Cultural Immersion into Mexico: Historic Sites, Ancient Ruins & Natural Wonders - 9 Days

Highlights

• Learn the art of chocolate-making at a 100-year-old cacao plantation
• Walk the paths of ancient Mayans at Palenque Archeological Site
• Take a refreshing dip in the blue waters of Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
• Step back in time at the ruins of the once-powerful city of Yaxchilán

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Villahermosa, Explore the City

Welcome to Mexico! Your flight lands in Villahermosa, the capital city of southeast Mexico's Tabasco state. Sitting on the banks of the Grijalva River, this sprawling city is known for its rich culture and historic sites. It's also considered the primary commercial and industrial hub for the Tobasco region, producing goods such as cacao, sugar cane, and tobacco, as well as textiles, cigars, and wood products. Your private transfer will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel. After check-in, you can go sightseeing around the city at your own pace.

For insight into local history, stop by the Lord of Tabasco Cathedral, the region's main Catholic church and an excellent example of colonial architecture. You can also check out the city's art culture by visiting the Mukul-Ja art gallery, which features collaborative exhibits from local artists and live music events. Tonight, have dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Tabascan dishes such as fried pejelagarto, a regional fish, chaya meatballs (made from the chaya shrub), or panucho (tortilla with beans and other toppings).

Day 2: Visit the Hacienda Cacaotera Jesús María & Archaeological Zone

Today's tour takes you to the Hacienda Jesús María, a more than 100-year-old cacao plantation. In the morning, head out with your guide for a walking tour of the farm, learning about the cacao plant's growing process and how it's transformed into the cocoa used for chocolate and other treats. Visit the main hacienda and outbuildings, try some fresh cacao, and see the on-site chocolate factory. You'll also have the chance to make your own chocolates to take home. 

This afternoon, visit the Comalcalco Archaeological Zone. Once the westernmost city of the Maya civilization, the site is unique in that it's the only major Maya city built with bricks rather than their traditional limestone. Encompassing an area of 2.7 sq miles (7 sq km), the city was considered an important part of the trade routes of southern Mesoamerica, as well as being a commerce center on its own—archaeologists have found clay molds and tools that indicate mass production of clay products. 

Walk among the more than 400 structures, see the bricks used by the Mayans, and take in the intricate designs and inscriptions on them. Visit pyramid-shaped temples such as the Temple of the Mask and Stucco Tomb, see the Great Acropolis, and stroll the grounds of the main palace. Along the way, your guide will explain more about how the site was discovered and excavated, as well as its cultural importance.  

Day 3: Visit the Carlos Cámara House & Museum La Venta, Transfer to Palenque

Visit the Carlos Pellicer Cámara House, the former home of the famed poet and now a museum. Cámara, who was part of the initial wave of modernist Mexican poets, was an active promoter of local Mexican art, and the house represents his life and work. The rooms display his everyday belongings, family photos, artwork, furniture, and more. Its special attraction is a replica of the small room the poet once had under the stairs of the old Archaeological Museum of Villahermosa.

Afterward, head to the Park Museum La Venta, a large outdoor space that houses one of the largest collections of pieces belonging to the Olmec culture, Mesoamerica's first civilization. Established in 1958, the park includes exhibits from the nearby archaeological settlement of La Venta, with pre-Hispanic monuments, colossal stone heads, and stone mosaics. Learn more about these fascinating relics from ancient times, and hear the stories and legends associated with them.

Return to your hotel and check out, then meet your private driver and transfer to Palenque, a scenic drive of approximately two hours. Located in the state of Chiapas, this archaeological site dates back to 226 BC and contains some of the finest examples of Maya artistry and architecture. Arrive and get settled at your accommodations, then the rest of your evening is free. 

Day 4: Discover the Palenque Archeological Site

Today you'll visit the archaeological area of Palenque, a once-lively center of civilization that was slowly taken over by the jungle after its abandonment. Rediscovered in the 1700s, the site is recognized for its historical value, earning a UNESCO designation in 1987. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to the site, where you'll have time to see the different artifacts and ruins. 

See temples such as the Temple of the Cross, Temple of the Sun, and Temple of the Foliated Cross, which sit atop pyramided steps and have elaborately carved reliefs inside. Walk around the other structures and see artifacts that offer clues into the myths, rituals, beliefs, and daily lives of the Maya people, gaining a better understanding of the site's significance in today's world. Return to your hotel this evening and rest up for tomorrow. 

Day 5: Explore the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, Transfer to Frontera Corozal

Your next destination is La Frontera Corozal, a community located in the rainforests of the Lacandon jungle on the shores of the Usumacinta River—the longest river in Central America. Your private transfer will meet you after hotel checkout for the five-hour drive, stopping at the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls along the way. The waterfalls, which are tucked away in the jungle just outside of Palenque, feature multi-tiered cascades, natural waterslides, and swimmable blue pools—the perfect place to relax and refresh. 

Arrive in La Frontera and settle into your hotel, then step out to get acquainted with the area. You can stroll down to the river, where brightly colored boats wait to transport passengers to the Maya ruins of Yaxchilán (your destination tomorrow), or find a local restaurant for dinner. The town also has a small museum with information on the region's history and two carved upright stones (stelae) retrieved from a nearby ancient site.

Day 6: Visit the Ancient Maya Cities of Yaxchilán & Bonampak

Step back in time to the ancient Maya cities of Yaxchilán and Bonampak. In the morning, head down to the river, where you'll board one of the boats you may have seen yesterday and make your way to the first stop at Yaxchilán. Originally a small village, it eventually became one of the most powerful Maya settlements on the river. Tour the site and see some of the archaeological finds, learning more about the people who lived there and the region's history. 

Return to La Frontera in time for lunch, then set out to see Bonampak, another important site. Located approximately 20 miles (30 km) north of what was once its sister city, Yaxchilán, Bonampak was a busy hub during the mid-8th century, documented by the colorful murals in its acropolis that depict daily life, politics, and rituals. Your guide will explain more about their meaning, and you'll also get to see the four stelae, which are carved with the images of former rulers. 

Day 7: Transfer to Las Nubes Chiapas, Welcome to Ecolodge Las Nubes

This morning, check out of your hotel and meet your driver for the trip to Las Nubes, an impressive group of waterfalls part of an ecotourism center and considered a gateway to the Lacandon jungle. You'll be staying at EcoLodge Las Nubes, a beautiful jungle retreat sitting on the banks of the Santo Domingo River and directly across from the falls. 

Once you've checked into your rooms and dropped your luggage, you can start your adventures right away, heading out for a guided rafting tour on the river, or perhaps doing some caving in the nearby Inframundo caves. The lodge also offers guided hikes to the falls and nighttime jungle treks, where you can see some of the region's nocturnal animals in their natural environment.

Day 8: Transfer to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Self-Guided City Tour

Depart Las Nubes today for San Cristóbal de las Casas, a drive of approximately 4.5 hours. Your private transfer will drop you at your hotel, after which you can get to know the city with a self-guided tour. San Cristóbal is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, such as the spectacular yellow-hued San Cristóbal Cathedral, which sits in the middle of its central park area. 

From there, visit the 16th-century Baroque church, Templo Santo Domingo, stop by a daily market to purchase colorful woven goods and handicrafts, and stand at the historic city gates of Arco del Carmen. You'll also find plenty of local shops and boutiques here, as well as cafés offering coffee and hot chocolate—both renowned for their exceptional taste and quality. 

Day 9: Depart San Cristobal de las Casas

Your time in Mexico ends today. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your journey home or to your next destination. Safe travels! 

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