Mexican Jungle Adventure

Arrive into the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, where your host will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Chiapa de Corzo. This small, charismatic town on the banks of the Grijalva River is centred around 'La Pochota', an old ceiba tree, and is the gateway to Sumidero Canyon. Meet up with the rest of the group in the hotel at 18:00 for a chat through the adventure to come and a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

Head to Islet of Cahuaré, jump into a kayak, and paddle out onto the Grijalva River which cuts through the sheer 800m stone walls of the Sumidero Canyon. This 136 million-year-old natural wonder, with its misty waterfalls and hidden caves, is home to spider monkeys who live amongst the thick vegetation and pine trees. Later, you'll hop in the van and head to the charismatic town of San Cristobal de las Casas, the cultural capital of Chiapas.

Lace up your boots and head into the hills of Chiapas, dotted with Mayan Tzotzil villages rich in tradition. You’ll reach San Juan Chamula village, explore the church of San Juan Bautista, rest or wander through the local market, before hitting the trail again to finish in Zinacantán village. Here, generations of expert weavers hand-stitch garments with enigmatic motifs. Meet the local indigenous community and sup a traditional corn-based drink, before heading back to San Cristobal for some downtime.

Leave the charm of San Cristobal behind and hop into a 4x4 truck which will transport you along a bumpy dirt road into the mountains, passing fields of swaying sugarcane. With a briefing done and safety gear on, set off on a forest trail that leads to the river. You’ll spend a wild morning sliding across boulders, edging along riverbanks, swimming and leaping from rocks into blue waterfall pools. Kick back in a hammock and soak up the peaceful natural vibes before moving on to your digs for the night.

Travel through Chiapas to Los Lagos de Montebello National Park. With 59 lagoons in hues of turquoise and emerald and hundreds of types of orchids hidden among pine forests, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a tranquil location. Set sail on a traditional log raft, gently paddling and gliding through the forest reflections. Back on dry land, head to Lago Pojoj to hike the shady trails that meander along the hillsides, with viewpoints emerging along the way.

Head into the jungle of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Hop onto a boat that will carry you along the Lacantún River, one of the most biodiverse waterways in Mexico - eyes open for squawking red macaws and watchful crocodiles. Check in to your ecolodge, then hike through the jungle with your guide to learn local legends along the way. Kick back at the lodge, then after sunset return to the jungle on a night walk to spot its nocturnal inhabitants and hear the chirping insect chorus.

Take a road trip through this jungle region to discover the overgrown city of Yaxchilan, the 'place of the green stones'. Board a boat on the Usumacinta River (the largest in Mesoamerica) and travel deep into the heart of the forest. Explore the ruins of the vine-clad temple complex, marvel at how nature is slowly reclaiming the awe-inspiring ancient structure along and discover ancient mural paintings. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, before heading to your palapa-thatched jungle cabin for the night.

Head out into the tropical jungle this morning with your Lacandon guide, winding your way through the thick foliage to learn about the medical properties of the forest's plants. Take a breather and a cool dip at a waterfall. After lunch, jump back in the van to meet the indigenous Nahá people, in a place thick with ancient knowledge and stories. You’ll learn about the local culture and try your hand at archery using traditional bow and arrows. In the late afternoon, head off into the darkening forest to spot rare endemic owls.

Fuel up on breakfast and head out to explore the protected Nahá Reserve. Hike up to the trailhead, then into the jungle boarding a boat at Nahá Lake - eyes open for crocodiles and turtles. Next up is Metzabok, a lagoon system in the heart of the Lacandon Jungle and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore one of the lagoons by boat, then hike trails that lead to lost Mayan ruins and ancient cave paintings. Finally, you'll move on to Palenque, where you'll spend the night.

Enter the archaeological complex of Palenque through an exclusive entrance, a unique introduction to one of Mexico's most important Mayan sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the iconic pyramid and mysterious temples, overlooked by monkeys and tropical birds. Later, you'll cool off in the beautiful turquoise pools of Roberto Barrios waterfalls. This wildlife haven has fish in the clear waters and monkeys, toucans and parrots in the canopy above. Wander the trails from one waterfall to the next, take a swim and relax, before enjoying a barbecue on the banks of the river. Later, you'll return to Palenque for your final night in Mexico.

Enjoy breakfast and explore a little more before your host takes you to the airport in Tabasco in time for your onward flight.