Adventure in Chiapas

Upon arrival into Chiapas, you’ll be greeted by an Almaz Journeys representative outside the airport who will transfer you to your accommodations. Your guide will welcome you to the city while you drive to your hotel. The international airport is located in Tuxtla Gutierrez about an hour from San Cristobal de las Casas.

Home to some of the countries most autonomous indigenous groups, the Mexican state of Chiapas is unlike any other location in Mexico. Here you will find the jungle, incredible Mayan ruins, the beautiful city of San Cristobal de Las Casas, and thriving indigenous villages. Chiapas is a great option for families or couples who are hoping to see a more adventurous side of Mexico.

Lodging Option: Hotel Bo

This modern option nestled in the heart of colonial San Cristobal de las Casas is an excellent option offering a plethora of amenities. In a city where space is limited this hotel offers an outdoor pool, large rooms, and arguably the cities best dining option – Lum restaurant.

After breakfast your guide and driver will pick you up for the 15 minute drive into the Chiapas highlands, to the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. The Tzotzils descend from the ancient Maya and maintain some unique customs, style of dress, and beliefs.

You will visit the beautiful white church in San Juan Chamula – the candles incense and chanting worshipers make a powerful impression. You will continue on to the nearby village of Zinacantan, with its pretty church and handicraft market.

You will return to San Cristobal de Las Casas with time to relax and enjoy dinner.

Today you will drive to the town of Chiapa de Corzo, located 45 miles west of San Cristobal, on the Grijalva River. Once arriving you and your guide will board a motorboat (shared service) at Cahuare pier to take you through the magnificent Sumidero Canyon, nearly a mile deep and 9 miles long, carved out by the Grijalva River over millions of years. As the boat navigates between towering sheer rock walls and along beautiful caves and waterfalls, your guide will point out a variety of unusual plants, as well as many animals and birds, including monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, herons, and kingfishers.

Back in Chiapa de Corzo, your guide take you on a walking tour of the pleasant colonial town, founded by the conquistador Diego de Mazariegos in 1528, the town was built around a large giant Ceiba tree considered sacred to the Indians.

After exploring the town you will head back to San Cristobal de las Casas where you will enjoy a walking tour of the city.

Enjoy today at leisure in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Surrounded by pine forest and nestled in a highland valley, San Cristobal de Las Casas is one of Mexico’s most atmospheric small mountain cities. Located in the state of Chiapas, this corner of Mexico is known for it’s large indigenous population and well preserved traditional towns. This can be felt in the city which boasts sprawling markets, windy cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs, and cozy cafes serving locally produced coffee.

Today you will drive from San Cristobal de Las Casas to Palenque, prepare for a long journey. The road between the two cities is windy at times and takes about 7 hours.

To break up the drive you will make stops along the way, the first being the ruins of Mayan ruins od Tonina. You will then visit Misol-Ha, which is a 100 foot water fall, the rushing waters of the river Tzaconeja come plummeting down in what is one of the most impressive images of Chiapas.

You will then continue to Palenque (the city not the archaeological site) where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Lodging Option: Quinta Chanabnal

This hotel set amidst the jungles of Palenque is one of the best options for its proximity to the ruins and its large outdoor pool. Of course, Palenque is off the beaten path and its hotel options reflect this. A good place to relax and rest for the adventures that await.

Today after breakfast your private guide and driver will pick you up and take you to the archaeological site of Palenque. Palenque flourished between AD600 and 800, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River.

The site, surrounded by rainforest where toucans and howler monkeys live, is made up of some 500 buildings spread over 15 square km, of which only a few have been excavated. You will explore the magnificent ruins, including the Temple of the Inscriptions – the tallest and stateliest of Palenque’s buildings, the Temple of the Sun – crowned with a prominent roof comb, The Palace – with its maze of corridors and rooms, and many other beautiful buildings.

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport in a private transfer for onward travel (flight not included). The international airport is located in Villahermosa about 2.5 hours north of Palenque.