Chiapas Tour: a Fascinating Trip from Mexico City to San Cristobal (9 Days)

Itinerary

1. 1

   Mexico City

   Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico - the largest city in Latin America where ancient and modern coexist in harmony. The city is a world-class cultural hub that offers a huge variety of museums, galleries, and architectural gems, along with bustling nightlife and diverse gastronomic culture. Arrive on Saturday or some days before and take your time to explore this diverse city before meeting your group and Tour Leader on Saturday evening: informational meeting, welcome dinner, and optional get-together with the rest of the group. ­ • Transportation : walking • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City • Meals Included : dinner • Activities Included : welcome meeting

2. 2

   Mexico City

   Join your Tour Leader and start the Chiapas Tour with a walking tour around the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Mexico City and a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. Then, choose by yourself what to do next - your Tour Leader will be happy to give suggestions. Optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : walking, public transportation • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : walking tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Museum of Anthropology

3. 3

   Mexico City - Teotihuacan - Puebla

   In the morning go to UNESCO-listed Teotihuacán, a fabulous archaeological zone that lies in a mountain-ringed offshoot of the Valle de México. The site of the huge Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, it was Mexico's biggest ancient city and the capital of what was probably the country's largest pre-Hispanic empire. In the afternoon, after a walking tour and lunch in Teotihuacan, continue the Chiapas Tour next parade in Puebla. Once a bastion of conservatism and tradition, the city has come out of its colonial-era shell. Puebla retains a fantastically well-preserved center, a stunning cathedral, and a wealth of beautiful churches, while younger poblanos (people from Puebla) are embracing the city’s increasingly thriving art and nightlife scenes. Optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Puebla • Meals Included : breakfast, lunch • Activities Included : guided visit to Teotihuacan Archeological Zone, walking tour in Puebla

4. 4

   Puebla - Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve - Oaxaca

   After breakfast and checkout, go to Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve. Located in a complex system of mountain ranges and valleys, this UNESCO-listed area generates great biodiversity and different ecosystems. The region has played an important role in the development of agriculture in Mesoamerica. Exploration by car and walking. In the afternoon, move to Oaxaca City. A cultural colossus that fits to rival anywhere in Latin America for history, gastronomy, and colorful manifestations of indigenous culture, Oaxaca is a complex but intensely attractive city whose majestic churches and refined plazas have deservedly earned it a UNESCO World Heritage badge. Optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, walking tour in Oaxaca

5. 5

   Oaxaca - Monte Alban - Hierve el Agua - Mitla

   In the morning, go to Monte Alban. Now an illustrious ruin, this former capital of the Zapotec empire served as the second-largest ceremonial site in Mesoamerica after Teotihuacan for over a thousand years. Thereafter, move to Hierve el Agua. The location for some of the "Top posts" on Instagram, this series of spectacularly sited mineral springs is a great place to enjoy the impressive landscapes and sunsets. Afterward, transfer to a nearby "Magical Town" of Mitla. Orientation walk of the Historic Center, check-in, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house near Hierve el Agua • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visits to Monte Alban Archeological Zone and Hierve el Agua; orientation walk of Mitla

6. 6

   Mitla - Puerto Arista

   In the morning, move to Puerto Arista, a quiet regional beach town famous for its extensive golden-sand beaches. Once there, ride an ATV and enjoy the stunning sunset on the beach. Finally, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Puerto Arista • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : ATV ride on the beach in Puerto Arista

7. 7

   Puerto Arista - Canyon Sumidero - Chiapa de Corzo

   Enjoy the sea and sun in the morning and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon on a boat trip to enjoy the sight of impressive waterfalls, enter mystical caves, and see the cliff where Chiapanec Warriors committed suicide instead of being forced to surrender to the Spanish Conquistadores. After that, head to Chiapa de Corzo, one of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas, it is well known for its warm people and colorful Renaissance architecture. In January, you can enjoy the Fiesta Grande, one of the most attractive events in the country, declared a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Accommodation, orientation walk in the Historic Center, optional dinner, and get-together with the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Chiapa de Corzo • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : boat tour in Sumidero Canyon; walking tour in Chiapa de Corzo

8. 8

   Chiapa de Corzo – San Juan de Chamula – San Cristobal de las Casas

   In the morning, move for an orientation walk and optional lunch to San Juan de Chamula, the center of the strongly independent Tzotzil ethnic group famous for its unique religious practices. In the evening, arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas. Set in a gorgeous highland valley surrounded by pine forests, this beautiful colonial city has been a popular travelers’ destination for decades. Check-in, orientation walk, optional dinner and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in San Cristobal de las Casas • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : orientation walks in San Juan de Chamula and San Cristobal de las Casas

9. 9

   San Cristóbal de las Casas - Tuxtla Gutierrez

   Last Day of our Chiapas Tour. After breakfast, get transferred to a local bus station and take a comfortable intercity bus to Tuxtla Gutierrez (~1 hour 15 min). Once there, explore some of the city's attractions or take a taxi directly to the Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport (~30-40 min). ­ • Transportation : private transfer to the bus station in San Cristóbal de las Casas, intercity bus from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Tuxtla Gutierrez • Meals Included : breakfast

Important information

Meeting point

• Your accommodation in Mexico City (exact location to be provided in trip notes before the tour).
  Zócalo, Ciudad de México
  View on Google Maps

Cancellation policy

100% charge if you cancel less than 360 hours in advance. 50% charge if you cancel less than 720 hours in advance. No charge if you cancel more than 60 days in advance.