10 amazing Chiapas Tours you shouldn’t miss (2024)
Heading to Chiapas, Mexico?
I’ve handpicked the 10 best Chiapas tours that you should try.
Some of these tours were the highlight of our trip to Mexico because the nature and culture in the Chiapas state is unique.
Now, let’s get to the fun stuff — here are the top Chiapas tour destinations that you can take from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, or Palenque.
Read next: 12 absolute best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico
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10 best Chiapas tours
Below, I’ve listed the tours mentioned in this post to give you an overview.
| Location | What is it? | Book here |
|---|---|---|
| Palenque | Mayan Ruins | Book via Viator |
| Bonampak & Yaxchilan | Mayan Ruins | Book via Viator |
| Agua Azul & Misol-Ha | Waterfalls | Book via Viator |
| Sumidero Canyon | Nature | Book via Viator |
| Roberto Barrios | Waterfalls | Book via Viator |
| El Arcotete Eco Park | Caves | Book via Viator |
| Lacandona Jungle | Jungle | Book via Get Your Guide |
| San Juan Chamula | Indigenous culture | Book via Viator |
| El Chiflon Waterfalls & Lagos de Montebello | Waterfalls and nature | Book via Get Your Guide |
| Las Nubes Waterfalls | Waterfalls | Book via Viator |
🇲🇽 10 best tours in Chiapas
1. Palenque Ruins from Palenque or San Cristobal
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 7 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
- 🇲🇽 BOOK NOW
Get ready for a wonderful experience on this private day trip from Palenque or San Cristobal.
The archaeological site of Palenque, Misol Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls are some of Chiapas’ most iconic destinations, and you can combine them on this day trip.
First, you’ll explore the Mayan pyramids at Palenque, diving deep into history. Then, it’s off to Mexico’s breathtaking waterfalls: Misol Ha and Cascadas de Agua Azul.
Plus, since this is a private day tour, you get comfy private transport and a customizable itinerary.
2. Bonampak & Yaxchilan
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 23 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 14.5 hours
- 🇲🇽 BOOK NOW
This Chiapas tour is a real adventure, starting with a hotel pickup and a boat trip to Yaxchilán.
The Mayan site is packed with inscriptions and architectural wonders, surrounded by the Usumacinta River and tropical rainforest.
Next, you’ll visit Bonampak, famous for its stunning, colorful murals covering every inch of three rooms. It’s a deep dive into Mayan art and architecture, with admission tickets included for both sites.
If you’d like to experience the deep jungle and that Indiana Jones vibe, this tour is for you!
No trip to Chiapas would be complete without visiting the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, and there are few better ways to do that than on this private tour!
These crystal-clear waterfalls offer stunning views and refreshing swims in the stunning Agua Azul waterfalls. After soaking up the waterfall scenery, you’ll head over to the ancient ruins of Palenque.
Hidden in the jungle, this World Heritage site is a fascinating peek into Mayan history.
The tour works from both Palenque and San Cristobal, but Palenque is closer.
4. Sumidero Canyon
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 4 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7-8 hours
- 🇲🇽 BOOK NOW
Want to visit the impressive Sumidero Canyon and taste delicious local cuisine? Then this is the tour for you!
This Food and Cañon del Sumidero tour starts with an optional 2.5-hour boat ride through Sumidero Canyon.
You’ll then explore the picturesque town of Chiapa de Corzo – a Mexican Magic Town.
Here, you’ll learn about the history of the Parachicos, a dance recognized by UNESCO, and visit key sites like Santo Domingo Church, the colonial architecture, or a spiritual leader’s house, if you want.
What’s great about this tour is that you can customize it.
5. Roberto Barrios
This tour to Roberto Barrios is all about exploring five stunning emerald waterfalls.
And the best part? You get to swim in the natural pools they create, all set in lush greenery. It’s an unforgettable experience.
There’s plenty of free time to wander around, soak in the scenery, and take a dip in the vibrant turquoise waters. It’s the perfect day tour from Palenque.
6. El Arcotete Eco Park & Grutas de Rancho Nuevo
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 5 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours
- 🇲🇽 BOOK NOW
This tour takes you to the Rancho Nuevo caves, set in a coniferous forest.
You’ll explore amazing stalactite formations inside the caves, and you can also go horseback riding and trekking.
Then, you’ll visit El Arcotete Ecotourism Park, surrounded by pine trees. There’s a romantic story behind its grand stone arch.
This is a great tour for adventure and nature enthusiasts!
7. Lacandona Jungle
Join your guide on one of the best tours Chiapas has to offer.
Starting early, you’ll head to Metzabok for breakfast, then dive into the lagoon’s wonders. Metzabok means “God Maker of Thunder” in Mayan, and it’s nestled in Chiapas’ Lacandona Jungle.
With a local Lacandon guide, you’ll visit Tzibanah cave to see ancient Mayan cave paintings, explore sacred sites, and end at a lookout for stunning views of the lagoons.
8. Chamula
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 27 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5-6 hours
- 🇲🇽 BOOK NOW
Travelers loved this bike tour in Chamula and Zinacantán, so chances are high you will too.
What’s unique about this tour from San Cristobal de las Casas? On this trip, you’ll bike through real country life in the region, away from the usual tourist trails.
You’ll see stunning landscapes, local crops, and meet people over a 32km route with a 700-meter ascent.
You’ll explore San Juan Chamula’s unique Tsotsil Maya syncretism and visit Zinacantán to enjoy local cuisine and crafts.
9. El Chiflon Waterfalls & Montebello National Park
- ⭐️ RATING: 4/5 from 16 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours
- 🇲🇽 BOOK NOW
Nothing beats the thrill of watching thundering waterfalls – and thtis is possible for you when you book this 12-hour tour from San Cristobal.
Join your experienced guideon a trip to El Chiflon Waterfalls where you’ll see the “angel’s wings” cascade and its turquoise waters.
Then, you’ll explore Montebello Lakes, diving into crystal-clear waters and crossing on a rustic raft. You’ll visit 5-7 lakes, each with unique colors from different minerals.
10. Las Nubes Waterfalls
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 16 hours
- 🇲🇽 BOOK NOW
Discover the Las Nubes waterfalls, hidden within the Lacandon Jungle, on this day tour from Tuxtla Gutiérrez or San Cristóbal.
First, a quick breakfast stop, then you’ll be off to Las Nubes Waterfalls. The falls, aptly named “The Clouds”, are surrounded by lush greenery.
After you’ve had lunch, you’ll explore Comitán, an ancient Mayan town rich in culture and history. You’ll also see colonial churches and plazas before heading back.
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