Customs of indigenous villages of Chiapas

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: English, Spanish
Private transportation
Entrances

Overview

I grew up with the traditions and legends of indigenous and mestizo peoples of Chiapas, where I come from. I learned them from my grandparents, parents and later, during my university career, I delved into diferent historical and social aspects. I also lived a historical moment in my town, witnessing the armed revolution of the EZLN (Zapatistas). My passion for traditions and legends continues to be more and more alive and I enjoy sharing it with visitors from Chiapas. I have shared it for 10 years, receiving very positive comments. THIS TOUR CAN BE MODIFIED AND ADOPTED TO YOUR INTERESTS.

Itinerary

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista

The church of Chamula is the main reason to visit the village: inside, you will enter the magic and sacred world of rituals of indigenous people of Chamula that you will not see anywhere else. your guide will explain you the symboism and significance of the rituals so you can understand the magic of what you see.

45 minutes
Cementerio de San Juan Chamula

The guide will tell you about the tradition of the Day of the Dead in the Mexican culture and beliefs of this Tzotzil people of Chamula and its Mayan origins.

30 minutes
San Juan Chamula

Art Tex Independent Art Gallery run by a local painter, Tex Lopez. We will see painings of local artists inspired in their daily life and festivities. We'll stop for a breakfast (not included) with a beautifull view of the surrounding highland.

1 hour
Iglesia de San Lorenzo

The guide will give you explanations about the fusion of prehispanic religion with the catholic, symbolism and significance of this indigenous culture of Azteca origins. Don;t miss the legend of a Jaguar!

30 minutes
Zinacantan

We will visit a local family of artisans where you can try on the traditional costume and learn about textile production.

30 minutes

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

April 26100% refund

April 27No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.9

68 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 64 reviews with 5 stars

Amazing tour!

Published on Apr, 2024

We had a lovely time visiting the two villages of this tour. Great guide and really interesting to see how different faiths have mixed here.

Excellent guide and experience

Published on Feb, 2024

Our tour with Rudy was truly perfect. To begin with the basics, Rudy was on time, polite, and friendly. His vehicle was comfortable and clean. And he was a good driver. Initially, he drove us to San Juan Chamula to visit the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista. Rudy clearly explained the history of the area and provided information that helped me to better understand and appreciate what I was seeing, not only the religious culture, but also aspects of the political and family culture of the Tzotzil, the local indigenous peoples. We also visited Tex Art, met with the owner/artist and enjoyed the view from the cafe on top of the building (best tortillas I have ever eaten - brown corn tortillas!). Finally we stopped at the flower filled pueblo and church of Zinacantán. At each stop, Rudy shared so much information without rushing us and instead, provided the time we needed to absorb all that we were seeing. Rodolfo was an enthusiastic guide and I enjoyed our time together. This tour was a valuable experience.

Magical tour of indigenous cultures in Chiapas

Published on Sep, 2023

I don't normally enjoy tours, but this one really reminded me of why it's important to take them every once and awhile. It was easy to organize with Rudy (he picked me up from my hotel in the morning), and he has a very deep understanding and passion of the indigenous cultures he shows his guests. There were cultural nuances he explained that would have been impossible to understand if I'd simply researched the places and went by myself. Besides all this knowledge he passed onto us, the tour was the perfect combination of walking, observing, interacting with local artisans, and EATING! If you love exploring new places through the eyes of a local, I definitely recommend this tour.

Great and really culture experience, totally recommend!

Published on Sep, 2023

Everything was perfect from the very beginning of the tour: detailed and clear description of the tour, start on time, comfortable car. The tour itself was also very interesting: I wanted to know what the culture of indigenous peoples really was like, this tour was a great opportunity to do that, the explanations were very detailed and interesting. I especially loved the church in Chamula, it is an amazing place with a unique culture and incredible experience - you will love it! I also really liked the cemeteries; visiting them is not included in standard tours, but it helps to feel the special atmosphere of the villages. I liked Zinacantan too, it was very interesting to see traditional textiles and try local homemade food and even make tortillas myself! Rudy was polite, knowledgeable and answered all my questions, I was never bored throughout the entire tour. Totally recommend!

Indigenous culture from the inside

Published on Sep, 2023

Chamula and Zinacantán give you the opportunity to experience Chiapaneca indigenous culture from the inside. Rudy is very knowledgeable and answers all your questions, even debunking certain untrue myths that other tour guides use to embellish their tours, knowing they are not accurate. We also had the chance to connect with local people, which was a lot of fun. This is my third tour with Experiencias Chiapas, and I hope to do another one very soon. Highly recommended!