San Cristobal: 3 Days Expedition of North Lacandona Jungle

Discover the North Lacandona Jungle in Chiapas with a 3-Day Expedition

Our review of the “San Cristobal: 3 Days Expedition of North Lacandona Jungle” offers an honest look at a journey that promises a blend of breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, and genuine cultural encounters. If you’re craving more than the typical tourist trail and want to experience Chiapas’s wild, verdant landscape firsthand, this tour might be just the ticket.

Two standout qualities of this adventure are its carefully curated mix of natural beauty and archaeological sites—the waterfalls and Mayapan ruins—and the opportunity to stay overnight in a jungle camp, adding a layer of authenticity. A potential consideration is the itinerary’s intensity—you’ll be traveling by boat, hiking, and exploring all in a relatively short time, which might be tiring for some. But for active travelers who love diverse experiences, this trip hits most of the highlights in a manageable format.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy adventure, appreciate history, and want to see a less-touristed part of Mexico. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager for authentic experiences in a small, intimate group, you’ll find this expedition highly rewarding.

Key Points

• Focused 3-day adventure exploring waterfalls, archaeological ruins, and jungle landscapes
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) for a more personalized experience
• Inclusive package with transportation, meals, and entry fees, offering good value
• Authentic cultural visits to local communities and ancient sites
• Active itinerary with boat rides, hikes, and swimming opportunities
• Expert guides to enrich the experience with insights into history and nature

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Day 1: Waterfalls and Local Camp in the Jungle

The adventure begins early from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, a charming colonial town that’s a hub for exploring Chiapas. The first stops are Agua Azul and Misol-ha waterfalls, both stunning examples of natural beauty. Agua Azul, with its vibrant turquoise waters, is a must-see. The sight of water rushing over rocks in shades of blue and green creates a picture-perfect scene—perfect for photos or just soaking in the view.

Next, you’ll visit Misol-ha, a 35-meter-high waterfall that is equally impressive. Here, you might find it tempting to snap multiple photos or simply stand in awe of the power of nature. The area provides an excellent opportunity for photography, and many reviews mention how photogenic these sites are.

After a satisfying morning, you head to the Lacandon community of Lacanjá Chansayab. Staying overnight at Campamento Río Lacanjá means you’ll wake up surrounded by jungle sounds, a rare experience for most travelers used to hotels. The included meals, especially the local-style lunch and dinner, give a taste of regional flavors and add to the immersion.

Day 2: Ancient Mayan City and Jungle Hike

The second day starts with a boat ride from Frontera Corozal across the Usumacinta River, one of Mexico’s mightiest. This boat trip—an adventure in itself—leads you to Yaxchilán, an archaeological site set deep in the jungle. Here, you’ll find impressive temples and monuments, many still standing in remarkable condition. The site’s remoteness and lush surroundings make it feel like discovering a lost city, which many travelers find thrilling.

Exploring Yaxchilán with a guide adds depth, revealing stories behind the ruins and the significance of artifacts. Reviewers mention the site’s impressive architecture and the jungle backdrop, which enhances the sense of discovery.

After returning to camp, a 2-hour jungle hike takes you to the Moctunihá waterfalls. The walk through dense foliage is a highlight for nature lovers, and the opportunity to swim in the waterfalls’ pools makes it even better. Lunch by the waterfalls provides a peaceful break amid nature.

Day 3: Murals, Ruins, and a Grand Finale at Palenque

The final day begins with a visit to Bonampak, renowned for its mural paintings—some of the best-preserved examples of Maya art. The vibrant images depict scenes of rituals, ceremonies, and daily life, giving a vivid window into the past. Many travelers appreciate how these murals bring history alive.

Following Bonampak, the tour continues to Palenque, one of the most celebrated Maya archaeological sites. Its sprawling ruins include temples, palaces, and aqueducts, set against jungle hills. Exploring Palenque offers a sense of grandeur and scale that makes the entire journey worthwhile.

The tour concludes in Palenque, with transportation available for your return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas. The overall experience delivers a comprehensive view of Chiapas’s natural and archaeological treasures.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Logistics

The tour’s use of air-conditioned vans, combined with boat rides and hikes, ensures a comfortable journey despite the varied terrain. The small group setting (max 10 participants) means you’ll have more interaction with the guide and fewer crowds. The inclusion of meals, entrance fees, and insurance simplifies planning and adds to the overall value.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviews point out the stunning scenery throughout the trip. One user commented, “The waterfalls alone make this trip worth it,” while others noted how the combination of nature and history kept the experience engaging. The immersion in local communities and staying overnight in the jungle also received praise for authenticity.

Some travelers mention the physical aspect—hiking, boat rides, and walking around ruins—so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The tour’s pace is lively but manageable for most adventurous travelers.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $528 per person, this tour packs in a lot: transportation, guided visits to major archaeological sites, two nights of camping, meals, and boat rides. For those wanting a comprehensive experience in the Lacandon Jungle—and who don’t mind some physical activity—it offers excellent value. It’s particularly appealing for travelers eager to see both natural wonders and Mayan ruins in one trip, without the hassle of planning separate excursions.

Who Will Love This Trip?

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys outdoor activities, archaeological exploration, and authentic cultural encounters, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for those comfortable with walking, swimming, and boat rides. The small-group format also makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience and fewer crowds.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day expedition into the North Lacandona Jungle delivers a well-rounded taste of Chiapas’s natural and archaeological riches. From vivid waterfalls to ancient ruins hidden deep in the jungle, it’s a journey that feels both adventurous and insightful. The inclusion of local communities, overnight camping, and guided tours ensures an experience that’s both authentic and engaging.

While it’s not a relaxing, luxury getaway—think of it more as an active adventure—the value for the price is significant. It suits travelers who want to see the highlights with minimal fuss and are excited to explore beyond the usual sights.

If you’re after a trip that combines nature, history, and culture in a small-group setting, this tour offers a memorable way to connect with Chiapas’s wild side.

FAQ

Is transportation included for the entire tour?
Yes, all ground transportation in an air-conditioned van is included throughout the trip, making travel between sites comfortable and efficient.

Are meals provided during the tour?
Lunch and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2, plus breakfast on Day 3, are included. Meals feature local ingredients and flavors.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay two nights at the Río Lacanjá Camp, a jungle camping site that offers a more authentic experience compared to hotels, with the sounds of the jungle around you.

Can I join if I’m not an experienced hiker?
The activities involve some walking and hiking, notably the jungle hike to Moctunihá waterfalls. Moderate fitness is recommended, but the pace is manageable with proper breaks.

Are archaeological site tickets included?
Yes, entrance fees to Yaxchilán, Bonampak, and Palenque are covered, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.

Is there a guide throughout the tour?
Yes, a specialized guide accompanies the group, providing insights into the history, nature, and local culture.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility for change of plans.

This expedition offers an enriching, active way to experience Chiapas’s lesser-known treasures—perfect for travelers eager to see the jungle, waterfalls, and ancient ruins all in one go.

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