CIELO Y TIERRA TOURS
Cielo y Tierra Tours S.A de C.V.
San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Email: info@cieloytierratours.com
Content and Images © Copyright Cielo y Tierra Tours 2009-2011
Day Tours to Ancient Maya Sites
TENAM PUENTE & THE WATERFALLS OF CHIFLON
Less than two hours south-east from San Cristobal is the little-known but impressive Mayan archeological site of Tenam Puente that has a spectacular hilltop location. The site is a truly magical place that receives very little tourism.
Our full-day excursion from San Cristobal combines a visit to Tenam Puente with Cascadas El Chiflon, one of the highest and most powerful waterfalls in Chiapas. Situated within a beautiful natural environment, with hiking trails that run along the river to the falls, it is undoubtably one of the most spectacular sights of the area.
Our tour starts in the waterfalls of El Chiflon, a beautiful 2-hour drive from San Cristobal, that takes us through the pine-forested highlands of Chiapas into the lower highlands, passing Tzeltal Maya villages and sugar cane fields on the way.
The Chiflon Falls are a chain of waterfalls formed by the river
San Vicente that thunders through several falls. The furthest and most majestic waterfall is called Velo de Novia (Bride's Veil) and is an impressive 120 meters in height.
We will hike up the side of the waterfall on a pathway that has steps built into it, enjoying the breathtaking views of the falls on the way. Swimming is allowed in the waterfall, and for the adventurous, there is a zip-line that allows you to zip across, enjoy the view from the other side, then come back.
From El Chiflon, we continue on to Tenam Puente, approximately 40 km from El Chiflon. Tenam Puente (like the nearby Mayan ruins of Chinkultik) is a Classic Maya settlement that seems to have survived into Post-classic times, possibly as long as AD 1200.
Its setting is stunning, located on a hilltop and surrounded by trees laden down with colorful orchids and bromelias, with the sound of crickets chirping in the background.
The most important group of ruins, the Acropolis, has three ball-courts and a 20-meter-high pyramid rising from a terraced wooded hillside. Climbing to the top of the pyramid gives us lovely views of the Comitan valley.
Before returning to San Cristobal, we will stop for a late lunch in the attractive colonial town of Comitan (10 km from Tenam Puente), with its pretty plaza and colorful streetlife. There's a number of good restaurants to choose from and a great cafe in the corner of the plaza that showcases local organic coffee.
Day of Excursion: Any day of the week
Duration: Approx 10 hours
