trip along the imposing canyon bed. Find yourself dwarfed by the sheer scale of its high walls, covered in thick vegetation. Admire the beautiful wildlife, such as crocodiles, monkeys, and birds and the great variety of flora of the surrounding rainforest. After the boat ride, we continue to San Cristobal de las Casas with drop-off at your hotel.
Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Day 2
:
SAN CRISTOBAL – SAN JUAN CHAMULA AND ZINACANTAN – SAN CRISTOBAL (30 km – 1 hr)
San Cristobal de las Casas
Central Square in San Cristobal de Las Casas
The San Cristobal Cathedral
Del Carmen Arch Tower, San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas
Location: San Cristobal de las Casas
Wake up early to your breakfast, meet your guide and get ready for the visit of the indigenous villages San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to see the whitewashed cathedral with colourful ornamentation and pine-scented is a real marvel and the candlelight in the interior evocates the spiritual atmosphere. The towns are almost entirely inhabited by Tzotzil Maya, a tribe with their unique language and specific way of clothing. Try regional drink in Zinacantan and learn the loom waste weaving techniques which are dating back to pre-Columbian times. Taste traditional hand-made tortilla and once back in San Cristobal de las Casas, learn about the historical sites during the city tour where you can admire marvels of the colonial architecture. After this half-day tour transfer back to San Cristobal and the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Day 3
:
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS - MONTEBELLO LAKES & CHIFLON´S WATERFALL – SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS (230 km – 5.5 hrs)
Del Carmen Arch Tower, San Cristobal de las Casas
The San Cristobal Cathedral
San Cristobal de las Casas
Central Square in San Cristobal de Las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas
Location: San Cristobal de las Casas
Rise and shine early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Approx. at 8:00 am departure towards Montebello lakes. En route, you will visit a small community in Amatenango de Valle, “The Toen of Potters” and you will learn the traditional way of mud crafting. Further on continue to Montebello Lakes and Chiflón´s waterfall, stunning natural phenomena, refreshing bath under the waterfall wake up your senses and leave a memorable experience. Return to San Cristóbal around 7:30 pm and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Day 4
:
SAN CRISTOBAL – WATERFALLS - PALENQUE (230 km – 5.5 hrs)
Palenque
Ancient Mayan temples in the ruined city of Palenque
Central Square in San Cristobal de Las Casas
Agua Azul turquoise waterfall and cascade, Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Misol Ha waterfall near Palenque
Mayan ruins in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Location: Palenque
Today you will be departing from San Cristobal de las Casas early in the morning at around 4:00 am and you will be heading towards Palenque, one of the most beautiful areas conserving Mayan heritage. En route, you can take a refreshing bath in Agua Azul waterfalls surrounded by rainforest and feel the energy of the natural wonder. Upon your arrival at Palenque, visit the temples of Palenque. This archaeological site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it boasts some of the finest Mayan architecture, sculpture, roof comb, and bas-relief carvings. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the premises, admiring its beauty and gathering interesting information. You will check in to your hotel at approx. 6:00 pm and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Palenque.
Day 5
:
PALENQUE – LA VENTA – DEPARTURE VILLAHERMOSA (407 km – 5.5 hrs)
Location: Villahermosa
Enjoy your last morning breakfast at the hotel in Palenque, after which you will be departing towards Villahermosa, located on the riverbank of Grijalva and Carrizal. En route, you will visit the La Venta Museum, where you can admire the Olmec culture, with its exhibition of 36 outdoor monoliths, among which the Head of Jaguar, the Monkey Looking at Heaven, the Humanized Jaguar, and many other. At a convenient time, we will make the transfer to Villahermosa airport. (Estimated arrival at Villahermosa airport is at 5:00 pm, please arrange your flight accordingly)
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with Spanish and English-speaking local guides in each destination on a shared basis during the activities
ACCOMMODATION:
4 night’s hotel accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2, 3 San Cristobal de las Casas
Standard Hotel Category = Mansión de los Angeles or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Casa Mexicana or similar 4*
Day 4 Palenque
Standard Hotel Category = Tulija Express or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Chan Kah or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Pre-night in Tuxtla Gutierrez:
Deluxe Hotel Category: Marriot Tuxtla Gutierrez or similar 5*; bed and breakfast basis and shared transfer from TGZ Airport to the hotel with Spanish-speaking assistance
MEALS:
4 Breakfasts
TRANSPORT:
Arrival shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus from Tuxtla Gutierrez airport
Departure shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus to Villahermosa Airport
Shared transportation in an air-conditioning bus throughout the tour
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Sumidero Canyon boat tour (Day 1), San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan sightseeing tour and San Cristobal de las Casas city tour (Day 2), Montebello Lakes and Chiflon´s waterfall sightseeing tour, Amatenango del Valle visit (Day 3), Agua Azul waterfalls, Palenque ruins (Day 4), La Venta Museum (Day 5)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
What's Not Included
Domestic nor International flights
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
City tax not included, payable on the spot
Any visit not mentioned in the program
Porterage and gratuities
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. r>
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Please Note
Day 1: In order to participate on the Sumidero Canyon boat tour, please make sure your arrival arrangements are not later than 01:00 pm
Day 2: Taking photos in temples in San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, is prohibited
Due to the general maintenance works of La Venta Park, we will visit the Carlos Pellicer Cámara Regional Museum of Anthropology instead.
Day 5: Estimated arrival at Villahermosa airport is at 05:00 pm. Please arrange your departure flights accordingly
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Guests may be mixed with other guests of other nationalities, but the guide in the vehicle will speak English and Spanish
There is no guarantee that you will be part of the same group during the tour
The assigned guide and group size may change during the itinerary
Late check-out, early check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Mexico, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2, 3 San Cristobal de las Casas
Standard Hotel Category = Mansión de los Angeles or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Casa Mexicana or similar 4*
Day 4 Palenque
Standard Hotel Category = Tulija Express or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Chan Kah or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Pre-night in Tuxtla Gutierrez:
Deluxe Hotel Category: Marriot Tuxtla Gutierrez or similar 5*; bed and breakfast basis and shared transfer from TGZ Airport to the hotel with Spanish-speaking assistance
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2, 3 San Cristobal de las Casas
Standard Hotel Category = Mansión de los Angeles or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Casa Mexicana or similar 4*
Day 4 Palenque
Standard Hotel Category = Tulija Express or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Chan Kah or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Pre-night in Tuxtla Gutierrez:
Deluxe Hotel Category: Marriot Tuxtla Gutierrez or similar 5*; bed and breakfast basis and shared transfer from TGZ Airport to the hotel with Spanish-speaking assistance
Check out our Q&As
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Arrival shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus from Tuxtla Gutierrez airport
Departure shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus to Villahermosa Airport
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Sumidero Canyon boat tour (Day 1), San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan sightseeing tour and San Cristobal de las Casas city tour (Day 2), Montebello Lakes and Chiflon´s waterfall sightseeing tour, Amatenango del Valle visit (Day 3), Agua Azul waterfalls, Palenque ruins (Day 4), La Venta Museum (Day 5)
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 10 years and above
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Operated with Spanish and English-speaking local guides in each destination on a shared basis during the activities
Are flights included in this tour?
Domestic nor International flights are included
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
What is the maximum group size?
The assigned guide and group size may change during the itinerary
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Destination Services Mexico requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services mexico charges.
At 6 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Chiapas Experience
5 Days Starting in San Cristobal de las Casas and ending in Villahermosa
Visiting:
San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Villahermosa
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