Day 1: Arrival
After arriving at the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport (there are direct flights from Houston on Wednesdays), take a shuttle transfer (approx. $30 USD per car) to Chiapa de Corzo and check into your hotel. Meals are on your own today.
Meals included: None
Overnight at La Ceiba Hotel in Chiapa de Corzo

Day 2: Sumidero Canyon & San Cristóbal de las Casas
After breakfast we meet you at the hotel around 9 am. We start with a spectacular boat ride along the Grijalva River. Our boat leaves from the Cahuaré Docks and takes us on a magnificent boat ride (approx. 3 hours) through the famous “Cañón del Sumidero”. (If the weather is rainy, it is important to have a waterproof jacket, lightweight clothing or bathing suit at hand. In any case, please make sure to bring your sunglasses and your camera!).
The canyon’s creation began around the same time as the Grand Canyon in the U.S. state of Arizona, by a crack in the area’s crust and erosion by the Grijalva River, which was named after the Spanish conquistador Juan Grijalva. With its vertical walls reaching as high as 1,000 meters and with the river turning up to ninety degrees during the narrow passage runs, the Sumidero Canyon is one of the most impressive natural spectacles of Mexico!  During the tour we will have the opportunity to observe tropical forests in their natural state as well as some animals such as monkeys, crocodiles and numerous species of birds. The boat tour ends at the Chicoasén Dam, one of the most important hydroelectric power stations in Mexico and Latin America.
After visiting the canyon, we will transfer (approx. 50 min) to San Cristóbal de las Casas. The town is located in the Central Highlands region of Chiapas. Due to its high altitude of 2,100 meters, the temperatures are lower in San Cristóbal and it is colder than in the canyon, so you may need to change your clothes. We will stay at Hotel Cortijo la Casona, a charming Mexican-style "Posada", which offers a magnificent view of the city. After we are settled in, we enjoy a delicious dinner in the city around 8 pm.
San Cristobal de Las Casas, founded in 1528 by Diego de Mazariego, has maintained its beautiful Spanish colonial layout, with narrow cobblestone streets, roofs covered in red clay tile and wrought iron balconies with flowers. The facades of the buildings vary from Baroque to Neoclassical and Moorish, painted in various colors. After dinner you have time to explore the historic city center with its interesting sites like Central Plaza, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Arc del Carmen and the indigenous craft markets. Dive into the lively and safe streets of San Cristobal and appreciate the local culture and friendly people! Taste the excellent coffee of the region and visit the best amber and jade jewelry shops in Mexico. At night, many bars and restaurants along the three main streets - Santo Domingo, Guadalupe and Del Carmen - offer live music. Here you can enjoy excellent wines and delicious Mexican food, as well as French, Italian and Argentinean cuisine.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Cortijo la Casona in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Day 3: Ride to Eco-Park "Arcotete"
After a traditional Mexican breakfast at the hotel, we are transferred to the riding center, which is located on the outskirts of San Cristobal. At the riding center we get to know our horses and equipment before heading out on ride to the protected ecological reserve called “Arcotete”.
On our journey, we will cross mountains and encounter interesting paths like narrow roads winding through magnificent pine and oak forests. We will also see several species of birds. We will ride through Tzotziles communities where we have the chance to glimpse the daily activities and work of the indigenous farmers.
Upon arrival at the Ecological Park Arcotete, we enjoy lunch and take a walk along wood paths towards a stone arch carved by the water of the river “Rio Amarillo”. Here we offer optional activities such as a canopy tour for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush. You can also take it easy and relax or walk along the river bank. Afterwards we ride back to the equestrian center and then head out to San Cristobal by car where we have the rest of the day to relax, explore and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Cortijo la Casona in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Day 4: "Sima de las Cotorras" Hike & Ride to Hacienda "La Valdiviana"
After savoring a delicious breakfast, we are transferred (approx. 1.5 hrs) to Ocozocoautla, towards the magnificent “El Aguacero” waterfall in to the Canyon La Venta where we can enjoy an energizing hike after we reach the access road to the “Sima de las Cotorras”. Here horses are already waiting for us and we start our ride of the day.
We enjoy gallops on dirt roads and ride through rural communities and cultivated agricultural landscape, getting to know the daily life of local farmers. We also bypass the rock “El Cerebro”, the so called “Brain”, which is a unique rock formation, consisting of eroded sandstone.
Finally we arrive at the famous “Sima de las Cotorras”, a gargantuan sinkhole (known as “sima”). Almost perfectly circular, the sinkhole is 160 meters across and a stomach-lurching 140 meters straight down – like a giant round hole cut into the limestone crust. At the bottom is a small forest, which seems like a lost rainforest due to its lushness in contrast to the dry surrounding environment. This place is a naturally protected summer nesting area for the sinkhole’s namesake residents: thousands of parrots, which translated means “chatterbox”. As the name indicates, the air is filled with the noises of several thousands of these restless parrots! Enjoy this natural spectacle and watch them flying gracefully in spirals out of the sinkhole to the surface. Nearly as impressive are a set of ancient cave paintings, such as painted handprints in red and black colors, as well as drawings of the moon and other figures of the cosmos.
After enjoying lunch in a restaurant nearby, we continue our ride until we are transferred to the ancient Hacienda "La Valdiviana", which was founded in 1902. The charming hacienda provides a pool and also internet access, and it is the perfect place to rest your body after a day on horseback. Enjoy the hospitality and culinary skill of the owners, who will prepare a delicious dinner us.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda "La Valdiviana"

Day 5: Ride to Tolan Dam
We start the day with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits and local dishes before starting our ride to the Tolan dam.
We enjoy long trots and gallops on smooth, sandy and flat roads and marvel at the valley and surrounding mountains. During the ride we will pass several hacienda ruins, and we will have the chance to observe different species of birds, such as bearded vultures, magpies and many more until we reach the agricultural community of Villa Morelos. Here we take a break and we will be invited by a local family to join them for lunch. We will have the opportunity to test our ability to prepare our own hand made tortillas.
After the lunch break, we continue our journey to the village of Rosendo Salazar, where the Tolan dam is located. Enjoy this peaceful place with its beautiful view of the mountain range “Sierra Madre de Chiapas”! Here you have the opportunity to go fishing, take a boat trip or enjoy swimming in the lake with the horses. In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to the Hacienda (approx. 30 min), where we will have dinner and spend the rest of the evening.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hacienda "La Valdiviana"

Day 6: Tolam Dam to Reserve “La Sepultura” & Puerto Arista
Breakfast will be prepared by our hosts, whose flavors will certainly spoil your palate! Afterwards you will be transferred back to the Tolan dam, where our horses are waiting for us and ready to head towards the community of Valle de Corzo. During the ride (which is located in the coastal plain of Chiapas), we will pass the biosphere reserve “La Sepultura”, undoubtedly a place of stunning natural beauty! We will also visit the remains of an old textile factory from the 1920s, which became important in the textile industry of Central America. Afterwards we climb up a dirt road, always surrounded by beautiful pine forests, until we reach the “Corzo Valley”, where we take a break and go back in a loop crossing "Corazon del Valle" community.
The view is stunning and you will have the chance to see different kinds of birds and animals that live in the surrounding highlands and low-growing forests, on a path that was once used as the royal road to Chiapas. Later that day we will be driven (approx. 2.5 h) to the seaside village of Puerto Arista. After checking into the Hotel, which is located across from the beach, we have time to rest during sunset.
Riding approx. 4 hours (35 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Puerto Arista

Day 7: Beach Ride & Madresal Ecological Center
This morning we start with our ride along soft and sandy beaches, enjoying long canters and wonderful riding! With a bit of luck we may be followed by a pod of dolphins just beyond the wave line, or a flock of curious birds. We also have the opportunity to swim with our horses in the ocean and enjoy the freedom of the horses and the nice sea breeze – one of the best experiences for true horse lovers!
Later, we will have a delicious seafood brunch, before transferring to “Madresal Ecological Center” (about 1 hour drive away from Puerto Arista). In order to reach Madresal, we have to cross the estuary by boat, giving us the opportunity to see the mangroves. Madresal is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Chiapas. A lost paradise in the Mexican Pacific, it is a wonderful place surrounded by nature and full of kind respectful people. It is overseen by the community of Ponte Duro, which has built a restaurant and comfortable “palapas” (open-sided dwellings with thatched roofs made of dried palm leaves) where we sleep in a clean bed or in a hammock. Upon arrival, we have some time to relax on the beach, go for a swim, meet local fishermen and learn about the local fishing traditions, before we meet again for a delicious fresh fish dinner at the beach restaurant.
During "Turtle Season" (July - November) you can participate in the release of the “Tortugas Golfinas”, the most numerous species that spawns on the coasts of Chiapas. Participating in the release of the baby turtles is a very emotional experience. The ceremony is performed at night, facing the beach where the baby turtles are freed and wished luck at sea. Only a small percentage (less than 10%) will reach adulthood and return to the beach where they hatched, in order to spawn.
Riding approx. 2 hours (15 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Madresal Ecological Center

Day 8: Madresal Ecological Center & Tuxtla Gutierrez City
Today, we get up early and after a quick breakfast we take a 2+ hours canoe tour to observe birds and crocodiles through the mangrove forest with wonderful opportunities to photograph wildlife. When we return, after a breakfast we have some time to relax on the beach. We transfer back to Tuxtla by afternoon. We check into a local hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Tuxtla

Day 9: Departure
If you are booked on an early flight,  the hotel includes a continental breakfast. If you are booked on a later flight, you can take your time, have breakfast at the hotel and visit some attractions of Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Meals included: Breakfast

NOTE: Turtles arrive to the beaches on Peurto Arista all year round but the majority of the activity takes place between July and November.
The horses are transported between destinations and this is not a traditional point to point ride where you ride from one overnight place to another, arriving at each one on horseback the terrain does not allow for this. There is a lot of emphasis on historical/cultural and eco points of interest. You will see and will do a lot on this trip, so the hours in the saddle are not huge each day.