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Chiapas Mountain Biking

Chiapas Adventure

Example 9 Day Tour
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This active Chiapas trip in Mexico combines mountain biking, rafting, and hiking as you explore the Mundo Maya (Mayan World) and experience first-hand Chiapas' traditional cultures. This is an ideal Mexico tour for travelers interested in multisport activities who also want an authentic experience with visits to local villages, Maya ruins, and remote rainforest.
Palenque ruinsMishol Ha WaterfallTraditional masks of Chiapas line a wall.A view of the amazing Sumidero Canyon.A guide informs visitors about the beautiful Misol-Ha waterfall.Travelers climb to the top of the Tonina ruins.Maya ruinsWaterfall in ChiapasWitness the incredible ruins of Palenque.Architecture in ChiapasLagos de MontebelloAncient artwork in ChiapasMaya ruinsPalenqueVisit the Palenque ruins that was once a thriving Mayan city.PalenqueWaterfallsBehind the Misol-Ha waterfall lies an incredible cave.Sumidero CanyonChiapas Mountain Biking
Highlights
  • Take a cultural biking journey through the Chiapan countryside
  • Hike Montebello Lakes, a cluster of over 50 lakes ranging in size and color
  • Search for wildlife at Lacandona Rainforest, a protected area
  • Boat to Rio Lacantun for bird watching and wildlife viewing
Places Visited
  • Central America & Mexico
  • Mexico
  • Bonampak Maya Ruins
  • Chiapa de Corzo
  • Chiapas
  • Comitan
  • Lagos de Montebello
  • Las Guacamayas
  • Palenque
  • Reforma Agraria
  • San Cristobal de las Casas
  • San Juan Chamula
  • Tabasco
  • Tuxtla Gutierrez
  • Villahermosa
  • Yaxchitlan
  • Zinacantan
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Tuxtla Gutierrez | Sumidero Canyon

Upon arriving at Tuxtla Gutierrez airport, you'll head straight to a boat for an exciting trip down the Grijalva River. You'll explore the stunning 900-meter-deep Sumidero Canyon, teeming with rich flora and fauna. The tour wraps up with a drop-off in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Important: To enjoy the Sumidero Canyon tour on your arrival day, make sure your flight arrives at Tuxtla Airport by 2:30 PM. The transfer from the airport to the boat dock takes about 35-45 minutes.

Day 2: Biking in Chiapas

Start your day with breakfast and set off on a cultural and biking adventure through the Chiapan countryside. Begin with a vehicle transfer to San Juan Chamula, where you'll explore the main church and indigenous cemetery. The biking journey to San Lorenzo Zinacantan spans approximately 10 km, with flat stretches, stony up-and-downhill slopes, and scenic pine forests. Take a moment at a beautiful overlook before descending into Zinacantan to learn about the history and traditions of the highland Maya. Visit traditional back-strap weavers, relish handmade tortillas, and share lunch with a Zinacantecan family. Don't miss the chance to sample local home-brewed Pox (Agua ardiente) before returning to San Cristobal de las Casas in the late afternoon. Enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets independently, and for dinner, choose from one of the local restaurants at your leisure.

Day 3: Hiking the Montebello Lakes

Explore the stunning Montebello National Park, home to 59 lakes showcasing a mesmerizing array of colors and sizes. Visit 7 to 9 of these lakes, immersing yourself in the diverse local flora and fauna. Marvel at the water's hues, ranging from greens and blues to purples and blacks. Within the park lies the Chinkultic archaeological zone, featuring over 200 structures. Climb the Mirador for panoramic views that overlook the multitude of lakes in Montebello.

Day 4: Lacandona Rainforest | Las Guacamayas

Drive from the Chiapas highlands into the Lacandona Rainforest. Stop at Las Nubes Waterfall on the Santo Domingo River, known for its turquoise waters, and take a 1.5-hour hike. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive two more hours to Las Guacamayas, an ecotourism center where you’ll stay for the next two nights. This lodge focuses on macaw conservation in the area. Settle into your private cabana with a hot shower and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle, ready for tomorrow’s activities.

The Lacandona Rainforest is ideal for birdwatching and spotting wildlife, including jaguars, eagles, toucans, macaws, and wild turkeys.

Day 5: Lacandona Rainforest Boat Trip and Hikes

Enjoy a full day in Las Guacamayas with options to tailor the experience to your preferences. If relaxation is your goal, kick back in a hammock. Alternatively, choose from various included activities. Embark on a two-hour boat trip along the Rio Lacantun for birdwatching and wildlife viewing—maybe even catch a glimpse of a jaguar if luck is on your side. Or, opt for a hike to spot the reserve's vibrant macaws. The day is yours to design based on your interests and desires.

Day 6: Yaxchitlan Maya Ruins

Bid farewell to Las Guacamayas and depart to Yaxchitlan, a remarkable Maya complex perched on a scenic bend of the Usumacinta River. Explore its impressive facades and stelae, showcasing ancient Maya battles and ceremonies. Thanks to its remote location, Yaxchilan offers a quieter, more relaxed experience compared to other ruins. Enjoy the freedom to discover its hidden wonders with your local guide.

Day 7: Palenque Archaeological Site | Misol Ha Waterfall

Start your day by leaving the lodging area and hitting the Lacanja River for a half-day rafting adventure. This scenic river flows through lush rainforest, featuring small waterfalls and pools that create a mix of calm stretches and exciting drops. Most drops range from 3 to 5 feet high, with one reaching 8 feet, offering a Class II-III rating that varies with water levels.

In the afternoon, explore Bonampak, a Maya site meaning “Painted Walls.” Famous for its vibrant frescoes, Bonampak showcases scenes of royal ceremonies, battles, and sacrifices, with some of the finest murals in pre-colonial America. Keep an eye out for unfinished murals that date back to the decline of the Classic Maya civilization. In the evening, travel to Palenque and overnight.

Day 8: Palenque Maya Ruins | Mishol Ha Waterfall

Explore Maya history and nature at the archaeological site of Palenque and the Misol Ha waterfall. Discover the inscriptions that tell 180 years of the city’s story as you walk through Palenque. Climb the temples for stunning views of the surrounding jungle, then head to Misol Há to witness the impressive power of the waterfall.

Day 9: Transfer to Villahermosa

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer to Villahermosa (two hours) for a late morning or afternoon flight out of the airport to your next destination in Mexico or to return home.

Accommodations

Hotel Casa Mexicana

Experience a warm welcome at Hotel Casa Mexicana
Guest rooms open to the private courtyard or gardens
Lush tropical gardens add to the relaxation found at this hotel

Hotel Chan-Kah

Hotel Chan-Kah
Hotel Chan-Kah
Accommodations are provided in tropical cottages, some with private pools

Las Guacamayas

Las Guacamayas
Las Guacamayas
Las Guacamayas

Escudo Jaguar

Accommodations are provided in thatched roof cabanas
Cabanas are nestled in the surrounding foliage
Rooms are equipped with mosquito netting and private bath facilities

Hotel Casa Delina

Hotel Casa Delina
Hotel Casa Delina
Hotel Casa Delina

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,685 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • Gear Rental
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Departure Tax

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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