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Exploring Indigenous Villages: San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán Cultural Journey in Chiapas - Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Exploring Indigenous Villages: San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán Cultural Journey in Chiapas

Tuxtla Gutiérrezmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

5–6 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness with the ability to walk short distances on uneven surfaces and climb a few steps.

Overview

Discover the unique blend of Mayan traditions and Catholic rituals on a cultural tour through San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán in Chiapas. Explore colorful churches, lively markets, and enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas

Indigenous Villages: San Juan Chamula, & Zinacantán

Adultos: MXN: $578.76 ~ $30 USD | Niños: MXN: $496.08 ~ $26 USD | Duración 6.5 Horas

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Adventure Photos

Indigenous Villages:  San Juan  Chamula, & Zinacantán photo 1

About This Adventure

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Mayan cultures of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. Explore colorful churches, ancient rituals, and local markets, while enjoying a traditional lunch with a local family. Experience the unique blend of Catholicism and Mayan customs, making this cultural journey both enriching and unforgettable.

* Tradition and Culture in a millenary environment of the Mayan Cultures!*


Rates

Departure from Tuxtla:

  • Adults (Ages 12+): MXN: $1100.00 (~$57 USD)
  • Children (Ages 4-11): MXN: $900.00 (~$47 USD)

Departure from San Cristóbal:

  • Adults (Ages 12+): MXN: $578.76 (~$30 USD)
  • Children (Ages 4-11): MXN: $496.08 (~$26 USD)

Duration

6.5 Hours


Description

Culture and traditions in millenary environment. The Mayan Cultures at San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan will impress you by their churches, religion, myths and customs full of color. We’ll have a guided visit at one of their churches and the local market of San Juan Chamula, getting to know the customs and religion, visiting the interior of the San Juan Bautista Church, full of rituals and millenary customs, admiring the setups in the altars and the dressing of their saint according to the indigenous customs. We’ll have a walk around the town and you’ll have time to buy artisanry and souvenirs from the region. After we are finished we’ll go the community of Zinacantan, famous for their hip loom, visiting the looms where we’ll enjoy a delicious mini lunch consisting of beans, organic coffee, handmade tortillas and a typical drink from the region, everything in company of a local family. We’ll also be able to observe the syncretism between the Catholic religion and the mayan customs inside the Church of San Lorenzo. We’ll finish our visit at the Samuel Taktik Museum.


Includes

• Round trip transportation from and to hotels • Entries • Certified guide • Travel Insurance • Traditional lunch


We suggest bringing:

• Comfy and warm clothes, shoes and gloves • Not take pictures inside the churches • Extra money to buy artisanry


Itinerary

  • Departure time: 9:30 am (approximately)
  • Return time: 3:00pm (approximately)

Adventure Tips

Respect Local Customs

Photography inside San Juan Chamula's church is prohibited out of respect for religious practices.

Wear Layered Clothing

Bring warm layers and comfortable shoes due to the variable highland climate and walking involved.

Carry Cash for Souvenirs

Bring extra money to purchase handcrafted textiles and local crafts at the market.

Prepare for Limited Accessibility

This tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments due to uneven terrain and lack of wheelchair access.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Highland hummingbirds
  • Various native butterflies around the villages

History

San Juan Chamula’s church reflects a syncretic blend of Mayan rituals and Catholicism dating back to the 16th century.

Conservation

Local communities emphasize sustainable tourism practices to preserve cultural heritage and minimize environmental impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating village streets and uneven terrain.

Warm Layers

Essential

Necessary for cooler highland mornings and evenings.

winter specific

Sun Hat and Sunscreen

Essential

Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor portions of the tour.

summer specific

Cash

Essential

Needed for buying souvenirs and local crafts.