San Cristobal: Underground Adventure at El Chorreadero

If you’re craving something more than just sightseeing in Chiapas, the Underground Adventure at El Chorreadero offers an exhilarating way to connect with nature’s raw beauty. For about $120 per person, you’ll spend roughly 10 hours exploring underground rivers, scaling heights, and jumping into crystal-clear waters. Guided by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises a full day of adrenaline, scenic rugged landscapes, and natural water slides.

What we love about this experience is how it combines adventure with authentic natural beauty. First, the underground river activity is truly unique—navigating through natural tunnels and swimming through underground pools offers a feeling of discovery that’s hard to match elsewhere. Second, the way the tour blends physical activity with moments of awe-inspiring scenery, like natural slides and cliff jumps, keeps the adrenaline flowing and the senses alert.

A potential consideration is the physical demand of the activities. If you have mobility issues or are not comfortable with heights and water jumps, this might not be ideal. Also, since meals and beverages aren’t included, you’ll want to bring some snacks for energy.

This trip is best suited for active travelers, adventure lovers, and those who enjoy exploring off the beaten path. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a full-day experience that offers a true taste of Chiapas’ rugged terrain and underground wonders.

Key Points

• Adventure-filled day exploring underground rivers, natural slides, and rugged terrain
• Guided by certified guides ensuring safety and insight throughout the trip
• Includes transportation from San Cristobal, making logistics hassle-free
• Perfect for active travelers comfortable with physical activities and water-based fun
• Not suitable for children under 12 or travelers with low fitness levels
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Underground World of El Chorreadero

Staying in San Cristobal de Las Casas gives you a wonderful base to explore the surrounding natural wonders, and this tour is a perfect example of how to do it with a splash of adventure. The journey begins with a roughly one-hour transfer to the ecotourism center, where the real fun starts. From the moment you arrive, you get a sense of the untouched wilderness that surrounds this part of Chiapas.

The guides, led by experienced professionals, take you through the activities with clear instructions and safety considerations. You’ll begin by accessing the underground river—think of it as a hidden aqueduct carved out by nature, flowing beneath the earth’s surface. It’s not just about walking; you’ll hike through rugged terrain, climb natural features, and leap into refreshing waters.

The highlight is the series of natural slides and water jumps. We loved the way these elements give you a feeling of childhood joy—sliding down smooth, water-worn rocks and plunging into cool pools. The underground river is a key feature that makes this tour stand out. The experience of navigating through tunnels and swimming in underground chambers is genuinely memorable.

What the Activities Entail

The tour dedicates around 6 hours to active exploration. Expect a mix of hiking, climbing, swimming, and rappelling. The guides emphasize safety but don’t shy away from encouraging a bit of daring, which can be both fun and a confidence booster.

Natural features like natural water slides are among the most enjoyable parts, offering a quick and exciting ride down smooth rock surfaces into pools below. Water jumps are also part of the fun, but keep in mind they require a certain level of comfort with jumping into water from heights. Many reviews mention how rewarding it feels to conquer these moments, with one traveler noting, “The natural slides were incredible, and jumping into the water was surprisingly refreshing.”

Since the terrain is rugged, proper footwear is recommended. The guides provide safety gear, but bringing a change of clothes and a towel is a smart move. The underground river activity is the core experience, but the surrounding landscape is equally impressive—surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky outcroppings, it’s easy to feel immersed in nature.

Logistics and Practical Details

Transportation is included, with hotel pickup from San Cristobal de Las Casas, simplifying logistics. The group size is typically manageable, allowing for personalized attention from guides. Since the activity lasts about 10 hours, it’s perfect for those who want a full day of adventure without worrying about transportation or planning.

The cost of $120 covers entrance fees, transportation, certified guides, and insurance—offering good value considering the full-day experience and the expert guidance. Note that meals or beverages aren’t included, so bringing some snacks is advisable, especially if you’re planning to spend the entire day outdoors.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes suitable for hiking and wet conditions
• Change of clothes and a towel
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Water and snacks for energy

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Not Suitable For

• Children under 12, due to the physical nature of activities
• People with low fitness levels or mobility issues, as activities involve climbing, jumping, and rappelling

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve your spot with the flexibility to pay later, and cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. This makes it easier to plan your trip without the worry of losing your investment if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews highlight how the guides made the experience safe and enjoyable. One traveler mentioned, “The guides were very professional and made us feel secure while still letting us have fun,” which reassures those hesitant about the physical challenges involved.

Another review emphasized the beauty of the underground river, saying, “The underground tunnels and pools felt like stepping into a secret world. It’s something I’ll never forget.” This speaks to the unique nature of this adventure—an escape into a hidden, pristine part of Chiapas.

Many visitors appreciate the overall value, noting that for the price of $120, they received not only a physically engaging day but also a chance to see a part of nature that’s often inaccessible. The combination of adventure, scenery, and guided safety makes this tour a worthwhile option for those eager to add a little thrill to their Chiapas journey.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor pursuits and aren’t afraid of water or heights. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an authentic, immersive outing that combines excitement with natural beauty. If you’re traveling with children under 12 or prefer a more relaxed sightseeing day, this may not be the best fit.

People who appreciate guided tours where safety is prioritized but adventure remains front and center will find this a memorable way to explore Chiapas’ underground landscapes.

The Sum Up

The San Cristobal Underground Adventure at El Chorreadero offers a memorable day for those seeking a physical challenge and unique natural sights. The combination of underground rivers, natural water slides, and rugged terrain creates a true sense of discovery—an experience that’s both invigorating and awe-inspiring.

While it’s physically demanding, the safety measures, guides, and well-organized logistics make it accessible to most active travelers. The tour’s value lies in the authenticity of the experience—being able to explore parts of Chiapas that few visitors see and creating memories that will last long after you’ve returned home.

If you’re after an adventure that pushes you out of your comfort zone while immersing you in untouched nature, this tour is a fantastic choice. It suits those who want more than just sightseeing, seeking instead an experience that’s lively, genuine, and rewarding. Just come prepared for a day of fun, movement, and discovery—and you’ll leave with stories worth telling.

You can check availability for your dates here: