Palenque and Jungle Waterfalls from Tuxtla Gutierrez

Discover the Mysteries of Palenque and the Beauty of Chiapas Waterfalls

If you’re thinking about taking a day trip from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to explore some of Chiapas’ most iconic sights, this tour offers a compelling mix of ancient ruins and natural beauty. While it’s not a short or leisurely day, it packs in several highlights—pyramids, waterfalls, and lush jungle scenery—that make it worth considering.

What we love about this experience is how it combines history with nature in one seamless package. You’ll get a guided look at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Palenque along with visits to two of Mexico’s most colorful waterfalls, Agua Azul and Misol-Ha. Plus, the inclusion of breakfast, a boxed lunch, and all entrance fees adds solid value to the $125 price tag.

That said, one consideration is the long travel time—it’s about 17 hours round-trip—so it’s best suited for those with an appetite for adventure and willing to handle a big day on the road. If you’re curious about Maya history and jaw-dropping natural scenery, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially good for travelers who don’t mind early mornings and a bit of a bus ride for a rewarding experience.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Combines ancient Maya archaeology with stunning waterfalls.
• Guided Experience: Includes a knowledgeable guide for Palenque, enriching your understanding.
• Natural Beauty: Offers the chance to swim at Agua Azul and enjoy jungle scenery.
• Value-Added Inclusions: Breakfast, boxed lunch, and all entrance fees are included.
• Long Travel Time: Expect a full day with about 17 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
• Mixed Reviews: While many praise the scenery and guides, some note communication issues and the long hours.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Early for an All-Day Adventure

The day begins with early pickup at 3:15 am in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. This early start is necessary to maximize your time at each stop but also means you’ll be on the bus for quite a while. As one traveler pointed out, the drive can be lengthy—”more than 19 hours from our hotel to Palenque”—so be prepared for a full day and a bit of a road trip. The benefit is that the tour covers a lot of ground, making it a good option if you’re eager to tick off multiple highlights in one go.

Exploring Agua Azul Waterfalls

Your first stop is the stunning Agua Azul Waterfalls, famed for their vibrant, turquoise pools and tiered cascades. The name “Agua Azul” translates to “Blue Water,” and the sight lives up to the name. The waterfalls are set amid steep, jungle-covered slopes, and the water’s striking color is due to mineral deposits and the sunlight filtering through the lush canopy.

Visitors often comment on the visual impact: “Agua Azul will leave you astonished with its amazing colors,” says one traveler. During your two-hour visit, you’ll have time to walk around, take photos, and perhaps even take a dip in the cool waters. The water is inviting, but swimming is generally safe, and many enjoy cooling off here after the bus ride.

Misol-Ha Waterfall: A Short Jungle Walk

Next, the journey continues to Misol-Ha Waterfall, which drops around 20 meters into a pool surrounded by jungle. Here, you can walk close to the cascade, feel the spray on your face, and listen to the roar of the water. One reviewer highlighted the “amazing 20m drop,” emphasizing the waterfall’s beauty and its jungle setting.

You’ll spend about an hour here, giving you enough time to explore, take photos, and even sit by the water if you wish. The surrounding jungle adds a sense of adventure, and many find this waterfall a peaceful contrast to the more lively Agua Azul.

The Ancient City of Palenque

The highlight of the trip is the Palenque archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mexico’s most important Mayan ruins. You’ll have roughly 2.5 hours to explore with a guide who will unravel the stories behind the stone temples, pyramids, and monuments.

Walking through Palenque is like stepping into a storybook. The ruins are set amid dense jungle, with tall trees and the occasional distant call of howler monkeys. The site’s elegant architecture, including the Temple of the Inscriptions, is set against the backdrop of steep hills and lush greenery, creating a dramatic scene.

Most reviews mention the guide’s knowledge, describing them as “very nice” and helpful. However, some travelers noted that the guide in Palenque was somewhat exhausted, which may have affected the experience. Still, the site itself leaves a lasting impression, and the stories behind the temples add depth to the visit.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

Your tour package covers all entrance fees, breakfast, and a boxed lunch, which simplifies the day and provides sustenance after the early start. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included, so there’s no need to worry about navigating logistics.

However, some reviews mention that the promised breakfast was missing, which highlights the importance of managing expectations and perhaps bringing snacks if you’re hungry. Additional food and drinks are not included, and travelers should plan accordingly.

The Long Day and Travel Time

One of the recurring themes in reviews is the extensive travel time. The tour starts very early, and many travelers report being on the bus for over 16 hours. For some, this is the main drawback, especially if you’re sensitive to long bus rides or have limited stamina for such a day.

Traffic conditions and road quality can affect the exact timing, but expect a full day with considerable sitting. If you’re comfortable with long travel days and eager to see multiple highlights, it’s a worthwhile trade-off.

Communication and Language

While the tour promises an English-speaking guide, some reviews mention difficulties in communication, with the driver not speaking much English and guides being exhausted. This can affect your understanding of the sites and overall enjoyment. It’s worth considering whether you’re okay with some language barrier challenges or if you prefer more fluent English guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who love a packed itinerary, are comfortable with long days, and want to see both archaeological and natural treasures in one go. It’s ideal if you value guided insights into Maya history and enjoy scenic landscapes.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or dislike long bus rides, this might not be the best fit. The tour offers good value, especially with all included fees, but the long hours mean it’s better suited for energetic adventurers or those with a keen interest in Chiapas’ cultural and natural highlights.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those eager to experience Palenque’s awe-inspiring ruins along with colorful waterfalls like Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, this tour delivers a comprehensive day trip packed with scenery and history. The value is clear when considering the entrance fees, meals, and guided explanations included in the price.

The tour’s main strength is the combination of sites, making efficient use of your time. The guides’ knowledge generally adds depth, although communication issues have been noted. The stunning vistas at Agua Azul and the serene jungle atmosphere around Misol-Ha are sure to be memorable highlights.

Despite the long hours, travelers who don’t mind early mornings and bus rides will find this a rewarding way to explore some of Chiapas’ most iconic sights without the hassle of arranging transport and logistics on their own.

Who this tour is best for:

• History buffs eager to see Palenque and learn about Maya culture
• Nature lovers who appreciate waterfalls and jungle scenery
• Travelers comfortable with full-day excursions and long travel times
• Those seeking an all-inclusive experience at a reasonable price

Who might want to pass:

• Visitors sensitive to travel fatigue or long hours on a bus
• Those needing fluent English guides for detailed site explanations
• Travelers with limited stamina for early mornings and lengthy days

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, making logistics straightforward.

What’s the start time?
The tour departs at 3:15 am, so be prepared for an early start to maximize your sightseeing.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, all fees for the parks and sites, including Palenque, Agua Azul, and Misol-Ha, are covered.

Can I swim at Agua Azul?
You have about 2.5 hours at Agua Azul, where swimming is generally possible and many travelers enjoy cooling off in the vibrant pools.

How long is the travel time?
Expect around 17 hours for the round-trip journey, including stops, with some reviews noting it can be longer depending on traffic.

Is the guide’s English good?
While the tour promises an English-speaking guide, some reviews mention communication issues, so don’t expect flawless language skills.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Chiapas’ ancient past and vibrant natural scenery. It’s best suited for travelers who want to pack their day with memorable sights, don’t mind long hours on the road, and appreciate guided insight. With good value for the price and a variety of highlights, it’s a solid choice for those eager to see the best of this stunning region in one day.