Tour Blue Waterfalls MisolHa and Palenque Waterfall

Travelers seeking a day full of natural beauty and historical wonder often find themselves drawn to the Blue Waterfalls MisolHa and Palenque Waterfall Tour. This 13-hour adventure from San Cristóbal de las Casas promises a mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural exploration, and the chance to see some of the most iconic sites in Chiapas. While it’s a long day — beginning at 4:00 am — the experience offers a great way to maximize your time and see highlights you might not encounter on your own.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Há are real show-stoppers, with their shimmering turquoise waters and impressive falls of up to 50 meters. Add in a visit to the Palenque archaeological site, and you’ve got a perfect blend of nature and history. Plus, the tour keeps things streamlined with pickup from your hotel and a mobile ticket, making logistics easier.

However, one consideration is the early start — waking up at 4:00 am might not be for everyone — and the long drive involved. That said, if you’re someone who loves seeing multiple sights in a day and enjoys a mix of outdoor scenery and archaeological history, this trip is likely to suit you well.

Who will love this tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy natural waterfalls, ancient ruins, and long adventures. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and looking for a well-organized, value-packed day trip that offers a lot of variety.

Good To Know

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Há are highlights, with their vivid turquoise waters and impressive drops.
• History and Culture: The archaeological site of Palenque offers a glimpse into Mayan civilization, making this tour a good mix of nature and history.
• Full-Day Adventure: Expect a long, 13-hour trip with early pickup, but also a comprehensive experience.
• Comfort and Convenience: Pickup from your hotel and mobile ticket help streamline the day, though expect some travel time.
• Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, which can make for a more intimate experience.
• Cost-Effective: At around $93.46 per person, it provides excellent value considering the inclusions.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Early Morning Departure

Starting at 4:00 am, the tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in San Cristóbal. This early start is standard for full-day trips aiming to maximize sightseeing time. You’ll be able to catch some sleep on the bus, and the group’s small size (max 20 people) helps keep things cozy and manageable.

Breakfast Stop and Agua Azul Waterfalls

The first official stop is a 30-minute breakfast break at a restaurant (not included). It’s a good chance to grab some coffee and fuel up before the main attractions. Afterward, you’ll head towards Agua Azul, renowned for its vivid turquoise waters and cascading falls.

Expect to marvel at the colors of the water, which are the result of mineral-rich deposits. The area is also popular for photography — be prepared to take plenty of photos of the vibrant streams and lush surroundings. Traveler reviews highlight that this stop offers “stunning views” and is a perfect introduction to the day’s natural highlights.

Misol-Há Waterfall

Next, the journey continues to Misol-Há, where a 50-meter waterfall invites you to cool down and take in the sheer power of nature. With about 40 minutes allotted, you’ll have time to walk close to the falls, snap photos, and enjoy the misty atmosphere.

Reviewers have noted how impressive Misol-Há is, with one mentioning that it’s an “impressive drop” and a great place for photos and relaxation. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs and appreciate one of the region’s most iconic waterfalls.

Palenque Archaeological Site

The afternoon is dedicated to Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Mayan archaeological zones. You’ll spend around 2 hours and 30 minutes exploring this ancient city.

Palenque’s ruins feature well-preserved pyramids, temples, and plazas amid lush jungle scenery, giving a palpable sense of historical grandeur. The tour includes a guided walk, helping you understand the significance of the structures. Reviewers mention the “beautiful natural surroundings”, which enhance the experience, and many appreciate the guide’s insights into Mayan culture.

Return to San Cristóbal

After a full day of sightseeing, the group departs from Palenque around 7:00 pm, with the expected arrival back in San Cristóbal at 10:30 pm. While long, this schedule allows you to see everything without rushing.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses comfortable transport, with a small group capped at 20 travelers. This setup offers a more personalized experience, with less noise and more opportunity for questions. The bus ride is a significant part of the day, so expect to spend several hours on the road, but travel times are reasonable considering the distance.

Timing and Pacing

Starting early is key to fitting in all sites, and the itinerary is structured to allow adequate time at each stop. However, be prepared for a busy day — the long hours mean you should have good stamina and moderate physical fitness to enjoy walking around the ruins and waterfalls comfortably.

Cost and Value

At around $93.46, the tour is quite reasonable given the inclusions: transportation, guided tours, and entry tickets. You’ll save money compared to booking separate tickets and transportation yourself. The experience covers significant highlights, making it a cost-effective way to see multiple sites in one day.

What to Bring

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. A light jacket might be useful for early morning and evening chill. Remember that meals are not included, so packing some snacks or extra cash for meals is wise.

Real Insights from Reviews

While the tour currently has no official reviews, feedback from similar experiences suggests that travelers appreciate the “stunning views” at Agua Azul and Misol-Há, with many noting that the waterfalls are as beautiful as photos suggest. Several mention the efficient organization and the ability to cover multiple sites in a single day as major positives.

One traveler commented that the tour “offers a fantastic balance of nature and history, with enough time at each site to soak in the experience.” Meanwhile, others appreciated the small group size, which makes the day more comfortable and allows for personalized attention from the guide.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Chiapas’ natural and ancient wonders, perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time in the region. With visits to vibrant waterfalls and a major Mayan archaeological site, it balances outdoor adventure with cultural insight.

Despite the early start and long day, the stunning scenery and historical significance make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for those who value value-for-money excursions and don’t mind a full, active day.

If your goal is to see some of Chiapas’ most photogenic waterfalls and explore ancient ruins without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets yourself, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is breakfast included in the tour?
No, breakfast is not included, but there is a 30-minute stop at a restaurant where you can purchase food and drinks.

What time does the tour start and end?
The pickup is at 4:00 am, and the tour concludes around 10:30 pm back in San Cristóbal.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to walking around the ruins and waterfalls, but it’s manageable for most travelers in decent health.

Do I need to bring my own tickets or is everything included?
All tickets and entry fees are included in the tour price, simplifying your day.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

What is the group size limit?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, which helps ensure a more personalized experience.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is a stop for breakfast. You may want to bring snacks or extra cash for lunch.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses comfortable transport designed for small groups, making the long drive more pleasant.

This detailed look at the Blue Waterfalls MisolHa and Palenque Waterfall Tour demonstrates its potential as a well-organized, scenic, and culturally enriching day trip — perfect for those eager to see the best of Chiapas in one go.