Please note: not all activities shown in the video are included in the tour, and some experiences that are part of the trip aren’t featured in the footage. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for full details.
Begin with a boat ride through the towering cliffs of Sumidero Canyon 🚤, where vultures glide overhead and crocodiles rest along the riverbanks.
Then, wander the colourful streets of San Cristóbal 🌈, browse its lively market, stroll the colonial avenues, and visit the fascinating Textile Museum 🧵. Meet the Tsotsil communities of Zinacantán and Chamula to experience living traditions up close.
Stop for a refreshing swim at the turquoise cascades of Agua Azul 💦 before exploring the jungle-covered temples of Palenque 🛕. Continue into the lush Lacandona jungle to uncover the remote ruins of Bonampak 🌿 — travelling by boat to reach Yaxchilán, hidden deep in the forest.
Return to San Cristóbal to soak up its colonial charm before your flight back. Ruins, rivers, jungle, and vibrant culture — Chiapas is Mexico at its most untamed! ✨🇲🇽
* For private groups arriving and departing on the same flights, we can adjust the first and last day of the itinerary to help you make the most of your adventure. Please note that final adjustments can only be confirmed once we have your exact flight details.
Welcome to Mexico! Bienvenid@s to the charming village of Chiapa de Corzo. Nestled in the western part of Chiapas, this picturesque town sits proudly in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon.
Upon arrival in Chiapa de Corzo, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city’s unique charm and local attractions.
* For private groups, depending on your flight’s arrival time, we may be able to fit in the Sumidero Canyon boat tour on the same day, giving you extra free time in San Cristóbal for additional activities later. To make this possible, we recommend arriving in the morning.
Today promises an adventure through the natural marvel of El Sumidero Canyon, ranked among Mexico’s Top 10 Natural Wonders. As we cruise along the canyon, we marvel at the towering walls reaching over 1,000 feet high, while keeping an eye out for the diverse array of endangered species that call this area home.
After our canyon exploration and a satisfying lunch, we will continue our journey to the enchanting town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. San Cristóbal is a place where ancient traditions harmonise with a bohemian vibe.
* For private groups, if we manage to fit the Sumidero Canyon boat tour the day before, we’ll head straight to San Cristóbal in the morning, giving you a full day to explore the city — visiting its vibrant market, strolling the colonial streets, and discovering its museums.
Today, immerse yourself in the eclectic ambience of San Cristóbal de las Casas, where ancient traditions merge seamlessly with a bohemian, hippie atmosphere. This colonial gem enchants its quaint neighbourhoods, cobblestone streets, and bustling markets. We’ll guide you through the highlights of this enchanting town, strolling along its pedestrian streets, visiting churches, exploring markets, and delving into museums that showcase folk costumes and more. In the afternoon, feel free to continue your exploration at your own pace. Wander through the downtown area, indulge in local cuisine at charming restaurants, or experience the lively nightlife at vibrant bars.
* For private groups, if you only have one full day in San Cristóbal, we recommend following this day plan. However, if you arrived early on the first day and we were able to explore San Cristóbal yesterday, today we will visit the nearby Mayan villages instead, immersing ourselves in the vibrant traditions of the Mayan highlands. You can also let us know if you’d prefer to prioritise visiting the Mayan villages over spending more time in San Cristóbal.
Today’s journey to Palenque offers a blend of exploration and serendipity. Depending on road conditions, we may take different routes and have the chance to visit some stunning waterfalls along the way, provided the water is crystal blue—a spectacle influenced by recent rainfall.
Upon arrival at Palenque National Park, we’ll settle into our campsite at Cabañas Kin Balam. With the evening free, take the opportunity to unwind and relax at the bar or by the pool, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, we will enjoy a bonfire under the stars!
Our second day in Palenque promises an enriching experience as we embark on a guided visit to the Archeological Site. Nestled deep within the jungle, Palenque is one of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological wonders. After the guided tour, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the surrounding jungle on a scenic hike back from the ruins. Or opt for a Temascal, a traditional indigenous ritual involving a steam bath.
Today, we head deep into the Lacandona jungle, home to the Lacandón people — one of the few Mayan groups who have preserved their ancient language and way of life. Our first stop is the Bonampak site, famous for its incredible murals. After our visit, we’ll settle into our jungle lodge for the night, surrounded by lush rainforest and the sounds of nature. In the afternoon, you can relax by the river or join an optional jungle hike.
Today, we set off on an expedition to the Yaxchilán Archaeological Site, one of the most remote and atmospheric Mayan cities in Mexico. Accessible only by boat, this journey takes us along the Usumacinta River, winding through dense jungle alive with the sounds of birds and the distant calls of wildlife.
Once at Yaxchilán, you’ll wander through its ancient temples and plazas, overgrown with roots and vines, where the atmosphere feels straight out of a lost world. Keep an eye (and ear) out for exotic wildlife — from colourful woodpeckers to the echoing calls of howler monkeys.
In the afternoon, we’ll return by boat and head back to our jungle lodge, where you can relax and soak in the sounds of the rainforest.
Today is a full travel day as we make our way back to San Cristóbal. Once we arrive, you’ll have a free evening to enjoy your final night in the city — wander the cobblestone streets, find a cosy spot for dinner, and maybe head out for a drink or two to celebrate the end of this leg of the journey!
As our adventure together comes to a close, we want to thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey through Chiapas.
Accommodation for tonight is not included in the tour package, but feel free to reach out if you’d like help arranging a stay — San Cristóbal is a perfect place to relax, explore, and enjoy one last stroll through its colourful streets.
* For private groups, one group airport transfer in our van is included. Depending on your departure time, you might still have time to explore San Cristóbal in the morning before heading to the airport.
This tour includes 8 cosy nights in locally-owned hotels and lodges, staying in double, twin, or triple rooms.
We handpick each stay for comfort, charm, and location — a mix of boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and community stays to showcase the best of each destination. Rooms usually have two double beds and private bathrooms for every two people, with queen or triple rooms available on request. Accommodation may vary based on availability, but we’ll always provide an equivalent or superior option. Want details? Ask for our full accommodation list, which is kept private to preserve the uniqueness of our routes!
Overlanding is your gateway to discovering hidden gems and making extraordinary connections in off-the-beaten-path destinations. It’s an adventure that calls for physical and mental readiness, flexibility, and an open mind.
Expect some flexibility as part of the adventure. Travelling through remote areas may lead to adjustments in stops, accommodations, activities, and meals. Please note that the described driving hours are estimates and do not include time for activities or meals. They can also be affected by road closures or other unforeseen conditions.
Before booking, check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page, where we address possible scenarios you might encounter.
For private groups, arrival and Departure Airport Transfers are included.
This tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners.
Our amazing hosts will take care of many of your meals. For the rest, you’re free to explore local flavours on your own, follow our recommendations, or join our group meals. This way, you can savour the local cuisine at your own pace and within your budget. 🍴🌮✨
We accommodate most dietary needs. However, please be aware that options might be limited during certain stops (like en-route lunch stops). For more details, check out our FAQ page.
We’re all about giving you the best experience possible, with must-do activities that other tours leave out. When you compare, you’ll see our trips are the best deal around!
+ many other free and optional activities to enjoy!
You can choose from any of these optional extras during the booking process:
This trip is rated as Easy.
Your tour features a blend of activities and a few driving days. You’ll have some short hikes, so a standard fitness level and adventurous spirit are important. Expect to encounter heat and humidity, but you’ll also have opportunities to relax at comfortable hotels and scenic spots.
You’ll need to carry your bags in certain situations, such as from parking to the hotel, and be prepared to navigate stairs and high steps at archaeological sites and in the van.
Perfect for ages 18 to 60 — and up to 80 if you’ve got the energy and a young-at-heart vibe. Just keep in mind, your tour leader will match the pace to the group, so if things get too intense, you might need to sit one out or take a shortcut. No shame in that — more time for views! 😉
Optionally, you can bring other items such as 1 set of casual clothes for evenings out, a pouch or money belt inside your clothing for extra safety, and a book to read during your vacation.
