Chiapas Highlands & Palenque
Explore Sumidero Canyon and the highland villages of San Cristóbal, then take a safe detour route to the Palenque ruins.
Fly into Tuxtla Gutiérrez to visit the canyon first, then stay four consecutive nights in San Cristóbal de las Casas to explore the old town and Tzotzil villages. To reach Palenque safely, bypass Highway 199 and take the ADO bus detour via Villahermosa, which takes a full day one-way. Conclude with the ruins and Misol-Ha Waterfall. Ideal for travelers comfortable with long-distance bus rides. For safety reasons, Agua Azul, Montebello, and border ruins are excluded.
The local situation can be volatile; check international travel advisories before departure. Highlands are cold in the mornings and evenings, so pack warm clothing.
Day by day
Day 1 · Canyon Boat Tour & Up to the Highlands
San Cristóbal de las Casas（Sumidero Canyon、Chiapa de Corzo）
After landing in the morning, head to Chiapa de Corzo for a 2-hour canyon boat tour, followed by a 1-hour drive up to the highlands.
Book a morning flight; otherwise, move the canyon tour to Day 4.
Stay: Central Plaza and Real de Guadalupe
Day 2 · Full-Day Walking Tour of the Historic Center
San Cristóbal de las Casas（Zócalo (Plaza 31 de Marzo)、San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral、Andador Real de Guadalupe、Templo de Santo Domingo & Artisan Market、Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya、Na Bolom）
Spend the day walking around the old town; plazas, pedestrian streets, churches, and markets are all within a 10-minute walk.
Stay: Central Plaza and Real de Guadalupe
Day 3 · Chamula & Zinacantán
San Cristóbal de las Casas（San Juan Chamula、Zinacantán、Amber Museum of Chiapas）
Join a local guided half-day tour, or take a colectivo to Chamula (approx. 30 minutes) and transfer to Zinacantán.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside Chamula Church; always ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
Stay: Central Plaza and Real de Guadalupe
Day 4 · Suburban Eco-Park & Hilltop Churches
San Cristóbal de las Casas（El Arcotete Ecotourism Park、Museum of Maya Medicine、Templo del Cerrito de San Cristóbal）
Take a colectivo to El Arcotete (approx. 20 minutes). Return to town in the afternoon to visit museums and hilltop churches on foot.
Stay: Central Plaza and Real de Guadalupe
Day 5 · Detour to Palenque
Take the ADO bus via Tuxtla and Villahermosa to Palenque, a full-day journey of about 8 to 9 hours.
Choose the earliest departure and confirm the bus does not take Highway 199 to avoid traveling at night.
Stay: Palenque Town Centre
Day 6 · Full Day at Palenque Ruins
Palenque（Palenque Archaeological Site、The Palace、Temple of the Inscriptions、Temple XIII (Tomb of the Red Queen)、Cross Group、Palenque Site Museum Alberto Ruz Lhuillier）
Take a colectivo or taxi from the town center to the ruins (approx. 20 minutes). The park opens at 8:00 AM; allow 4 to 5 hours for the visit.
Arrive early to beat the crowds and midday heat. Bring insect repellent and plenty of water.
Stay: Palenque Town Centre
Day 7 · Waterfall Visit & Departure
Join a local tour in the morning to visit Misol-Ha (approx. 40 minutes). In the afternoon, take an ADO bus to Villahermosa (approx. 2 hours).
Return immediately after visiting the waterfall and do not continue south. Book a flight departing in the late evening.