PALENQUE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Emerald Pools and Tzeltal Craft: Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, a Day Out of Palenque
A curated 7-hour excursion from Palenque to limestone-formed pools of emerald and turquoise water, with visits to a Tzeltal community, a stone church and local carpentry.
Emerald Pools and Tzeltal Craft: Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, a Day Out of Palenque.
Set beneath the canopy of the Lacandon jungle, Roberto Barrios is a pocket of naturally tiered pools whose color — from deep emerald to vivid turquoise — comes from sunlight on limestone bottoms and the flow of an arm of the Tulijá river; the outing also brings you into a Tzeltal community where a stone Catholic church still holds services and where local carpentry, including Don Chelo’s rustic pieces, speaks to a life reshaped by ecotourism.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Limestone pools with perennial emerald color
The falls are a natural arrangement of pools carved in limestone that keep their emerald-green hues even in rain, the result of sunlight reflecting off a limestone bottom fed by an arm of the Tulijá river.
Tzeltal warmth, a stone church and local carpentry
The visit includes time in a Tzeltal-origin town where villagers host visitors, a historic stone Catholic church that still holds Sunday services, and the carpentry of Don Chelo, whose rustic pieces are sold beyond the region.
A secret tucked into the Lacandon canopy
Roberto Barrios sits framed by the lush Lacandon jungle; its pools and waterfalls emerge amid dense forest, creating a striking contrast between vivid water and green vegetation.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing blends a short drive from Palenque with time in a calm natural spa: expect an immersive, tropical feel — limestone pools to swim in, warm local hospitality, and small-scale village visits that make the trip part nature escape and part cultural stop.
THE LANDSCAPE
Limestone pools with perennial emerald color
The falls are a natural arrangement of pools carved in limestone that keep their emerald-green hues even in rain, the result of sunlight reflecting off a limestone bottom fed by an arm of the Tulijá river.
THE COMMUNITY
Tzeltal warmth, a stone church and local carpentry
The visit includes time in a Tzeltal-origin town where villagers host visitors, a historic stone Catholic church that still holds Sunday services, and the carpentry of Don Chelo, whose rustic pieces are sold beyond the region.
THE JUNGLE
A secret tucked into the Lacandon canopy
Roberto Barrios sits framed by the lush Lacandon jungle; its pools and waterfalls emerge amid dense forest, creating a striking contrast between vivid water and green vegetation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this excursion suits — and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring extra clothes, a swimsuit and comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, and extra money for souvenirs or additional meals.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the excursion?
The trip is listed with a duration of 7 hours.
Where does the excursion depart from?
The meeting location and departure point is Palenque.
Will there be time to swim?
Yes — the itinerary includes time to swim in the natural pools at the ecotourism center.
Are there accessibility concerns?
The excursion is not recommended for people who have any mobility restrictions.
What should I bring for the day?
Recommended items include a swimsuit, extra clothes, comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and extra money for souvenirs or meals.