ARCHAEOLOGY, NATURE & TEXTILES
ANCIENT MYSTICISM & THE MAYA
"My wife and I just completed Jennifer's Ancient Mysticism and the Maya tour of Chiapas. She did an outstanding job of putting together the itinerary of activities and booking accommodations. There were many highlights on this tour that we would never have known about or had access to if not for her deep knowledge of the area." - Greg (Ancient Mysticism & The Maya 2025)
ANCIENT MYSTICISM
& THE MAYA
A FASCINATING EXPLORATION OF MAYA ARCHAEOLOGY, NATURE, CUISINE, TEXTILES & MORE!
STARTS: Villahermosa, Tabasco Mexico
ENDS: Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas Mexico
DATES: March 7-22, 2026
DURATION: 15 Nights / 16 Days
PRICE FOR 10-12: See Below for Cost Shared Prices
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $14,000 MXN
(Prices include Taxes)
PRICES INCLUDE TAXES AND ARE BASED ON COST SHARING. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PRIVATE ROOM FOR 1, THE EXTRA COST IS $14,000 MXN. PLEASE REQUEST A ROOMMATE, AND WE WILL TRY TO MATCH YOU WITH SOMEONE TO AVOID THIS EXTRA EXPENSE.
PRICE FOR 6 GUESTS: $98,000 MXN Ea (Approx $5200 USD / $7000 CAD)
PRICE FOR 8 GUESTS: $84,000 MXN Ea (Approx $4500 USD / $6000 CAD)
PRICE FOR 10 GUESTS: $75,000 MXN Ea (Approx $4000 USD / $5400 CAD)
PRICE FOR 12 GUESTS: $68,000 MXN Ea (Approx $3600 USD / $4800 CAD)
INCLUSIONS:
Hotel Rooms x 15 Nights (Double Occupancy), Breakfasts x 15, Lunches x 4 (Drinks Separate), Dinners x 6 (Drinks Separate), Boat Rides x 4 + Rafting on a lake, 5 Archaeological Sites, 1 Archaeological Museum, Bird Watching, Textile Collectives & Art Studios, All Museum Entrance Fees, Maya Cooking Class, Private Transportation for the duration of the tour, Bilingual guided services, Small Financial Contribution for Sergio Castro, Tips for Luggage Handlers & Hotel Staff
Tips for team leaders are discretionary but appreciated
CURRENCY CONVERTER
TRIP OVERVIEW
The ancient Maya are often described as a people who disappeared...
The Maya civilization originated in 2000 BCE and thrived until 1697 CE. Their city states spanned the southeastern Mexican states of Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana-Roo, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western regions of El Salvador and Honduras. The Maya were never considered an Empire, as they did not have one central administration centre, but instead had many administration centres that oversaw smaller satellite cities...
but in fact, are still alive and thriving in their traditional territories...
Despite archaic notions of vanishing races and disappearing peoples that served to elevate Colonial usurping of indigenous territories, the Maya continue to thrive in their ancestral lands, with artisans who weave exquisite textiles with designs that pre-date the arrival of the Spanish, culinary traditions that are pre-Hispanic, and languages that continue to be the primary tongue of the household.
Please join us for an eclectic exploration of the Maya cultures of Chiapas, from ancient cities that rose in the heart of the jungle to artisans who are leading a flourishing textile renaissance in the highland region around the cosmopolitan city of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
We will visit exciting ancient cities in Selva Lacandona...
Most tourists visit the ancient site of Palenque when they are in Chiapas, but few venture further into the jungle region to explore remote sites such as Yaxchilan and Bonampak, let alone the other sites we will be visiting. We include three sites on this itinerary that are almost never visited by tourists, including one that is on the Guatemala side of the Usumacinta river. Piedras Negras is a fascinating site, as it was once excavated but have been left to reclamation by the jungle. We will enjoy a short boat ride to reach the site, and will explore the site, climbing up to the acropolis to visit the memorial site of architect Tatiana Proskouriakova, who was first to draft the acropolis and whose ashes are interred here. We will also visit a local Maya family who have a private museum on their property that houses the skeletal remains of a woman who lived over 2000 years ago. Our friend Jacinto will take us on a beautiful hike through the jungle, alongside a picturesque emerald river to his family property, which has been undergoing minimal excavations since 1998. To top it off, we have one last hidden treasure that lies buried in the jungle, where no ticket booth yet exists, and where we will once again find ourselves in the jungle without any tourists in sight...
and enjoy some bird watching in the jungle and cloud forest...
After our archaeological studies have concluded, we are off to the Montes Azules Macaw Sanctuary for one night, where we will enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Rio Laconia to do some birding. On our last journey, we observed toucans, a Russet-naped Wood-Rail, herons, ospreys, a bat, kingfishers and a wild Macaw! From the sanctuary, we will move to cabins in UNESCO protected Montebello Lakes National Park for more birding in the cloud forest, this time seeking a glimpse of the elusive Resplendent Quetzals. We were fortunate to spy two of these on our last trip, and our bird guide then surprised us with an interesting tour of his coffee plantation, tasting included! We will also enjoy some rafting on an ancient cenote that has spectacular colours and boasts an island of orchids that we will row to. From there, we head to Cascade El Chiffon to enjoy the turquoise river with several waterfalls, and a tranquil conclusion to our nature-based experiences.
San Cristobal de las Casas is a magical, cosmopolitan haven...
The majority of tourists who venture into the enchanting streets of San Cristobal de las Casas are from Europe, and the boutique galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and live music scene that is supported here is quite astonishing for a city of only 215,000+ people. With two pedestrian veins that cross the historical centre of the city, it's very easy to navigate the downtown, especially since the city is structured around its major churches. The nightlife is as colourful as the markets during the day, the food is varied, you will see women proudly adorned in their traditional clothing and countless picturesque scenes...
surrounded by intriguing Maya towns that specialize in various textiles....
We will visit 3 art villages on our way to San Cristobal las Casas, being Venustiano Carranza for light cotton weaving, Aguacatenango for exquisite embroidery and Amatenango, where the artisans are famous for their whimsical ceramic jaguar sculptures. During our other day trips, we will also visit the towns of San Andres Larrainzar, San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan with the curator of the textile museum. Eustaquia Ruiz was born and raised in San Andres Larrainzar, but is an expert on Maya textiles. We are very fortunate to be travelling with her to her home village, to learn about these ancient patterns that are still being woven on looms today. Our last Hurrah before boarding the plane is a lovely morning boating through the iconic Canyon del Sumidero, which has an abundance of wildlife from iguanas, crocodiles and birds to spider monkeys....
“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick, you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams...
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY ONE: SATURDAY MARCH 7, 2026
WELCOME TO THE LAND OF THE MAYA
Please fly into the Villahermosa Airport in Tabasco, and take a taxi to the hotel. Once I have your flights confirmed, I will let you all know how many of you are arriving at the same time, so you can share taxis if possible.
This evening we will meet for dinner at the hotel. Though the hotel restaurant is not fancy, they do have good food. After a long travel day, we expect guests may be tired and will be happy to have an easy meal and an early night.
We will have a short presentation following dinner, which is an orientation about our tour.
Dinner is separate. Taxi from airport to hotel is separate.
DAY TWO: SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2026
LORD PAKAL AND THE RED QUEEN
The Olmec were an ancient culture with many untold mysteries, as the archaeological record remains incomplete. Fondly named "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, many of their traditions are noted among later cultures that emerged,, including the Maya, Zapotec and Mexica (Aztec).
This morning we start our tour at the gates of Parque-Museo La Venta, where there are some important Olmec heads that were transported here from La Venta Archaeological site, which lies about 1.5 hours from Villahermosa towards Veracruz. (If you would like to visit, we can take you if you arrange to arrive early. Please contact us for more information - there are no temples there, but there are several Olmec heads and it's a beautiful site).
Parque-Museo La Venta was founded on March 4, 1958 by poet and museographer Carlos Pellicer Camara, who was concerned with oil drilling and the environmental impacts that would have on the original site. Several Olmec heads were moved here, along with original Maya sculptures, altars and steles. Today, the park is an open-air museum, with beautiful walkways and an adjacent zoo.
DAY TWO: CONTINUED...
From Parque-Museo La Venta, we will depart Villahermosa for the ancient city of Palenque, crossing from Tabasco State into Chiapas.
The earliest known occupation at Palenque began at around 200 BCE. Though population growth increased between 100-300 CE, the largest expansion and city construction peaked between 600-800 CE, before the mysterious collapse of the Maya Civilization.
The most important Palenque rulers known to modern historians were K'inich Janaab' Pakal, or Pakal the Great, who lived between 603-683 CE, ruling for 68 years from the age of 12 until his death, and also the Red Queen, whose tomb was found in 1994. While her name remains unproven, any archaeologists believe her to be Lady Tz'akbu Ajaw, who was the wife of Pakal the Great. Some of the evidence lies in her radiocarbon dating, which indicates she died around 672 CE. Her tomb is next to Pakal's tomb, with contents including a jade mask, jade and shell jewelry, a diadem, high quality ceramics and the remains of two people, who were most likely sacrificed as guardians, something that was customary for royal burials.
From Palenque, we will retreat to our tranquil lodgings in Selva Lacandona. This is a working ranch with an expansive property that features a natural, stream-fed pool, wild birds, beautifully appointed rooms that are comfortable, have AC and screens - but no WIFI! (If you need to get a WIFI connection, it does exist in the restaurant area and by the house - but please be warned that this is a real unplugged experience). The food here is delicious, healthy and well-balanced and the staff and family members will feel like family by the time we leave. This is one of our guests very top picks.
Breakfast is Included. Lunch is separate. Dinner is included. Drinks are separate.
DAY THREE: MONDAY MARCH 9, 2026
HIDDEN CITIES OF SELVA LACANDONA
This morning we will depart after breakfast for two connected cities that lay in the jungle without fences, ticket booths or guards. We will stop in the local ejido for permission to visit the first site, as it belong to the Lacandona. After paying a fee, we are free to drive to the site and explore on our own.
There is nothing quite like climbing a hill to find incredible temples, including what is believed to be an acropolis and a star observatory.
This site was occupied around 150 BCE, expanding between 250 BCE and 700 CE. If this site was abandoned during the collapse, as many were, it was re-occupied and remained an important administration centre until around 1000 CE. The site was not inhabited during the conquest of the Spanish.
Structures here that indicate her importance include a theatre that could seat around 120 people, most likely for sacrifices and religious ceremonies, the largest ball court of the region, measuring at 65 meters in length, and Structure 13, which is an observatory featuring a beautiful roof comb that has strategic windows for measuring the Winter Solstice and zenith passage of the sun. There are three acropolises here, facing north, west and east, all of which housed the elite and contained temples and plazas.
DAY THREE: CONTINUED
About 30 mins away from this site is a picnic with our name on it! We will have lunch and visit a tiny but fascinating museum, located at the home of a local Maya family. INAH approved the location and has certified the artefacts here, which include the skeletal remains of a Maya woman from approximately 2000 years ago. Her remains were found in the ball court where our friend Julio is standing in the photo posted above.
We will visit the museum and head to the park entrance for our picnic. From there, we will head down the trail and cross the beautiful turquoise river before climbing up into a farmers field and walking to the location of the ball court and site, which is believed to have fallen under the same administration of the other site we have just explored. Even if you don't crave archaeology, this is a beautiful field trip back through time due to the fabulous scenery, monkeys and birds, a lovely waterfall, and an afternoon spent with Maya guide Jacinto, who will guide us to his fathers land where the archaeological site was discovered.
DAY FOUR: TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2026
YOKIB' - THE GREAT GATEWAY
This morning we are out the door early for breakfast and drive to a private boat launch on the mighty Usumacinta river. We will be boating downstream for approximately 30 mins to a site across the river, geographically seated in the department of Peten on the Guatemala side of the border, and is noted as a significant jewel of the Sierra del Lacandon National Park.
Known to us now as Piedras Negras, or place of black stones, Yokib' was the Maya name for this site, meaning "The Great Gateway." This city likely served as a major trade hub, which this riverside cities were known for mainly due to the ability for boats to maneuver through the regions many rivers, quickly.
The ceramic records here indicate occupation as early as 600 BCE, with expansion through 400-900 CE, placing it in the Classic Maya era. This city is known for having some of the most finely engraved steles, many of which are unfortunately destroyed by climate and environment, while others are now housed in the Penn Museum (University of Pennsylvania) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in NYC, on loan from Guatemala. The Guatemalan National Museum also exhibits some important steles from Yokib', while other steles have been looted and stolen, including the famous Stele 9 fragment, which was stolen from the site in 1960 and only repatriated after re-emerging from the shadows at a Paris auction in 2019. The sale was halted and the owner voluntarily turned it over. The piece was officially repatriated on October 25, 2021.
In 1936, Tatiana Proskouriakova first arrived at this site as a guest of Linton Satterthwaite, who was impressed with her drafting skills. Educated as an architect, Proskouriakova had been bored to tears drafting cross-stitch patterns for newspapers, while also voluntarily studying and redrafting archaeological blueprints at the University of Pennsylvania Museum. As a woman, it was difficult to gain recognition, especially as one who had no archaeological experience, but Proskouriakova's diligence paid off with regards to her own career and priceless contributions she made to humanity through her interpretation of previously deciphered Maya hieroglyphs. While at Yokib', she not only drafted the first notable architectural drawing of the Acropolis, she also theorized the glyphs on the steles there were not only depictions of legends of the Cosmos and the Maya worldview, but also real life events, such as the births and deaths of royalty, ascensions of Kings and war victories. Though some scholars found her findings hard to accept, her evidence was eventually accepted and the study of Maya epigraphy was forever changed and revolutionized.
When we visit this site, we will have the chance to see an excavated city that has been left to reclamation by the jungle. There are several steles here, with inscriptions, some artefacts from the archaeologists camp from the 1930's, and we will climb the Acropolis to see a marker that was left for Tatiana Proskouriakova by her friend, esteemed archaeologist David Stuart, who applied to have her ashes officially interred at the site. She is one lucky woman to have been granted such an honour, which speaks volumes about the importance of her contributions.
DAY FIVE: WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2026
WHITE MOUNTAIN, CLEFT SKY
This morning we are off on our last archaeological tour for this trip! We begin at the Maya centre of Sak Witz', or "White Mountain," likely named for a nearby limestone deposit. We know this site today as Bonampak, which is a loose Spanish translation for "painted walls," and the temple of importance here is the Templo de Pinturas."
There are very few murals from the Maya world left, so these impressive depictions of royal life and the events that unfolded here, are invaluable. The three rooms of this temple are painted from floor to ceiling vault, each representing a different narrative from the other. The archaeological studies determined the murals were painted around 790 CE during the reign of Ajaw (King) Chaan Muan II.
Room One: The murals here depict nobility and rituals performed here. The ruler believed to have commissioned these paintings was Ajaw Chaan Muan II, who is seated in the centre, surrounded by other nobles, attendants, musicians and performers. Some of the depictions show the infamous ball game, offerings, royal presentations and formality.
Room Two: The murals of the middle room paint a sinister story of violence, war, captives and sacrificial victims. There are warriors presenting prisoners, who are bound and prepared for ritual. The armour and weaponry is also on full display, along with the typical body paint associated with battle and dominance. A mystery is also revealed in this room, for some of the captives were defaced. Historians theorize they were captives, as they are kneeling in a pose of submission and appear to be bound to one another. The dating analysis on the vandalism dates it between 800-820 CE, about 10-30 years after the murals were completed. There are many theories about why this happened, including and not limited to a new ruler erasing their faces as a means of liberating them from defeat of a former enemy, symbolizing victory from the once-defeated side.
Room Three: While blood sacrifices were certainly the fate of many captives, so too were the royals responsible for blood letting practices, In this room, the murals show Ajaw Chaan Muan II leading a blood ceremony through the piercing and cutting of flesh. To the left, the women pull thorny twines through their tongues, capturing the blood in a ch'ok, or blood-letting vessel specifically used for this ritual. Historians believe this blood letting ritual may be a celebration of victory.
We will not spend a great deal of time at this site, as it is quite small, and the Temple de Pinturas is the main reason for coming here, We will also take some time to observe the steles here, as they are also very powerful.
DAY FIVE: CONTINUED...
From Bonampak, we will move to the small village of Frontera Corozal, which sits on the banks of the Usumacinta. We must pay the Ejido here before boarding our boat, but once aboard, the ride takes about 40 mins along the scenic river. From the boat dock, we climb a fairly decent hill to reach the entrance to the city, which is referred to many as a labyrinth. While the howlers and spider monkeys keep us entertained, what we are about to see is a real jewel of a city - one of our personal favourites, not only for the adventure of getting here, but also the picturesque beauty and design of this city.
If you are not in good physical condition, you will want to stay in the lower part of the city. If you are a strong hiker, Jaime can take you up the steep steps and hills to the Acropolis - though it is a daunting climb. There are lots of steles and decorative door slabs here, and many steles that were removed and sent to the British Museum, if you are ever in London, England.
The history of this site is too extensive to relay here, but we shall discuss the main ruler, Bird Jaguar, his wife Lady Xoc, and their relation to some of the most treasures textiles that are still made today by traditional Maya weavers.
DAY SIX: THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2026
A DAY FOR LEISURELY REST
Today we will enjoy a more relaxed pace with a short commute to Cascade de el Salto, where we can hike and photograph the stunning waterfalls. The water here is clean and perfect for swimming, so please bring your swimsuits along! Alternately, if you don't want to swim, you can always bring a book to read, or binoculars to watch for birds.
The hiking trails here can get a bit slippery in places, so please bring sturdy shoes with good grips, and if planning to swim, we recommend aqua socks. We will have lunch here, and return to the Finca at around 2:30 PM so we can relax and explore the property. The finca has a large property with beautiful gardens and wild birds, plus is a wonderful place to have some downtime to relax.
Laundry Tip: The staff at Finca Vallescondido are happy to do your laundry for a fee. We recommend preparing it for the early morning today so you can have it back by dinner time.
Packing Tip for tomorrow: As we are only staying at Las Guacamayas for one night, you may want to pack your carry-on with a few things so you don't have to lug your larger suitcase through the property. Remember your camera, battery, memory card, charger, phone cords, pyjamas and kit bag, and change of clothes.
DAY SEVEN: FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2026
A BIRDERS DREAM
Disclaimer: I am not a photographer, nor do I own a proper birding lens for my camera, so I apologize for the photos; however, the next couple of days are designed for reconnecting with nature, right down to the fact that our rooms will not have wifi! Please bring a pair of binoculars so you can really view these wonderful birds!
We will have our last breakfast at Finca Vallescondido before we hit the road for Las Guacamayas, which is a rustic resort on the Rio Laconja. The rooms here do not have AC nor Wifi, though you can get Wifi by the lobby. The rooms are very basic, with screens and nets over the beds. The resort is a Scarlet Macaw bird sanctuary, so there are birds in cages here, but these birds are part of a breeding project to help populate the jungle with more Scarlet Macaws. When we arrive, we will check in and have lunch, then enjoy a lovely boat ride on the Rio Laconia to view the abundant birds in this region.
DAY EIGHT: SATURDAY MARCH 14, 2026
MONTEBELLO LAKES NATIONAL PARK
This morning, those of you who are avid birders are welcome to meet us at 6:30 AM for a very early morning boat ride on the Rio Lacanja. Though we will follow the same route as yesterday, the time of day and lighting is completely different, and the birds will be very active. We will return to the lodge at 9 AM for breakfast, before checking out. We would like to depart the lodge no later than 10:30, so this gives us enough time to have a shower, eat and get our luggage back to the van.
When we arrive in Montebello Lakes National Park, we will head to Lake Pojoj to have lunch, From there, we will enjoy a fun rafting experience on the lake. This lake is gorgeous, with exceptional colours, It is forbidden to wear sunscreen in the water, or to swim where it is deep. As it will be Saturday, there will be other tourists here, but this is just a fun way to spend our afternoon getting some exercise after our commute. Please don't worry if you are not a strong paddler - the raft pilots are strong enough to paddle for the whole crew. Of course, if we participate, we will move a little faster.
From Lake Pojoj, we will head to our cabin, The cabins here are rustic, but the area is quite restful. We will have dinner and an early night!
DAY NINE: SUNDAY MARCH 15, 2026
RESPLENDENT QUETZALS OF THE COFFEE LANDS
Resplendent Quetzals were such a significant bird among the Maya, to kill one would render a death sentence as punishment. These birds were revered for their long tail feathers, sparking trade across Mesoamerica to Oasisamerica for their use on ceremonial regalia, such as headdresses and ceremonial cloaks. This time of year is when they start to reappear, due to nesting activity. For those who are birders, we can go early (6:30 AM) with our guide and see if we can spy some of them. Though we cannot guarantee our mission, we were really pleased to see two of them last year, however briefly.
We will head back to the lodge for breakfast, then embark on an interesting tour of a coffee plantation with coffee beans, select spices and crops. The coffee is delicious, and you can purchase it directly from the family.
We will also visit a market in Guatemala today, which sounds like a journey - but the little town is just steps away from Mexico, with a lake that is divided by the border. You will not need Quetzals here, as the vendors accept Mexican Pesos. We will not need passports to cross the border either, as there is no customs or border officials here.
At around 3:30 PM, we will depart this region for the colonial city of Comitan, where we will check into our hotel and have dinner. We opted to move this evening, as you will have been unplugged from regular wifi access for over a week, and we imagine you will be ready to hit civilization for some modern comforts!
DAY TEN: MONDAY MARCH 16, 2026
THE BRIDES VEIL
Cascadas El Chiflon is a mystical and pristine jewel of Chiapas. Spring-fed waters spill over 5 impressive waterfalls, with Velo de Novia (brides veil) being the most famous, reaching 120 Meters tall. This series of cascades serve as the source of the San Vicente River. In dry season, the jewel-tone, turquoise pools serve as respite for water-babies brave enough to submerge themselves into these frigid but refreshing waters.
The hike to Velo de Novia takes about 90 mins, depending on how many stops you need to rest. The trail is a1.5 KM gradual climb with lots of stone staircases that deliver you to a terrific platform for viewing the waterfall and soaking up the refreshing mist. We will spend the bulk of the day here, so guests can have time to hike in the AM and swim before lunch.
Upon returning to Comitan, we can explore the Centro and unwind for a nice meal.
DAY ELEVEN: TUESDAY MARCH 17, 2026
ART VILLAGES OF THE HIGHLANDS
This morning we are off to San Cristobal de las Casas on an art adventure that will bring us through the small village of Venustaina Carranza and Aguacatengango, where we will visit textile artists who weave traditional garments on backstrap looms and hand embroider exquisite blouses and dresses by hand.
The weaving in Venustaina Carranza is light-weight due to the climate, though some of their huipils are thick for winter months. When we reach Aguacatenango, this is a village famed for white-on-white embroidery, which was a dominating style here for many decades. Only recently have younger artisans opted for brighter canvases for their threads, employing newly acquired stitches for interesting textures. While some resist artisans whose work departs from tradition, the question remains - what is tradition? All of the garments of 30 years ago were vastly different from garments woven even 40 to 50 years ago, let alone how they have evolved from 200-1000 years ago. We believe the renaissance taking place in indigenous textiles across the world is what will keep them relevant and collectible. We hope you enjoy seeing these wonderful pieces and meeting the artisans who make them.
DAY ELEVEN: CONTINUED...
From Aguacatenango, we will stop in Amatenango del Valle for lunch with a family of artisans who are ceramicists. We will enjoy a clay workshop here for kicks - a fun 45 mins of playing around with clay while the masters dance circles around our skills! This workshop is a lot of fun, and for those who are not interested in sculpting, there is still lots to see and do here, including the kiln and a wonderful gallery full of beautiful ceramics in an assortment of styles and sizes. For those who live in Mexico, this family ships, so you don't have to take your pieces with you.
DAY TWELVE: WEDNESDAY MARCH 18, 2026
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS
Named for St Christopher and Bartolome de las Casas, who was the first Bishop of Chiapas, San Cristobal de las Casas was originally named Villa Real de Chiapa in 1528. Bartolome was a Dominican priest known for his prolific writings about the fair treatment of indigenous peoples and their rights, which was unusual for his time.
With the presence of Tseltal and Tsotsil Maya alongside Mexican inhabitants, San Cristobal de las Casas is a cosmopolitan city, despite its small size, with many spaces that feel like stepping back in time. There is an eclectic cultural vibe here, with live music hailing from different corners of the country, as well South American and Jazz, and there are a lot of small but interesting museums, such as the Amber, Jade, Chocolate and Textile museums, Trudy Bloms home, which houses her photographs, murals and curio collections, the private residence of local legend Sergio Castro, who has amassed an important assembly of regional Maya clothing, ceremonial regalia, masks, instruments, art galleries, boutique dress shops, the vibrant indigenous textile & handicraft market and more.
Today we will get acquainted with the city and enjoy free time in the afternoon.
A COSMIC PATTERN OF A THOUSAND YEARS
When Itzamnaaj Bahlam III ascended to the throne, a blood-letting ritual was held, in which his wife, Lady Xoc and Queen Consort of Pa'Chaan (Yaxchilan) pulled a thorny rope through her tongue to mark the occasion with a sacrificial prayer. Some historians theorize Lady Xoc elevated his rank, having been higher born. Lady Xoc was older than her king, and never bore him any children.In the lintel pictured below, you can see the cosmic pattern that is woven into Lady Doc's huipil, as she kneels before her husband, the King. This same pattern is still woven by weavers today, mainly in the villages of San Andres Larrainzar and Magdalenas. The garment she wore depicts the full moon and stars, similar to the black and grey blouse shown here. The fact that these ancient designs are still present among modern Maya weavings is evidence that indigenous peoples, their teachings and their memories, oral histories and pride has challenged colonization and their attempted eradication through religious conversion and political & racial violence. The Maya have always been a strong and resilient people, determined not only to survive, but to thrive.
DAY THIRTEEN: THURSDAY MARCH 19, 2026
WOVEN FROM THE STARS
Estaquia Ruiz is a Maya weaver and textile expert from the traditional village of San Andres Larrainzar. She holds position as Curator at the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya in San Cristobal de las Casas. We met with Señora Ruiz when we were in San Cristobal back in April, and she generously offered to lead our group on a special textile tour when we return this Spring. We are deeply looking forward to spending the day with her, as her insights will be invaluable. As she is the expert, we are leaving our schedule in her hands for today, though we do have two requests - one of which is to learn more about the ceremonial weaving shown above, and the other is to visit the women in San Juan Chamula who weave the shag-wool black and white skirts and tunics that are so iconic here. We will also visit at least one collective in Zinacantan, and enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family while we are in this region.
DAY FOURTEEN: FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2026
CANYON DEL SUMIDERO
This morning we are off for one last nature excursion, enjoying an exhilarating boat ride through the Canyon del Sumidero on the Rio Grijalva. Teaming with wildlife, we should see a plethora of birds, crocodiles, iguanas and spider monkeys. Our boat ride will last for about 2.5 Hours, allowing us time to travel the full length of the canyon.
When we return to Chiapa de Corzo, we will have lunch before returning to San Cristobal de las Casas to visit Na Balom, home of Trudy and Franz Blom, who were very influential and controversial academics and activists. Trudy became famed for her collection of photographs and connection to the Maya, including her travels to bring attention to the depletion of Selva Lacandona.
DAY FIFTEEN: SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2026
LA COCINA DE MANUELA
We are preparing a cooking class for today. We will be learning how to prepare a Maya specialty called Soap de Pan. While "Bread Soup" doesn't sound all that flavourful, and possibly soggy, this dish is one of the most amazing things I have personally tasted in Mexico.
If you are not interested in a cooking class, feel free to wander today, or let us know if there is anywhere pressing you'd like to visit. There is an orchid garden on the outskirts of town, and a cave where one of our groups spent time birding. We are happy to oblige any requests you have for today.
Some guests will want to just wander, to people watch from the street-side cafe's or cantinas, to spend more money in the addictive textile market, or check out some of the local churches. San Cristobal de las Casas is an incredible city that deserves time - especially free time, to just get lost or found in her cultural vibe. This last day is always a great time to process all that you have experienced here before leaving, so the memories stay sharp and present.
DAY SIXTEEN: SUNDAY MARCH 22, 2026
HOME SWEET HOME
We are not including breakfast this morning as some of you may be departing too early for the airport. Once we have everyone's departure time, we will arrange the transportation to Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS EPIC ADVENTURE AND WILL JOIN US FOR ANOTHER TOUR OR TWO!
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
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Cascade de el Salto
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Birding by Boat on Rio Lacanja
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Cascadas El Chiflon
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Birding in Cloud Forest
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Rafting on Lake Pojoj
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Boat Ride through Canyon del Sumidero
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Parque Museo la Venta
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Palenque
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Yaxchilan
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Piedras Negras
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Bonampak
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Lost Cities in Selva Lacandona
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Jade Museum
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Chocolate Museum
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Amber Museum
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Textile Museum
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Na Balom Museum
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Curio Museum of Sergio Castro (Private Collection)
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Backstrap Weavers of Venustiano de Carranza, Zinacantan, San Andres Larrainzar & San Juan Chamula
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Embroidery Artists in Aguacatenango
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Ceramic workshop & studio in Amatenango del Valle
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Special tour with textile expert and curator of the textile museum to the villages of San Andres Larrainzar, Zinacantan and Chamula
This trip is a little more challenging to organize for flights....
Guests must fly into Villahermosa Airport, which is located in the state of Tabasco. There are flights departing daily from Mexico City airport, with direct flights from Cancun and other select airports. Heading home from Tuxtla Gutierrez is equally challenging, as it is only connected to Mexico City airport, Cancun, and a few other select cities. Please tell us where you are flying from, and we can assist you with your flight path. If you would like to rest at the beach following this tour, you could also opt to fly through a beach destination that connects well.
We also recommend departing later if it's your first time in San Cristobal....
San Cristóbal de las Casas is an impressive and picturesque city that deserves time for full exploration. It's easy to get lost in the markets and pedestrian streets and there are dozens upon dozens of wonderful coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and boutique galleries to browse through. The city has some tragic and fascinating history, wonderful churches and lots of nature parks to explore. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we can book you at the same hotel to save you another move.
QUESTIONS?
Please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer if you have any questions or would like to schedule this tour at a different time for a private group.
Email: coppermoontravels@protonmail.com
WhatsApp: +52 443 639 2782 (Please text first)
PROMO VIDEOS
Short clips with photo galleries from the different places we will visit. If you are watching on a TV, Laptop or Computer, please use the Horizontal Format. If you are on a phone, please unlock your screen for better viewing on the wide-screen.
ANCIENT MYSTICISM & THE MAYA