Cultural Chiapas

After breakfast, we will head out on a walking tour of San Cristobal, including the fruit and vegetable market, handicrafts market, churches of Santo Domingo and The Cathedral. We will then then visit the Tzotzil community of San Juan Chamula, famous for its traditions and festivals.  It is home to one of the most enigmatic churches in the country and the Chamulas participate in sacred rituals creating the mystical atmosphere. We will then continue on to  Zinacantan another tzotzil community, where there is a temple from the colonial ages and where we can appreciate the eclectic mixture of catholic and indigenous beliefs. Most of the Zinacantecos cultivate colourful flowers. We will then head back to San Cristobal for the evening. 

Today, we will head out to visit Chicultic, a fascinating Mayan archeological site with the addition of stunning scenery of lakes and wide valleys adding to its charisma. We will visit 5 of these impressive lagoons, famous for the different coloured waters, caused by the sediments and light refractions. On the return journey, we will stop off to visit a local pottery community called Amatenango Del Valle, famous for its pottery and the traditional methods of cooking the clay on an open wooden stove. We will then return to San Cristobal de las Casas for the evening. 

After breakfast we will leaving San Cristobal passing through the town of Ocosingo. We will visit The Agua Azul Cascades and rapids which plummet into the Tulija River. The crystal clear water of the river are captivating and inviting. Eventually, we will arrive in Palenque, where we will spend the evening.

Today, we will head out on a visit to the archeological zone of Bonampak, a mysterious archeological site with wall paintings depicting war scenes, sacrifices and celebrations. We will then head to the Frontera Corozal to take a boat along the Usumacinta River. Here we can spot spider monkeys, crocodiles and tropical birds, in their natural habitat, with the Peten Jungle on one side and the Lacandon Jungle on the other. We will then arrive at the archeological zone of Yaxchilan, an important Mayan city deep in the jungle, In the afternoon, we will head back to the town of Palenque. 

Today we will visit the stunningly impressive Mayan archaeological site of Palenque.The sculptures and spectacular architecture, with the backdrop of the lush, green rainforest is a sight to behold! green jungle. We will then drop you off at either The Villahermosa airport for your onward flight or to a hotel in Campeche, depending on your travel plans. This marks the end of this cultural tour!