Private Day Trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas
Private Day Trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas
Make the most of your time in San Cristobal de las Casas with our private day trips to the most beautiful areas in Chiapas. These tours last between 4.5 and 18.5 hours and include hotel pickup, minibus transport, and an exclusive English-speaking guide.
Check out the itineraries of each tour below:
Zinacantán & San Juan Chamula (4.5 Hours)
We'll depart from San Cristóbal de Las Casas towards Zinacantán, where we'll visit a local family to observe the traditional craft of waist loom weaving, a pre-Hispanic Mayan practice. There you'll enjoy a tasting of pox, the traditional local drink, and see how handmade tortillas are prepared.
Next, we'll head to San Juan Chamula, a Tsotsil-speaking Mayan village. Inside its church, you will witness unique rituals and ceremonies that combine Catholic beliefs and ancient indigenous traditions. Afterwards, we'll return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
Departure time: 9 am.
Rancho Nuevo Caves & El Arcotete (5 Hours)
We'll begin the tour at El Arcotete, an impressive natural rock formation with caves at the top of the arch. Its walls, up to 40 m (131 ft) high, display geological formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
We’ll then continue to the Rancho Nuevo Caves, exploring their interior passages up to approximately 700 m (2,297 ft). Optionally, you can enjoy additional activities such as horseback riding and zip lining (not included). We'll end the tour in the center of San Cristóbal.
Departure time: 10 am.
Amatenango del Valle Community (6 Hours)
This tour will take you to the Amatenango del Valle Community, famous for its traditional pottery.
You'll take part in a pottery workshop, where you'll learn about the entire process and be able to make a piece under the guidance of local artisans. Clay is shaped entirely by hand, without a potter’s wheel, and fired in open-air kilns. Afterwards, there will be time to eat in the nearby town of Teopisca before returning to San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Departure time: 9 am.
Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo (8.5 Hours)
We’ll start by visiting the Sumidero Canyon viewpoints, such as “Los Chiapas”, rising nearly 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high. Afterwards, you'll board a boat to cruise through the canyon along the Grijalva River, spotting highlights such as the Chicoasén Dam, the Virgin’s Cave, and the Christmas Tree waterfall.
We’ll then visit the Magical Town of Chiapa de Corzo, where you’ll have free time to explore the historic centre and shop for handicrafts before returning to San Cristóbal.
Departure time: 9 am.
Tenam Puente & Comitán de Domínguez (10 Hours)
We’ll head to the Tenam Puente Archaeological Site, an ancient Mayan ceremonial center surrounded by hills, where you can explore its plazas, temples, and iconic ball courts.
Next, we'll travel to the Magical Town of Comitán de Domínguez. You'll have free time to enjoy Comitán cuisine, from the famous caldo de pan (bread soup) to tamales (dish of corn dough). The day concludes with a guided tour of the historic centre, visiting landmarks such as La Pila Central Park, known for its octagonal Mudejar-style fountain.
Departure time: 9 am.
Montebello Lakes & El Chiflón Waterfalls (10.5 Hours)
We’ll depart towards the El Chiflón waterfalls, a chain of cascades formed by the San Vicente River. You'll walk along the trail to admire waterfalls such as El Suspiro, Ala de Ángel, Arco Iris, Quinceañera, and the spectacular Velo de Novia, standing 120 m (394 ft) high.
Afterwards, we'll continue to Montebello Lakes National Park, visiting Tziscao and the International Lake, located on the border with Guatemala, with time to explore the nearby village. At the end of the tour, we'll return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
Departure time: 9 am.
Agua Azul, Misol-Há & the Palenque Archaeological Site (18 Hours)
We’ll set off very early towards the Palenque area, stopping for breakfast in Ocosingo. We'll then continue to the Agua Azul Waterfalls, a spectacular natural site formed by the Otulún, Shumuljá, and Tulijá rivers, famous for their turquoise-blue waters.
Next, we’ll head to Misol-Há waterfall, an impressive 40 m (131 ft) high cascade surrounded by tropical rainforest. Finally, we'll visit the Palenque Archaeological Site, exploring its temples, Mayan history, and architecture. We'll stop for lunch before returning to San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
Departure time: 4 am.
Why Book a Private Tour?
By booking a private tour, you'll have an English-speaking guide and receive a much more personalised service. You’ll also be able to customise the itinerary and choose the day of the week that best suits you.
More Information
Duration
4h 30m - 18h.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop–off
Transport by minibus
English–speaking guide
Tasting of posh (optional)
Private and exclusive guide, nobody else will be in your group
Not included
Food & drinks
Admission to Tenam & Comitán de Domínguez: 70 MXN (US$ 3.88) per person
Admission to Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo, & viewpoints: 185 MXN (US$ 10.27) per person
Admission to Montebello Lakes & El Chiflón waterfalls: 151 MXN (US$ 8.38) per person
Admission to Agua Azul, Misol
Há & Palenque: 360 MXN per person
Admission to Zinacantán & San Juan Chamula: 55 MXN per person
Admission to Rancho Nuevo & El Arcotete caves: 85 MXN (US$ 4.71) per person
When to book?
You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Paxial Tours Corporate name: PAXIAL TOURS SRL de CV Registered Office: REAL DE GUADALUPE, 25C, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): PTO210828BC5 Contact information Email: paxialtours@gmail.com Phone: 9933998144
If you have any other questions please contact us.