" I don't think there could have been a better team to lead our small group of 13 people than Jennifer Bjarnason and Mexican guide Jaime Hernandez. Jen absolutely loves what she does, researches like crazy to find interesting, less-traveled places, and impressively maintained her sense of humor and patience throughout the two-week adventure. Jaime, who I've known from day trips near his hometown of Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, has encylopedic knowledge of Mexican history and culture, as well as an uncanny ability to relate to everyone he meets." - Sydney (Copper Canyon 2025)"
DATES DURATION DIFFICULTY GROUP SIZE BEGINS & ENDS MEALS
TBA 11 Nights Moderate 8 Max Villahermosa TBA
TOUR OVERVIEW
Journey into the heart of the ancient Maya world on an extraordinary expedition through the jungles, rivers, and forgotten cities of southeastern Mexico and Guatemala. Beginning in Villahermosa, we explore the fascinating relationship between the Maya and cacao, visiting the unique brick-built city of Comalcalco before venturing into the historic river towns of Palizada and Candelaria. From there, we travel by boat to the remote archaeological site of El Tigre, strategically positioned along one of the great waterways that connected the powerful cities of the Maya lowlands. Our adventure continues deep into the Selva Lacandona, one of Mesoamerica’s last great tropical rainforests. Here we visit the magnificent painted murals of Bonampak, the riverfront city of Yaxchilán, hidden jungle sites rarely seen by travelers, and the legendary city of Piedras Negras across the border in Guatemala, reached via the mighty Usumacinta River—known locally as the Monkey River. Along the way, we share unforgettable experiences with the Lacandon Maya, including rafting through pristine rainforest and trekking to a lost city hidden beneath the jungle canopy. The journey culminates at the iconic ruins of Palenque, one of the greatest achievements of Maya civilization, before returning to Villahermosa for our flights home. Combining archaeology, history, nature, adventure, and living Indigenous culture, this remarkable expedition offers an immersive exploration of one of the most captivating regions of the Maya world.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
LOGISTICS
TBA
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES
TBA
IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION
VILLAHERMOSA AIRPORT: Please book your flights through Villahermosa, Tabasco. We will add more information here once our itinerary is finalized.
5 SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
1
LEARN ABOUT CHOCOLATE AS A SACRED CURRENCY
In the Ancient Maya Economy
Among the ancient Maya, cacao was far more than a food or beverage—it was a substance imbued with sacred and cosmological significance. Cacao beans functioned as a form of currency throughout much of the Maya world, used in markets, tribute payments, and long-distance trade, but their value extended beyond economics. Maya rulers and nobles consumed cacao during important ceremonies, feasts, marriages, diplomatic exchanges, and funerary rites, often drinking it from elaborately painted vessels. Cacao was associated with fertility, abundance, the underworld, and divine power, appearing in Maya mythology and iconography as a gift from the gods. Because it linked the material and spiritual worlds, cacao occupied a unique place in Maya society—serving simultaneously as money, a luxury commodity, a ceremonial offering, and a sacred symbol woven into the cosmology of one of the ancient world's most sophisticated civilizations.
2
VISIT THREE ANCIENT MAYA CITIES BY BOAT
On Two Different Rivers
Travel the ancient waterways of the Maya world as we reach some of Mesoamerica's most spectacular archaeological sites by boat. Cruise along the mighty Usumacinta River to the seldom visited city of Piedras Negras in Guatemala, dramatically hidden within the rainforest and accessible only by water. Continue to the remote and magnificent ruins of Yaxchilan, once Piedras Negras' powerful rival, where towering monuments emerge from the jungle along the river. Earlier in the journey, we explore El Tigre by boat from Candelaria, approaching this important trading center much as ancient merchants once did along the waterways that connected the great cities of the Maya lowlands. These unforgettable river journeys offer a rare opportunity to experience the landscape, history, and adventure of the ancient Maya world the way they once arrived.
3
Venture deep into the Selva Lacandona to explore some of the Maya world's most intriguing and little-visited archaeological treasures. Discover an ancient administration centre believed by many scholars to be the long-lost kingdom of Sak Tz'i', whose recently deciphered inscriptions are reshaping our understanding of Maya history. Hike along a beautiful, pristine river, led by our Maya guide to where the inscriptions for Sak Tz'i were translated and cool-off in the river with a lovely picnic. We also trek through the jungle to a hidden "Lost City of the Maya," where vine-covered temples and forgotten structures emerge from the forest, creating an unforgettable sense of exploration and discovery. Surrounded by dense rainforest, these remarkable sites offer a rare glimpse into a world largely untouched by mass tourism.
4
POSSIBLE HOWLER & SPIDER MONKEY SIGHTINGS
Throughout our Tour
Among the most iconic inhabitants of the Selva Lacandona are the howler monkeys, famous for their deep, resonant calls that can be heard up to five kilometers away through the rainforest. These large, tree-dwelling primates spend most of their lives in the forest canopy, feeding on leaves, fruit, and flowers. Revered by the ancient Maya and often depicted in their art and mythology, howler monkeys remain an enduring symbol of the tropical forests of southern Mexico and Guatemala. We will have plenty of opportunity to see Howler and Spider Monkeys, as they are abundant in Selva Lacandona and often active at some of the more remote archaeology sites.
5
VIEW THE MOST FAMOUS MURALS OF THE MAYA
At the Ancient City of Bonampak
Hidden deep within the Selva Lacandona, the murals of Bonampak are among the greatest artistic treasures of the ancient Maya world. Dating to the 8th century, these remarkably preserved paintings vividly depict royal ceremonies, musicians, dancers, warriors, battles, and captives, providing an extraordinary window into Maya court life. Their vibrant colors and intricate details have transformed our understanding of Maya civilization, revealing a dynamic and sophisticated society unlike anything previously imagined.
3 REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH US
1
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
12 Maximum
This group is limited to 12 guests, which is an intimate group size that isn't too small or too large. It means we can diversify our eating experiences and stay in special hotels.
2
STAY IN A GORGEOUS RANCH WITH A LOCAL FAMILY
While In Selva Lacandona
Nestled in the heart of the Selva Lacandona, Finca Vallescondido is far more than a place to stay—it is an immersive rainforest experience. Set on a 200-hectare working ranch amid lush jungle, streams, the finca provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by some of the richest biodiversity in Mexico. Guests are often greeted by the calls of Montezuma oropendolas echoing through the trees, while colorful toucans can frequently be spotted from the grounds. One of the highlights of a stay at Vallescondido is the warm hospitality of Señor Willy and his son César, whose deep knowledge of the region, Maya history, and local culture enriches every visit. Their family has welcomed travelers and explorers for years, sharing stories, arranging adventures to remote Maya sites, and creating an atmosphere that feels more like visiting old friends than checking into a lodge. Ideally situated between Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, and the remote reaches of the Usumacinta River, Finca Vallescondido serves as a comfortable and unforgettable gateway to the wonders of the Lacandon Jungle.
3
CHARITY WORK
We Give Back to Local Communities
We are pleased to now be supporting conservation biologist Bill Toone, founder of ECOLIFE Conservation, an organization developed with colleagues including Eric Hallstein and Tom Hanscom. Recognizing that successful conservation must benefit both people and wildlife, ECOLIFE introduced the Patsari stove program to communities surrounding the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. These fuel-efficient cookstoves use significantly less firewood than traditional open-fire cooking methods, helping to reduce pressure on the oyamel fir forests that provide critical overwintering habitat for monarch butterflies. The benefits extend far beyond forest conservation. Traditional indoor cooking fires expose families to dangerous smoke and place women and children at risk of burns and respiratory illness. Patsari stoves are elevated above ground, enclosed for safety, and vent smoke outside through a chimney, dramatically improving indoor air quality. Since the program began, thousands of stoves have been installed in communities around the reserve, reducing household smoke, improving family health, and saving substantial amounts of firewood each year. The project has become an internationally recognized example of how community well-being and environmental conservation can work hand in hand.
TO CONFIRM YOUR TOUR
This tour is priced at $90,616 MXN per person, based on double occupancy for 8 Guests in our group. If you are travelling solo, the single supplement for a private room is an extra $16,300 MXN. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm your tour. We accept payments through Wise or traditional bank transfer. If you would like to use a credit card, we charge an extra 5% to cover their processing fees. You may choose to pay the deposit or full trip amount on your credit card by clicking on the appropriate button below. ALL TOURS ARE PRICED IN MEXICAN PESOS. YOUR BANK WILL CONVERT THE AMOUNT FOR YOU. If you would like to use a payment plan, we can invoice you monthly, The balance must be paid in full by the start of the trip. If you are paying the balance through a bank transfer or by credit card, it is due 2 weeks prior to our tour commencement. Otherwise, you may pay the balance with cash upon arrival. Please purchase Travel Insurance to cover any emergencies that could cause you to cancel your trip.
LET'S HIT THE ROAD!
DAY
1
BIENVENIDOS
Villahermosa, Tabasco
EVENING: Please land at the Villahermosa Airport this evening. Transfer to the hotel to meet the group. For those who arrive on time, we will have dinner at 6:30 PM. MEALS: All meals are separate
DAY
2
COSMIC CURRENCY
Villahermosa, Tabasco
MORNING: This morning, we will meet for breakfast at 8:00 AM, departing at 8:45 AM. We will commute for one hour to reach the unique, brick-constructed archaeological site of Comalcalco. AFTERNOON: This afternoon, we will have lunch and visit the Jesus Maria Cacao Plantation to learn about the cultivation of cacao and process for rendering chocolate. We will also explore how chocolate served the Maya as an economic commodity that was spiritually motivated and integral to cosmic ceremonies. EVENING: This evening we will have dinner at 6 PM, followed by a short presentation about our tour. MEALS: Breakfast is included. All other meals are separate.
DAY
3
WATERWAYS OF THE ANCIENT MAYA
Candeleria, Campeche
MORNING: This morning, please bring your luggage to the lobby for 7:15 AM so we can load the van before breakfast. We will depart after breakfast at around 8 AM for the commute to the Pueblo Magico of Palizada. AFTERNOON: The waterways around Palizada lay within one of the most important trade networks of the Maya world. Chontal Maya merchants traveled the Usumacinta River system in large canoes, carrying goods between the interior cities of Chiapas and Guatemala and the Gulf Coast. The region was part of the ancient “Place of Canoes,” or “Acalán” trading zone and almost certainly witnessed centuries of river-borne commerce. There is a small archaeological zone called El Cuyo, though nothing remains but some small mounds. The village is now a charming collection of colourful homes but remains a river-lifestyle. We will have lunch here before departing at 3:00 PM for the Pueblo Magico of Candeleria, where we will arrive at approximately 6:00 PM. The accommodations here are more basic than our other accommodations, as this is still a developing town. The pristine nature of Candeleria’s surroundings are what we have come for. EVENING: We will have dinner tonight at 7:00 PM, followed by an evening of relaxation. MEALS: Breakfast is included. All other meals are separate.
DAY
4
PLACE OF THE CROCODILE HOUSE
Candeleria, Campeche
MORNING: This morning we will have breakfast at 8:00 AM before boarding our boat for an iconic journey along the Canderia River to reach the banks of El Tigre, just as the Maya arrived here in ancient times. Known as Itzamkanac, which loosely translates as “Place of the Crocodile House,” El Tigre was the capital of the Chontal Maya trading province of Acalán. Situated on the Candelaria River, it flourished for more than 2,000 years as a major commercial center connecting the Maya world with the Gulf Coast. Today visitors can explore its pyramids, plazas, and ball courts while learning about the merchants who navigated the waterways of southern Campeche and the dramatic events surrounding Hernán Cortés and Cuauhtémoc in 1525. We will enjoy a lengthy boat ride along the Candeleria River, observing birds, monkeys and other wildlife as we meander through riparian forest, wetlands, and tropical vegetation before reaching the banks of the ancient city. AFTERNOON: Our driver will meet us at El Tigre to bring us back to Candeleria. As we won’t have lunch until 2 PM, we will bring some snacks for the journey. After lunch, we will visit Salto Grande Ecological Park to cool down in the water, so make sure you pack your bathing suit and towel this morning, before we leave the hotel. EVENING: We will have dinner at 7 PM. MEALS: Breakfast and Snacks included. All other meals are separate.
DAY
5
PRISTINE WATERS OF THE CHONTOL MAYA
Candeleria, Campeche
MORNING: This morning we will have breakfast at 8 AM, then spend the morning swimming at Manatiales Pedro Baranda, which is a natural spring-fed lagoon. AFTERNOON: We are leaving the afternoon free so guests can have some down-time. We can continue swimming or explore the town. EVENING: We will have dinner at 7 PM. MEALS: Breakfast included. All other meals are separate.
DAY
6
LORD PAKAL & THE RED QUEEN
Finca Vallescondido
MORNING: Please have your luggage ready by 6:45 AM so we can load the van before breakfast. We will depart Candeleria at 8:00 AM, arriving in Palenque at around 10:00 AM. The site takes a good 3 hours to tour comfortably, so we will bring power bars to hold everyone over until lunch. AFTERNOON: We will have lunch after our site visit, then head to the museum. We will depart Palenque at 4:00 PM for our lodgings in the jungle. Finca Vallescondido is a beautiful ranch property with lovely accommodations and a large veranda to enjoy happy hour and quiet time. Señor Willie and his family are wonderful hosts, offering homecooked and healthy meals daily, boxed lunches for our excursions, and more. The property also has the added benefit of being home to a plethora of birds, including Toucans, Montezuma Oropendolas, and other beautiful and colourful birds. EVENING: We will have dinner at 6:30 PM followed by some time to rest. MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner Included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
7
SHROUDED TEMPLE ON A HILL
Finca Vallescondido
MORNING: This morning we will have breakfast at 7:30 AM for an 8:30 AM departure for an administration centre that was discovered only 6 or 7 years ago, due to its location at the top of a steep, shrouded hill. To imagine the hundreds of years people traversed the road below, never knowing this administration centre with her beautiful roof combs stood here undisturbed, only known by the howler monkeys and other fauna of the area. AFTERNOON: This afternoon we visit a second city with a local Maya farmr who inherited property and discovered ancient artefacts, including the human remains of a Maya woman who was buried in the ancient ballcourt. Her remains are interred in a small but fascinating museum, which we will visit. This site also has some stelaes, one of which David Stuart translated to the astonishment of many archaeoogists, as it confirmed this as a site that had long been known about but never previously located. We will enjoy a picnic before entering the park and will spend the latter part of the afternoon swimming in the beautiful Lacantun River. Pack your swimsuit and towel. EVENING: We will have dinner at 6 PM followed by an interestin lecture. MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner Included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
8
PLACE OF BLACK STONES
Finca Vallescondido
MORNING: This morning we will have breakfast at 7 AM, departing by 8 AM for a small Maya village on the banks of the Usumacinta River. Señor Willie and his son Cesar will be launching a private boat there to take us to the elusive and important city of Piedras Negras, which sits on the Guatemala side of the mighty Usumacinta. This site was excavated, but has now been left to be reclaimed by the jungle. An extraordinary experience, including the slow, meandering climb past multiple stelaes and crumbled temples to the Acropolis, where the ashes of Architect & Mayanist, Tatiana Proskouriakoff, were interred by expert Maya archaeologist & author, David Stuart. AFTERNOON: We will bring a box lunch today, to enjoy at the site. We will also have a cooler with ice for beer and cold wine. We will spend the majority of our day here, returning to the ranch at around 4 PM. EVENING: We will have dinner at 6 PM followed by an evening of rest. MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner Included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
9
LOST CITY OF THE MAYA
Finca Vallescondido
MORNING: This morning we will have breakfast at 7:30 AM for an 8:30 AM departure for a nearby Lacandona village where we can hike through the jungle to a lost temple in the jungle. The commute to the village takes about 1.5 hours. AFTERNOON: Before we return to Finca Vallescondido, we are heading to the ancient city of Bonampak, which despite being a small site, is a crown jewel among Maya cities due to her remarkable, well-preserved murals that are showcased between 3 separate rooms in the Temple of Paintings. We will enjoy an interpretation of these murals, which outline the events recorded on the walls. This is a very special and important stop on this tour. EVENING: We will have dinner at 6 PM followed by an interestin lecture. MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner Included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
10
PLACE OF GREEN STONES
Finca Vallescondido
MORNING: This morning we will have breakfast at 7:00 AM for an 8:00 AM departure to the boat docks of Frontera Corozal. Here, we board a boat and motor-away to the spectacular ancient city of Yaxchilan. This city was built up the banks of a steep hill, so expect to climb and climb, and climb some more. If you are not especially eager to climb, you can stay down below where there is still plenty to see and explore. This site has a plethora of stelaes and ornamented door frames, birds, monkeys and picturesque views everywhere one turns. AFTERNOON: We are bringing a box lunch today, which we can enjoy at leisure. After exploring the site for the bulk of the day, we will board our boat and head back to the boat docks, returning to the ranch at around 5:00 PM. EVENING: We will have dinner at 6 PM followed by an evening to visit and rest. MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included. Drinks are separate
DAY
11
A DAY OF REST
Finca Vallescondido
MORNING: This morning we will have a leisurely morning, with our departure from the Ranch scheduled for 11:00 AM. AFTERNOON: We are heading to a beautiful swim-hole today. The location has a restaurant and the expansive park is filled with beautiful turquoise waters and waterfalls. EVENING: We will have dinner at 6 PM followed by an evening to visit and rest. MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner Included. Drinks are separate.
DAY
12
VISITING THE OLMEC
Villahermosa
MORNING: Please have your luggage outside by 7:45 AM so we can load the van. This morning we will have breakfast at 8:00 AM, departing at 9:30 AM for our return to Villahermosa. We will arrive in the city at lunch time, so will have lunch before visiting the museum. AFTERNOON: We will spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Museo Parque la Venta, which sits on the banks of the Rio Grijalva. There is an interesting relationship between the Grijalva and Usumacinta Rivers, as they are both fed from the same watershed, converging again near the coast. EVENING: We will have our last dinner at 6 PM, returning to the hotel at 8 PM. MEALS: Breakfast is included. All other meals are separate.
DAY
13
HOME SWEET HOME
N/A
MORNING: We will help everyone arrange taxis to the airport this morning. Once we have your flight confirmation, we can also pair guests so you can ride-share. The restaurant serves breakfast from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, so please keep that in mind when you book your flight. Most international guests will be flying through Mexico City, Cancun or Guadalajara, so you will need to be at the airport about 1.5 hours early, for a domestic flight. MEALS: Breakfast is included. All other meals are separate.
"Travel not only across landscapes, but across centuries." - Anonymous
LOGISTICS & OTHER INFO
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our accommodations include Quinta Eden in Villahermosa, Hotel Taxaha in Candeleria and Finca Vallesconido in Selva Lacandona. We spend the bulk of our time at Selva Lacandona, where we will have healthy meals each night and a beautiful place to unwind.
BANKING
We recommend contacting your bank to inform them you will be travelling out of country. ATM machines are accessible in Villahermosa, and we recommend carrying some cash in this region for places that do not take credit cards. You may use credit cards in select restaurants in Candeleria, but we recommend leaving the tip in cash. Not all international ATM's work in restaurants or stores, but you will be able to withdraw cash from the bank machines. IMPORTANT INFO FOR TAKING CASH OUT OF THE ATM: While you must always accept the "service fee" for using the ATM's, some Mexican banks will also offer you a conversion rate. ALWAYS HIT DECLINE. You will still receive your cash, but your own bank will give you a much better conversion rate.
CLIMATE & ALTITUDE
Villahermosa, Tabasco sits at a very low elevation of approximately 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level, giving it a classic tropical lowland climate. In November, daytime temperatures typically reach 28–29°C (84–85°F), while evenings cool to a comfortable 19–20°C (67–68°F). Although the rainy season is winding down, the region remains lush and humid, with occasional showers and plenty of greenery. Visitors can expect warm, tropical conditions and high humidity, especially during the afternoon. Candelaria, Campeche lies slightly higher at about 40–50 meters (130–165 feet) above sea level. November temperatures are similar to Villahermosa, generally ranging from 20–21°C (69–70°F) at night to 28–29°C (83–84°F) during the day. The area tends to be somewhat drier than Tabasco, making it feel a bit more comfortable despite the tropical warmth. November is an excellent time to enjoy the rivers, wetlands, and forests surrounding Candelaria, as the landscape remains green from the summer rains while precipitation becomes less frequent. The Selva Lacandona of Chiapas varies in elevation, but most areas commonly visited by travelers, including Lacanjá Chansayab and Frontera Corozal, lie between 150 and 300 meters (500–1,000 feet) above sea level. November brings warm days, typically between 27–30°C (81–86°F), and pleasant nights ranging from 18–22°C (64–72°F). The jungle remains vibrant and lush, with misty mornings, abundant wildlife activity, and excellent birdwatching opportunities as migratory species arrive from North America. While humidity is still present, the end of the rainy season makes November one of the most enjoyable times to explore the rainforest, archaeological sites, and river systems of the region. Overall, November is considered one of the best months to visit southeastern Mexico. The heavy rains of summer have largely subsided, rivers remain full, vegetation is at its most verdant, and temperatures are warm without the intense heat and rainfall of the wet season. For travelers moving between Villahermosa, Candelaria, and the Selva Lacandona, the month offers an ideal balance of comfortable weather, rich wildlife viewing, and beautiful tropical scenery
MEDICAL INSURANCE & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Please purchase medical insurance before you come and send us contact information for your insurance provider AND an emergency contact, in case you are unable to communicate with us. Please send our contact information to a family member or friend in case someone at home cannot get a hold of you.
MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This tour requires decent mobility, as we will be in and out of boats, walking up a sandy hill, climbing temple steps that can be uneven etc. Please bring a walking stick if you have balance issues. If you walk daily, you should be okay, but please contact us if you have any concerns.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Throughout the years, we have endured many cancellations for various emergencies, which has forced us to change our booking policy. Please purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancellation in the event that you suffer a medical emergency, bereavement, climate event etc.
WHAT TO BRING
These are some recommendations for items you may wish to bring for your trip. * Rain poncho or compact umbrella. The rainy season is subsiding, but we may experience some showers. * Walking Stick * Layered clothing for warm and hot weather. A warm jacket is always smart to have available. * 2 Pairs of comfortable, sturdy shoes and a pair of aqua socks / water shoes. * Bathing Suit and Beach Towel * Hand Sanitizer * Hat, Sunscreen and Sunglasses * Power Bank for your phone * An open mind!
FAQ'S
1
HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD I BRING?
We will see some handicrafts at Bonampak, Frontera Corozal, Palenque and Parque Museo La Venta. You may want some cash to buy snacks and drinks while on the road. We will stock-up on supplies before leaving Palenque, where you can use your credit card. Once we are out in the jungle, we won't have much opportunity to shop.
2
WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO PURCHASE ANYTHING?
Please do not feel obligated to purchase things in the markets. That said, we do encourage our guests to pay artisans their asking price, rather than bartering. The barter system has diminished over the past 15 years. If something seems too expensive, just walk away. At this point, the vendor may try to bargain with you. We just always ask guests to remember that the vendors spend very long days in markets, earning little profit, and will never enjoy the privilege of international travel.
3
ARE WE ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTOS IN THE VILLAGES?
Always ask permission before taking photos of local people, especially children. If there is a ceremony happening, please ask your guides if it is appropriate, as some events are universally photographed and others are not. If unsure, please ask us for guidance.
4
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
If you are really sensitive, you may want to brush your teeth with bottled water. Most guests use the tap water for brushing, but never drink the tap water. Ice cubes are made from purified water and the food at Finca Vallescondido is very safe. They wash all of their vegetables and serve healthy meals.
5
WHAT IS THE STANDARD TIPPING AMOUNT?
We generally recommend tipping your driver around $40-$50 MXN per day, while doubling that for your team leaders, depending on their service. For your hotel or housekeeper, if you ask for cleaning services, we recommend $40-$50 MXN per service. If you are purchasing groceries and someone bags them for you, the average payment is 5 MXN per bag. Our drivers and guides establish their own rates, but tipping is still customary in Mexico, particularly in tourism-based professions. In restaurants, the standard tipping among foreigners is 15-20%. Please do not worry about tipping for meals that are included, as we will cover that! We also encourage our guests to pay all tips in cash whenever possible, as some restaurants do not allow tips to go through on credit or debit cards.
