Day Trip to Agua Azul Waterfalls and Palenque from San Cristobal

It was such a fun day. We were the first ones picked up and the trip started around 3:30 am and we didn't get back until about 11pm (it was a long day). Luckily, the van was fairly comfortable and we ended up sleeping a lot during the drive. The road through the mountains is very windy so make sure you take some dramamine if you have motion sickness issues. David the driver was really great. he didn't speak english, but we really didn't expect him to. He still tried to help us out the best he could. all three locations were really great. We didn't end up swimming at Misol Ha because we were only there for about 45 minutes, so it would've been nice to spend a little more time there. Palenque was the final stop and we spent about 2 hours there. Plenty if you don't do a guided tour (optional) but we did an english guided tour and we felt a bit rushed towards the end. On a side note, the English-speaking guide, Carlos, was really great and knowledgeable. Showed us the ruins buried in the jungle and we even saw Howler monkeys! If you do this, make sure you take some snacks. Apart from a stop at a cafe for breakfast, we really didn't make another meal stop. But, tbf, the bus voted on whether or not we would stop to eat. I'm glad we didn't stop before palenque since we were already a little rushed as is. the bus voted to stop at a gas station with a few food vendors out front for our final stop and then the last leg of our trip was a non-stop 5.5 hour drive back to San Cristobal. Just a heads up, there is a hotel in Palenque and you can choose to stay there and find another way back if you don't want to have such a long day. there was one couple on our bus that did that, and honestly, I kinda wished we did too. Overall, for the price especially, we would recommend. Everyone was really nice and helpful.

The start of the trip was great. We had a punctual and pleasant driver. We felt safe with him. It was a huge day, which we knew in advance. The sites were amazing. We had just the right amount of time for each site What ruined it for us was the trip home. We thought we would just sleep, but a little way into the trip home, we picked up a number of people that were definitely NOT part of the tour! So we were packed in like sardines! I’ve had more leg room and private space in an economy budget airline! Impossible to sleep. And everyone was hot and sweaty. It was cooler outside than inside the van

Great trip. All in Spanish but someone kindly interpreted. Prompt pick up. Breakfast stop efficient. Bumpy roads but so worth it. I was dropped off at Palenque and jumped straight into a swimming pool to cool off. Would recommend. Prompt pickup so be up and ready to go. I took swimming stuff but didn't go in.

Use Viator They were outstanding in all ways. They were on time. They were very concerned with how we were enjoying or not enjoying what where we were or knowledge of San Francisco was over the top vehicles were top notch can’t say enough about how well they took care of us on the days that they picked us up

I did this very long day trip as a one-way, staying in Palenque instead of going back to San Cristobal. I booked with Jalapeño who are cheaper than some other agents. I had booked a different day tour through my hotel and paid more and it was still Otisa travel (which is Jalapeño’s other name) who operated the tour so I think it is better to go to them directly. Everything ran smoothly and on time. Our driver did a good job of staying ahead of the herd of tour buses so we got shady parking and quieter times for photos. Contrary to what Lonely planet says, you should swim in Agua Azul (not Misol-Ha), which has lots of lovely swimming spots as well and plenty food vendors and shops and we had 2 hours here. Misol Ha was a shorter stop for photos. In Palenque, our bus hired a guide. Palenque is a beautiful site. Although it was a long day it was worth the effort. We did not eat until after Palenque - tell your driver if you want to eat beforehand. I think there was a communication breakdown as we would have preferred to eat before. I am glad I did not have to drive back.

The 5 hours we spent at Palenque, Misol-ha and Agua Azul were absolutely incredible. The natural beauty and history is stunning. It was well worth paying extra for a guided tour of Palenque (only your entrance is included in this tour). These are 3 sights you have to see. However we spent 13 hours on a bus on a windy, bumpy road through the jungle. It was intense to say the least and we absolutely hated the travel, despite our driver’s best efforts. Some people were smart and travelled one way with an overnight stay in Palenque to break up their journey. I really wish we had done this because the bus journey was interminable. We left San Cristobal at 3.30am and only returned home around 9.30pm.

We enjoyed our tour and campanions . Lots of bumps and turns, but just have to be aware in case you don’t want to deal with it. We were fine. The views are beautiful. We got a guide in palenque for the history and jungle tour. The falls are beautiful. Really enjoyed our trip

A really long trip (from 3.30 am to 22.30) but absolutely worth, aqua Azul and Palenque are breathtaking!

The the pick up from San Cris was on time and the transportation was comfortable. While my Spanish isn’t great and the driver only spoke Spanish he didn’t go to any effort to ensure we understood basic information. Because of this I miss understood essential times and missed out on a few things at one location. I’ve done other Spanish only tours and the drivers / guides ensure everyone understands. While it’s not the company’s fault, the English speaking guides at Palenque aren’t worth it. They’re also more expensive because they cut a deal with the driver / tour company and can’t reduce their price. Make sure you pack snacks. Cascadas de Agua Azul has plenty of places to eat but it was too early in the day and by the time you reach Palenque you’ll be starving. Overall I thought the tour was pretty expensive and if you have time you’re better off booking a tour directly in San Cris.

The sightseeing was perfect. I loved Palenque. The captain(driver) was so kind, responsible. Satisfied. But i think it is necessary to improve the pick-up system . I just waited 43minutes outdoor, alone, from 3:30 AMto 4:13 AM. There wasn't any previous comment that will be late over 30 minutes. At least, the agency has to pass over the driver's phone number or make a more specific notice about pick-up time :(