San Cristobal: 3 Days Nature Tour Southern Selva Lacandona

The San Cristobal: 3 Days Nature Tour Southern Selva Lacandona offers an enriching escape into the lush landscapes of Chiapas, Mexico. Priced at $528 per person, this adventure spans three days, combining visits to spectacular waterfalls, lakes, and important Maya archaeological sites. It is ideal for travelers eager to combine nature, history, and local wildlife in a compact itinerary. The tour departs from San Cristóbal de Las Casas and features small group sizes limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

While the tour provides comprehensive site visits and engaging jungle activities, it involves several drives and moderate physical activity, making it best suited for those comfortable with outdoor exploration. The inclusion of accommodation at campgrounds alongside guided visits makes it a practical choice for travelers seeking an authentic jungle experience without sacrificing comfort.

Key Points

• Explore the Lacandon Jungle with expert guides leading you through its trails and waterways
• Visit iconic waterfalls like El Chiflón and Roberto Barrios, known for their impressive drops and refreshing pools
• Discover archaeological sites: Bonampak with its famous Maya murals and Palenque, a top Maya city
• Enjoy boat rides and jungle walks to observe flora and fauna, including toucans and macaws
• Two nights of camping: one at Campamento Río Ixcan on the Lacantún River, and another at Campamento Río Lacanjá deep in the jungle
• All transportation, entrance fees, and meals (except breakfast on the first day) are included, providing a seamless adventure

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Starting the Adventure: From San Cristóbal de Las Casas to El Chiflón Waterfall

The tour kicks off early from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, heading toward the El Chiflón Waterfall, one of the most striking sights in Chiapas. The waterfall plunges 70 meters, offering incredible views and perfect photo opportunities. Visitors can marvel at the power of the water and enjoy the refreshing mist, making it a highlight of the first day.

Following this, the journey continues to Montebello Lakes, a series of stunning turquoise bodies of water known for their vibrant colors and tranquil surroundings. The lakes provide a peaceful environment for photo stops and short walks, capturing the essence of Chiapas’ natural beauty. Afterward, the group moves to Campamento Río Ixcan, situated beside the Lacantún River, where the sounds of howler monkeys add a jungle soundtrack to the overnight stay. Both lunch and dinner are included on this first day, offering local flavors and hearty meals.

Exploring the Lacantún River by Motorboat and Jungle Walks

On Day 2, the adventure intensifies with a morning motorboat ride along the Lacantún River. The boat offers a great chance to spot local wildlife, with toucan and macaws possibly flying overhead. The guide points out various jungle plants and wildlife, enriching the experience with informative commentary.

After the boat trip, a jungle walk introduces visitors to impressive Ceiba trees, some of the largest in the region. The walk highlights the dense jungle ecosystem and the plant and animal species that thrive there. In the afternoon, the tour driver takes travelers about 3.5 hours to the Bonampak archaeological site. This Maya city is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved murals that depict royal ceremonies and battles, providing insight into ancient Maya civilization.

The day concludes with an overnight stay at Campamento Río Lacanjá, deep within the jungle. The camping experience here offers an authentic connection to the environment, with all meals provided, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Visiting Waterfalls and the Maya City of Palenque

Day 3 begins with a visit to the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, where travelers can enjoy a refreshing swim in natural pools created by cascading water. The waterfalls offer an invigorating start to the day amid lush scenery.

From there, the journey continues to Palenque, one of the most significant Maya archaeological sites in Mexico. The site features impressive stone structures, plazas, and temples set against jungle surroundings. The exploration offers a deep dive into Maya architecture and ceremonial life, making it a fitting end to the trip.

After touring Palenque, the group heads back to San Cristóbal de Las Casas, completing the three-day adventure. The entire itinerary balances active exploration with relaxation, making it suitable for travelers with a moderate level of fitness.

Practical Details and Included Amenities

This tour provides ground transportation in an air-conditioned van, ensuring comfort during drives between sites. Specialized guides lead the groups, sharing insights into the region’s ecology and history. The tour fee covers entrance fees to all major sites, including El Chiflón, Bonampak, and Palenque, as well as motorboat transportation on the Lacantún River.

Participants also receive an aluminum water bottle, promoting hydration and environmental consciousness, along with medical expenses insurance for peace of mind. Meals are included throughout, with lunch and dinner on the first day, all meals on day 2, and breakfast on days 2 and 3.

The tour operates in Spanish and keeps group sizes limited to 10 participants, fostering a more intimate experience. Flexible cancellation policies allow free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with peace of mind.

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Physical Requirements and Accessibility

While the tour involves some walking, especially during jungle walks and site explorations, it generally suits travelers with a moderate fitness level. The camping nights offer a rustic but comfortable experience, with basic amenities provided. The boat rides and waterfalls may have uneven terrain or slippery rocks, so appropriate footwear and caution are advised.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike many conventional tours, this experience emphasizes a mix of natural beauty and archaeological discovery within the same trip. The inclusion of waterfalls, lakes, jungle walks, and Maya ruins offers a well-rounded adventure. The overnight camping experiences deepen the connection to the environment, making the trip more immersive.

The small group size and expert guides make for a personalized, educational journey through Chiapas’ vibrant landscapes and ancient history. The tour’s focus on sustainable exploration and natural preservation aligns well with environmentally conscious travelers.

Limitations and Considerations

The tour involves several hours of driving between sites, which may be tiring for some. The camping nights are rustic, and travelers should be prepared for basic accommodations. The itinerary does not include breakfast on the first day, so it’s advisable to arrange for breakfast beforehand.

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Chiapas’ natural and cultural treasures in a manageable timeframe, making it an excellent choice for those interested in an active, outdoors-oriented adventure.

San Cristobal: 3 Days Nature Tour Southern Selva Lacandona — An Authentic Chiapas Experience

This three-day tour delivers a balanced mix of waterfalls, lakes, jungles, and Maya sites, all with guided expertise and comfortable logistics. It suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, historical exploration, and camping in wild environments.

While the itinerary involves moderate physical activity and long drives, the inclusion of local guides, meals, and entrance fees simplifies planning and enhances the experience. The small group size ensures attentive guiding, making this an enriching, personal journey through some of Chiapas’ most breathtaking landscapes.

This tour stands out for its diverse stops and authentic jungle immersion, designed for curious explorers eager to discover Chiapas’ natural and archaeological wonders firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers ground transportation, meals (lunch and dinner on day 1, all meals on day 2, breakfast on days 2 and 3), accommodation at campgrounds, entrance fees to sites like Bonampak and Palenque, motorboat transportation, waterfalls entrance fees, medical expenses insurance, and an aluminum water bottle for hydration.

What are the main activities on this tour?
Expect waterfall visits, boating along the Lacantún River, jungle walks, and explorations of archaeological sites like Bonampak and Palenque. The trip combines outdoor exploration with cultural discovery.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour involves walking, climbing around waterfalls, and camping, which are manageable for most visitors with moderate fitness. Those with mobility concerns should consider the physical demands of jungle walks and uneven terrain.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 10 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience and closer interaction with guides.

When can I cancel or reserve?
Reservations can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the departure date. You can reserve now and pay later to keep your travel plans flexible.

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