Journey to the heart of the Lacandon Jungle

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. 


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