From ancient archaeological sites to relaxing waterfall oases, this weeklong exploration of Central Mexico packs plenty of adventure. You'll explore the ancient Mayan cities of Yaxchilan & Bonampak, learn to make a traditional bow & arrow, and cool off at the Roberto Barrios waterfalls. To top it off, there's no driving — your personal driver will make sure you get where you're going.
Highlights
- Visit the turquoise Aqua Azul waterfalls
- Explore the Palenque archaeological site & learn about ancient life
- Spot wildlife, like spider monkeys and ocelots
- Learn to make a traditional bow & arrow
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Villahermosa, Transfer to Palenque | Palenque |
Day 2 | Palenque Archeological Site, Visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls | Palenque |
Day 3 | Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls | Palenque |
Day 4 | Ancient Mayan Cities of Yaxchilan & Bonampak, Transfer to Nahá | Nahá |
Day 5 | Nature Exploration at Nahá Reserve, Experience a Hach Winik Fire Ceremony | Nahá |
Day 6 | Create & Shoot: Lacandon Bow & Arrow Workshop in Nahá, Clay Workshop in Nahá, Transfer to Palenque | Palenque |
Day 7 | Palenque to Villahermosa, Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Villahermosa, Transfer to Palenque

The Temples of Palenque are a sight to behold, with over 2,000 years of history to explore. Spend some time today exploring the temples, or head into the jungle to spot wildlife — look for macaws and howler monkeys on a trail that passes yet-unexplored ruins in pristine rainforest.
You can also see jaguars, parrots, and tapirs up close at the Aluxes Ecopark This non-profit organization rescues injured wildlife and maintains a breeding and release program for endangered species.
Day 2: Palenque Archeological Site, Visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

These days, the ruins are one of Mexico's most interesting Mayan ruins, with plenty of artifacts that shed insight into the myths, rituals, beliefs, and lives of the people who built the city. As part of its importance, both regionally and nationally, archaeologists have determined that Palenque was one of the main sites that influenced other settlements of the Usumacinta Basin.
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Look around you when you reach the falls — you might be able to spot fish in the clear water, monkeys in the trees around you, or even toucans, parrots, or motmots (clock birds) in the tree canopy above you. You'll spend several hours enjoying the scenery, going for a refreshing swim, and relaxing by the water before heading back to town.
Day 3: Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls

From here, continue to another waterfall: the Misol-Ha Waterfall, which plunges 115 ft (35 m) into the pool below. Soak your feet, take some photos, and breathe in the fresh rainforest air.
Day 4: Ancient Mayan Cities of Yaxchilan & Bonampak, Transfer to Nahá

The first stop will be Frontera Corozal, a Chol indigenous town 3 hours drive from Palenque. Here, you'll take a motorboat through the Usumacinta River (the longest in Centra America) to the first Mayan city: Yaxchilan, a place of green stones. This is an amazing archaeological site in the middle of the jungle. Nearly 2000 years ago Yaxchilan was just a small village, however, it eventually grew to become one of the most significant settlements on the Usumacinta's side of the river. You'll visit the most iconic buildings of this archeological site and learn about the people that once lived there. Afterward, return by boat to Frontera Corozal where you'll enjoy a delicious traditional meal.
After lunch, continue to the second archaeological site of the day: Bonampak, located in the Lacandon jungle. Here you will be able to see 1,100-year-old original paintings, steles (stone slabs), and lintels that describe the lifestyle and government of the ancient city.
After, your driver will take you to the town of Nahá, in the midst of the Lacandon jungle. You'll travel around four hours down dirt roads and through amazing rainforest landscapes.
Day 5: Nature Exploration at Nahá Reserve, Experience a Hach Winik Fire Ceremony

Disembark for a short jungle trek near the water where, with a little luck, you'll be able to spot a variety of local wildlife, including turtles and crocodiles.
After, you will experience one of the ancestral rituals of the Hach Winik ("Lacandon Maya" in the native language) culture. Don Antonio Chankin, one of the oldest men of Nahá, will guide you through this experience. With his Mayan chanting, his clay censers, and the burning copal and xate palm, he'll give thanks, offerings, and ask for protection to Hach Akium (one of the Mayan Lacandon gods). All of this will happen in his K'unah temple and will result in a protection token for you and your loved ones.
Day 6: Create & Shoot: Lacandon Bow & Arrow Workshop in Nahá, Clay Workshop in Nahá, Transfer to Palenque

During this hour-long experience, you will learn how to turn a dry cane into a fully functional arrow that is light and has a great balance to fly in the air. You will feather the top, add the tip made with different stones and finally tie it together to create your very own arrow. Once you have finished building it, you will have the opportunity to test it and demonstrate your archery skills.
After, you will participate in a clay workshop, a material that's been in use since pre-Hispanic times to make utensils and model figures of gods. The workshop is guided by one of the Lacandon artists, who will guide you to use your skills and imagination to create a unique clay piece, let your hands remember long-forgotten memories, and rediscover your creative and spiritual side.
After, your driver will take you from the town of Nahá, in the midst of the Lacandon jungle, to the town of Palenque. You'll travel around four hours down dirt roads and through amazing rainforest landscapes.
Day 7: Palenque to Villahermosa, Departure

Travel safe! Your driver will take you from Palenque to Villahermosa's airport.
More Mexico Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other 7-day Mexico itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
Looking for a shorter duration? Check out this 6-day version of this itinerary.
Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.