The San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of these indigenous communities in the Chiapas region of Mexico. Priced at $65 per person, this 5-hour guided tour promises a captivating experience, from exploring the blending of Mayan and Catholic traditions at the Church of San Juan Bautista to witnessing the intricate textile handicrafts of Zinacantan. With round-trip transportation and a mini lunch included, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of these vibrant cultures. What more can one expect to discover on this intriguing journey?

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Key Points

Explore the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, experiencing their unique Mayan and Catholic customs.
Visit the Church of San Juan Bautista, where ancient Mayan beliefs and Catholic traditions coexist.
Observe the intricate textile handicrafts created by local weaver women in Zinacantan.
Learn about the Tzotzil people’s ancient traditions and immerse in their rich cultural heritage.
Tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, local community visit, and a mini lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour offers a 5-hour tour that takes visitors to explore the indigenous communities. Priced from $65.00 per person, the tour limits its group size to 14 participants and provides transportation from San Cristobal hotels.

Offered in English and Spanish, the tour highlights include visiting the Church of San Juan Bautista, experiencing the blend of Mayan and Catholic customs, and observing textile handicrafts.

Inclusions cover round-trip transportation, entrance fees, a local community visit, and a mini lunch. Visitors should prepare with comfortable shoes and respect local customs when taking photos.

Looking for more options in Chiapas? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the main highlights of the San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour is the exploration of the indigenous communities themselves.

Visitors can experience the blend of ancient Mayan beliefs and Catholic customs at the Church of San Juan Bautista, admiring its unique façade and altars.

In Zinacantan, the tour includes a visit to the Church of San Lorenzo to observe the textile handicrafts created by local weaver women.

Throughout the tour, participants learn about the Tzotzil people’s ancient customs and traditions, seeing the rich cultural heritage of these indigenous communities.

Exploring San Juan Chamula

As visitors enter the indigenous village of San Juan Chamula, they’ll immediately notice the unique architecture and religious practices that set it apart.

The Church of San Juan Bautista, with its distinctive façade and intricate altars, is a central focus. Inside, visitors can observe:

The Church of San Juan Bautista, with its distinctive façade and intricate altars, is a central focus. Inside, visitors can observe the unique religious practices.

A blend of ancient Mayan beliefs and Catholic customs, such as the use of candles, flowers, and incense during rituals.
The use of specialized costumes and rituals by local shamans, or curanderos, who perform ceremonies to heal ailments and connect with the spiritual world.
The absence of traditional pews, replaced by the custom of worshippers kneeling on the floor, creating a unique atmosphere of reverence and connection.

Visiting the Church of San Juan Bautista

When visitors step through the ornate entryway of the Church of San Juan Bautista, they’re immediately captivated by the space’s unique blend of ancient Mayan and Catholic influences.

Thousands of candles flicker on the floor, while wooden pews are replaced by clusters of people kneeling on the ground. The altar features a striking combination of Catholic statues and Mayan ritual objects.

Visitors must remove their shoes before entering, out of respect for the sacred nature of the space. The church offers a glimpse into the coexistence of traditional beliefs and the Catholic faith within the local Tzotzil community.

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Experiencing the Blend of Mayan and Catholic Customs

Beyond the ornate entryway of the Church of San Juan Bautista, visitors enjoy the captivating blend of ancient Mayan and Catholic customs.

Visitors enjoy the captivating blend of ancient Mayan and Catholic customs beyond the ornate entryway of the Church of San Juan Bautista.

This unique fusion is evident in the following:

The use of incense, candles, and rituals honoring both Mayan deities and Catholic saints.
The presence of live chickens, eggs, and other offerings used in traditional Mayan ceremonies.
The intricate textile crafts and traditional dress of the local Tzotzil people, reflecting their enduring cultural heritage.

This intermingling of beliefs and practices creates a profound and thought-provoking experience for those exploring the indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan.

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Discovering Zinacantan

After exploring the Church of San Juan Bautista, the tour moves on to the neighboring village of Zinacantan. Here, visitors have the opportunity to witness the local women’s textile handicrafts and learn about the Tzotzil people’s ancient customs.

| Product | Price |

| — | — |

| Hand-woven Textiles | $10-$50 |

| Embroidered Blouses | $15-$30 |

| Wooden Carvings | $5-$20 |

| Handmade Pottery | $8-$25 |

The tour includes a visit to the Church of San Lorenzo, where the group can observe the weaving demonstrations and perhaps purchase some locally-made souvenirs before continuing the journey.

Observing Textile Handicrafts

Visitors to Zinacantan are greeted by the vibrant textile handicrafts created by the local weaver women. These skilled artisans showcase their intricate weaving techniques, producing a wide range of products, including:

Shawls and scarves in vibrant colors and patterns
Vibrant woven bags and baskets
Beautifully embroidered blouses and dresses

The tour includes a visit to the Church of San Lorenzo, where visitors can observe the women at work and learn about the significance of these textiles in Tzotzil culture.

The opportunity to interact with the artisans and purchase their handmade creations adds a unique and memorable aspect to the Zinacantan experience.

Important Information and Customer Feedback

The tour has important information for participants to be aware of.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and customers can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses and a hat, and carry a camera.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Visitors must respect local customs and ask permission before taking photos.

Based on 6 reviews, the tour has a 3/5 overall rating, with some customers finding aspects inappropriate or the experience impacted by tourist crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Churches?

Taking photographs inside the churches may not be allowed. Visitors should ask permission before taking any photos out of respect for local customs and practices. Failure to do so could disrupt the sacred space and local community.

Is It Safe to Wander in the Villages Alone?

It’s generally not recommended to wander alone in the villages, as visitors should respect local customs and potential safety concerns. The guided tour is the safest option, providing an opportunity to explore the communities responsibly under the supervision of a local guide.

How Much Cash Should I Carry for the Tour?

The tour includes a local liquor and mini lunch, so you’ll likely only need some cash for optional tips. The tour price covers round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a live guide, so extra spending money isn’t essential.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs From the Local Vendors?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs from the local vendors during the tour. The tour includes a visit to Zinacantan where participants can browse and buy textiles, handicrafts, and other local products directly from the artisans.

Are There Any Special Dress Requirements for the Tour?

The tour recommends wearing comfortable shoes and modest, respectful clothing. Visitors should avoid tank tops, shorts, and revealing attire as it may be seen as disrespectful in the indigenous communities. It’s best to cover up and dress conservatively for the tour.

The Sum Up

The San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour offers a captivating 5-hour experience that immerses travelers in the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities in Chiapas. Priced at $65.00 per person, the guided tour includes visits to the unique Church of San Juan Bautista, where ancient Mayan and Catholic traditions blend, and the chance to witness local artisans creating intricate textiles in Zinacantan, all while enjoying round-trip transportation and a mini lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here: