Mexico Rainforest Exploration & Indigenous Culture: Palenque & Nahá - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Villahermosa, Transfer to Palenque

Welcome to Mexico! Your driver will pick you up at the airport to take you to Palenque. Spend today resting and exploring the area on your own. The Temples of Palenque are a sight to behold, with over 2,000 years of history to explore. Spend some time today exploring the temples, or head into the jungle to spot wildlife—look for macaws and howler monkeys on a trail that passes yet-unexplored ruins in pristine rainforest.

 

You can also see jaguars, parrots, and tapirs up close at the Aluxes Ecopark. This non-profit organization rescues injured wildlife and maintains a breeding and release program for endangered species.

Day 2: Palenque Archeological Site, Visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

On this visit, you will explore the lesser-known archaeological area of Palenque, where you can see how quickly the jungle can re-absorb an entire city. Once a center of civilization until the 7th century, the now-abandoned city was taken over by the forest until people rediscovered it and began excavations. Since then, the site has been recognized for its historical value and given a UNESCO designation.

 

These days, the ruins are one of Mexico's most interesting Maya ruins, with plenty of artifacts that shed insight into the myths, rituals, beliefs, and lives of the people who built the city. As part of its importance, both regionally and nationally, archaeologists have determined that Palenque was one of the main sites that influenced other settlements of the Usumacinta Basin.

 

After, head an hour outside the town of Palenque for a relaxing adventure to the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls. The falls are famed for their beautiful turquoise waters, which cast a refreshing spray into the air around the falls (perfect for cooling off!)

 

Look around you when you reach the falls—you might be able to spot fish in the clear water, monkeys in the trees around you, or even toucans, parrots, or motmots (clock birds) in the tree canopy above you. You'll spend several hours enjoying the scenery, going for a refreshing swim, and relaxing by the water before heading back to town. 

Day 3: Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls

Today you'll visit the stunning blue waters of the aptly-named Agua Azul waterfalls: a series of bright turquoise falls that contrast spectacularly with the surrounding green vegetation. It's one of the most well-known ecological sites in Mexico, and for a good reason: it's a paradise for wildlife and people alike. Enjoy a dip in the water to cool off, or simply relax by the water's edge.

 

From here, continue to another waterfall: the Misol-Ha Waterfall, which plunges 115 ft (35 m) into the pool below. Soak your feet, take some photos, and breathe in the fresh rainforest air. 

Day 4: Ancient Maya Cities of Yaxchilan & Bonampak Transfer to Nahá

You'll start this experience early in the morning to maximize your time at the site. You'll stop en route for breakfast and to stretch your legs. The first stop will be Frontera Corozal, a Chol Indigenous town three-hours drive from Palenque. Here, you'll take a motorboat through the Usumacinta River (the longest in Central America) to the first Maya city: Yaxchilan, a place of green stones. This is an amazing archaeological site in the middle of the jungle. Nearly 2000 years ago, Yaxchilan was just a small village; however, it eventually grew to become one of the most significant settlements on the Usumacinta's side of the river. You'll visit the most iconic buildings of this archaeological site and learn about the people that once lived there. Afterward, return by boat to Frontera Corozal, where you'll enjoy a delicious traditional meal.

 

After lunch, continue to the second archaeological site of the day: Bonampak, located in the Lacandon jungle. Here you will be able to see 1,100-year-old original paintings, steles (stone slabs), and lintels that describe the lifestyle and government of the ancient city. After, your driver will take you to the town of Nahá, in the midst of the Lacandon jungle. You'll travel around four hours down dirt roads and through amazing rainforest landscapes.

Day 5: Nature Exploration at Nahá Reserve, Experience a Hach Winik Fire Ceremony

A Lacandon guide will accompany you for two and a half hours on this tour, where he will share his knowledge about the different species of local flora and fauna. Contemplate and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Nahá, where you'll board a boat to navigate to the lake.

 

Disembark for a short jungle trek near the water, where, with a little luck, you'll be able to spot a variety of local wildlife, including turtles and crocodiles.

 

After, you will experience one of the ancestral rituals of the Hach Winik ("Lacandon Maya" in the native language) culture. Don Antonio Chankin, one of the oldest men of Nahá, will guide you through this experience. With his Mayan chanting, his clay censers, and the burning copal and xate palm, he'll give thanks and offerings and ask for protection to Hach Akium (one of the Maya Lacandon gods). All of this will happen in his K'unah temple and will result in a protection token for you and your loved ones.

Day 6: Create & Shoot: Lacandon Arrow & Clay Workshop in Nahá, Transfer to Palenque

Until 50 years ago, the Lacandon Maya were a nomadic tribe living in the deep jungle of Chiapas. In this workshop, you will learn about their history and culture and how they used handmade arrows and bows to hunt and feed their families.

 

During this hour-long experience, you will learn how to turn a dry cane into a fully functional arrow that is light and has a great balance to fly in the air. You will feather the top, add the tip made with different stones and finally tie it together to create your very own arrow. Once you have finished building it, you will have the opportunity to test it and demonstrate your archery skills.

 

After, you will participate in a clay workshop, a material that's been in use since pre-Hispanic times to make utensils and model figures of gods. The workshop is guided by one of the Lacandon artists, who will guide you to use your skills and imagination to create a unique clay piece, let your hands remember long-forgotten memories, and rediscover your creative and spiritual side.

 

After, your driver will take you from the town of Nahá, in the midst of the Lacandon jungle, to the town of Palenque. You'll travel around four hours down dirt roads and through amazing rainforest landscapes.

Day 7: Return to Villahermosa, Departure

Travel safe! Your driver will take you from Palenque to Villahermosa's airport.

More Great Mexico Itineraries

 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other Mexico itineraries, explore different ways to spend one week in Mexico, or discover the best time to visit Mexico.