Journey
to the heart of the Lacandon Jungle
Duration: 6 days 5 nights
Activities: Visit to archeological sites of
Lacanja & Bonampak • Swimming in waterfalls • Interaction with native
Lacandon People • White clay spa • Maya cosmology workshop • Native ceremony • Visit
to native Elder sage• Wildlife observation• Interaction with rainforest plants
• Canoeing • Swimming in crystal clear lagoon • Landscape photography
Visited ecosystems: Tropical lowland Rainforest
Cultural Interaction
with: Maya Lacandon
Type of accommodation:
Rustic or deluxe
cabins (you may choose) 3 nights &
Camping (2 nights)
Group size: 2-9
Departure from: Palenque, Chiapas
MONTES AZULES BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The northern most remnant of the south and Central
American tropical rainforest biomass is the Montes Azules (Blue Mountains)
biosphere reserve, otherwise called the Lacandon Jungle, in the Mexican state
of Chiapas.
Compared to rainforest reserves in famous Costa
Rica, this reservoir is far larger (680,000 hectares) and so allows the
existence of all the wildlife species that exist in this type of habitat, some
of which require large areas to exist (jaguars require 10,000 hectares each).
But having the possibility to see jaguars and
quetzals is not the only fact of what makes this area unique. The forest is
spilled with infinite ladders of waterfalls, Caribbean-blue freshwater lakes
with white-sand bottoms, and endless unexplored ancient Maya archeological
sites. Earth has never concentrated so much beauty, natural and cultural
richness in one place.
THE JOURNEY
This journey
takes you to the heart of the Lacandon rainforest, far from the touristy
places, and to the remote corners where wildlife encounters become possible.
Unexplored and unexcavated ruins, vivid colored maya murals, infinite waterfall
ladders and undiscovered Caribbean-blue freshwater lagoons with pyramids in the
middle, are just some of the natural and cultural marvels that people are
missing out on.
Complimentary to an insuperable natural experience,
is the deep cultural and therapeutical experience this journey has to offer. We
hike, eat and sleep in the Lacandon jungle accompanied by native Lacandon Maya.
Our tour leader Julián Katari is the perfect intercultural translator that
allows a deep interaction and understanding with the local Maya people, their
cosmology, lifestyle and nature.
We will have time to carry out ceremonies, do
therapeutical workshops based on maya cosmology and do spa treatments in the
virginity of the forest. The journey is short, complete, affordable and
balanced, spending twon nights camping in the forest and the other three nights
sleeping in very comfortable cabins in the Lacandon village. It is suitable for
any age and type of person
ITINERARY
Day 1. Meeting at Palenque City. Transport to
Lacanjá community. Short hike to waterfalls, rest.
Day 2. Hike through the forest to Bonampak
archeological site and murals. Visit to Maya elder sage and ceremony. Return to
village. Workshops in the evening.
Day 3. Hike to Lacanjá Lagoon. Stop at Lacanjá
unexcavated archeological site. We cross the lagoon on a Canoe to a pyramid
island in the middle where we set up camp.
Day 4. We spend all day swimming, exploring and
enjoying the lagoon. Applying white clay, and doing Maya cosmology workshops.
Day 5. Hike back to Lacanja village. Wildlife
observation and interaction with plants.
DÍA 6. Interaction with Maya family. Return to
Palenque.
WHAT TO BRING
- Backpack
- Camping tent (optional)
- Camping Matress (optional)
- Sleeping Bag
- Canteen
- Personal first aid kit (optional)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Personal Hygene equipment (toilet paper, soap, etc)
- Rain coat
- Swimming gear
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Ground transportation
- Intercultural tour leader
- Accommodation in rustic cabins or more luxurious cabins
- Native Lacandon guides
- Camping equipment
- Complete high quality meals, drinks and snacks
- Entrances to archeological zones and natural reserves
- Ceremony and visit with Maya Elder
- Therapies and materials for workshop
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
PRICES
Per person, in
US dollars, based on a 2 person group. Price reduces 10% for 4+ persons
RUSTIC
CABINS
- shared bathroom
- $ 432
- per day $72
DELUXE
CABINS
- private bathroom
- $ 504
- per day $84
TRIP FLEXIBILITY
This trip can be adapted according to the necessity
or interest of the group. It can be reduced or increased in length, camping in
the lagoon can be taken out so all hikes return to the comfortable cabins, or
more serious trekking across the reserve can be made, with as many days of
length as desired. More remote places can be visited, etc.
Relevant to
this journey: One of Julian's experiences was
to live for two years in the Lacandon Jungle, where he built a house with
forest materials, and carried out a native Lacandon lifestyle. This experience
allows him to speak first handedly when he talks about Lacandon lifestyle and
spirituality, and to feel at home when he guides people into the rainforest and
helps translate between visitors and Native Lacandon Maya.
