During your vacation in San Cristbal, you'll want to take advantage of all the activities the area has to offer. One of the best ways to do this is by taking excursions and day trips. These can include things like visiting the Agua Azul Waterfalls, the Chiapa de Corzo, and the Lagunas de Montebello.
Sumidero Canyon
Located between Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristobal de las Casas, Sumidero Canyon is a spectacular place to visit. You can take day trips to the park from both cities. In addition to its stunning views and wildlife, the park features caves, waterfalls, and rock formations.
The canyon is a national park, and visitors can take a boat tour along the river to see the scenery and wildlife. The boat trip can be taken on your own, or as part of a tour. It is a two-hour cruise that starts at Chiapa de Corzo and ends at Chicoasen dam.
There are many different types of tours to choose from. Most include transport and lunch, and some tours include a visit to the town of Chiapa de Corzo.
Chiapa de Corzo
Visiting Chiapa de Corzo is an exciting experience for those looking for a unique, authentic Chiapas travel experience. There are numerous activities to choose from in this historic, colonial city. It's also a good base for exploring nearby Sumidero Canyon.
Chiapa de Corzo has an archaeological site dating back to the pre-columbian era of Mesoamerica. The site is small, but offers enough to keep visitors busy. The ruins are on the outskirts of town. They include the remains of an ancient pyramid tomb. The tomb was decorated with jewels and red pigment.
There is also a church in the town. This is the Santo Domingo Temple, which is red and white. It is located behind the central plaza and was once a Dominican covenant. In the late 19th century, the temple was damaged by an earthquake. A renovation was done, and today it is open for visitors to admire the Mudejar architecture.
Lagunas de Montebello
Located near the border between Mexico and Guatemala, the Lagunas de Montebello are a natural attraction for tourists. They offer a variety of attractions including horseback riding tours, kayaking, and swimming. Many tours combine the Lagunas de Montebello with other nearby destinations. These excursions are a popular way to see the area.
The Lagunas de Montebello are part of the protected biosphere reserve. The park has more than 16,000 acres of forest. There are hiking trails and walking paths. Visitors can also rent row boats and canoes. There are two Maya ruins within the park.
One of the more popular hikes in the Lagunas de Montebello is the Cinco Lagos trail. The trail starts in Lago Pojoj and winds through lush forests. It offers several photo stops and epic viewpoints. The trail also passes by five lakes. It is a perfect half-day excursion.
Agua Azul Waterfalls
Visiting Agua Azul Waterfalls is a great way to discover the natural wonders of Chiapas. The cascades are formed by shallow canyons and vertical cliffs, surrounded by lush jungle. It is best seen in the dry season, November through May.
For a truly immersive experience, consider taking a day trip to the waterfalls from Palenque. While a trip to Agua Azul may seem like a distant excursion from San Cristobal, it is actually only a few miles away. You can book a tour online or through a travel agent. You can also take a shared shuttle bus or a private taxi.
Although Agua Azul is a popular attraction, it is not the only place to see waterfalls in this region. You can also visit the Robert Barrio Waterfall and Misol-Ha Waterfall.
Palenque Ruins
Whether you are interested in exploring the ruins of Palenque or are on a budget, there are plenty of ways to explore these ancient structures. You can rent a car, hire a tour guide or take a public bus.
ADO buses are available from San Cristobal de las Casas, Villahermosa, Merida and Campeche. They are a more comfortable and safe way to travel to Palenque. You can find bus tickets on the ADO website.
When traveling to the ruins, you can choose between a day trip or a night trip. The day trip includes pickup from your hotel, a visit to the ruins, and a stop at Agua Azul Waterfalls. You'll spend about one hour at the waterfalls and about two hours at the ruins.