Chiapas tour

You leave in the early morning for Chiapas and the magical village of Chiapa de Corzo. You will descend to the river and embark on a tour of the famous Sumidero Canyon. An impressive geological fault more than 30 million years old, the Sumidero Canyon is a true natural beauty today. This place is emblematic for the inhabitants of Chiapas because it was the scene of the battle between the Spaniards and Chiapanecos. Legend has it that the Indians preferred to jump into the depths of the Sumidero rather than be subjected to the invaders. Nowadays, the walls reach 1000 meters high. Arrival at the end of the day in San Cristobal de las Casas. Located at more than 2000 meters above sea level, it is a city of undeniable charm and cultural and natural diversity, which has earned it the title of "pueblo magico". San Cristobal was one of the first cities built in the region. For many years it had different names and since 1848 it has been called San Cristobal de las Casas: "San Cristobal" in honor of the patron saint of travelers and "las Casas" for Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, the first bishop of the city who fought to abolish Indian slavery. Between ancient churches, indigenous markets, misty mountains, national parks and waterfalls, this region has a bewitching charm.

Driving directions: Tuxtla airport - Chiapa de Corzo 35km (40 min) / Chiapa de Corzo - San Cristobal de las Casas 55km (1h)

This morning, you will take the road early towards the national park of the lagoons of Montebello where you will discover about fifty small lakes with multicolored waters. At the entrance of the park, the road divides in two. On the left, you go towards the "lagunas de colores". Along the road, five lakes, whose color palette goes from turquoise to emerald green, follow one another: Agua Tinta, Esmeralda, Encantada, Ensueño and Agua Azul. As a bonus, the visit of the cave of San José. On the right, you will discover the laguna of Montebello (allowing to reach a mirador), Cinco Lagunas (La Cañada), laguna Pojoj (the only lake where swimming is possible) and Tziscao. Continuation to El Chiflón, a series of waterfalls with an enchanting decor if it is, in the middle of the forest! You will be able to bathe once again in the turquoise waters of the Chiapas torrents and appreciate the setting worthy of a child's tale. A change of scenery guaranteed!

Driving directions: San Cristobal de las Casas - Lagunas de Montebello 150km (3h) / Lagunas de Montebello - El Chiflon 90km (1h40) / El Chiflon - San Cristobal de las Casas 130km (2h30)

This morning, you will drive to San Juan Chamula and then to Zinacantan. You will get to know these two emblematic Tzotzil villages of Chiapas, with beautiful churches and customs that are still strongly marked. You will discover their tumultuous history, their resistance, their beliefs, their traditional clothing and their crafts. Beware of taking pictures, often refused by the villagers, especially in the churches where it is forbidden. Free afternoon to stroll through the streets of the "magic village" of San Cristobal de las Casas. Among the most popular tourist sites: the baroque style cathedral built in 1528, the temple of San Nicolas, one of the first to be dedicated exclusively to the indigenous people, built at the end of the 17th century, without forgetting the famous Plaza Mayor, known by its inhabitants as "the park".

Driving directions: San Cristobal de las Casas - San Juan Chamula 10km (30min) / San Juan Chamula - Zinacantan 10km (15min) / Zinacantan - San Cristobal de las Casas 15km (30min)

Departure for Palenque, an oasis in the Chiapanecan jungle. You will make a first stop at the Agua Azul Biosphere Reserve. Known as the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in the country, they are formed by the Otolun, Shamuljia and Tulija rivers. You will be able to follow the watercourse on foot and in some places you will see natural pools in which visitors can stop and bathe in the unique turquoise waters. You continue to stop a little later at Misol Ha and admire the waterfall immortalized in the movie Predator. This huge waterfall of about 25 meters high is fed by the waters of the Tzaconeja River. Arrival at the end of the day in Palenque, known as the place of great waters and which enchants its visitors. It was founded in 1567 by Fray Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada, who in 1573 donated three bells to the community as a symbol of the foundation of the people. Today only the most important bell is still in the church of the town and is the witness of its foundation. End of the day relaxation and rest at your hotel.

Driving directions: San Cristobal de las Casas - Agua Azul 160km (4h) / Agua Azul - Misol Ha 45km (1h15) / Misol Ha - Palenque 30km (40min)

Early morning visit to the ruins of Palenque, one of the most impressive sites of Mayan culture, bordered by its lush jungle. The name of the ancient city in Mayan language is "Lakamha", which means "the place of great waters". The city, along with Tikal (Guatemala) and Calakmul, was one of the most important cities of the Classic Maya period, the seat of the dynasty erected by King Pakal from 615 to 683 AD. It reached its peak between the years 600 and 800 AD. Palenque is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1987.
Possibility of continuing towards the biosphere of Catazaja. A small protected natural area, Catazaja is a refuge for thousands of local and migratory birds that come to find peace and quiet. It is possible to take a boat tour on the lagoon.

Driving directions : Palenque - Catazaja 40km (50min)

Departure from Palenque to Villahermosa to catch a domestic flight to your next destination.

Driving directions: Palenque - Villahermosa airport 135km (2h)