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Best of Chiapas & Yucatan with the Maya Train

Name: Best of Chiapas & Yucatan with the Maya Train
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2080 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Mexico

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

318476

Operator:

Destination Services Mexico
Length:

7 days
Group size:

25 pax
Age:

2 to 99
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

22.01-28.01.26 guaranteed
29.01-04.02.26 guaranteed
05.02-11.02.26 guaranteed
12.02-18.02.26 guaranteed
19.02-25.02.26 guaranteed
26.02-04.03.26 guaranteed
05.03-11.03.26 guaranteed
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28.05-03.06.26 guaranteed
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Itinerary

Experience the wonders of Chiapas and Yucatán on this unforgettable seven-day journey, highlighted by a scenic ride aboard the Maya Train, an innovative new rail route through the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. Discover a perfect blend of ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant colonial heritage. Stand in awe before the towering cliffs of Sumidero Canyon, immerse yourself in indigenous traditions, and cool off with a refreshing swim beneath the stunning waterfalls of Chiapas. Wander the cobbled streets of charming San Cristóbal and timeless Mérida, each echoing with history and local color. Explore majestic Mayan ruins at Palenque, Uxmal, and Chichén Itzá, icons of a mysterious past rising from the jungle. Conclude your adventure with a comfortable and memorable journey aboard the Maya Train to Cancún Airport.

Tour program

Day 1

ARRIVAL TUXTLA GUTIERREZ – SUMIDERO CANYON – SAN CRISTOBAL (80km – 2hrs)

Arrive at Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport and head towards the Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s outstanding natural attractions. This spectacular gorge, carved into the earth over millions of years by the River Grijalva, is one of Mother Nature’s lesser-celebrated masterpieces. This makes visiting it even more exciting. During a two-hour boat tour along the imposing canyon bed, you will be able to appreciate just how deep this ravine gorge is. Find yourself dwarfed by the sheer scale of its high walls, covered in thick vegetation. Admire the beautiful wildlife, such as crocodiles, monkeys, and birds, as well as the diverse flora of the surrounding rainforest. After the boat ride, we continue to San Cristobal de las Casas with drop-off at your hotel. Note: Please ensure your arrival flight into Tuxtla Gutiérrez is no later than 13:00 hrs to participate in the Sumidero Canyon boat tour. For arrivals after 13:00 hrs, only the transfer to San Cristóbal will be provided — participation in the boat tour will not be possible. Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Start point

Carretera Al Aeropuerto Ángel Albino Corzo, 29177 Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico

13:00

Day 2

SAN CRISTOBAL – SAN JUAN CHAMULA – SAN CRISTOBAL (30km – 1.5hrs)

After breakfast, head out to visit San Juan Chamula, famed for its whitewashed cathedral with colourful ornamentation and pine-scented, candlelit interior. Here you can observe the religious rituals that the locals perform. The town is almost entirely inhabited by Tzotzil Maya, who apart from speaking their own language, also have distinctive clothing, with the men wearing tunics called 'chujes' and the women favouring blouses known as' huipils'. Chamula is renowned for the quality of its weavers, and the local shops and markets offer a great variety. Keep in mind that in San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, photographs or video are prohibited within the temples or during processions and rituals. Upon your return to San Cristobal, spend the afternoon at leisure. We recommend visiting the baroque church of Santo Domingo as well as its colourful art and food markets, where you can admire the clothes of the Maya cultures that inhabit the region. Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 3

SAN CRISTOBAL – WATERFALLS – PALENQUE (230km – 5.5hrs)

We will collect you from the hotel early in the morning, ready to begin your trip to Palenque. Enjoy your breakfast en route as we begin travelling north-east towards the beautiful waterfalls in Chiapas, perhaps some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world! Don't forget your swimsuit today, as you will have the opportunity to take a dip in one of the natural pools with bright blue water. This fascinating area of natural beauty is a wonderful place to relax and refresh yourself. After spending some time admiring the waterfalls and swimming, we will continue our journey to the city of Palenque, where we will arrive in the afternoon. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Palenque.

Day 4

PALENQUE – CAMPECHE (360km – 4.5hrs)

Today’s breakfast will be followed by a visit to the Temples of Palenque. This archaeological site boasts some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture, including sculptures, roof combs and bas-relief carvings. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the premises, admiring its beauty and learning interesting information. The impressive Temple of Inscriptions, which reaches a height of almost 23 metres, is where the tomb of the Maya ruler was found and excavated in the early 1950s. In its heyday, Palenque was a sprawling city-state that spanned almost 60 square kilometres. However, archaeologists estimate that they have excavated only 5-10% of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. So far, over 200 structures have been unearthed, with the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace, the Temple of the Count and the Temple of the Cross being the most prominent. At the end of the tour, continue to Campeche and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Campeche.

Day 5

CAMPECHE – UXMAL – MERIDA (250km – 3.5hrs)

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a panoramic tour of this historic coastal city, driving through the heart of the picturesque old town with its colonial houses, arcades and churches. Alight and explore further on foot, visiting sights such as the old city walls and St Francis’ Cathedral. Leave Campeche and continue to the impressive archaeological site of Uxmal. Enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, which rises into view above the canopy of the jungle as you approach. Unlike other Maya cities, Uxmal was engulfed by the rainforest after the Spanish arrived. The most famous structure is the 35-metre Pyramid of the Magician, which towers over the remarkably well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle. Across the central plaza, just beyond the ballgame court, is the Governor’s Palace with its elaborately decorated roof. At the southern end of the main complex is the Great Pyramid, of which only one side has been excavated. Then, visit the beautiful white colonial city of Merida, where we will take a panoramic tour of its most prominent sites, including the residential area, the monument to the homeland and Montejo Avenue. Overnight in Merida.

Day 6

MERIDA – CHICHEN ITZA (125km – 1.5hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then head deep into the rainforests of the Yucatan peninsula in search of the legendary Maya city of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Learn about the Maya and their civilisation as you admire the scale and beauty of this ancient city. Behold the geometric perfection of the 25-metre Temple of Kukulkan, popularly known as El Castillo (‘the Castle’). This temple was built both as a representation of the mystical Maya calendar and to reflect the optical illusion of a serpent snaking its way up or down the pyramid during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Admire the Great Ball Court, the largest of 13 discovered at the site; see the haunting Skull Platform, where the heads of human sacrifice victims and prisoners of war were impaled; and the Sacred Cenote, where sacrifice victims were dumped. Enjoy lunch at a typical restaurant. Continue to your hotel at Chichen Itza (Pisté). Overnight in Chichen Itza.

Day 7

CHICHEN ITZA – CANCUN BY MAYAN TRAIN (200 km – 2.15 hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer from the hotel to the Chichen Itza train station to board “the Tren Maya”. Travel in comfort aboard this modern, air-conditioned train as you head toward Cancún Airport. The route offers scenic views of the Yucatán Peninsula, including dense jungles, cenotes, and traditional villages. This efficient and relaxing journey provides a comfortable and stress-free way to conclude your trip, while experiencing one of the region’s newest and most innovative transportation projects. Note: The exact arrival time is subject to confirmation, as it depends on Maya Train availability. We recommend scheduling your departure flight for the following day.

End point

Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo, 77564, Mexico

Cancellation Policy

Full refund if cancelled at least 46 days prior to departure.

A cancellation fee of 40% is charged if cancelled or amendment of the travel dates 45 days or less before the event

A cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled or amendment of the travel dates 29 days or less before the event

A cancellation fee of 60% is charged if cancelled or amendment of the travel dates 14 days or less before the event

Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled or amendment of the travel dates 6 days or less before the event

Tour Details

Accommodation

6 nights' accommodation

Day 1-2 San Cristobal

Standard Hotel Category = Casa Mexicana or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Ciudad Real SCC or similar 4*

Day 3 Palenque

Standard Hotel Category = Nututun Palenque or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Villa Mercedes Palenque or similar 4*

Day 4 Campeche

Standard Hotel Category = Misión Campeche or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Plaza Campeche or similar 4*

Day 5 Merida

Standard Hotel Category = Del Gobernador or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Mision de Fray Diego or similar 4*

Day 6 Chichen Itza

Standard Hotel Category = Puerta Chichen or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Puerta Chichen or similar 4*

Transport

Arrival shared transfer from Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport to the hotel in San Cristobal (Day 1)

Air-conditioned transportation on a shared basis throughout the itinerary

Tourist ticket for the Maya Train from Chichen Itza to Cancun Airport (Day 7)

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Additional Services

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: boat tour in Sumidero Canyon (Day 1), San Juan Chamula visit (Day 2), Chiapas waterfalls (Day 3), tour of Palenque archaeological zone (Day 4), panoramic tour of Campeche (Day 5), tour of Uxmal (Day 5), panoramic tour of Merida (Day 5), tour of Chichen Itza (Day 6), Maya Train ride (Day 7)

Meet & Greet

Additional Services

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme

Optional tours

International/domestic flight tickets or Mexican visa fees

Gratuities for drivers and guides

Airport departure tax

Environmental tax fee (to be paid directly at the hotel)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Please ensure your arrival flight into Tuxtla Gutiérrez is no later than 13:00 hrs to participate in the Sumidero Canyon boat tour. For arrivals after 13:00 hrs, only the transfer to San Cristóbal will be provided — participation in the boat tour will not be possible.

Day 7: The tour ends at Cancún Airport Train Station, but the exact timing depends on Maya Train availability. We recommend scheduling your departure flight for the following day.

Please note that there are ongoing road works on the access road to the Cancun Airport which are affecting the traffic. As it is required to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure we suggest booking an additional night stay in Cancun

Clients may be mixed with other guests of other nationalities, but the guide in the vehicle will speak your desired language and maximum one more language.

There is no guarantee that you will be part of the same group during the tour

The assigned guide and group size may change during the itinerary

Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.

Meals

6 Breakfasts

1 Lunch (Day 6)

Guide

Operated with a bilingual English and Spanish-speaking local guide on a shared basis

The tour may be conducted in both English and Spanish when required to accommodate all participants

Good to know

Currency

MXN

Mexican Peso

Mexico

Customer reviews

Operator

4.5

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.