Adventurous Chiapas

After breakfast, we will head out on a bike excursion through the Chiapan countryside, visiting the villages of Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula. Your bike trip is adapted to your interests and accompanied by an emergency vehicle. We will ride through San Cristobal, admiring the beautiful colonial streets and alleys lined with red-roof tiles and white-washed walls. We will then pass through Zinacantan, a Tzotzil Maya village outside of San Cristobal, famous for its flowers and being the only source of salt in the Chiapas Highlands. Next is San Juan Chamula and its famous church, with images and artefacts representing a unique combination of Mayan and Catholic beliefs. 

Today we leave San Cristobal for the Montebello Lakes for a full day in this remarkable group of over fifty lakes, lagoons and ponds. Each lake varies in size, shape, and colour, ranging from emerald green to cobalt blue. We will hike among these lakes and the surrounding pine forest, offering dramatic views over the valleys below. We will then drive to the hacienda in Comitan for dinner and to settle in for the evening.

As we descend from the Chiapas highlands, we drop into the Lacandona Rainforest. We will make a stop at the Las Nubes Waterfall on the colourful Santo Domingo River. Here we will head out on a short hike in this stunning area of natural beauty. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue to Las Guacamayas, an ecotourism centre and where we will spend the next couple of days. The lodge focuses on the conservation of the macaw. Relax in your cabanas with a private bathroom, fall asleep to the jungle sounds as you prepare for the next day’s adventure. The Lacandona Rainforest is a protected area with excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, including jaguars and eagles, tucans, red macaws, curassows, tucancillo collarejo, and wild turkeys. 

Choose from a number of options included in today's activities. You can take a two-hour boat trip on the Rio Lacantun for birdwatching and wildlife or walk to areas of the jungle where we hope to see the macaws in their habitat. If you simply want to relax at the lodge and listening to the sounds of the forest as you sip on a cold drink, that is also an option! Today can be customized based on your interests and energy levels. 

After breakfast, we will leave Las Guacamayas and head to Yaxchitlan, a Mayan archaeological site known for its strategic location on a bend in the Usumacinta River. The site displays ornamental facades and carved stone slabs that depict Mayan battles and ceremonial events. This remote site is lesser-visited than other Mayan ruins in the area and offers more peace and space to explore the spectacular ruins with your guide's assistance. 

Today, we will head out on a rafting trip along the Lacanja. This scenic river cuts through lush green jungle, passing by small waterfalls and pools, offering variation between calm, still waters and exciting rapids, perfect for a day's rafting! In the afternoon, we will visit Bonampak, a mysterious archaeological site with wall paintings depicting war scenes, sacrifices and celebrations. In the evening, we will travel to Palenque, where we will spend the evening.

Today we will visit the stunningly impressive Mayan archaeological site of Palenque. With the backdrop of the lush, green rainforest, the sculptures and spectacular architecture is a sight to behold! Palenque was an important centre during the height of Mayan civilization and dates back to 100 BC. It is unclear what led to its fall around 900 AD. You may explore and perhaps develop your own theories! This massive complex spread over 15 sq. km., only the central area has been excavated 

After Palenque, we will continue to the impressive Mishol-Ha Waterfall that cascades into a pool surrounded by lush, green vegetation. An optional path winds behind the main falls that acts as a curtain and leads into a hidden cave. Be prepared to get wet, of course, but it is a welcome break from the heat of the day.

Today is the final day of the tour. We will head to Villahermosa in time for a late morning or afternoon flight home or onto your next destination!