Mexico
Chiapas’ Civilizations: An Archaeological Dive in Southern Mexico
Program No. 23356RJ
Study the archaeological wealth that lives in Chiapas through ancient site explorations, meeting locals, venturing to important museums and immersing yourself in Indigenous culture.
Participant Reviews
Based on 20 Reviews
SHOWING
Chiapas is a bit off the beaten path, which made it even more special to me. Our guides were excellent and each day was better than the day before. The experience combined archeology with culture of the peoples living in this part of Mexico. Diverse landscapes from jungle to the dry forests in the highlands.
Our guide and organizers were excellent.
— Review left July 3, 2025
This is a wonderful trip! It provides a view of Mexico and its history that you won't find anywhere else.
Highly recommended.
— Review left June 8, 2025
I learned so much! What a rich culture.
— Review left March 8, 2025
The Chiapas trip was an A experience EXCEPT Be clear as to round trip cities Arrive Villa hermosa depart Tustla /arrival VillaHermosa depart Tuxtla Expedia was impossible to reach to change so we could leave from Tuxtla. It is a 7 hour trip including getting to the bus station to
leave from VillaHermosa.
— Review left February 9, 2025
Diving into, and driving through, Chiapas' Civilizations was a fantastic journey! Our guides were attentive, knowledgeable, and fun to interact with. Accomodations and food were superb. There is so much more to Mexico than sun-tanning on a beach, surrounded by fellow tourists - this trip revealed many insights into the true Mexico.
— Review left February 5, 2025
We had a most interesting and educational trip. Excellent itinerary in an area not on the usual tourist route. Our local expert and tour leaders were helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this trip.
— Review left February 1, 2024
This was a wonderful trip with good Road Scholar companions and 3 wonderful guides. We learned a great deal and had a very good time. If you go, do take bug repellent and if you have them, bug repellent clothing.
— Review left December 26, 2023
This is a fabulous program! Chiapas is such a wonderful place with amazing archaeological sites, beautiful people and gorgeous scenery. The educational content was great. The program staff were wonderful. I cannot recommend this program enough.
— Review left February 6, 2023
This is a deep dive into the archeology, traditions, customs & religions of Chiapis' indigenous people. Visits to historical sites, museums, town centers/churches and ecological, agricultural & artisanal places provide a comprehensive, in person, overview of Mexico's indigenous peoples and the 'values' they live by. Participants will appreciate the strength and persistence with which Chiapis' indigenous people have protected, and continue to protect, their cultural & religious values over time -- an amazing feat in this time of globalization.
— Review left February 2, 2023
I do not have enough superlatives to use about the quality of this trip, its guides, our accommodations, and our cuisine. It was the best of all of our RS trips. The program was flawlessly executed by not one, not two, but three great leaders. Arturo orchestrated a masterful daily schedule and was accommodating when our group asked to spend more time at the Palenque ruins. Luis was simply outstanding in sharing his expertise about Mayans, past and present. He knew when to prepare us and when to let us rest on the bus trips. He was 100% involved with our group on site. Lectures were good, but nothing compared with what Luis shared with us. Last of all, we were so lucky to have Roberto with us as well. No one could have been more caring and compassionate about our every need. He made sure we always had water and best of all, guided and protected us as we made our way down skinny sidewalks and busy street crossings. He made certain that no one ever felt unclear about where we were and often personally escorted us home in small groups after dinner. Our hotels were varied, but always good, and the food simply good better and better as we proceeded. The overall quality of this trip which we will recommend to all of our friends resulted from the very fine coordination of our three masterful leaders.
— Review left February 13, 2020
This program provides a wonderful overview into the history and culture of the Maya, both past and present. Beautiful landscapes, fascinating archaeology, and unique customs are encountered. One experiences insights into a world most of us have never seen and yet another reminder of the wonderful diversity that Mexico has to offer.
— Review left February 7, 2020
I'm not going to give a star rating for this program, which many participants seemed to enjoy very much, because it quickly became apparent that I was not well suited to it, due of the hot, humid tropical climate, the altitude and my own level of interest in the itinerary. Take the Activity Level indicator seriously. This was my 7th RS program, and I was rather shocked at how not-up-to-it I was. Also, I contracted an unpleasant bug and missed most of the activities the last two days. (Four others of our 18 also got bugs at some point through the trip.) That being said, there are certainly things I will never forget (some positive!): The interior of the church of San Juan Chumula; Palenque temples (from the ground looking up); the very pleasant town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. Some not so positive: the need to reroute our transfer from Palenque to San Cristobal because of highway gangs robbing tourist buses, which resulted in a nine hour bus ride (necessary, and we arrived safe, but l-o-n-g). This is a new program with some things needing refinement, but the staff, Arturo, Luis and Roberto, who were all great, are working on it. Just don't expect it to be the easiest tour you've done.
— Review left February 4, 2020
The program was overall very interesting and certainly well-organized; we were provided with adequate Bed, fed and led. I am well-traveled and at 82, it was just a little beyond my capacity. I was tired at times. K wanted a little more of the archeological experience, but overall the program gave a very good educational experience and a variety of those experiences.
— Review left February 3, 2020
A good program and great way to get to Palenque and other locations. New program and there are some kinks to get out, needs more time at Palenque and less arts and crafts and small museums.
— Review left February 1, 2020
I strongly recommend this tour because of the richness of the experience and the quality of the leadership.
— Review left January 29, 2020
Organized trips to Chiapas are difficult to find, so I was thrilled when I discovered the Geronimo/Road Scholar trips first offered in 2019. It was all I had hoped for and more. Visiting Tabasco and Chiapas were a remarkable glimpse into another world. The ancient Maya sites of Palenque and Comalcalco ( the only Maya site made of bricks)revealed an incredibly rich and sophisticated culture. Contemporary Mayas were equally fascinating. We respectfully witnessed traditional sacred rituals and had many opportunities to interact with indigenous people through art, music and markets. I was also very excited to visit a cafe and store in San Cristobal that benefits the Zapatista movement caracols ( villages where indigenous people control their own destiny). The natural history and scenic beauty of Chiapas were an unexpected bonus. There were beautiful waterfalls, caves, canyons, and the misty pine forests of the highlands. Hearing howler monkeys and spotting an enormous crocodile sunning itself on a river bank in Sumidero canyon were highlights for me!
This trip is designated as "Let's go" and indeed it was. Bring good walking shoes and an active mindset.
Please keep in mind that Mexico is a developing country with a more relaxed pace of life. Visiting with an open mind and a willingness to be flexible and slow down will increase your enjoyment of this beautiful country. This is my 15th visit to to Mexico and as always, I was charmed by the warmth and kindness of the Mexican people. Viva Mexico!
— Review left January 8, 2020
This was an outstanding trip - the archaeological sites were fantastic examples of Maya and Olmec heritage, and Chiapas today remains as a thriving center of contemporary indigenous culture. Beautiful landscapes made the time in the bus worthwhile. Wonderful to wander among people speaking indigenous languages, and see traditional crafts like weaving, pottery and mask-making. If you go, remember you will be in two climate zones - the highlands are much cooler. Remember to bring a pair of long pants for visits to active churches in traditional communities. (read: no shorts!) For the December 2019 trip, several participants experienced problems with travel booked by Road Scholar Air Department - best if you double-check any suggested itineraries with Googleflights or another service. RS ignored several more- reasonable itineraries and booked people on very inconvenient returning flights due to miscommunication about availability of transfer to airport. Do your independent homework BEFORE you allow RS to book your tickets. (In December 2019, there were outbound flights to Mexico City from Tuxtla Gutierrez at both 6 am and 9:15 am, no need to wait around for 12:25 pm flight!)
— Review left December 18, 2019
My education was heavily Eurocentric, so I'm grateful for the opportunity this program provided to learn about the amazing New World.
— Review left December 14, 2019
This is a fantastic chance to see archeological sites, experience indigenous Mayan cultures, taste fabulous chocolate, enjoy gorgeous scenery including waterfalls and canyons and spend time in Mexican colonial cities. The area appears to be very safe and we walked around freely after dark. Bring along clothing for varying weather -- it can be in the 90s in Villahermosa and then get down to the 40s in San Cristobal. Several of us had airfare issues -- yes you can leave early on the final day-- so be sure to check into that option.
— Review left December 14, 2019
This is an excellent program to a fascinating part of Mexico. It is a well run program with outstanding staff. It complements the other Road’s Scholar trips in Mexico. It was so different from other regions in the country.
— Review left December 12, 2019