Uncovering Chiapas

After breakfast, we will head out on a hike through the Chiapan countryside, visiting the villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. San Juan Chamula, to visit its cemetery and famous church, with images and artifacts representing a unique combination of Mayan and Catholic beliefs. 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. 

We can also visit will some traditional artisans to enjoy hand-made tortillas, and sample home-brewed fire water, before heading back to San Cristobal for the evening. 

Today we will head out 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. Amatenango del Valle, is located on a small hill overlooking a fertile valley. Here, we will get the chance to join in and try your hand at pre-Hispanic pottery! 

Today, we will visit Agua Azul and Misol Há. Agua Azul is a series of spectacular waterfalls. As we walk up the path we can see the falls cascading down the rock face. At the top, you will find calmer waters waiting to be washed down the falls. Back at the bottom, take a swim in the calm pools of blue water before heading off to Misol Há. 

Surrounded by lush forest, the waters of Misol Há drop into a round pool. We can walk along a path underneath the rushing water to feel its power and get, a very refreshing, shower from the spray. 

We will then head to the town of Palenque for a well-earned rest. 

After breakfast, we will explore some of the lesser-visited yet most-impressive sites of the ancient Maya world. Yaxchilan was an important Mayan city deep in the jungle and along the banks of the Usumacinta River. We can explore this archeologically important site whilst enjoying the calls of curious howler monkeys watching you from the ruins and surrounding forest.  The guide will be there to help you make the most of your trip. We will then head to The Lacandon forest and Bonampak, a mysterious archeological site with wall paintings depicting war scenes, sacrifices and celebrations 

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! Nestled deep in jungle, at the foot of the Sierra Madre del Sur, Palenque’s setting is as memorable as the site itself. It is an important site for the wealth of knowledge it provides about the practices of the ancient Maya world. After lunch, we will head to the Gulf of Mexico and the vibrant economic centre of Villahermosa. We will visit the outdoor museum, to learn about the Olmec civilization which came into being around 3,000 years ago. We will then enjoy our final evening of the tour!