Agua Azul, Misol-Há & Palenque: Waterfalls and Ruins Tour

Walk through turquoise waterfalls and ancient Mayan temples in one long day

A full-day tour from San Cristóbal de las Casas visits three major sites: the turquoise Agua Azul waterfalls, the 25-meter Misol-Há waterfall, and the Palenque archaeological zone with its temples and carved stones. A Spanish-language guide leads the route, handles transport in a tourist vehicle, and entry to all three sites is included. The day runs approximately 19 hours with stops for walking, swimming (weather permitting) and exploration at your own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Agua Azul Waterfalls7h · entry included
2. Misol-Ha Waterfall2h · entry included

Explore waterfalls and Palenque ruins

• Depart from San Cristóbal de Las Casas hotel
• Stop in Ocosingo for optional breakfast
• Visit Agua Azul Waterfalls
• Visit Misol-Ha Waterfall
• Explore Archaeological Zone of Palenque
• Drop off passengers at ADO Palenque point
• Return to San Cristóbal de Las Casas
• Arrive at Cafeteria Al Grano in city center

The experience

The tour departs from your hotel in San Cristóbal or from the meeting point at Cafetería Al Grano in the city center. On the way to Agua Azul, there's a stop in Ocosingo if you want to buy breakfast locally. The drive to Agua Azul takes roughly five hours. Once there, you walk and photograph the waterfalls, whose turquoise color comes from mineral deposits in the water. Swimming is possible if weather and water conditions allow it, though it's your own decision whether to enter the water.

From Agua Azul, the route continues to Misol-Há, a single waterfall dropping more than 25 meters into a pool surrounded by tall trees. The transfer takes one to two hours. After Misol-Há, you move on to Palenque, the archaeological zone that holds the day's third major stop. Here you walk at your own pace through the ancient Mayan city, seeing temples, carved stones and the layout of one of Chiapas's most important pre-Columbian sites. Time is built in to rest and eat if you bring food. The archaeological zone itself has no guide service included beyond the tour operator's driver. The return journey to San Cristóbal takes approximately six hours, ending at Cafetería Al Grano near the central park.

At the end of the day, passengers who wish to stay in Palenque can be dropped at the ADO bus station (bus ticket not included). Everyone else returns to San Cristóbal. The full itinerary is operated in Spanish only, and the same guide and driver handle transport, timing and logistics throughout.

What’s included

• Ground transportation in a tourist vehicle.
• visits to Agua Azul Waterfalls, Misol-Há Waterfall and the Palenque archaeological zone.
• entry tickets to all three sites.
• a Spanish-language guide and driver throughout the day.
• hotel pickup in San Cristóbal or meeting point at Cafetería Al Grano.

Options for this experience

2 options

Visit the waterfalls from San CristobalGuide in Spanish · 03:30Duration: 11 hours. Water and Jungle Route from San Cristobal to Palenque: Blue Water and Misolha waterfalls. Passengers can bring a 23 kg suitcase plus a carry-on bag. Transport by van, minibus or bus; includes pickup.

Blue Water Misol Há Palenque: Waterfalls, Ruins and Mayan TreasuresGuide in Spanish · 03:30Blue Water and Misolha waterfalls, with return to San Cristobal city center; pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:30

GroupUp to 35

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by OTISA

Is this one for you?The 19-hour span and fixed schedule suit travelers with a full day free and the stamina for long driving. If you speak only English or another language, note that the guide operates in Spanish only. Swimming at the waterfalls depends on weather and your own comfort in the water. The tour does not require it.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim in the waterfalls on this tour?

Swimming at Agua Azul and Misol-Há is possible if weather and water conditions allow it, but it is your own responsibility to decide whether to enter the water. Always check with your guide or driver about conditions on the day.

What is Palenque like when we get there?

Palenque is an archaeological zone with temples, plazas and carved stone monuments from an ancient Mayan city. You walk through the site at your own pace and explore the buildings and carvings. No separate guide service is provided within the zone beyond your tour operator's driver.

How long is the drive from San Cristóbal to the first waterfall?

The drive to Agua Azul takes approximately five hours. The route includes a stop in Ocosingo where you can buy breakfast if you wish.

What happens if I want to stay in Palenque instead of returning to San Cristóbal?

You can be dropped at the ADO bus station in Palenque at the end of the day. You will need to purchase your own bus ticket if you choose this option.

Is food included in the tour?

Food and beverages are not included. You can buy breakfast in Ocosingo on the way to Agua Azul, and you have time to eat your own food at Palenque before the return drive.