TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Under the Canopy: A Five‑Day Deep Immersion into the Mayan World of Chiapas
A five-day circuit from Palenque into the Lacandon Jungle—ruins, river rapids, waterfalls and nights at an eco-lodge—this guide distills the practical route and what to expect.
Under the Canopy: A Five‑Day Deep Immersion into the Mayan World of Chiapas.
Journey through towering Maya ruins, jungle rivers and hidden waterfalls on a five-day expedition that pairs guided archaeological visits with rafted river sections, interpretive hikes and nights at an eco-lodge immersed in rainforest sounds.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Palenque, Yaxchilán and Bonampak: Maya Masterworks
This route visits three of the region’s signature sites—Palenque’s temple complex, the water‑access-only city of Yaxchilán and Bonampak with its famed murals—delivering concentrated, on-the-ground encounters with Classic‑period Maya art and architecture.
Rivers and Rapids: Usumacinta and the Lacanjá
Travel by boat on the Usumacinta to reach jungle sites and run the Lacanjá River rapids by raft—river transit and whitewater are core components of the itinerary and how some ruins are accessed.
Waterfalls, Cenotes and Eco‑Lodge Nights
Expect turquoise terraces and plunging falls (Agua Azul, Misol‑Há, Las Golondrinas), secluded jungle cenotes, and evenings at a sustainable eco‑lodge in Lacanjá Chansayab where local guides lead hikes and birdwatching.
What the day feels like
What the Five Days Feel Like
Days alternate between focused archaeological exploration and active jungle travel: start at Palenque, cool off at Agua Azul and Misol‑Há, then move deeper by boat to Yaxchilán and Bonampak before settling into an eco‑lodge base for rafting the Lacanjá, hikes to hidden ruins, waterfalls and cenotes, and early morning birdwatching along the Bonampak road.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Five days, four nights—an intensive circuit through ruins, rivers and jungle.
Participants meet at hotels in Palenque City.
Nights are spent at an authentic eco‑lodge in Lacanjá Chansayab after an initial night in Palenque City (Day 1 lodging in Palenque City noted as not included).
Expect river travel (small motorboats), jungle trails and waterfall access; routes may be remote and require physical effort.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The program runs five days (four nights).
Where do participants meet?
The meeting point is hotels at Palenque City.
Which archaeological sites are included?
The itinerary includes Palenque, Yaxchilán and Bonampak.
Are nights spent in the jungle?
Yes—after the first day, nights are spent at an eco‑lodge in Lacanjá Chansayab (the first overnight in Palenque City is noted as accommodation not included).
Is the trip suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
No—the trip is not recommended for individuals with limited mobility due to unpaved uneven trails, stairs at ruins and the need to board small motorboats.
What time does the circuit return to Palenque on the final day?
The arrival back in Palenque City is approximately 7:00 PM on Day 5.