San Cristobal de Las Casas is a natural starting point for exploring the incredible landscapes and archaeological treasures of Chiapas. It’s a town full of character, with vibrant markets, colorful streets, and a welcoming atmosphere. But what makes it especially appealing are the 4-day tours that allow you to dive deep into the region’s lush jungles, ancient ruins, and waterfalls. Whether you’re craving a guided hike through the Lacandon Jungle, a kayaking adventure, or an archaeological exploration, San Cristobal offers options that cater to different interests. We particularly like tours that combine natural beauty with cultural history, like visiting Yaxchilán or rafting the Lacantún River—experiences that leave lasting memories.
If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will help you compare the top 4-day tours in San Cristobal de Las Casas, from adrenaline-packed rafting trips to immersive jungle expeditions. Each offers something unique, whether it’s the scenery, the activities, or the destinations visited. Keep reading to find the tour that best fits your travel style.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of 4-day tours that blend adventure, wildlife, and archaeology. You’ll find options like the San Cristóbal: Lacandona Jungle 4 Days Tour, which immerses you in the rainforest’s natural wonders (more info), and the From San Cristóbal: 4-Day Jungle and Rafting Tour, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to combine river adventures with ancient sites (more info). For water lovers, the Kayak and Rafting Lacandon Jungle tour offers paddling through the Montes Azules Reserve (more info), while the Kayak Tour in Lacandona Jungle provides a more immersive jungle paddle experience (more info). Lastly, the Nature Tour in the Lacandon Jungle combines wildlife and waterfalls at a more relaxed pace (more info).
1. San Cristóbal: Lacandona Jungle 4 Days Tour
At number 1 on our list, the San Cristóbal: Lacandona Jungle 4 Days Tour is a fantastic choice for travelers eager to experience Chiapas’s most impressive natural sites and archaeological wonders. For $380 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty and cultural exploration over four days. You’ll visit Agua Azul and Misolha Waterfalls, both stunning for their turquoise waters and impressive cascades, and explore the legendary ruins of Palenque and Yaxchilán—some of the most well-preserved Maya sites in Mexico.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on hiking in the Lacandon Jungle to reach the Mactunina River waterfalls. The guide shares insights into local flora and fauna, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a straightforward, value-packed adventure that touches on both nature and history. With a perfect rating of 5/5 from one review, it’s clear many visitors find it rewarding.
Bottom line: Great for those seeking a well-rounded adventure with natural and archaeological highlights, all at a reasonable price.
$380 per person
2. From San Cristóbal: 4-Day Jungle and Rafting Tour
For those craving an adrenaline rush, the From San Cristóbal: 4-Day Jungle and Rafting Tour is the tour to consider. Priced at $779 per person, it’s more expensive but offers a high-energy experience combining white-water rafting with explorations of archeological sites like Yaxchilán, Bonampak, and Palenque. You’ll start with scenic visits to Agua Azul and Misol-Ha Waterfalls, then head into the Lacandon Jungle for days of rafting through rapids and waterfalls, which is perfect if you’re looking for an active holiday.
Unique to this tour is the combination of adventure and culture, allowing you to experience both the thrill of rapid river rides and the tranquility of ancient ruins. One of the highlights is swimming in the Moctuniha Waterfalls, providing a refreshing break during the trip. This tour is best suited for physically fit travelers who want an immersive, action-packed experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventure lovers who want a mix of river sports and archaeological exploration with an emphasis on adrenaline.
$779 per person
3. San Cristóbal: 4-Day Kayak and Rafting Lacandon Jungle
If paddling through jungle rivers sounds appealing, the San Cristóbal: 4-Day Kayak and Rafting Lacandon Jungle is the tour for you. At $855 per person, it’s the most expensive but offers an immersive kayak experience in Mexico’s most biodiverse biosphere reserve. Over four days, you’ll paddle along the Lacantún River, explore the archaeological sites of Bonampak and Palenque, and visit the El Chiflón waterfall.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on water-based exploration combined with archaeological visits, making it perfect for active travelers who enjoy being on the water. The tour includes sleeping in a jungle camp, with the sounds of howler monkeys as your nightly soundtrack, and it provides a deeper connection with nature than more traditional sightseeing tours.
Review: “Paddling through the jungle on a kayak was the highlight of my trip,” says one traveler. It’s a good pick for those comfortable with physical activity and looking for an authentic wilderness experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers seeking a combination of paddling, wildlife, and ancient sites.
$855 per person
4. San Cristobal: 4-Day Kayak Tour in Lacandona Jungle
This Kayak Tour in the Lacandona Jungle offers a detailed immersion into the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. For $817 per person, it’s similar in price to the previous tour but emphasizes exploring the jungle via kayak on the Lacantún River. You’ll visit Yaxchilán, Bonampak, and Palenque, then paddle through the rainforest, experiencing the sights and sounds of wildlife up close.
What distinguishes this tour is its inclusion of visits to El Chiflón waterfall and the Montebello Lakes, providing a diverse range of natural scenery. Staying overnight in a jungle camp gives a close-up experience of the environment, with opportunities to see howler monkeys and tropical birds.
Pros: The kayaking experience is guided by experts, and the focus on biodiversity makes it ideal for nature lovers.
Cons: The price is on the higher side, and it demands some paddling stamina.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting to combine archaeological exploration with an immersive jungle paddling experience.
$817 per person
5. San Cristobal: 4 Days Nature Tour in the Lacandon Jungle
Rounding out our list, the San Cristobal: 4 Days Nature Tour in the Lacandon Jungle is a more relaxed option at $817 per person. It highlights visiting the El Chiflón Waterfall and Montebello Lakes, along with exploring the biodiverse Montés Azules Reserve. You’ll spend nights at Campamento Río Ixcan by the Lacantún River, enjoying the sounds of wildlife as you relax after your days of adventure.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a good dose of natural beauty and wildlife without the physical intensity of rafting or kayaking every day. It balances wildlife viewing, waterfalls, and archaeological sites with a comfortable overnight stay.
Review: “The camp at Río Ixcan was peaceful and perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring,” shares one traveler. This makes it a strong choice for nature-minded travelers who prefer a slightly slower pace.
Bottom line: Best for those who want an authentic jungle experience with a focus on wildlife and scenery at a more gentle pace.
$817 per person
How to Choose the Best 4-Day Tour in San Cristobal de Las Casas
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you love adventure and physical activity, Tours #2 and #3 offer rafting and paddling that will get your heart pumping. For those interested in archaeology and culture, Tours #1 and #4 focus more on ruins and archaeological sites within stunning natural settings. If you prefer a relaxed pace with scenic waterfalls and wildlife, Tours #4 and #5 are excellent options.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours during peak dry season (November to April). Check the inclusion of meals, guides, and accommodations to make sure the tour matches your expectations.
If you’re unsure, think about what type of scenery draws you most—waterfalls, jungle, or ancient ruins—and pick the tour that emphasizes those features. For example, lovers of kayaking should go for the Kayak Tour in Lacandona Jungle, while history enthusiasts might prefer the Lacandona Jungle 4 Days Tour.
In summary, San Cristobal de Las Casas offers a variety of 4-day tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. Whether you want to paddle through lush rivers, hike in the jungle, or explore Maya temples, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you. Two standout options are the Lacandona Jungle 4 Days Tour for its balance of culture and nature, and the Rafting and Jungle Adventure for those seeking a high-energy experience. Book early, plan your interests, and enjoy the diverse wonders of Chiapas.