Chiapas is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets for travelers who love a mix of history, nature, and culture. Unlike more tourist-heavy regions, Chiapas offers a genuine feel of authentic Mexico, with ancient Mayan sites, stunning waterfalls, colorful towns, and indigenous communities. We especially love tours like the Palenque Archaeological Area and Roberto Barrios Waterfalls, which perfectly combine a walk through ancient ruins with a refreshing swim in natural waterfalls. This blend of history and nature makes Chiapas a spot that truly appeals to those seeking both learning and relaxation in one day.
Some tours on this list focus on iconic sites like Sumidero Canyon, with its dramatic river gorge, while others like the San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour give you a chance to connect with local traditions. Whether you want a full-day adventure or a cultural experience, Chiapas offers a variety of options that suit different interests and schedules. Let’s explore what each of these top tours has to offer and help you pick the best fit for your trip.
1. Palenque Archaeological Area and Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
At number 1, this 9-hour tour combines two very different but equally captivating experiences. You explore the Palenque archaeological site, famous for its well-preserved Mayan ruins, then cool off at the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls with a swim in their crystal-clear waters. This tour is perfect for those who want a balanced day of history and nature.
What makes it stand out is the blend of ancient architecture with a relaxing natural setting. The archaeological zone is often called the “Pearl of the Maya World,” and it’s easy to see why, with its impressive temples and hieroglyphic inscriptions. After exploring Palenque, you’ll head to Roberto Barrios to enjoy swimming, which is a great way to unwind. The tour also includes some local handicrafts shopping, giving you a taste of regional crafts.
With a price of just $49 per person and a 5/5 rating from one review, this tour offers excellent value. It’s ideal for travelers with a full day to spare and a desire to see both cultural and natural highlights. Bottom line: a well-rounded experience that balances exploration with relaxation.
$49 per person
2. Chiapas: Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo
Leaving from San Cristóbal de las Casas, this 6-hour tour takes you through one of Chiapas’ most iconic landscapes. The Sumidero Canyon is legendary for its towering cliffs and rushing river, and a boat ride along the Grijalva River offers breathtaking views of this natural wonder. Afterwards, you visit the charming town of Chiapa de Corzo for some regional food and a walk through its picturesque streets.
The highlight here is the boat ride, which provides a close-up look at the steep canyon walls and the chance to spot local wildlife. The town of Chiapa de Corzo, with its lively markets and beautiful fountain, adds cultural flavor to the day. Be aware that the viewpoints are closed every Tuesday, so plan accordingly.
At $49, this tour offers great value for the chance to see both nature and local town life in half a day. If you enjoy scenic boat rides and small-town charm, this one’s a good pick. Bottom line: a compact, scenic tour perfect for a morning or afternoon outing.
3. Misol Ha and Agua Azul Waterfalls Tour from Palenque
For around $65, this 6-hour tour is a classic Chiapas experience. It takes you from Palenque to explore the stunning turquoise waters of Agua Azul and the powerful Misol Ha waterfall. Both sites are famous for their striking natural beauty and are must-sees for visitors interested in the region’s landscape.
What makes this tour special is the vivid color of the Agua Azul waterfalls, caused by mineral-rich waters, and the impressive 20-foot cascade of Misol Ha. The drive itself offers spectacular views of lush landscapes and jungle. Guests say it’s a great way to combine sightseeing with some relaxing swimming and taking photos.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want an easy day trip combined with natural beauty, and at $65, it provides good value considering the highlights. Bottom line: a scenic, nature-focused tour that’s perfect for relaxing and sightseeing.
$65 per person
4. Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo: Day Tour from Tuxtla
This 6-hour tour from Tuxtla Gutiérrez offers a full dose of Chiapaneco scenery and culture. Starting with a guided boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon, you’ll marvel at the sheer cliffs and water cascading down over 4,000 feet. Then, you visit the colorful town of Chiapa de Corzo for some regional snacks and a stroll around the historic center.
The itinerary is well-planned, with door-to-door transportation, making it convenient. The boat ride is considered the highlight, and the town visit offers a chance to experience local life. The tour costs $99—more than some others, but the inclusion of transportation and the comprehensive experience justify the price.
If you’re short on time but want a full picture of the region’s natural and cultural highlights, this is a strong option. Bottom line: an efficient, scenic day trip emphasizing natural grandeur and local culture.
5. San Cristobal: Chiflon Waterfalls & Montebello Day Tour
This 12-hour tour from San Cristóbal costs $99 and takes you deep into the remote Chiflon Waterfalls and the Montebello Lakes National Park. The highlight is walking through rainforest to see the “angel’s wings” of the waterfalls and enjoying the changing colors of lakes formed by different mineral contents.
What makes it stand out is crossing lakes on traditional wooden rafts and the chance to swim in both the waterfalls and lakes. The lakes’ colors are truly extraordinary, varying from emerald to turquoise. It’s a longer tour, so it’s best for those looking for a full day of active exploration.
Guests appreciate the chance to see less-visited natural sites and enjoy waterfalls and lakes in one trip. It’s ideal for travelers who want an adventure and photo opportunities. Bottom line: a full-day, nature-focused tour perfect for active travelers.
$99 per person
6. Tuxtla Gutiérrez: Sinkhole of Parrots Full-Day Rappel
This 9-hour, $175 tour takes you into the Sima de las Cotorras, a cave system famous for its thousands of green parakeets and ancient cave paintings up to 10,000 years old. The main activity is rappelling into the sinkhole, which appeals most to adventure lovers.
What makes this tour unique is abseiling into a 420-foot chasm and witnessing the incredible biodiversity of the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve. It’s a physically demanding day, but the experience of seeing thousands of birds and ancient cave art is unmatched. The tour is well-reviewed for its blend of adventure and cultural discovery.
If you’re comfortable with heights and want a full day of biodiversity and exploration, this tour offers excellent value at $175. Bottom line: a specialized adventure for active travelers interested in natural history and wildlife.
7. San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour
At 5 hours and costing $67, this cultural tour dives into the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. You visit the Church of San Juan Bautista, famous for its mix of Mayan and Catholic traditions, and explore artisan markets full of textiles woven by local women.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to peek inside traditional churches and learn about ancient Mayan customs still practiced today. It’s best suited for those interested in culture and tradition rather than just scenery. The tour gives a good sense of the Tzotzil people’s way of life.
While reviews are mixed, most agree it’s a worthwhile cultural experience. Bottom line: a fascinating glimpse into indigenous traditions, ideal for culture lovers.
$67 per person
8. Chiapas: Blue Water – Misol-Ha Palenque Adventure
This 16-hour tour combines visits to Palenque, Agua Azul, and Misol Ha waterfalls for $82. It’s perfect for travelers with a full day, eager to see multiple highlights. The itinerary covers walking through Palenque’s ruins, swimming in Agua Azul, and enjoying Misol Ha’s cascade.
What makes it special is that it hits major sites and offers multiple opportunities for swimming and photography, making it great for those wanting a comprehensive experience of Chiapas’ natural and archaeological wonders. The reviews highlight the long but rewarding day, with many noting the value of seeing all three sites in one go.
This tour is best suited for travelers with an active day and a desire to see both ruins and waterfalls. Bottom line: an all-in-one adventure for those wanting a full Chiapas experience.
$82 per person
9. Chiapas: 4-Day Highlight Tour
This extensive 4-day tour, priced at $996, covers Sumidero Canyon, Agua Azul, Misol-Ha, Palenque, El Chiflón Waterfalls, and Montebello Lakes. It’s designed for travelers who want to really enjoy Chiapas’ diverse landscapes and cultures.
The itinerary is packed with wildlife cruises, archaeological explorations, and visits to indigenous communities. It’s a deep dive into what makes Chiapas special, with a chance to see multiple UNESCO sites and enjoy authentic local experiences. No reviews are listed, but the comprehensive nature of this tour makes it ideal for serious enthusiasts.
If you have the time and budget, this is a great way to get an in-depth visit. Bottom line: the most complete way to experience Chiapas for those who want the full story.
$996 per person
10. Chiapas: El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes Tour
For $49, this 12-hour full-day trip highlights two spectacular natural sites. First, you visit the El Chiflón Waterfalls, where you can walk behind the cascading water, then explore the Montebello Lakes, famous for their various vivid colors.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to enjoy hiking and swimming in different lakes and waterfalls, making it appealing for active travelers. The route offers scenic views of natural landscapes, and the combination of waterfalls and lakes makes it a well-rounded day.
It’s perfect for those seeking nature, adventure, and relaxation without a hefty price tag. Bottom line: a solid full-day option for outdoor enthusiasts.
$49 per person
11. Chiapas: Immersive Zoque Culinary Experience
Finally, this 11-hour cultural and culinary tour costs $167 and focuses on Zoque traditions in Chicoasen. It includes shopping for fresh ingredients, learning to cook traditional dishes like chipilín con elote, and baking bread in a wood-fired oven.
What makes this experience unique is the chance to engage directly with local artisans and learn regional cooking techniques, making it a perfect choice for food lovers and those interested in indigenous culture. The tour offers a hands-on approach that often results in memorable, authentic moments.
Ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing—those eager to connect with local food traditions. Bottom line: a culture that feeds both the body and the soul.
$167 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Chiapas
When selecting your ideal Chiapas tour, consider your budget, time availability, and personal interests. If you’re pressed for time but want a full picture of the region, the 4-Day Highlight Tour offers a comprehensive experience. For nature lovers, options like the Chiflon and Montebello Lakes or the Misol Ha and Agua Azul Waterfalls provide spectacular scenery and active days.
Cultural enthusiasts might prefer the Indigenous Villages or the Zoque Culinary Experience, which delve deeper into local traditions. For those seeking adventure, the Sinkhole of Parrots offers a memorable blend of wildlife and physical activity.
Booking early is always wise, especially during peak seasons (November through April). Consider your fitness level—some tours are more active than others—and match your interests accordingly. Always check if transportation and meals are included, and plan ahead for any special needs.
Chiapas offers a diverse array of tours suited to adventure seekers, culture lovers, or those simply wishing to relax amid stunning scenery. From ancient pyramids to waterfalls, indigenous communities to canyon cruises, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Two or three options stand out: the Palenque and Roberto Barrios Waterfalls for a balanced day of history and nature, and the 4-Day Highlight Tour for those wanting to truly enjoy everything Chiapas has to offer. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences.