🌿 Planning a visit to the Lacandon Jungle, but don’t want the tour… then don’t miss our how-to-guide and contact details for the best local to help you plan your trip!
Finding up-to-date information on the Lacandon Jungle, and choosing the best tour can be challenging given the remote nature of this special place. We visited on a whim after it was recommended by fellow travellers we met on the road, and trust me you want to plan your visit to the Lacandon Jungle really WELL! There are several moving parts, and connecting the dots can be tricky, but with the right information you can do it yourself.
This post is going to set you up with all the details you need, in order to plan the most unforgettable journey. We’ll even throw in the name and phone number of our local guide Victor. So read on for everything you need to know about how to visit the Lacandon Jungle!
Below we’ll cover the details on public transport, accommodation options, including how to camp for a truly unforgettable visit. We explain how much everything costs, what activities are available, we tell you about the Bonampak ruins and the unique frescoes you can’t miss. And we’ll show you stunning photos of the Lacandon Jungle so that you’ll have no choice but to say… I’m doing it!
The Lacandon Jungle is nothing short of extraordinary, and there’s some magic history to the area. You will not regret this trip… so what are you waiting for… read on for ALL the inspiration and more!
Also Read: Our guide to Yaxchilán & Bonampak
Table of Contents
The Lacandon Jungle
I’ll start by emphasising that the Lacandon Jungle, or Selva in Spanish, is a magical place with a special energy. As such I write this blog with a fierce caution to all visitors. The people of the Lacandon have till now maintained their customs and culture by avoiding modern influence and western practices. As such I urge everyone who visits to go not as a tourist, but a traveller… with the deepest of respect and gentlest of step.
The Lacandon is a vast jungle divided by the Usumacinta River, and shared with Guatemala. In the southeast corner of the state of Chiapas, is the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is positioned at the heart of Mexico’s Lacandon rainforest and has to be seen to be believed.
The Montes Azules Reserve covers 331,200 hectares and is home to approximately 1,500 tree species. It also has 33% of all Mexico’s bird species, 25% of their animal species, 56% of diurnal butterflies and 16% of fish species.
This special piece of Mexican rainforest is abundant in terms of bio diverse ecosystems… but also ruins!
Two seperate and unique archeological ruins are hidden away here… you guessed it… Yaxchilan ruins and Bonampak ruins. As well as being shrouded in dense, untouched jungle, this area is also home to an indigenous group known as the Lacandon people.
* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!
The Indigenous Lacandon People
The Lacandon or Hach Winik meaning True People, are of Maya decent. They are said to have arrived in the Lacandon from lowland tribes, taking refuge from Spanish control. Ultimately the dense jungle became their home, enabling them to hold tight to traditional customs and cultural identity.
Remarkably, the Lancandon people eluded contact with outside influences until late in the 18th century. As threats neared, they retreated further into the jungle, in order to continue their independent way of life. Sadly this meant, some of their jungle homeland was used for logging and other purposes. But it was during the 1970’s through to the 90’s, that maintaining traditions and cultural identity became a great deal more challenging for the Lacandon.
Today there are around 700 Lacandon still inhabiting their ancestral home. Many still use the land by rotating small crops, practicing and teaching the medicinal properties of their forest.
These days the Lacandon also benefit from tourism. They have opened their jungle doors for travellers to take a peek inside. Visitors can support by booking things like accommodation, rafting experiences and jungle walks within the reserve. Consequently we recommend you choose a tour wisely, as this ensures the best outcome for the Lacandon people in terms of sustaining cultural identity and traditions.
Map of Destinations in the Lacandon Jungle
Guided Tours to the Lacandon Jungle
If you prefer a fully guided tour, check out Get Your Guide for a handful of options. This is suited to travellers who have limited time and those who prefer the easier option. However if you want an unforgettable experience, one where you’re semi independent, and one that gives you some free time to just be in the jungle, then carry on reading!
🌟 Carry on to the end of the post to find out how to hook up with our friend Victor! I make no affiliate earnings by recommending him. I simply want to help him and his community by supporting and spreading the word of his guided tours.
Getting to the Lacandon Jungle
Public transport is available in Palenque for those intrepid travellers who prefer the do-it-yourself method. Rides start at 5.00am, it costs 150 MXN pesos and the journey takes three hours from Palenque to Frontera Corozal. We have marked the pick up location on the map above.
The drop off point for the Lacandon Jungle is at San Javier, 2½ hours from Palenque. It’s a good idea to let the driver know your destination, as you leave Palenque.
I recommend reading our post on how to visit Yaxchilán and Bonampak for more detailed information, as I explain our recommended itinerary for visiting the area.
Things to Do in the Lacandon Jungle
Planning a visit to both Yaxchilan and Bonampak Ruins is at the top of this list. And we recommend allowing at least two days to do this. This way you get to enjoy them at your own pace, without feeling like you’ve spent more time driving than seeing the sites. Also by splitting them over several days you get the opportunity to enjoy the Lacandon Jungle and the company of the people that live within it. With the added bonus of knowing that the money you are spending is going back into the local community.
The jungle has so much to offer and with numerous local guides providing jungle walks, it’s pretty easy to find something that suits you. Each guide has their own set of trails, with the jungle hiding some epic cenotes, waterfalls and hidden ruins for you to explore. They can cater for people of all ages and fitness levels, from full and multi day hikes, to early morning or afternoons walks.
As the guides have grown up in the forest, they are a wealth of knowledge on the local flora and fauna. Including medicinal properties and usage, which they are only too happy to share.
For those who are looking for a little more adventure, then check out some of the rafting activities on offer. With half day, whole day and multi day trips for you to choose from. Alternatively, if you just want to relax, then there are many places where you can find a quiet place to sit quietly and meditate, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Bonampak Ruins
My guide here will share the need-to-know information on the Bonampak Ruins. For the full guide on how to visit, how to navigate the ruins, the history and what makes Bonampak truly special then you MUST read my other post linked below – look for the arrow!
It takes 30 to 40 minutes by car to get to Bonampak ruins from the main road at San Javier, and it’s important to note that you must visit with a local Lacandon guide.
- The entrance to the Lacandon Jungle and Bonampak, is at San Javier, on the main road SH 307 between Palenque and Frontera Corozal.
- At this point you pay the entrance to the Lacandon Jungle, 40 MXN per person at the small shed.
- The Bonampak ruins timings are from Monday to Sunday, 8am to 4.30pm.
- Entrance to the Bonampak Ruins costs 80 MXN per person.
- Optional – guide costs 150 MXN per person (group number depending).
Why Visit the Bonampak Ruins
The Bonampak ruins were kept secret by the Lacandon people until 1946, making these ruins some of the most unique in all of Mexico. Unlike the busy Chichen Itza and Ek Balam ruins in the Yucatan, or the nearby Palenque ruins, a visit to Bonampak feels exclusive. There are no crowds, getting there takes more effort than normal and the grounds and structures aren’t quite as polished for all the tourists.
Also, and probably most significantly, Bonampak is known for its frescoes. One structure with three small chambers positioned side by side half way up the Acropolis stairs, features detailed paintings depicting historical Mayan events. We explain this in more detail in our guide linked above.
It is because of these murals, the lack of tourists and the location, that these archaeological ruins are among my favourite in Mexico.
Hikes & Waterfalls
If you are visiting the Lacandon jungle then without fail you must take a tour through it! There are a couple of trail options available and it’s best you discuss this with our recommended guide. Choose from a two hour guided walk, or a four hour trail depending on the length of time you have available and how much you want to see.
The guide will show you medicinal plants used traditionally by the Lacandon people. He’ll point out unique butterflies, bugs, birds and other local animals, while identifying the bird call through the jungle. We had the pleasure of spotting a toucan flying high through the trees. You’ll learn about the incredible La Ceiba tree and its significance to the local people. These walks are truly enlightening, and hands on, so that even the children will get excited for it.
Corcho Negro and Cenote costs 200 MXN per person includes a local guide (2 hours) – This easy return trail is perfect if you are travelling with kids and don’t want a long walk. Visit a spectacular waterfall, then take a swim in the cenote before making the return trip.
Las Golondrinas Waterfall and Lacanja Ruins costs 280 MXN per person includes a guide (4 hours) – This longer walk is best enjoyed at the beginning of the day so that you can enjoy the birdsong. It’s perfect for the nature lover who just can’t get enough! Enjoy a beautiful waterfall and the rustic Lacanja ruins.
Adventure Rafting
Unfortunately we didn’t get the opportunity to go adventure rafting, but should YOU get the chance we say DO it! The rapids look super fun, and the team organise everything for you from life jackets to transport. What better way to see the jungle, than from the river!
The short rafting trips costs 2,400 MXN for 1 to 3 people – Included is a swim in the natural pools and waterfalls.
The long rafting trips costs 2,700 MXN for 1 to 3 people – Included in the trip is a jungle tour and visit to the Lacanja ruins.
Where to Stay & the Best Guide for the Lacandon Jungle
If you’re planning on staying a night or two in the Lacandon Jungle then the best place to stay is here 👆
This special little spot is called the Campamento Lacandones. We discovered it after meeting up with a fellow traveller, who ditched her tour to stay longer in the jungle. It was thanks to her recommendation that we connected with Victor the local guide and organised everything with him.
There are several accommodation options between San Javier and Bonampak, ranging in options between campsites and bungalows. All of which I believe are managed by the local Lacandones. But if you decide to choose Campamento Lacandones as we did, you can avoid a tour and communicate directly with our friend to arrange your stay and a pick up from San Javier if you require one. Read below for all the details.
Tour Guide: Victor Chambor of the Lacandon Jungle
Okay now here is the most invaluable piece of information in this post. Fortunately in stumbling across this blog you have found yourself details to one of the very best guides to the Lacandon Jungle. Our friend Victor!
🤙 Get in touch with our friend and guide Victor Chambor at the Campamento Lacandones, WhatsApp him on +52 916 110 6904.
I would like to point out that I do not make any affiliate earnings from Victor. I believe wholeheartedly in supporting local business owners and sustainable eco-tourism, and for this reason I share his website and WhatsApp number in order to support his work. And hey it doesn’t get much more authentic than Victor. He is a genuine person, and extremely knowledgable on the Lacandon Jungle and everything within it. I will add that he doesn’t speak a lot of English, so it will be helpful if you can brush up on your Spanish before you visit!
If you do the jungle walk with Victor you’ll start from his home, you’ll possibly meet his family and you’ll have the opportunity to look at the beautiful jewellery his family makes with jungle seeds. I recommend supporting the locals as much as you can by purchasing their handiwork. We are budget travellers, but always buy crafts directly from the locals when we travel. Times are challenging following a difficult period with Cartel occupation in the Chiapas region. So the people of the Lacandon will appreciate your support! Things are more settled now, but check with Victor and he will advise any updates as necessary.
Accommodation & Facilities at the Campamento
At the Campamento, you have the option of bungalows and tents. I share photos of the bungalows above, but as I said we chose to camp in tents on the edge of the Rio Lacanja. Victor provided the tents and sleeping bags so all we needed to do was turn up with some torches and bug spray.
Conveniently there is a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The shower and bathroom block is clean and tidy. There is also some wifi onsite which comes in handy as there is little to no phone reception in the area. Basically I can’t recommend this experience enough!
On a side note, we left our luggage in storage in Palenque with our AirBnb host. This meant that we could travel into Yaxchilán, Bonampak and the Lacandon Jungle by colectivo, without excess weight and stress.
The Costs of Visiting the Lacandon Jungle
Below is a table of the prices associated with visiting the Lacandon Jungle. If you want to include a visit to the Yaxchilàn ruins, then check our other guide right here! We also recommend double checking these prices with Victor as we find prices change often.
| Colectivo Frontera Corozal to San Javier | 70 MXN pp |
| Entry to Lacandon National Park | 40 MXN pp |
| Taxi San Javier to accommodation | 50 MXN pp |
| Taxi to Bonampak (& return) | 150 MXN pp |
| Entry to Bonampak | 80 MXN pp |
| Guided jungle walk | 200/280 MXN pp |
| Colectivo Palenque to Frontera Corozal | 150 MXN pp |
| Colectivo San Javier to Palenque | 140 MXN pp |
| Accommodation – Campsite | check website |
| Accommodation – Bungalows | check website |
Video Highlights of the Lacandon Jungle
Check out our video on the area… we aren’t YouTubers, but like creating little videos to help our readers get a visual sense of a place!
More on Palenque
So there we have it friends! Our guide to the Lacandon Jungle complete… do get in touch if you feel that we’ve missed anything or information needs updating.
Don’t miss our extended series of guides for the Palenque area of Mexico. We had a super fun time exploring the area and documenting our travels as we went.
More Awesome Guides to Palenque:
🗺️ Get our self-guided tour and map to the Palenque ruins
💦 How to visit Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls in one day
💧 How to visit Roberto Barrios waterfalls from Palenque
🐒 Things to know before you visit Aluxes Ecopark near Palenque
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