2 Day Lacandon Jungle, the Lost City and Bonampak Ruins

Thinking about venturing into the heart of Mexico’s Chiapas region? This 2-day tour of the Lacandon Jungle, Bonampak, and Lacanjá Ruins promises a mix of ancient history, vibrant nature, and authentic community experiences. It’s a journey designed for those wanting more than just the standard tourist trail—an immersive adventure into the depths of Mayan culture and the wilds of the rainforest.

What we particularly like about this experience is its focus on small-group intimacy and authentic interactions. You’ll get close to the land and learn about the Lacandon Maya traditions firsthand. And, of course, the chance to see the famous murals of Bonampak is a highlight that feels worth the trip alone.

A possible drawback is the tight schedule—with early mornings and some long driving stretches—but if you’re up for a full day of exploration and don’t mind a bit of adventure, this tour delivers real value. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy active days outdoors, have a curiosity for archaeology, and appreciate connecting with local communities. If that sounds like you, keep reading.

Key Points

• Authentic Mayan ruins combined with lush jungle trekking
• Overnight stay in an ecolodge, living with Lacandon Maya families
• Includes all entry fees and meals, offering good value
• Small group size (limited to 12 participants) ensures personalized attention
• Highlights include Bonampak murals, Lacanjá ruins, waterfalls, and a cenote
• Suitable for active travelers, but not recommended for children under 12 or those with health issues

When considering a trip into the Chiapas rainforest, this tour offers a well-rounded peek into Mayan history, indigenous culture, and natural beauty. It’s a comprehensive package, carefully curated to balance exploration, culture, and relaxation.

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Day 1: From Palenque to Bonampak and the Lacandon Jungle

Your adventure kicks off early, with hotel pickup around 6:00 a.m. Traveling in a small group (max 12) means you’ll get a more personal feel, and your bilingual guide will help bring the experience to life.

The first stop is Bonampak, a site that only became known to the outside world in 1946. It’s a place where you’ll want your camera ready—famous for its vivid murals depicting Mayan ceremonies, warfare, and rituals. You’ll have around two hours to wander and soak in the atmosphere, which many reviews describe as “a window into the past.” One traveler noted, “The murals are spectacular; they really give you a sense of Mayan life as it was thousands of years ago.”

Following this, you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast on the road—an appreciated perk after an early start—before heading further into the rainforest.

The Lacandon Jungle itself is a marvel—declared a natural monument in 1992, covering over 4,300 hectares of dense, lush greenery. As we hike into the jungle, you’ll experience streams, waterfalls, and endemic flora and fauna. The guides excel at pointing out plants, animals, and cultural sites, making the walk both educational and invigorating.

The Lost City of Lacanjá

The highlight here is the Lacanjá Ruins, often called the “Lost City,” hidden away in the jungle and rarely crowded. The three-hour trek is moderately challenging but rewarding, offering a chance to see lesser-visited archaeological remains. As one reviewer put it, “It felt like discovering a secret Mayan world, away from the tourist crowds.” Expect endemic plants and stream crossings, with plenty of opportunities to marvel at the dense rainforest surrounding these ruins.

Authentic community interaction is a major part of this experience. You’ll meet a Lacandon Maya family at the ecolodge in Lacanja Chansayab—an excellent opportunity to learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and connection to the land. Staying overnight in a simple, comfortable cabin with private bath gives a genuine taste of local life, far removed from touristy resorts.

Day 2: Jungle Trails and Cenote Refreshing

The next morning, the focus shifts to nature and relaxation. After breakfast, you’ll trek for about two hours along a trail that leads to the Cenote Corcho Negro, a lovely spot for swimming and cooling off in clear, refreshing waters. This is a highlight for many, offering a peaceful moment amid the jungle.

Following the visit, there’s time for lunch before heading back to Palenque, with a planned arrival around 1:00 p.m., giving you a window to relax or explore more of the area. The return transfer is a comfortable way to conclude the trip, with the option to reflect on the experiences and photos.

This tour strikes a good balance between history, culture, and nature. The inclusion of all entry fees and meals makes it straightforward, with no hidden costs. The small group size fosters more meaningful interactions, and the overnight ecolodge experience adds an enriching dimension that many larger tours lack.

The guided hikes are thoughtfully paced, with enough flexibility to appreciate waterfalls and flora, not just walk through ruins. Plus, the opportunity to live with Lacandon Maya families offers an authentic cultural exchange that’s often missing in more commercialized excursions.

The main consideration is the early start and tight schedule, making this trip less ideal for those who prefer slow, leisurely days. The long driving stretches may also be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or bumpy roads.

On top of that, since the guide on day 2 is only in English for part of the tour, Spanish-speaking travelers might miss some nuance unless they speak the language. And, because the tour is not suitable for children under 12 or those with certain health issues**, it’s important to assess your physical readiness for trekking and outdoor activities.

At $299 per person, this experience provides not just transportation and entry fees, but also meals, overnight lodging, and culture. Compared to other similar trips, this represents good value—particularly because it combines archaeological exploration with eco-lodging and local interaction.

Many reviews mention the “good value for what’s included,” emphasizing the quality of the guides and the authenticity of the experience. The opportunity to see rare sites like Lacanjá and Bonampak murals, along with a night in a local eco-lodge, justifies the price for those wanting a deep dive into Mayan culture and rainforest scenery.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who love a mix of history, outdoor activities, and cultural exchange. If you’re excited about seeing lesser-known ruins and are comfortable with moderate trekking and early mornings, you’ll find this a rewarding experience.

It’s a great choice for small groups looking for an authentic, immersive journey—especially if you’re keen to connect with local indigenous communities. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or traveling with young children, you might want to consider other options.

The 2 Day Lacandon Jungle, the Lost City, and Bonampak Ruins tour offers a well-rounded, memorable glimpse into Chiapas’ natural beauty and ancient mysteries—a solid pick for those eager to see beyond the usual tourist spots.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included as part of the package, making logistics simple.

What’s the maximum group size?
The group is limited to 12 participants, which helps keep the experience personalized and manageable.

Are meals provided?
Yes, you’ll enjoy 5 meals total, including a breakfast buffet en route, and meals at the ecolodge.

How long does the tour last each day?
Day 1 starts early (around 6:00 a.m.) and finishes around 5:00 p.m. The second day ends around 1:00 p.m., with the rest of the afternoon free.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 or anyone with back, heart, or health issues due to the active nature of the activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, hats, change of clothes, sandals, camera, cash, and insect repellent are advised.

Is the guide bilingual?
Yes, a bilingual guide is provided for the first day. The second day guide speaks only Spanish.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Will I have enough time to explore each site?
Yes, the schedule allows about two hours at Bonampak and a few hours for Lacanjá, with enough time for hikes and cultural interactions.

What if I want a more relaxed experience?
You might find the schedule a bit packed, but it’s perfect for those wanting a full, active immersion. For a slower pace, consider other options or extending the stay.

This tour offers a meaningful glimpse into Chiapas’ Mayan past and lush landscapes, combining history, culture, and nature in a way that’s both educational and invigorating. It’s a solid choice for curious travelers eager to uncover the secrets of the Lacandon Jungle while enjoying authentic community life.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby