Mexico
Chiapas’ Civilizations: An Archaeological Dive in Southern Mexico
Program No. 2335660MEADV-1116-60
Study the archaeological wealth that lives in Chiapas through ancient site explorations, meeting locals, venturing to important museums and immersing yourself in indigenous culture.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 17 - Feb 26, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
10 days
9 nights
24 meals
9B 8L 7D
2
Orientation, Cacao Route, Comalcalco
Villahermosa, Tabasco
3
La Venta Park, Transfer to Palenque-Chiapas
Palenque, Chiapas
4
Agua Azul Waterfall, Misol-Ha Waterfall
Palenque, Chiapas
5
Palenque Archaeological Site, Transfer to Villahermosa
Villahermosa, Tabasco
6
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
7
San Juan Chamula & Zinacatan, Free Time
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
8
Na-Bolom Museum, Santo Domingo Convent Sergio Castro
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
9
Transfer to Chiapa de Corzo, Cañon del Sumidero
Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
10
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Though many may think the Maya and other native groups have long disappeared, those in Chiapas know the opposite to be true. Deep in the southernmost region of Mexico, an estimated 950,000 people speak an indigenous language. Out of Chiapas’ 111 municipalities, 99 of them have a significant indigenous population. Here, it’s no secret: Native cultures are alive in every aspect of life. Alongside expert instructors, discover the fascinating traditions and rich history of the Maya, Tzotzils, Tzeltals and more in their indigenous communities. Explore important archaeological sites and meet locals with centuries of stories to share, providing a window into the past and an opportunity to preserve the history of Mexico’s founding people.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to two miles a day on a combination of cobblestone streets and dirt paths. Getting on and off of a motorcoach. Navigating high curbs, uneven steps, and stairs without railings. Travel in a tropical climate.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the incredible Palenque archaeological site – an ancient Maya city and Chiapas’ capital from 600–900 AD.
- Experience the Sumidero Canyon with our experts to learn about the geology, the formation and the wildlife of this impressive canyon.
- Join local experts to learn about the modern and ancient Maya ways of harvesting cacao seeds.
General Notes
Road Scholar cannot offer air for this program. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights as well as transfer arrangements to the first site at the beginning of the program and to the airport at the end of the program.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Haydee de Hoyos
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Haydee de Hoyos
View biography
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Chiapas’ Civilizations: An Archaeological Dive in Southern Mexico
Program Number: 23356
Women of Chiapas Making History in Times of Struggle and Hope
This book presents the concerns, visions, and struggles of women in Chiapas, Mexico in the context of the uprising of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). The book is organized around three issues that have taken center stage in women's recent struggles-structural violence and armed conflict; religion and empowerment and women's organizing. Also includes maps.
Bordering on chaos
Written like a fast-paced narrative, with exclusive interviews from key players - including President Zedillo, former president Salinas, and Subcommander Marcos, the Zapatista guerrilla leader - Bordering on Chaos gives us the inside story of the dramatic events that have shaken Mexico in recent years.
Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs
Indigenous Rulers: An Ethnohistory of Town Government in Colonial Cuernavaca
The Aztecs, Maya and their Predecessors: Archaeology of Mesoamerica
The Course of Mexican History 5th Edition
The Maya: Palaces and Pyramids of the Rainforest
The book retraces the development and magnificent flowering of Mayan architecture in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize over the period 300 B.C.-A.D. 1500
1986 Letters from Mexico
Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Villahermosa, Tabasco
Program Concludes
Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
24
| 9B |
8L |
7D |
Activity Level
Though many may think the Maya and other native groups have long disappeared, those in Chiapas know the opposite to be true. Deep in the southernmost region of Mexico, an estimated 950,000 people speak an indigenous language. Out of Chiapas’ 111 municipalities, 99 of them have a significant indigenous population. Here, it’s no secret: Native cultures are alive in every aspect of life. Alongside expert instructors, discover the fascinating traditions and rich history of the Maya, Tzotzils, Tzeltals and more in their indigenous communities. Explore important archaeological sites and meet locals with centuries of stories to share, providing a window into the past and an opportunity to preserve the history of Mexico’s founding people.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore the incredible Palenque archaeological site – an ancient Maya city and Chiapas’ capital from 600–900 AD.
- Experience the Sumidero Canyon with our experts to learn about the geology, the formation and the wildlife of this impressive canyon.
- Join local experts to learn about the modern and ancient Maya ways of harvesting cacao seeds.
General Notes
Road Scholar cannot offer air for this program. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights as well as transfer arrangements to the first site at the beginning of the program and to the airport at the end of the program.
Featured Expert
Haydee de Hoyos
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to two miles a day on a combination of cobblestone streets and dirt paths. Getting on and off of a motorcoach. Navigating high curbs, uneven steps, and stairs without railings. Travel in a tropical climate.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(8 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
24 meals | 9B | 8L | 7D |
3 expert-led lectures
13 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Arrive Villahermosa, Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Fiesta Inn Villahermosa Cencali
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, checking in and getting rooms, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax.
Dinner:
In the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner. A plated 3-course meal, plus coffee, tea, fruit water, water; other beverages available for purchase. Dinner will be saved for those arriving late to the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the days ahead.
Day
2
Orientation, Cacao Route, Comalcalco
Location:
Villahermosa, Tabasco
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Fiesta Inn Villahermosa Cencali
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus. Driving about 37 miles, around 1 hour. Walking up to 2.5 miles throughput the day on uneven paths.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a buffet including a variety of hot dishes, bread, pastries, yogurt, and fruit, plus coffee, tea, juice, water. Other beverages available for purchase.
Morning:
Orientation, 8:30 a.m.: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All transportation will be provided via bus unless specified otherwise. An instructor will conduct all sessions in a classroom; a certified expert will lead field trips. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Afterwards, we will board the bus and depart for a ride along the Cacao Route. We’ll begin with a visit to Comalcalco archaeological site, a Maya city inhabited from 800 BCE to about 850 CE, peaking around 500 CE. 432 structures have been identified in the 2.7 square miles of the site.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a two-course plated meal with water, tea, coffee, fruit water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will then drive to La Luz Cacao Hacienda to witness a demonstration of the harvest by an expert from the hacienda, cleaning and drying the cacao seed. We’ll learn the process of making chocolate from the cacao and other chocolate-based dishes, as we discover how the Mayas cultivated the cacao. Tabasco is the most important state for the cultivation of cacao, generating the largest share of the national product. We’ll then return to the hotel to meet at our private meeting room for a social hour, an opportunity to learn more about your fellow travelers.
Dinner:
We will walk accompanied by our group leader to a local restaurant for dinner, a two course meal plus dessert with water, fruit water, coffee, tea; other beverages available por purchase
Evening:
At leisure
Day
3
La Venta Park, Transfer to Palenque-Chiapas
Location:
Palenque, Chiapas
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Mision Palenque
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus. Driving about 92 miles, around 2 hours. Walking about 3.5 miles, around 2 hours; uneven terrain. Don’t forget to apply mosquito repellent.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will visit La Venta Museum Park in Villahermosa and walk the sculptured trail, admiring the colossal Olmec heads. Our local expert will explain how this park was created in 1958 with sculptures from the La Venta archaeological site some 80 miles to the east. Petroleum was found at La Venta site and, as a result of the refinery that now sits on the site, the colossal heads were transported to the park for protection. We’ll then return to our hotel for lunch and depart to Palenque City.
Lunch:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a plated, two-course meal, including coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll then check out of the hotel and board our bus for transfer to Palenque in Chiapas, following 92 miles of beautiful scenery out our windows. We’ll arrive and check into our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a three-course meal with water, tea, or fruit juice; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Agua Azul Waterfall, Misol-Ha Waterfall
Location:
Palenque, Chiapas
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Mision Palenque
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus, driving about 3 hours. Walk up to 2 miles on uneven surface.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated hot breakfast consisting of eggs, fruit, bread, coffee, water.
Morning:
We’ll board the bus to visit Cascadas de Agua Azul, a series of waterfalls. The blue- turquoise water amidst the deep-green forest is a stunning sight. In 1980, the area was declared a “Zone of Forest Protection and Wildlife Refuge.” Viewing areas are situated to watch falls tumbling down into cool, natural pools.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated meal, plus fruit water, coffee; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will continue to Misol-Ha waterfall, just 12 miles from Palenque and one of the most visited waterfalls in the state. It comes plummeting down from 119 feet, in what is one of the most impressive images in all of Chiapas. Both Agua Azul and Misol-Ha are perfect spots for observing exotic local animal species like tapirs, macaws, and toucans. We will transfer back to our hotel for a lecture in our private conference room, we will learn about Mayan Region and Archaeology.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant, we will enjoy a plated two-course dinner with lemonade, coffee, tea; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Palenque Archaeological Site, Transfer to Villahermosa
Location:
Villahermosa, Tabasco
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Mision Palenque
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus. Driving about 100 miles, around 2.5 hours. Walking about 4.0 miles, around 2 hours; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated hot breakfast, consisting of eggs, fruit, bread, coffee, water.
Morning:
We will then board our bus, accompanied by a local expert, to visit the Palenque archaeological site, where we’ll explore some of the many different limestone temples and other structures that were built on natural hills, following the contours of the terrain. This was the most densely populated of all Maya cities.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a buffet featuring Mexican and regional cuisine with a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, and dessert, with water and fruit water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue exploring the area of Palenque and after the archaeological site we’ll have an opportunity to visit the on-site museum, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia. It is considered one of the most important museums for the Maya culture, containing around 234 pieces that were collected in different areas of Palenque, from small clay figures to the large limestone sculptures showing the sensibilities and strengths of the local artistic tradition. We’ll then board our bus for transfer to Villahermosa in Tabasco, following 92 miles of beautiful scenery out our windows. We’ll arrive and check into our hotel.
Dinner:
Plated three-course meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
San Cristobal de las Casas
Location:
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Mansion del Valle
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus, driving about 5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant, we will enjoy a buffet meal, consisting of eggs, fruit, bread, and coffee.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board the bus to travel to San Cristobal de las Casas, with a stop along the way.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated lunch with coffee, tea or water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will continue to our hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas, arriving with time to rest before dinner.
Dinner:
Plated three-course meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
San Juan Chamula & Zinacatan, Free Time
Location:
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Mansion del Valle
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus, total driving 1.5 hours. Walk up to 2 miles on flat surfaces.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will begin this day with a lecture in our private conference room. Learning about the Indigenous communities, traditions, customs, and religion. After the lecture, we will board the bus with our local expert. We will travel to two Tzoztil Maya communities; San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, at the top of the Chiapas Mountains. One-third of the state’s indigenous community are Tzoztil Maya. Then on to Zinacantán. Where, in pre-Columbian times, this community traded salt frequently with the Aztecs, as well as other products. Zinacantán, meaning “Place of Bats” in Tzoztil, is surrounded by hills and is home to the church of San Lorenzo. It is also known for its colorful embroidery. We will admire the work of weavers with a demonstration of their traditional methods at a local shop.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a two-course lunch with coffee, fruit water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Na-Bolom Museum, Santo Domingo Convent Sergio Castro
Location:
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Mansion del Valle
Activity Note
Walk up to 3 miles; standing in museum.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will begin our day with a lecture, the focus will be The Zapatistas Movement. After lecture, we will continue with a walking field trip to visit some of the most important buildings in San Cristobal de las Casas, such as the Santo Domingo Convent, built in 1547 by Dominicans and restored in 2006. It has two courtyards, which have been restored for use as a community and cultural center, and a distinctive baroque façade. We will continue to San Cristobal Church, built in 1528. It is a humble building located in the vibrant main square. We’ll also visit the local craft center and central plaza.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated lunch with coffee, tea or water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue to Na-Bolom, a museum and research center dedicated to the studies of the indigenous cultures and conservation of the Lacandon Jungle. After our field trip there will be free time. Take this opportunity for personal, independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you want.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Transfer to Chiapa de Corzo, Cañon del Sumidero
Location:
Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel La Ceiba
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus, boat; driving about 1 hour. Boat ride 1 hour. Walk about 2 miles on flat surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a plated breakfast including eggs, bread, fruit, with coffee, tea, water, juice.
Morning:
After we check out from the hotel, we will board our bus for a transfer to Chiapa de Corzo. Before arriving there we will stop at the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon a truly impressive spectacle, with steep canyon walls rising as high as 3,000 feet, cut by the Grijalva River over 12 million years ago. A variety of butterflies and birds live in this tropical rainforest climate, including white herons, cormorants, and kingfishers, as well as monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, and perhaps as many as 400 alligators, sunning themselves on the banks of the river.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Chiapa de Corzo, known for its exquisite cuisine, we will enjoy a traditional meal including cochito baking, sweets, and a traditional drink called pozol. Water, fruit water, coffee included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will continue to Chiapa de Corzo and check into our next hotel. We’ll have some time to rest before leaving to explore the 16th-century colonial town on foot. From there we will visit another Convento de Santo Domingo, built in the 16th century. We will first visit the Museo de la Marimba, dedicated to the official state musical instrument which was developed in Chiapas. We will have the chance to play a giant electronic marimba and visit the audio visual room, where we will hear many famous pieces using the marimba, led by a local expert. We will then visit La Pila Fountain, said to be unique in Latin America, and decorated in a mixture of Moorish and Renaissance styles.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated dinner with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant, we will enjoy a plated meal, with eggs, bread, fresh fruit, and more, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. This concludes our program Boxed breakfast will be available for early departures.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
24 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
7 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024
- Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
- Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025
- Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025
- Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025
- Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 15 Reviews
Sort By:
We had a most interesting and educational trip. Excellent itinerary in an area not on the usual tourist route. Our local expert and tour leaders were helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this trip.
— Review left February 1, 2024
This was a wonderful trip with good Road Scholar companions and 3 wonderful guides. We learned a great deal and had a very good time. If you go, do take bug repellent and if you have them, bug repellent clothing.
— Review left December 26, 2023
This is a fabulous program! Chiapas is such a wonderful place with amazing archaeological sites, beautiful people and gorgeous scenery. The educational content was great. The program staff were wonderful. I cannot recommend this program enough.
— Review left February 6, 2023
This is a deep dive into the archeology, traditions, customs & religions of Chiapis' indigenous people. Visits to historical sites, museums, town centers/churches and ecological, agricultural & artisanal places provide a comprehensive, in person, overview of Mexico's indigenous peoples and the 'values' they live by. Participants will appreciate the strength and persistence with which Chiapis' indigenous people have protected, and continue to protect, their cultural & religious values over time -- an amazing feat in this time of globalization.
— Review left February 2, 2023
I do not have enough superlatives to use about the quality of this trip, its guides, our accommodations, and our cuisine. It was the best of all of our RS trips. The program was flawlessly executed by not one, not two, but three great leaders. Arturo orchestrated a masterful daily schedule and was accommodating when our group asked to spend more time at the Palenque ruins. Luis was simply outstanding in sharing his expertise about Mayans, past and present. He knew when to prepare us and when to let us rest on the bus trips. He was 100% involved with our group on site. Lectures were good, but nothing compared with what Luis shared with us. Last of all, we were so lucky to have Roberto with us as well. No one could have been more caring and compassionate about our every need. He made sure we always had water and best of all, guided and protected us as we made our way down skinny sidewalks and busy street crossings. He made certain that no one ever felt unclear about where we were and often personally escorted us home in small groups after dinner. Our hotels were varied, but always good, and the food simply good better and better as we proceeded. The overall quality of this trip which we will recommend to all of our friends resulted from the very fine coordination of our three masterful leaders.
— Review left February 13, 2020
This program provides a wonderful overview into the history and culture of the Maya, both past and present. Beautiful landscapes, fascinating archaeology, and unique customs are encountered. One experiences insights into a world most of us have never seen and yet another reminder of the wonderful diversity that Mexico has to offer.
— Review left February 7, 2020
I'm not going to give a star rating for this program, which many participants seemed to enjoy very much, because it quickly became apparent that I was not well suited to it, due of the hot, humid tropical climate, the altitude and my own level of interest in the itinerary. Take the Activity Level indicator seriously. This was my 7th RS program, and I was rather shocked at how not-up-to-it I was. Also, I contracted an unpleasant bug and missed most of the activities the last two days. (Four others of our 18 also got bugs at some point through the trip.) That being said, there are certainly things I will never forget (some positive!): The interior of the church of San Juan Chumula; Palenque temples (from the ground looking up); the very pleasant town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. Some not so positive: the need to reroute our transfer from Palenque to San Cristobal because of highway gangs robbing tourist buses, which resulted in a nine hour bus ride (necessary, and we arrived safe, but l-o-n-g). This is a new program with some things needing refinement, but the staff, Arturo, Luis and Roberto, who were all great, are working on it. Just don't expect it to be the easiest tour you've done.
— Review left February 4, 2020
The program was overall very interesting and certainly well-organized; we were provided with adequate Bed, fed and led. I am well-traveled and at 82, it was just a little beyond my capacity. I was tired at times. K wanted a little more of the archeological experience, but overall the program gave a very good educational experience and a variety of those experiences.
— Review left February 3, 2020
A good program and great way to get to Palenque and other locations. New program and there are some kinks to get out, needs more time at Palenque and less arts and crafts and small museums.
— Review left February 1, 2020
I strongly recommend this tour because of the richness of the experience and the quality of the leadership.
— Review left January 29, 2020
Organized trips to Chiapas are difficult to find, so I was thrilled when I discovered the Geronimo/Road Scholar trips first offered in 2019. It was all I had hoped for and more. Visiting Tabasco and Chiapas were a remarkable glimpse into another world. The ancient Maya sites of Palenque and Comalcalco ( the only Maya site made of bricks)revealed an incredibly rich and sophisticated culture. Contemporary Mayas were equally fascinating. We respectfully witnessed traditional sacred rituals and had many opportunities to interact with indigenous people through art, music and markets. I was also very excited to visit a cafe and store in San Cristobal that benefits the Zapatista movement caracols ( villages where indigenous people control their own destiny). The natural history and scenic beauty of Chiapas were an unexpected bonus. There were beautiful waterfalls, caves, canyons, and the misty pine forests of the highlands. Hearing howler monkeys and spotting an enormous crocodile sunning itself on a river bank in Sumidero canyon were highlights for me!
This trip is designated as "Let's go" and indeed it was. Bring good walking shoes and an active mindset.
Please keep in mind that Mexico is a developing country with a more relaxed pace of life. Visiting with an open mind and a willingness to be flexible and slow down will increase your enjoyment of this beautiful country. This is my 15th visit to to Mexico and as always, I was charmed by the warmth and kindness of the Mexican people. Viva Mexico!
— Review left January 8, 2020
This was an outstanding trip - the archaeological sites were fantastic examples of Maya and Olmec heritage, and Chiapas today remains as a thriving center of contemporary indigenous culture. Beautiful landscapes made the time in the bus worthwhile. Wonderful to wander among people speaking indigenous languages, and see traditional crafts like weaving, pottery and mask-making. If you go, remember you will be in two climate zones - the highlands are much cooler. Remember to bring a pair of long pants for visits to active churches in traditional communities. (read: no shorts!) For the December 2019 trip, several participants experienced problems with travel booked by Road Scholar Air Department - best if you double-check any suggested itineraries with Googleflights or another service. RS ignored several more- reasonable itineraries and booked people on very inconvenient returning flights due to miscommunication about availability of transfer to airport. Do your independent homework BEFORE you allow RS to book your tickets. (In December 2019, there were outbound flights to Mexico City from Tuxtla Gutierrez at both 6 am and 9:15 am, no need to wait around for 12:25 pm flight!)
— Review left December 18, 2019
My education was heavily Eurocentric, so I'm grateful for the opportunity this program provided to learn about the amazing New World.
— Review left December 14, 2019
This is a fantastic chance to see archeological sites, experience indigenous Mayan cultures, taste fabulous chocolate, enjoy gorgeous scenery including waterfalls and canyons and spend time in Mexican colonial cities. The area appears to be very safe and we walked around freely after dark. Bring along clothing for varying weather -- it can be in the 90s in Villahermosa and then get down to the 40s in San Cristobal. Several of us had airfare issues -- yes you can leave early on the final day-- so be sure to check into that option.
— Review left December 14, 2019
This is an excellent program to a fascinating part of Mexico. It is a well run program with outstanding staff. It complements the other Road’s Scholar trips in Mexico. It was so different from other regions in the country.
— Review left December 12, 2019
