Tabasco & Chiapas Maya Archaeology Tour

10 Days Exploring Ancient Maya & Olmec Sites | January 7–16, 2027

Chiapas is home to some of Mexico's most extraordinary archaeological sites. Travelers from around the world come to see the famous Maya ruins of Palenque, Bonampak, and Yaxchilán, but there is much more to discover.

On this ten-day journey through Tabasco and Chiapas, we'll visit these celebrated sites along with several fascinating archaeological destinations that remain well off the usual tourist route.

Our journey begins in Villahermosa, Tabasco, where we'll spend our first two nights and take advantage of the city's proximity to two remarkable ancient sites: Comalcalco, the westernmost major Maya city, and La Venta, one of the most important centers of the ancient Olmec civilization.

From there, we'll continue into Chiapas, traveling to Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Toniná, and other archaeological sites before spending four nights in beautiful San Cristóbal de las Casas. Along the way, we'll experience museums, Maya communities, traditional ceramics, and the Festival of the Parachicos in Chiapa del Corzo.

For many travelers, this journey will offer the opportunity to experience both world-famous archaeological sites and remarkable places they have never seen before.

Highlights of the Trip

• Explore archaeological sites throughout Chiapas, including Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Toniná, Tenam Puente, Chinkultic, and Chiapa de Corzo.

• Discover two important archaeological sites in Tabasco: the Olmec site of La Venta and the Maya city of Comalcalco.

• Visit museums specializing in archaeology, history, and Maya culture.

• Experience the Festival of the Parachicos in Chiapa de Corzo.

• Visit Amatenango del Valle, a community renowned for its traditional ceramics.

• Explore La Venta Park in Villahermosa and see its monumental Olmec stone heads and sculptures.

• Spend four nights in San Cristóbal de las Casas, with time to explore this fascinating highland city.

• Visit Na Bolom, the former home of archaeologist Frans Blom and photographer and anthropologist Gertrude Duby Blom.

• Visit archaeology museums in Villahermosa and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, along with the impressive site museum at Palenque.

• Travel by boat along the Usumacinta River to reach the remote Maya city of Yaxchilán.

Our Tour Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive in Villahermosa and settle into our hotel. In the evening, we'll gather for our welcome dinner.

Day 2: Our first full day takes us to two major archaeological sites. Comalcalco is unlike any other major Maya city because its monumental buildings were constructed primarily from fired bricks rather than the limestone masonry commonly associated with Maya architecture. It was also one of the westernmost major cities of the Maya world.

We'll also visit La Venta, one of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient Olmec civilization. Both sites are accessible from Villahermosa, and we'll return to our hotel in the afternoon.

Day 3: Visit La Venta Park in Villahermosa to see its remarkable collection of monumental Olmec sculptures, including the famous colossal stone heads. Afterward, we'll visit the nearby archaeology and anthropology museum before continuing to Palenque for the night.

Day 4: Spend the day exploring the majestic ruins of Palenque and its equally impressive site museum. Late in the afternoon, we'll leave Palenque and travel to our hotel near Bonampak, putting us in a much better position for the following day's adventure — and avoiding a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call! We'll spend two nights at Finca Vallescondido.

Day 5: Today we'll visit two world-famous Maya sites. Bonampak is renowned for its extraordinary painted murals, while remote Yaxchilán lies along the Usumacinta River and is reached by boat. The journey along the river is part of the experience of visiting this remarkable ancient city.

Day 6: Visit Toniná, an ancient rival of Palenque that receives far fewer visitors. Built into a hillside through a series of terraces and platforms, Toniná's monumental acropolis rises approximately 75 meters, making it one of the tallest ancient structures in Mesoamerica.

After our visit, we'll continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas, where we'll spend the next four nights.

Day 7: South of San Cristóbal are two impressive Maya archaeological sites: Tenam Puente and Chinkultic. Both are less frequently visited than the region's famous ruins, making them especially rewarding places to explore.

Day 8: Just south of San Cristóbal is Amatenango del Valle, a Tzeltal Maya community famous for its pottery tradition. Generations of skilled artisans, particularly women, have preserved ceramic-making techniques with roots extending back to the pre-Hispanic era, creating both beautiful and functional pottery.

We'll return to San Cristóbal and visit Na Bolom, the former home of archaeologist Frans Blom and his wife, photographer and anthropologist Gertrude Duby Blom, whose work documented and helped preserve the history and cultures of the region.

Day 9: Experience the Festival of the Parachicos in Chiapa de Corzo. January 15, the Day of the Lord of Esquipulas, marks the first major day of the Parachicos' traditional dances and processions.

While in Chiapa de Corzo, we'll also visit the archaeological site before continuing to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, where we'll spend our final night.

Day 10: Flights home from Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

Almost Everything Is Included

As with our group tours, we take care of almost everything so you can concentrate on experiencing the archaeology, history, and culture of Tabasco and Chiapas.

Included: transportation during the tour, lodging, guides, meals, entrance fees, and tips.

Not included: airfare to Villahermosa and return airfare from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, airport transportation, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and personal expenses.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Join Us in Tabasco & Chiapas

January 7–16, 2027 | 10 Days, 9 Nights

Explore world-famous Maya cities, discover archaeological sites far beyond the usual tourist route, travel the Usumacinta River, experience the Festival of the Parachicos, and enjoy four nights in the highlands of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

For pricing, availability, and more information, contact Dan Griffin at xtobodos@hotmail.com.