Chiapas to Guatemala Route: Lacandon Jungle and Volcanoes
Solo journey from the Lacandon jungles of Chiapas to the Guatemalan volcanoes, exploring Tseltal and Kaqchikel Maya communities off the tourist trail.
Description
This 14-day itinerary takes you from San Cristóbal de las Casas, the cultural heart of Chiapas, through the Lacandon Jungle to the highlands of Guatemala. You will navigate the Sumidero Canyon, walk among the ruins of Palenque, cross the border through the Usumacinta jungle, and venture into the volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlán. In Guatemala, you will tour indigenous markets of Chichicastenango, climb Acatenango Volcano, and explore Antigua. There are no resorts or closed tours: each day requires you to arrange local transport, negotiate in markets, and adapt. The reward is immersing yourself in living Tseltal and Maya culture, sleeping in communities, and walking through incomparable volcanic landscapes.
Health & safety
- Always drink bottled water: avoid tap water outside cities
- Sun protection at altitude: the sun on Acatenango is very strong above 3,500 m
- Dengue in lowland areas of Chiapas and Petén: use DEET repellent
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Arrival in San Cristóbal
Explore the colonial streets and squares of this Tseltal city
Walk through the Zócalo and Santo Domingo Church
culture2hSanto Domingo Crafts Market
culture2hDinner at the municipal market
food1.5hSumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo
Sumidero Canyon
Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo
Navigate the imposing canyon more than 1 km deep
Boat trip through Sumidero Canyon
nature3hVisit Chiapa de Corzo and the colonial fountain
culture2hTseltal Communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán
San Juan Chamula
Tseltal Communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán
Enter the syncretic religious universe of the Tseltal
San Juan Chamula Church
culture2hVisit Zinacantán Weavers
culture2hRoute to Palenque via Ocosingo
Ocosingo
Route to Palenque via Ocosingo
Road to the Lacandon Jungle with a stop at the ruins of Toniná
Archaeological Ruins of Toniná
culture3hTransfer to Palenque along the jungle road
nature4hPalenque in the Lacandon Jungle
Palenque
Palenque in the Lacandon Jungle
Explore one of the most important Maya cities wrapped in jungle
Palenque Archaeological Zone
culture4hAgua Azul and Misol-Ha Waterfalls
nature3hBorder Crossing at Frontera Corozal
Frontera Corozal
Border Crossing at Frontera Corozal
Navigate the Usumacinta River into Guatemala
Boat Ride on the Usumacinta River
nature3hYaxchilan on the Riverbank
culture3hTikal at Dawn
Tikal
Tikal at Dawn
Walk among temples emerging from the Petén jungle
Sunrise at Tikal Temple IV
nature2hFull Exploration of the Great Plaza
culture4hRoute to Flores and Transfer to Cobán
Cobán
Route to Flores and Transfer to Cobán
From the Petén jungle to the highlands of Alta Verapaz
Flores Island on Lake Petén Itzá
culture2hTransfer to Cobán through Las Verapaces
nature4hSemuc Champey and Lanquín Caves
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey and Lanquín Caves
Discover Guatemala's most hidden natural paradise
Semuc Champey Natural Pools
nature4hLanquín Caves by Candlelight
nature2hRoute to Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango
Route to Chichicastenango
Largest indigenous market in Central America
Chichicastenango Market
culture4hSanto Tomás Church
culture1.5hLake Atitlán: Panajachel to San Pedro
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán: Panajachel to San Pedro
Cross the most beautiful volcanic lake in the world
Boat from Panajachel to San Pedro La Laguna
nature1hCerro de Oro Nature Reserve
nature3hClimb San Pedro Volcano
San Pedro Volcano
Climb San Pedro Volcano
Morning climb with views of the entire lake
Ascent of San Pedro Volcano
sports5hAfternoon in San Marcos La Laguna
rest3hAcatenango Volcano
Acatenango
Acatenango Volcano
Camp on the slope of Guatemala's most spectacular active volcano
Ascent to the Acatenango Camp
sports6hCamping with Fuego Eruptions
nature4hDescent to Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Descent to Antigua Guatemala
End the journey in the most beautiful colonial city in Central America
Descent from Acatenango at Dawn
sports3hExploring Antigua Guatemala
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