San Cristóbal: Palenque, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls

Waterfalls and Mayan Temples in One Day from San Cristóbal

You visit two major waterfalls with time to swim in Agua Azul's pools and walk around Misol-Ha's 30-meter drop, then spend the afternoon at Palenque exploring the Temple of Inscriptions, Temple of the Red Queen, and other key structures. Transport, entry fees, and water are included, and the pace is set so you're not rushing between sites.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 72 to US$ 83 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

From San Cristobal 04:30 Guide in Spanish Pickup from San Cristobal is included

From Tuxtla 03:30 Guide in Spanish Pickup is included

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Step-by-step itinerary

Visit waterfalls and Palenque ruins

• Travel through Chiapas mountain range
• Visit Agua Azul Waterfalls
• Optional swim in Agua Azul pools
• Visit Misol-ha Waterfall
• Explore Palenque archaeological site
• See Temple of the Red Queen
• See Temple of the Cross and observatory
• Visit Temple of the Inscriptions and Pakal's tomb

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Agua Azul Waterfalls Entry included 1h 30m
2. Misol-Ha Waterfall Entry included 40m
3. Zona Arqueologica de Palenque Entry included 2h

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in San Cristóbal, air-conditioned transport to all three sites, entry tickets to Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls and the Palenque archaeological site, and bottled water. You have time to swim or wade at Agua Azul, walk around Misol-Ha's 30-meter waterfall, and explore Palenque's main temples including the Temple of Inscriptions, Temple of the Red Queen, and Temple of the Cross before returning to San Cristóbal in the evening.

Times

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• Every day 03:30 04:30

Information

Full-day tour from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque ruins, Agua Azul, and Misol-Ha waterfalls. Includes transport and entry tickets to Temple of Inscriptions.

Group Up to 10

Live guide Spanish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 9 pickup points. See the pickup points

Book up to 12h before

Ages Adult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (55 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Infants must sit on laps

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

3.00 ★★★★★ 4 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The vehicle is already rolling when you pick it up: heading straight into the Chiapas mountain range toward the first waterfall. Agua Azul appears suddenly, turquoise pools stacked like a natural staircase where the river's force has carved the limestone over centuries. The water is cold and the current is real, so swimming is optional, but most people wade in at least up to their knees. You get time to walk the pools, take photos, and let the spray cool you down before the drive continues deeper into the jungle toward Misol-Ha, a single 30-meter waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation that feels older and quieter than the first one.

After the waterfalls, the road opens onto the Palenque archaeological site: one of the most intact Mayan cities in Mexico. The Temple of Inscriptions dominates the plaza, and inside it is the tomb of Pakal, one of the culture's most important rulers, discovered in the 1950s and still the centerpiece of what archaeologists know about this place. Your guide walks you through the Temple of the Red Queen, the Temple of the Cross, and the observatory, explaining the glyphs and the layout as you go. It's a lot of ground and a lot of history compressed into the afternoon, but the structures are spaced out enough that you're not rushing between them.

The full day tour from San Cristóbal includes the air-conditioned vehicle, all entry tickets to both the waterfalls and Palenque, and bottled water throughout. You'll be out from early morning until evening, moving between three very different landscapes (turquoise water, jungle, and stone temples) with enough time at each stop to actually see what you came for instead of just checking boxes.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

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 you swim at both waterfalls?

Swimming at Agua Azul is optional. The river's current is strong and the pools are deep. Misol-Ha is a single 30-meter waterfall surrounded by vegetation. Swimming conditions depend on water flow and are not guaranteed.

What is inside the Temple of Inscriptions?

The tomb of Pakal, one of the most important Mayan rulers. The temple is the most significant structure at Palenque and contains the glyphs and artifacts that shaped modern understanding of Mayan culture.

What is included in the tour price?

Air-conditioned transport, entry tickets to Agua Azul, Misol-Ha, and Palenque, and bottled water throughout the day.

Operated by Viajes Itzaa. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago