9-day Best of Chiapas Trip: Ruins, Rafting, and Lakes

The day starts with a visit to San Juan Chamula's main church and indigenous cemetery, followed by an approximately 10 km bike ride  through flat terrain, stony hills, and whispering pine forests en route to San Lorenzo Zinacantán. After taking in panoramic views along the way, descend into the village to meet traditional back-strap weavers, sample handmade tortillas, enjoy lunch in a Zinacantecan family home, and try locally brewed Pox (a traditional sugarcane-and-corn spirit). The afternoon returns to San Cristóbal with free time to explore the cobblestone streets; dinner is on your own at one of the city's many fine restaurants. Overnight: Hotel Bo

Travel south to Montebello Lakes National Park, home to nearly 60 crystalline lagoons with dazzling hues of blue, green, and violet. Optionally, take a rowboat or horseback ride around the lake (additional cost). Continue to Chinkultic, an atmospheric archeological site featuring ancient terraces, stelae, and sweeping views from El Mirador. Overnight: Hotel Casa Delina

Descend from the highlands to the rainforest, stopping en route at Las Nubes Waterfalls on the turquoise Santo Domingo River. Enjoy a short hike with panoramic views, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Las Guacamayas, a community-run eco-lodge and birding sanctuary. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in search of scarlet macaws and other tropical species. Overnight: Las Guacamayas

This flexible day allows travelers to customize their Lacandona Rainforest experience. Options include a two-hour boat trip along the Río Lacantún for birdwatching and wildlife viewing (with a chance of spotting a jaguar), guided hikes to search for the reserve's namesake macaws, or simply relaxing at the lodge.

Overnight: Las Guacamayas

Travel deep into the Lacandon Jungle to explore two of its most evocative Maya sites. At Yaxchilán, reached by boat on the Usumacinta River, walk among ancient plazas, temples, and sculpted lintels while howler monkeys echo overhead. Continue to Bonampak, famed for its vividly painted murals depicting royal ceremonies and daily life. Overnight: Frontera Corozal

The day begins with a half-day whitewater rafting trip on the scenic Lacanja River, which winds through lush rainforest past small waterfalls and pools, alternating between calm stretches and exciting Class II–III drops (up to 8 feet). In the afternoon, travelers visit Bonampak, meaning "Painted Walls," renowned for its vivid frescoes depicting royal ceremonies, battles, and sacrifices, among the finest surviving murals of the pre-colonial Americas. In the evening, the group travels to Palenque for a 2-night stay at the Boutique Hotel Quinta Chanabnal, a Deluxe Suite with American breakfast included. Overnight: Hotel Quinta Chanabnal

At Palenque, travelers learn about inscriptions narrating 180 years of the city's history and climb ancient temples for sweeping jungle views. The day continues to Misol-Ha waterfall, where guests can observe its powerful cascade up close. Overnight: Hotel Quinta Chanabnal

Enjoy a private transfer to Villahermosa Airport for your flight home. Speak with your Journey Mexico Travel Planner if you wish to extend your stay in the Yucatán Peninsula or along the Gulf Coast.