Wild Heart of Chiapas: A Nature & Adventure Journey

Duration

8 Days

Starts in

Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Ends In

Villahermosa

From highland rituals to jungle waterfalls, Chiapas will awaken your wild side.

8 Days / 7 Nights – Tuxtla • San Cristóbal de las Casas • Palenque • Villahermosa

For adventurous spirits and nature lovers, this 8-day expedition through Chiapas offers unforgettable immersion into southern Mexico’s raw beauty and cultural soul. Explore canyons, cloud forests, jungle waterfalls, and Mayan traditions. With thoughtfully designed logistics and expert local guides, you’ll experience the energy of Chiapas from its highland towns to its rainforest temples.

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival and Canyon Adventure

Upon arrival at Tuxtla Gutiérrez Airport, head directly to the embarkation point for a scenic boat tour through the Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s most dramatic natural wonders. Continue to the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo to explore its central plaza and iconic Mudéjar fountain. In the afternoon, transfer up into the highlands to reach San Cristóbal de las Casas. After check-in, enjoy a free evening walk through the colonial streets and lively squares of this magical town.

Day 2 Indigenous Traditions and Highland Markets

Begin your day in San Cristóbal with visits to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, two indigenous villages with vibrant cultures, spiritual rituals, and skilled artisans. Learn about their customs and join a Tzotzil Textile Workshop in Zinacantán where you will create a simple textile piece using their technique. The afternoon is yours to explore the pedestrian streets and cafés of this highland town, where Chiapas’ famous coffee is always brewing.

Day 3 Caves and Cloud Forest Exploration

This day takes you into the wild natural side of the Chiapas highlands. Start at El Arcotete, a limestone formation perfect for easy hikes and great photos. Continue to Huitepec Cloud Forest Reserve for a tranquil walk through misty trails filled with orchids and birds. In the afternoon, visit Rancho Nuevo Caves or enjoy free time to relax. Evening stroll through the illuminated town center.

Day 4 Lakes and Waterfalls – Montebello & El Chiflón

Depart early to visit Montebello Lakes National Park, where you'll explore vividly colored lakes by foot or kayak. After a picnic-style lunch, head to El Chiflón waterfalls and hike to the spectacular Velo de Novia waterfall. Return to San Cristóbal in the evening.

Day 5 Coffee Tour and Cacao Ceremony

Spend the morning at a local coffee finca or tasting center, learning about sustainable growing and roasting techniques  Finish with a guided tasting of different Chiapas-grown varieties.  In the afternoon, participate in a traditional cacao ceremony led by a local guide—a spiritual experience rooted in Mayan culture.

Day 6 Mayan Temples and Traditional Cheese Making hands-on Experience.

Leave the highlands very early in the morning and travel toward the jungle. Stop at Toniná archaeological site.  Upon returning to Ocosingo, participate in Rancho Bulush-Bak in the traditional process of making queso de bola, a semi-hard cheese native to the region; this workshop offers a full sensory experience where Visitors will shape their own mini cheese ball to take or taste.  Then, continue towards Palenque, Arrive in Palenque by late afternoon.

Day 7 Palenque and Jungle Cascades

Visit the legendary Mayan city of Palenque in the morning, followed by a nature-filled adventure, first stopping at Misol-Ha, a towering rainforest waterfall, on the way to the wonderful turquoise pools of Agua Azul Falls and, time permitting, Roberto Barrios waterfalls. Enjoy your last day immersed in Chiapas’ jungle beauty.

Day 8 Departure from Villahermosa

After breakfast, transfer to Villahermosa Airport. Optional visit to La Venta Park Museum, time permitting.

Book this tour

Customize Your Journey

This itinerary is just the starting point. At Adventures Mexico, we can tailor every detail—from adventure level to cultural depth—to match your group’s needs. Whether you want to add more waterfalls, trekking, wildlife encounters, or community experiences, we’ll design it seamlessly. Let us help you explore Chiapas in a way that’s authentic, active, and unforgettable.

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