Join us in Chiapas Mexico for ten nights and nine full days as we explore the natural beauty and the arts and culture of the Chiapas highlands including Chiapa de Corzo, Comitán, and San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Chiapas, the southernmost state in Mexico, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, ancient Mayan ruins, and stunning landscapes, including waterfalls and jungles. Around 300 AD the ancient Mayan civilization began to dominate the area with its complex societal structure, well-planned urban layouts, and sophisticated artistry. The Maya significantly influenced modern Chiapas culture through traditions in agriculture, language, and religious practices, which continue to be integral to the identity of the region’s indigenous communities.

In the 15th century, the Aztecs expanded their empire into Chiapas, imposing tribute on the local tribes. Then the Spanish arrived in the early 16th century, and by 1524 had established control, leading to significant resistance from indigenous groups. Chiapas declared its independence from Spain in 1821. This marked the beginning of a new political identity. Chiapas is home to one of the largest indigenous populations in Mexico, with twelve federally recognized ethnicities. These groups have maintained their ancient cultures and traditions, significantly influencing the region’s history and identity, particularly during events like the Zapatista uprising in 1994, which sought to secure rights for indigenous peoples, resulting in what are now the autonomous Zapatista territories. These zones within the state of Chiapas are governed independently from the Mexican state by local assemblies and cooperative systems. This complex history becomes very clear as we engage with the people of Chiapas on this tour. We see it expressed in their storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural structures.

As we travel through the Chiapas highlands, we’ll visit many natural wonders, including Sumidero Canyon, a dramatic landscape with rich biodiversity, Cascadas el Chiflón waterfalls, and Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello. Along the way our local guide will provide in-depth cultural understanding of the various communities we visit. Then as we meet artisans, including weavers, ceramists, jewelers, wood carvers, and metalsmiths, we can see how this culture plays out in their work.

Chiapas cuisine is a vibrant blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, focused on corn, native herbs like chipilin and hoja santa, and local produce from the region’s diverse environments. The rich flavors and traditional cooking methods reflect the region’s heritage. Throughout the trip we’ll have the opportunity to dine at a wide variety of extraordinary restaurants (from casual street food to fine dining).

Limited to 12 travelers

While the tour offers many unique scheduled experiences, its casual structure also provides daily opportunities for travelers to adjust the plans to match their interests and desired speed and intensity.

IDENTIFICATION ~ A passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the tour start date and has at least 4 blank pages for entry/exit stamps is required.

ALTITUDE ~ Chiapa de Corzo: 1,380 ft  ~  Comitán: 5,500 ft  ~ San Cristóbal: 7,200 ft

WEATHER ~ March is typically dry in Chiapas. In the highlands where we spend the majority of our time (San Cristobal & Comitan), the temperatures range from high of 75°f to low of 44°f. In the lowlands of Chiapa de Corzo, it is warmer at 88°f day and 63°f night.

TRANSPORTATION ~ We will travel in and between cities in a van. We will take taxis and occasionally walk to dinners. Our tour of Tzimol is via tuktuk. Our ride through the Sumidero Canyon is on a motor boat.

PHYSICAL EXERTION ~ Moderate Exertion (3 of 5) – This tour consists of casual walking on uneven cobblestone streets with hills. To take full advantage of some of the sites, travelers will need to climb multiple flights of steps (at a slow pace). Some excursions, such as the waterfalls and the national park, have options that range from casual relaxing visits with limited climbing to intense hiking and climbing experiences. To enjoy Sumidero Canyon, travelers will need to be able to get in and out of small boats on the water.

Monday 3/8 – We greet you in Chiapa de Corzo with a welcome dinner.

Tuesday 3/9 – Enjoy visits to the parks along the ridge of Sumidero Canyon and then a boat ride from Chicoasen lake through the canyon back to Chiapa de Corzo.

Wednesday 3/9 – Travel from Chiapa de Corzo to Comitán, stopping at cultural sites along the way, settle into the hotel and explore this charming town.

Thursday 3/10 – Visits with artisans, a tour of the town of Tzimol, and an afternoon enjoying the waterfalls and zip lines of Cascadas del Chiflon

Friday 3/11 – Visit the national park Lagunas de Montebello before heading to San Cristobal

Saturday 3/12 – Tuesday 3/16 – Spend one full day on a walking tour of San Cristobal, learning about its culture and history. Then we spend three days venturing out to the surrounding villages for visits with a wide variety of artisans, returning each afternoon to our home base.

Wednesday 3/17 – Choose your own adventure day with three options:

1. Cooking class and lunch ~ This is a half day (3–4 hour) experience led by Claudia Santiz, a Mexico Iron Chef finalist. Claudia is known for her culinary creations that center on her indigenous heritage and make use of traditional ingredients and methods. You will shop with the chef at a local market for the ingredients for the day's lunch. Next you will join the chef in the kitchen and work beside her to create the multi-course lunch you'll enjoy. 

2. Toniná Archeological Site ~ This is a full day (8–9 hour) tour to the remote Mayan site of Toniná. This 15-acre site is situated on a natural mountain which accentuates the height of its 245-foot tall main Acropolis. Located about 81 miles from San Cristobal, the drive takes about 3 hours each way. We pay for transportation, toll fees, entrance fees, and your guide. You are responsible for any additional costs including souvenirs, meals, and snacks.

3. Self-guided adventure ~ If you select this option, you will have the full day to explore the city at your own pace (we'll have a list of other places we haven't seen that you could consider).

Thursday 3/18 – Your departure day; there are no official tour events this day