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

Overview

Join our 9-day tour to see the top natural and cultural attractions of 5 Mexican states. Start from metropolitan Mexico City, explore colonial Puebla, cross colorful Oaxaca, stop by the Pacific, and finish in the pearl of Chiapas – gorgeous San Cristóbal de las Casas. Chiapas in Mexico is waiting for you!

Highlights

• Explore huge Pyramids of the Sun and Moon in UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan.
  
• Have a swim and see the sunset in Hierve el Agua, a series of spectacularly sited mineral springs in Oaxaca.
• Take a boat trip in awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon.
• Witness fascinating ancient rituals blended with modern Christianity in San Juan de Chamula.
• Fall in love with Chiapas, one of the most colorful and splendid states in Mexico.
•  Itine

Itinerary

Day 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

Day 2: Mexico City

Join your Tour Leader and start “Chiapas in Mexico: All the Way to 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

Day 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 our “Chiapas in Mexico: All the Way to Chiapas” tour 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.

• 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

Day 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.

• 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

Day 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.

• 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

Day 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

Day 7: Puerto Arista - Sumidero Canyon  - 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 a historic center, optional dinner & 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

Day 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 strongly independent Tzotzil ethnic group famous for their unique religious practices. In the evening, arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas. Set in a gorgeous highland valley surrounded by pine forest, this beautiful colonial city has been a popular travelers’ destination for decades. Check-in, orientation walk, optional dinner & 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

Day 9: San Cristóbal de las Casas - Tuxtla Gutierrez

Last Day of our "Mexico: The Road to Chiapas" tour. After breakfast, get transferred to a local bus station and take a comfortable intercity bus to Tuxtla Gutierrez (~1h 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

Why go with us

• Small groups of up to 13 travelers: closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures & fun!
• Off-the-beaten-track tours with maximum immersion in local nature, culture, and traditions.
• The easy-going atmosphere of our tours is perfect for informal travel & making new friends among co-travelers and locals.

Why go with us

• DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL: We will leave our accommodation in Mexico City on Day 3 morning. We will arrive at our accommodation in San Cristobal de las Casas on Day 8 afternoon.
• AIRPORT TRANSFERS: This tour doesn't include airport transfers. Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport is about 30 km away from the center of Tuxtla Gutierrez and is easily accessible by taxi. Mexico City International Airport is close to the center of the city and is well-connected by both taxis and public transport.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: You will receive a list of accommodations together with trip notes 2 weeks before the tour. Most accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We can arrange pre- & post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes.
• ROOM TYPES:
  • Shared Twin Room: Single bed in a twin room shared with another co-traveler of the same gender. This option is specifically designed for solo travelers and applies just to group departures.
  • Double/Twin Room: Private room for 2 people. You can choose between 1 double bed or 2 single beds.
  • Triple Room: Private room for 3 people. It normally has 1 double bed for 2 people and 1 single bed for 1 person.
  • Quad Room: Private room for 4 people. It normally has 2 double beds for 2 people each.

  If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote.

• TRANSPORT: The type of private vehicle used throughout the tour depends on the size of the group and may involve a car, 7-seater, or minivan. Inside urban areas, walking is the most common way of transportation.

Notes

• FOOD: Meals and Gastronomic Experiences included in this tour can normally meet most of the common dietary restrictions. However, due to the active program of the tour and different menus in each place, satisfying a special diet or food preferences of a particular traveler will depend on circumstances and cannot be fully guaranteed.
• PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking and hiking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness condition.
• ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for daily departures. Most of the included activities such as walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities), orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns & villages), guided visits & hikes focus on local nature, history, culture & gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader. You will receive suggestions for optional activities in trip notes. Extra day tours and activities can be booked by your Tour Leader for an extra fee.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes & shoes; swimming suit & slippers/water shoes; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses & sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood & curiosity.
• GROUP VS. PRIVATE: Our multi-day tours offer both group and private departures (see pricing at checkout). Group tour - take a scheduled trip with other travelers. Private tour - take a trip on your own, with friends or family. Private tours are customizable (you can depart any day and we can add additional stops & activities on your request) and thus may cost more than group tours.
• PRICING: * The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room/tour option you choose.