From San Cristobal: Agua Azul, Misol-ha, and Palenque

If you’re planning a day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas to explore some of the most iconic sights in Chiapas, this tour offers a lot — waterfalls, ancient ruins, and lush jungle scenery all packed into one long, often memorable day. We’ve looked into the experience to give you a clear picture of what to expect, what’s worth it, and what to consider before booking.

What initially catches the eye is the price—just $68 per person for such a full itinerary—and the promise of visiting famous waterfalls and the Palenque archaeological zone. Two things we love about this trip? First, the diverse stops—from waterfalls to ruins, it’s a well-rounded experience. Second, the included tickets mean no extra fuss. But, like any big day trip, it’s not without its potential downsides, especially if long hours on the road aren’t your thing or if time feels too tight.

This tour is probably best suited for travelers who want to tick off multiple highlights in one go and don’t mind a bit of a pace challenge. It’s especially good if you’re after a straightforward way to see key sights without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. If you’re looking for a relaxed day or a deep dive into any one site, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Cost-effective: At $68, it offers a full-day experience with all tickets included.
• Variety of sights: Includes waterfalls, a cave, and impressive Mayan ruins.
• Early start: Begins at 4 am, so prepare for a long day and an early wake-up.
• Guidance: The tour doesn’t include a guide, so you’ll rely on your own exploration.
• Travel time: Expect around 3.5 hours just driving to Palenque, which eats into sightseeing time.
• Mixed reviews: Some travelers love the scenery and organization, others mention long hours and road conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

The Early Morning Start

We’ll be honest: starting at 4 am is no one’s idea of a sleep-in. If you’re a morning person or don’t mind an early rise, it’s a small price for the adventure ahead. That said, the early start means you’ll be on the road for quite a while, especially considering the roughly 3.5 hours of driving just to reach Palenque. The purpose is to maximize your sightseeing time, but it’s a long day, so pacing yourself is key.

Breakfast Stop — Not Included

Around 7 am, the tour makes a stop for breakfast. It’s not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or cash if you prefer a specific type of meal. Some travelers find the breakfast stop a good way to stretch and get energized for the day.

Agua Azul Waterfalls — A Refreshing Break

The first major stop is the famous Agua Azul waterfalls. Known for their striking blue waters, these falls are a highlight of any Chiapas trip. You’ll spend about two hours here, giving you enough time to take in the views, maybe take a dip, and snap some photos. The water is cool and clear, and the setting feels almost surreal with the bright colors of the falls contrasting against the jungle backdrop.

Many reviews mention how stunning the waterfalls are, with one traveler describing it as “beautiful”. You’ll also appreciate the chance to get in the water, especially if the weather is warm. Be aware that the area can be a bit crowded, especially in peak season, but it’s still worth the visit.

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Misol-Ha Waterfall — The Showstopper

Next, the tour heads to Misol-Ha, a waterfall roughly 40 meters tall. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, which is enough time to take photos, explore the base of the fall, and even go behind it through a small cave. It’s one of those sights that really do live up to the photos — towering, thunderous, and dramatic.

A fun detail is the opportunity to walk behind the water, which many find exciting. You’ll also get a nice view of the surrounding jungle as you walk around. Reviewers mention that 45 minutes is generally enough to enjoy the site without feeling rushed.

Palenque Ruins — The Ancient Marvel

The highlight for many is the Palenque archaeological zone, where you’ll spend about 3.5 hours. This site is famous for its well-preserved pyramids and temples emerging from the jungle, giving you a real sense of stepping into history. Keep your camera ready; the scenery is gorgeous, and the ruins are quite impressive.

You’ll likely spot some monkeys, colorful birds, and other wildlife, which adds to the atmosphere. The tour includes entry to the site and the museum dedicated to Alberto Ruz L’Huillier, who excavated the tomb of King Pakal. The ruins are large enough that you can wander at your own pace, but be aware that the overall time might feel a bit rushed if you’re a history buff wanting to linger longer.

Lunch and Return

After the exploration, the group heads to a restaurant (not included), which some find a bit pricey for a buffet. It’s a standard stop, but bringing your own snacks could give you more flexibility and save some money.

The return trip begins around mid-afternoon, but it’s a long drive back to San Cristobal, arriving around 10:30 pm. Some reviews mention that the ride can be uncomfortable, with reports of the van having issues or the road conditions affecting comfort and safety. One traveler shared that the van door problems made the return trip slightly awkward, but the driver’s professionalism was noted.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a shared van, which keeps costs down but can mean limited space and comfort. The driver is generally praised for navigating tricky roads well, but some reviews mention that the ride can be tiring, especially considering the long hours. Because the tour doesn’t specify guide services, you’ll be exploring largely independently, which can be a plus if you prefer more freedom, but less helpful if you need detailed explanations.

Timing and Pacing

Timing is tight — you spend around 2 hours at Agua Azul, 45 minutes at Misol-Ha, and over 3 hours at Palenque. Every stop is scheduled, so you won’t have much flexibility to linger longer if you’re someone who loves to take their time. Be prepared for a full day, and consider your stamina if early mornings and long drives aren’t your favorite.

Cost and Value

At $68, the tour offers good value for a packed itinerary with all tickets included. You get the advantage of skipping lines and not worrying about transport logistics, which makes it a convenient choice. However, the lack of an official guide means you’ll be relying on your own curiosity and perhaps a guidebook or app to enrich your experience.

What Do Travelers Say?

The reviews are mixed but mostly positive. Many travelers praise the stunning scenery, the well-organized itinerary, and the professional driver. One reviewer from Mexico called it a “beautiful” experience, highlighting the wonderful waterfalls and amazing ruins.

However, some express frustration with the long hours on rough roads, with one describing the trip as “terrible” due to the uncomfortable ride, the speeding driver, and the short time at each site, especially if the weather is cloudy or rainy early in the day.

Another review pointed out that the early start and long drive make the experience more tiring than rewarding, especially if you’re not a fan of long bus rides. That said, many still agree that the sights are worth the effort.

The Sum Up

This tour from San Cristobal offers a cost-effective way to see some of Chiapas’ most iconic natural and archaeological sights. It’s especially suitable if you’re eager to check off multiple must-see places in a single day without the hassle of planning individual tickets and transport. You’ll love the spectacular waterfalls, the impressive ruins, and the convenience of all-inclusive tickets.

On the downside, the long travel hours and early start may not suit everyone, particularly if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues. The experience is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a full, active day and don’t mind a bit of road fatigue.

While some reviews mention discomfort and rushed visits, most agree that the scenery and history make it worthwhile. Just keep your expectations realistic about the long hours and the pace — this is a whirlwind tour, not a leisurely exploration. If you’re after a well-organized, budget-friendly way to see key highlights of Chiapas, this tour could be a smart choice.

FAQs

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. There’s a stop for lunch, but it’s a paid buffet, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for additional spending.

How long is the drive from San Cristobal to Palenque?
It’s approximately 3.5 hours to reach Palenque, so expect a good chunk of time on the road.

Do I need to bring my own guide?
No, the tour does not include a guide, so you’ll explore the sites independently, though the tickets are included.

Can I swim at Agua Azul and Misol-Ha?**
Yes, you can swim at both waterfalls. Agua Azul is especially known for its inviting pools, and Misol-Ha offers a behind-the-waterfall experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?**
It’s best for those comfortable with long hours of travel and walking. People with mobility issues might find it challenging, given the nature of the sites and the long bus ride.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a camera. Be prepared for early mornings and the possibility of rain.

How crowded is Agua Azul?
It can be busy, especially in peak seasons, but the scenery remains stunning regardless of crowd levels.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The waterfalls and the Palenque ruins are the star attractions. Many travelers say the ruins are the most impressive part, with the waterfalls providing a refreshing break.

Can I expect to see wildlife at Palenque?
Yes, monkeys and birds are often spotted during your time at the archaeological zone, adding to the adventure.

Whether you’re after a convenient way to see Chiapas’ best sights or are prepared for a full-on day of exploration, this tour covers a lot of ground in one go. Just remember, it’s a long day with some compromises, but the sights are undeniably worth it if you’re eager to experience the region’s natural beauty and ancient history.

You can check availability for your dates here: