TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Days in the Lacandon: Boats on the Usumacinta, Bonampak’s Murals, and a Night with a Lacandon Family
A focused, guided 2-day circuit from Palenque into the Lacandon Jungle that combines a 60-minute river crossing, visits to the ruins of Yaxchilán and the painted murals of Bonampak, and an overnight in an ecolodge run by a Lacandon family.
Two Days in the Lacandon: Boats on the Usumacinta, Bonampak’s Murals, and a Night with a Lacandon Family.
This two-day excursion threads through the heart of Chiapas’ Lacandon Jungle: a river transfer along the Usumacinta to the ruins of Yaxchilán, an up-close encounter with the vivid murals of Bonampak, and an evening spent in the Lacandones Camp in Lacanja Chansayab where guests share village life with a Mayan Lacandon family before trekking to waterfalls and the lost city of Lacanjá the next day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Usumacinta River & Yaxchilán by Boat
A highlight of the itinerary is the boat transfer on the impressive Usumacinta River — the water crossing to Yaxchilán is part of the approach to the jungle-enshrouded ruins and is itself a core element of the experience.
Bonampak’s Painted Murals
Bonampak offers a rare opportunity to see ancient painted murals; the visit includes guiding in the archaeological zone so you can appreciate the site’s iconography and cultural context.
A Night with the Lacandones & Jungle Trekking
Accommodation is at a Lacandones ecolodge in Lacanja Chansayab where guests stay in private cabins (air conditioned) and spend time with a Mayan Lacandon family; the following day features an interpretive jungle trail to waterfalls and the lost city of Lacanjá.
What the day feels like
What this 48 hours feels like
The itinerary compresses archaeology, river travel and living-culture immersion into a compact two-day rhythm: an early departure, a scenic river approach to monumental ruins, a second-site visit to see Bonampak’s murals, a night in an ecolodge embedded in community life, and a guided jungle trek the following day to waterfalls and Lacanjá.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 2-day guided experience with an approximate early morning departure (around 6:00am) and return on the evening of day two (approx. 19:30).
Bring comfortable clothes and closed shoes for trails, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, and some extra cash for souvenirs or additional expenses; a buffet breakfast is served en route.
The tour includes round-trip ground transportation, river transport on the Usumacinta, tickets to listed sites, a guide in archaeological zones, a jungle trail with a Lacandon guide, entrance to waterfalls, one night in a private, air-conditioned cabin at the Lacandones ecolodge, four meals, and travel insurance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The program is a 2-day experience with an approximate departure early on day one and return the evening of day two.
Where does the tour depart from and when?
Departures referenced in the information are from Palenque with an approximate start time of 6:00am.
Is there a minimum number of participants?
For departures from Palenque there is a minimum of two people required on the first reservation.
What accommodation and meals are provided?
The tour includes one night at the Lacandones ecolodge in a private air-conditioned cabin and four meals (including a buffet breakfast served en route).
Is the trip accessible to travelers with disabilities?
The program is stated as not suitable for disabled people and recommends a moderate physical condition for participants.
How long is the boat transfer to Yaxchilán?
The transfer to Yaxchilán by boat lasts approximately 60 minutes.
What are the rates departing from Palenque?
Rates departing from Palenque list Adults (ages 12+) at MXN 4,250.00 and Children (ages 8–11) at MXN 3,500.00; the operator specifies pricing and age categories.