TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Toniná in a Day: Climbing a ‘Casa Grande de Piedra’ and Chasing Waterfalls from Tuxtla
A full-day guided loop from Tuxtla Gutiérrez that pairs the pre‑Hispanic terraces of Toniná with colonial Ocosingo and the mountain trails around El Corralito—practical details for a 17‑hour outing.
Toniná in a Day: Climbing a ‘Casa Grande de Piedra’ and Chasing Waterfalls from Tuxtla.
Archaeology, culture and nature converge on this long day out from Tuxtla: Toniná’s artificial mountain—literally the Tzeltal ‘Casa Grande de Piedra’ of seven platforms rising on a calcareous hill—offers commanding valley views, before the route moves east to Ocosingo’s colonial Church of San Jacinto of Poland and then into the highland forest around El Corralito waterfall, with short trails and lookout points along the way.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Toniná: a stepped city carved into limestone
Toniná is a sacred pre‑Hispanic complex built as an artificial mountain of seven platforms atop a calcareous hill; the site visit (about two hours) concentrates on its monumental terraces and broad valley views.
Ocosingo’s colonial heart: San Jacinto of Poland
The itinerary stops in Ocosingo for time at the Church of San Jacinto of Poland, a colonial‑era building dating from the 15th century that anchors the town’s historic center.
El Corralito: mountain waterfalls and short trails
Near Oxchuc, El Corralito waterfall sits tucked into the mountain with trails and viewpoints that let you stretch your legs and take in the surrounding forested scenery (visit time quoted at roughly 1.3 hours).
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a long, organized loop: after an early departure you spend concentrated time at Toniná (about two hours), move on to Ocosingo and its 15th‑century church (around two hours), then into the highland for El Corralito waterfall (approximately 1.3 hours), returning in the evening—an archeology‑forward itinerary threaded with cultural stops and a nature finish.
THE HISTORY
Toniná: a stepped city carved into limestone
Toniná is a sacred pre‑Hispanic complex built as an artificial mountain of seven platforms atop a calcareous hill; the site visit (about two hours) concentrates on its monumental terraces and broad valley views.
THE CULTURE
Ocosingo’s colonial heart: San Jacinto of Poland
The itinerary stops in Ocosingo for time at the Church of San Jacinto of Poland, a colonial‑era building dating from the 15th century that anchors the town’s historic center.
THE LANDSCAPE
El Corralito: mountain waterfalls and short trails
Near Oxchuc, El Corralito waterfall sits tucked into the mountain with trails and viewpoints that let you stretch your legs and take in the surrounding forested scenery (visit time quoted at roughly 1.3 hours).
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this guided day is best for — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for walking, a hat and sunglasses, sunblock, and extra money for souvenirs or additional meals.
The tour includes park and nature area tickets, round‑trip ground transportation, an informant/operator, and one buffet breakfast served en route.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The full outing is 17 hours in duration.
What time does the tour depart and return?
Departure is approximately 4:45 am and the listed arrival back is approximately 9:00 pm.
What is included in the price?
The price includes tickets to parks and natural areas, round‑trip ground transportation, an informant/operator, and one buffet breakfast on the route.
What are the rates when leaving from Tuxtla?
Leaving from Tuxtla the listed rates are Adults (ages 12+): MXN 2,067 (~USD 106) and Children (ages 4–11): MXN 1,963.65 (~USD 100.7).
What are the rates when leaving from San Cristóbal?
Leaving from San Cristóbal the listed rates are Adults (ages 12+): MXN 1,860.3 (~USD 95.4) and Children (ages 4–11): MXN 1,756.95 (~USD 90.1).
Is there a minimum group size to book?
Yes: there is a minimum of two people required for the first reservation.