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ANCIENT MYSTICISM
& THE MAYA

STARTS:  Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas

ENDS: Villahermosa, Tabasco

DATES: March 13 - 25, 2025

DURATION: 12 Nights / 13 Days

PRICE:  $38,000 MXN  - Single Supplement $10,200 MXN

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We can offer this same itinerary (or similar) for guests interested in bird watching, but the price will jump considerably due to travel with an experienced ornithologist in a small group. Please contact us for more information.

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WHY BOOK THIS TOUR

Chiapas is a mystical state bursting with nature, remote archaeology sites, exotic birds and other wildlife, orchids, wildflowers, colonial cities, Maya villages with exquisite textiles, great food and more!  Sip on locally made Pox, which is a spirit native to this land, or follow your nose to the aroma-filled coffee shops. 

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This tour begins in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas, veers into the Cloud Forest and concludes in the lush but endangered Selva Lacandona.  Tourism to this part of Mexico is an investment for the future of these important lungs, as when locals can earn more money by keeping the jungle standing, as opposed to cutting it down, protecting it will continue to grow as a priority.

 

Come explore one of Mexico's most enchanted and diverse states.

ART STUDIOS & COLLECTIVES WE WILL VISIT

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EMBROIDERY

Aguacatenango

Chiapas

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TEXTILES

San Cristobal de las Casas

Chiapas

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CERAMICS

Amatengango del Valle, Chi

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STREET MARKET

San Cristobal de las Casas,

Chiapas

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TEXTILES

Zinacantan,

Chiapas

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WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE

Board 2 boats for unique experiences, one through Canyon del Sumidero to observe wildlife and birds, and the other to reach the banks of the famous but remote ancient city of Yaxchilan, which is only accessible by boat along the Usumacinta River. We will view the famous Maya murals of Bonampak, explore a wild and un-excavated archaeological site that was only found a few years ago, wander around the famous ancient city of Palenque and visit Parque la Venta to see the massive stone Olmec heads that were found there, among other Maya stelaes and altars.

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We will explore two traditional Maya towns where local artisans weave beautiful textiles and 1 artisan whose embroidery stitching is museum quality.  Get creative with a whimsical pottery workshop in another Maya village, surrounded by the pro's who will be working on large scale pieces beside us, while we play with the clay.  We will enjoy meals with two of the local families during our travels through these indigenous villages.

 

We will visit Cascadas El Chiflon for an enchanting hike to the top waterfall.  The hike ascends slowly for about 1.5 km, with many places to stop and rest along the way.  Zipline back to the parking lot (optional cost), or hike back  This is also a pristine place to swim, though the water is spring fed and cold!

 

Our adventure into Selva Lacandona starts with some bird watching in the Cloud Forest before we drive deeper into Montes Azules, for a stay at a rustic eco-lodge and Macaw Sanctuary beside the River Lacantun.  Though the Macaws are not here at this time of year, we will learn about the sanctuary, their programs, do some light hiking and observe a lot of wildlife. 

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In the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, we will visit the Jade, Cacao, Amber and Textile museums, as well as the home of local legend Sergio Castro, to see his extensive textile collection and to learn about the incredible work he has dedicated his life to, assisting local people who cannot afford medical treatments.  Though Sergio does not charge a fee to visit his home to see his curio collection, we encourage guests to leave him a donation for his cause.

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This tour explores multiple facets of Maya culture, from their ancient roots to their mesmerizing textiles, cuisine, handicrafts and more.  Despite owning cars and living in modern construction, the Maya remain proud guardians of their traditions and worldview, with what sometimes seems like walking between two worlds - one that is ancient, the other that is constantly evolving due to connection with city-life and our modern world.

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We hope you will join us for this adventure of a lifetime!

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HOW DOES THIS BENEFIT LOCALS?

This tour is designed to bring guests to Chiapas for a nature experience, with culture and archaeology included.  We will enjoy two meals with local indigenous families, along with a weaving demonstration and a fun pottery workshop.  The weaving demonstration takes place at a collective, where guests can purchase pieces directly from the family, with assurance that everything was made in Chiapas by hand and that all money goes directly to the families there.  Sometimes guests feel guilty if they do not purchase handicrafts from the artists when we visit their studios, but our pottery workshop is a way around this.  Very few guests have ever had their pieces shipped to them, (which is required if you would like to keep your piece), but the workshop itself brings some income to the family, as does the breakfast they make for us.  Most guests also purchase handicrafts from them, and once again - these purchases are direct.  We will also visit an embroidery artist in her village, so you can purchase directly.  

We will go birding for one morning with a local photographer and passionate birder, and will stay at the Macaw Sanctuary in Montes Azules region of Selva Lacandona.  Eco-tourism is one way to encourage the protection of the jungle, which are important lungs of Central America.  Selva Lacandona is connected to the El Peten jungle of Guatemala, and has been endangered due to over-logging and urbanization.  Our hope is to contribute to activities that encourage sustainability for the locals and wildlife there.

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The Macaw Sanctuary has need for charitable donations for their mission, which we will learn about while there.  Guests may choose to make a contribution based on your experience.

WHAT HAVE OUR GUESTS SAID?

Please Note:  Our company was registered as Soul of Mexico Tours in 2018, but was Trademarked by someone unscrupulous in 2023.  We changed our company name to Copper Moon Travels in April 2023.

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None of these tours follow the same itinerary as this trip, but were in the same region with many shared sites and experiences. Our tours are all a little different...

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From Susan March 2024 (Tuxtla to Bacalar Tour)


Jen arranged the most awesome tour. It was filled with history, culture, archaeology, and nature. It went from a city, through the jungle ruins of the Maya and ended up on the Mexican Caribbean. There were lots of incredible and unique shopping opportunities and everyday had activities that kept everyone engaged. Jen does wonderful job of managing all the details.

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From Taylor February 2024 (Tuxtla to Villahermosa Birding Tour)

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he Birds of the Mayan Empire was a fabulous trip! Adrian, a top-notch ornithologist, provided us with sitings I would have certainly missed. He has a quick, keen eye and was very knowledgeable about the 100+ different birds we saw!


Jaime, who had brought his font of knowledge about Mexican history on a previous trip I was on with Copper Moon Travels, did not disappoint. I left with a solid foundation about Mayan history and an interest to build on it. He also introduced us to various ways to get vitamin T...very important when traveling in Mexico. 


Jennifer did a great job with meals, accommodations, museums and inserting other points of interest.(artisan visits and beautiful swimming opportunities in azure rivers) My second trip with Copper Moon Travels has me looking ahead for more trips with them.

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From Karin Feburary 2024 (Tuxtla to Villahermosa Birding Tour)

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Copper Moon Travels offers a personal whirlwind tour of Chiapas. Jaime, our guide, was always willing to answer any question where on liberation theology, Zapatistas, Mayan culture to the contemporary use of soap operas by Mexican politicians. Adrian, our ornithologist, was able to spot a bird in a crack, over 115 species on our trip. Tony was an excellent cheerful driver throughout the trip. And lastly Jen, generous and a master curator of experiences: from lakes and waterfalls that seemed like hallucinations; to Sergio’s eccentric museum with his collection of indigenous clothing in San Cristobal; to an undeveloped Mayan city with trees sprouting from its temples. Jen infused the tour throughout with her enthusiasm and local knowledge

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From Robbin December 2023 (Tuxtla to Villahermosa Women's Tour)

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This was a great introduction to this unique region of Mexico. Jennifer is knowledgeable and passionate and ensured we had comfortable landings after each full day of adventure. I will happily repeat this tour as well as engage Jennifer snd Copper Moon Travels in other Mexico Tours.

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From Diana December 2023  (Tuxtla to Villahermosa Women's Tour)

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This was a great trip! The B&B and ranch hotel were beyond great, many home cooked meals provided on our time schedule. As a novice on Mayan culture, archeology and history, our guide was extremely knowledgeable. We even visited a hidden gem archeological site, by boat. I highly recommend this trip!

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To read more reviews, please click here.  We also have some reviews on Trip Advisor, which we are trying to grow.  If you come on tour with us, please consider leaving us a review, as they are so crucial for small businesses like ours!

PRICE INCLUSIONS & RESERVATIONS

The tour price of $40, 000 MXN is based on double occupancy.  If you are travelling solo, the single supplement is $10,200 MXN for a private room.

All breakfasts include regular coffee and tea.  Specialized coffees and other drinks are separate. All other meals are separate, as this gives guests control over your food budget.

 

All activities, boat rides and entrance fees are included.

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All ground transportation is included.  Flights are separate.

 

Guided services with bilingual National Licensed Guide included

 

Tips for your team leaders are discretionary and appreciated. 

SUGGESTED READING

Resplendent Quetzal

BORN TO BE WILD - The Resplendent Quetzal of Maya 

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READ NOW
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THE ACCIDENTAL MAYANIST - Tatiana Proskouriakova

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READ NOW
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A CONTROVERSY OF FEATHERS - The Precious Penacho

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READ NOW
The-aged-midwife-goddess-Chac-Chel-weaves-using-a-backstrap-loom-Madrid-Codex-79c.png

MOON GODDESS OF THE MAYA - Appropriation of Chac-Chel

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READ NOW
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LADY KABAL XOC - Queen Consort of Yaxchilan

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READ NOW
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Travel Advisories in Mexico: Stigma and the Culture of Fear

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READ NOW

CONTACT US

Contact:  Jennifer Bjarnason

Email:  coppermoontravels@protonmail.com

WhatsApp / Text:  +52 443 639 2782

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