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
CHINKULTIK & THE LAKES OF MONTEBELLO
Less than two hours south-east from San Cristobal is the impressive Maya archeological site of Chinkultik. It is a magical place to visit with its magnificent setting and stunning views from the tops of the pyramids over the surrounding countryside.
Our full day excursion from San Cristobal begins in this fascinating ancient Maya city, and from there we continue on to the beautiful Lagunas de Montebello, a national park in which there are more than fifty stunning lakes.
On our way back to San Cristobal, we will stop for a late lunch at Parador Santa Maria, a lovely 19th century countryside hacienda and art museum.
It is believed that Chinkultik was a Maya power during the Late Classic period, after AD 700, and may have survived into Post-classic times, possibly as long as AD 1200.
Our trip around the ruins takes us through beautiful meadows and across a stream, until we see the pyramids known as El Mirador appearing through the trees high up on a steep hill.
The view from the tallest structure over the surrounding lakes and forests and down into a cenote 50 meters below (into which Maya used to cast offerings) is breathtaking.
Approximately 20 km from Chinkultik are the Lakes of Montebello, where we will drive along narrow roads winding through pine forests to some exquisite lakes.
One of the highlights of the national park is the Cinco Lagunas, a group of five lakes whose astonishing colors range from turquoise to deep green.
Our day will finish with a late lunch in the beautiful ex-hacienda of
Santa Maria, where we can relax and enjoy the stunning views from the terrace restaurant and visit the private art musuem in the hacienda chapel.
Day of Excursion: Any day of the week
Duration: Approx 10 hours
Hacienda Santa Maria
 | ||||
| ||||
