Rafting in Lacandona Jungle from Palenque: Bonampak murals

Two and a half hours on the Lacanjá River, two hours hiking jungle floor, one hour inside Bonampak's mural chambers

A full-day rafting and hiking adventure from Palenque combines 2.5 hours of whitewater on the Lacanjá River with a guided jungle walk through Lacandona forest, then a truck ride to Bonampak archaeological zone to see the site's intact murals. Hotel pickup is included, a Spanish-speaking guide leads the day, and lunch is provided. Children from age 11 are welcome. The itinerary runs roughly 15 hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting, hiking, and Bonampak visit

• Rafting for 2.5 hours with guide
• Hiking in Lacandon jungle for 2 hours
• Truck ride to Bonampak archaeological site
• Visit Bonampak murals for 1 hour

The experience

If you're staying in Palenque without a car, this tour solves the logistics: hotel pickup in the morning, a guide who speaks Spanish, and transport to three separate zones that would be difficult to reach on your own. The day starts with a truck ride into Lacandona jungle, where you meet your guide and prepare for the river. The Lacanjá River section runs calm enough that you're paddling rather than fighting current: the raft moves through water surrounded by jungle canopy, and the pace gives you time to notice the landscape instead of bracing for the next rapid.

After the river, you hike roughly two hours on jungle floor with the same guide, moving through Lacandona forest and stopping to observe the flora and fauna. The terrain is uneven but the guide sets the pace. Lunch happens during the day (included), and then a truck belonging to the Lacandon community takes you to Bonampak, the archaeological zone. You spend about an hour there walking among the structures and viewing the murals. The site's main draw is that the painted chambers remain largely intact, showing scenes from the Maya civilization that occupied it centuries ago. The truck returns you to Palenque by evening.

The full day is physically active: you're operating the raft, walking uneven ground, and moving between sites. Breakfast is included before departure, and the guide handles navigation and safety on both the water and the trail. Bring sun protection and water shoes or sandals that can get wet.

What’s included

• Breakfast and lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport between zones.
• Spanish-speaking guide for the river and jungle sections.
• hotel pickup and return.
• entry to Bonampak archaeological site.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:30

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Under 11: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kichan Bajlum

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or arrange transport to the jungle trailhead. The tour collects you and handles the route to all three zones. This suits anyone staying in Palenque without their own vehicle or unfamiliar with how to reach Lacandona and Bonampak independently.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years). Children under 11 can't be included in the booking.

How difficult is the rafting section if I've never paddled before?

The Lacanjá River section is calm water, so paddling experience is not required. The guide leads the group and manages the raft's direction. Your job is to paddle when instructed and brace yourself in the turns. Children from age 11 can participate.

What is Bonampak and why is it worth the trip?

Bonampak is a Maya archaeological site known for its painted chambers: the murals inside depict scenes from Maya life and ritual, and they remain more vivid than those at many other sites because they've been protected from weathering. The hour there gives you time to walk the structures and see the artwork up close with your guide's explanation.

Does the tour include meals, and what time do we eat?

Breakfast is included before the day starts, and lunch is provided during the tour. The exact timing depends on the group's pace through the jungle section, but lunch typically falls in the middle of the day.

What should I bring for a full day of rafting and hiking in the jungle?

Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water shoes or sandals that can get wet, a change of clothes, and extra water. The guide provides safety equipment for the raft. Avoid loose items that might fall overboard. A small dry bag is useful if you have one.

Does pickup happen at my hotel, and what time should I be ready?

Yes, hotel pickup is included. The full day runs approximately 15 hours from pickup to return, so you'll leave early in the morning and arrive back in the evening. Confirm your hotel address and pickup time when you book.