Palenque & Waterfalls: Swim at Agua Azul with Pickup

Summary

Swim beneath jungle waterfalls after exploring Palenque ruins

You’ll wander ancient Maya temples at Palenque with a local guide, then cool off swimming beneath jungle waterfalls at Misol-Ha and Agua Azul. Expect mountain views from your minivan seat, friendly faces at roadside food stalls, and time to soak up river sounds before heading back or on to San Cristobal.

What’s the experience like?

The day started earlier than I’d like — I’m not really a morning person, but the van was right on time outside my hotel in Palenque. Our driver didn’t say much at first, just nodded and smiled, but once we hit the road he pointed out the thick mist hanging over the trees. There’s something about Chiapas air that feels heavier, almost sweet. We reached the Palenque archaeological site as the sun was burning off the last of that fog. Our guide (I think his name was Jorge?) walked us through the ruins — he told stories about Maya kings and how they built these temples right in the middle of all this green. I tried to imagine what it sounded like back then, with parrots instead of tourists.

After wandering those ancient stones (and sweating more than I expected), we piled back into the minivan for Misol-Ha waterfall. The road twisted through hills — I lost count of how many speed bumps there were. At Misol-Ha, you hear it before you see it: a low roar behind thick leaves. The water drops straight down into this deep pool that looks almost black from above, but when you get closer it’s clear enough to see your toes if you dare to wade in. Some local kids were splashing around and laughing; one waved me over but honestly, I hesitated — that water is colder than it looks.

Agua Azul was next, maybe an hour away? Time gets weird when you’re watching jungle roll by out the window. The falls are a whole series of steps and pools, all this blue-green water tumbling over pale rocks. It smells faintly mineral — hard to describe unless you’ve been near limestone rivers before. There are food stalls everywhere; I grabbed a plate of tamales from a woman who called me “corazón” and laughed when I tried my rusty Spanish. Swimming here felt different — lighter somehow, with sunlight flickering through leaves overhead. My skin still smelled faintly of river hours later.

If you’re ending in San Cristobal like I did, there’s a bit of waiting around while they switch vans for people heading different ways. Not super exciting but honestly kind of nice to just sit and watch other travelers compare photos or snack on chips from their bags. I still think about that first glimpse of Palenque rising out of the jungle mist — it sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Palenque and nearby waterfalls

• Pickup from hotel in Palenque
• Explore Palenque Archaeological site
• Visit Misol-Ha Waterfall
• See and swim at Agua Azul Falls
• Optional lunch at local restaurant

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Palenque to Agua Azul take?

The full tour lasts most of a day including stops at Palenque ruins, Misol-Ha waterfall, and Agua Azul falls.

Is swimming allowed at Agua Azul waterfalls?

Yes, swimming is allowed if weather conditions permit during your visit.

Does this tour include a guide for all locations?

A local guide is included only for the Palenque archaeological site; waterfalls are self-guided.

Are hotel pickups included in Palenque?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you're staying in Palenque city.

Can I finish this tour in San Cristobal de las Casas?

Yes, there is an option for drop-off in San Cristobal instead of returning to Palenque.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No set lunch is included; you'll have free time to buy food at restaurants or stalls near Agua Azul.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (or transfer to San Cristobal if selected), entry fees for all sites visited, transport by air-conditioned minivan throughout the route, and a guided visit at Palenque ruins—plus plenty of free time for swimming or grabbing lunch along the way.