Tuxtla Gutierrez is a fantastic base for full-day tours that showcase the natural beauty and ancient history of Chiapas. Unlike many tourist hubs, this city offers a handful of well-organized excursions—each with a distinct focus—that are perfect for travelers eager to explore beyond the city limits. Whether you’re drawn to the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon or the archaeological marvels of Palenque, Tuxtla Gutiérrez is a practical starting point. What makes these tours especially appealing is their mix of breathtaking scenery, culture, and well-planned logistics, all typically bundled into a manageable day trip. For instance, the Sumidero National Park Full-Day Trip offers stunning views, boat rides, and a visit to a charming colonial town—all in one package.
Out of the options listed here, we particularly like the Sumidero Canyon tour for its awe-inspiring scenery and the chance to see Chiapa de Corzo, a town full of character. Meanwhile, the Lagos de Montebello and El Chiflón tour impresses with its multicolored lakes and towering waterfalls. For those with a keen interest in Mayan ruins and waterfalls, the Palenque tour offers a full immersion into ancient history and lush landscapes. Each of these options offers a different way to experience Chiapas’s natural and cultural riches, and all are worth considering depending on your interests and schedule.
1. Sumidero National Park Full-Day Trip from Tuxtla Gutiérrez
At number one on our list, the Sumidero National Park Full-Day Trip is a classic Chiapas experience. For around $126 per person, you’ll spend about 7 hours exploring the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, a deep gorge carved by the Grijalva River. The tour kicks off with a drive that offers sweeping viewpoints of the canyon, giving you your first taste of its dramatic walls. One of the highlight moments is the boat trip that takes you along the river, passing between towering cliffs and providing a close-up look at the canyon’s sheer drops and lush surroundings. This boat ride is a favorite for its photo opportunities and the sense of adventure it offers.
Plus, the tour includes a visit to Chiapa de Corzo, a lovely colonial town known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and lively market. The town’s vibrant atmosphere provides an authentic taste of local life. The entire trip is well-structured, with convenient pickup options from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, making it accessible for most travelers. The reviews are quite positive, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Tour guides share interesting facts about the canyon’s geology and history, adding educational value.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural charm, making it ideal for those who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing with comfortable logistics.
2. Full Day Tour in Lagos de Montebello and El Chiflón
Number two on our list is the Full Day Tour in Lagos de Montebello and El Chiflón, a favorite for travelers seeking colorful lakes and spectacular waterfalls. Priced at around $79 for nearly 14 hours, this tour kicks off early, with a 7:00 am pickup. It’s perfect for those who want to pack a lot into one day and enjoy some of Chiapas’s most photogenic natural spots.
First, you’ll visit Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello, home to lakes like Esmeralda, La Encantada, and Bosque Azul. Surrounded by pine forests, these lakes display an incredible spectrum of colors, making for unforgettable photos. After about three hours here, the adventure continues to El Chiflón Waterfalls, where you’ll witness the impressive Velo de Novia—a waterfall dropping nearly 70 meters, creating a natural curtain of water. The pools formed by the waterfalls are perfect for a quick dip, and the surrounding vegetation makes for stunning scenery. The tour includes all entrance fees, and the reviews praise the tour’s punctuality and the natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers and families, this tour balances scenic lakes with mighty waterfalls, all in a full-day itinerary that’s both relaxing and exhilarating.
$79.08 per person
3. Full Day Tour to Palenque Archaeological Zone with Waterfalls
Number three is the Full Day Tour to Palenque, a longer and more ambitious journey priced at $126.45 per person. Departing early—around 3 or 4 am—you’ll head into the jungle to explore one of the most important Mayan cities, Palenque. This tour is comprehensive, including stops at Waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, before touring the archaeological site itself.
The Palenque ruins are renowned for their intricate carvings, impressive temples, and the tomb of Pakal the Great. The site’s architecture reflects the height of Classic Maya civilization. The tour also includes a visit to Misol-Ha, a stunning 40-meter-high waterfall where you can enjoy the sound of rushing water amidst tropical greenery. After the ruins, there’s time at Agua Azul, where the strikingly blue waters and lush surroundings are perfect for photos. While the trip involves a roughly five-hour drive each way—making it a bit of a long day—the experience is well worth it for history buffs.
Review note: one traveler mentions, “The car ride to Palenque is incredibly bumpy and takes about 5 hours. Not for the faint of heart!” But they also appreciated the opportunity to see such an iconic site.
Bottom Line: This is a great choice for history enthusiasts and active travelers willing to endure a longer day for a chance to see some of Mexico’s most significant Mayan ruins.
$126.45 per person
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Tuxtla Gutierrez
When selecting your ideal full-day tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical stamina. For a scenic boat cruise and cultural visit, the Sumidero Canyon tour (more details) offers a comfortable and beautiful experience. If you’re a nature lover wanting to see lakes and waterfalls, the Lagos de Montebello and El Chiflón tour (check it out) provides stunning landscapes without a hefty price tag. For those interested in Mayan archaeology and willing to spend a long day, the Palenque tour (more info) offers an immersive glimpse into ancient history.
Booking early is advisable, especially for tours like Palenque that require longer travel and have limited spots. Also, check the weather, as some tours involve outdoor walks and boat rides, which are best enjoyed in dry conditions.
To sum it up, Tuxtla Gutierrez offers a versatile set of full-day excursions catering to different tastes—whether you prefer stunning canyons, lush lakes, powerful waterfalls, or ancient ruins. The Sumidero Canyon tour is ideal for natural beauty and cultural charm, the Lagos de Montebello and El Chiflón for scenic landscapes and outdoor fun, and the Palenque trip for history and archaeology buffs. Whichever you choose, early booking and clear expectations about the day’s length and activities will ensure you make the most of your time in Chiapas.