Chiapas Adventure: 5-Day Itinerary

• Arrive via Tuxtla Gutierrez airport (TGZ), 1 hour transfer to San Cristobal
• Afternoon: Walk the Andador Eclesiastico pedestrian street, visit Santo Domingo church and the textile cooperative
• Evening: Explore the amber market, warm up with Chiapan hot chocolate, dinner of tamales de chipilin

• Morning: Guided visit to San Juan Chamula -- the remarkable church where Mayan and Catholic traditions merge (photography forbidden inside; follow all guidelines)
• Late morning: Visit Zinacantan for textile demonstrations and floral embroidery
• Lunch: Traditional meal in Zinacantan with a local family (arranged through tour)
• Afternoon: Back in San Cristobal -- explore Na Bolom museum, browse artisan shops
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, try posh (traditional sugar cane spirit) and Chiapan coffee

• Early morning: Drive to Chiapa de Corzo (1 hour)
• Morning: Sumidero Canyon boat tour through the dramatic canyon -- crocodiles, monkeys, and the Christmas Tree waterfall
• Lunch: In Chiapa de Corzo -- explore the town plaza and lacquerware artisans
• Afternoon: Transfer toward Palenque (5 hours by road, or return to Tuxtla for a short flight)
• Evening: Arrive in Palenque town, dinner at a local restaurant

• Early morning: Palenque archaeological site -- arrive at 8:00 AM opening for the best experience. Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace, the Temple of the Cross group.
• Late morning: Visit the site museum for Pakal's tomb replica and artifact context
• Afternoon: Drive to Agua Azul waterfalls (about 1.5 hours) -- swim in the turquoise cascading pools. Or visit Misol-Ha waterfall (closer, 30 minutes) with its path behind the waterfall curtain.
• Evening: Return to Palenque town for dinner

• Morning: Optional visit to Bonampak (famous for Mayan murals) if time permits, or a relaxed morning exploring Palenque town
• Transfer to Villahermosa airport (2 hours) or Palenque airport for departure
• Alternative: Some travelers continue to the Yucatan from Palenque -- buses run to Campeche and Merida

Practical Information

• Budget estimate -- $50-100 USD per day for mid-range travel
• Transport -- Rent a car for flexibility, or use ADO/OCC buses and organized tours between destinations. The San Cristobal to Palenque road is scenic but long and winding.
• Altitude -- San Cristobal is at 2,200 meters. Pack warm layers for cool mornings and evenings.
• Best time -- November to April for dry weather. Agua Azul is most impressive during or just after the rainy season when water flow is high.
• Respect -- Chiapas has a complex political and cultural landscape. Treat indigenous communities with respect and always ask before photographing people.