A network of community-guided trails radiates from the Lacandon Maya settlement of Lacanjá Chansayab through primary and secondary rainforest, linking a chain of jungle waterfalls, including the Cascadas Las Golondrinas and Cascada Bulushaha, and, on longer routes, reaching the unrestored outlying ruins connected to Bonampak. Hiking here requires hiring a Lacandon guide from the community, arranged directly in the village for roughly 300-600 MXN (approx USD 18-35) per day depending on the route length, both because the trails are unmarked and because they cross private community land. Overnight camping or cabaña stays in Lacanjá extend the possible routes to full-day jungle circuits with river crossings and swimming stops at several of the waterfalls. Howler and spider monkeys, toucans and, rarely, tapir tracks are among the wildlife signs reported along the longer routes.
Lacanjá Chansayab is reached by unpaved road from the Bonampak turnoff on the Carretera Fronteriza, typically by private vehicle or a hired ride from Palenque or Bonampak, with parking at the village and no formal park permit, though hiring a Lacandon guide from the community is mandatory since the trails cross private community land. Routes range from 4 km to 15 km depending on what is negotiated with the guide, on unmarked, often muddy jungle paths through primary and secondary rainforest with frequent stream crossings and limited canopy shade at river crossings. The main landmarks are a chain of jungle waterfalls, including the Cascadas Las Golondrinas and Cascada Bulushaha, which double as swimming stops and natural turn-around points on shorter routes, while longer circuits push toward unrestored outlying ruins connected to Bonampak. Overnight camping or cabaña stays in the village extend the possible routes into full-day circuits; there is no potable water source beyond the streams themselves, and shelter is limited to the village's cabañas.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Lacanjá Chansayab, Lacandon community territory, Municipio de Ocosingo
- Best season
- January to April, the driest window for river crossings and trail conditions
What to bring
- Quick-dry clothing and river shoes for the stream crossings
- Strong insect repellent and a head net if sensitive to biting insects
- Cash in pesos for the mandatory community guide fee
- Overnight gear if planning a multi-day circuit and staying in Lacanjá cabañas
- A dry bag for cameras and phones at the waterfall swimming stops
Location
Lacanjá Chansayab, Selva Lacandona, 29950 Ocosingo, Chiapas, Mexico
16.7667, -91.0667 View on map
Highlights
- Cascadas Las Golondrinas and Cascada Bulushaha waterfalls
- Guided access to unrestored ruins connected to Bonampak
- Primary and secondary Lacandon rainforest
- River crossings and swimming stops along longer circuits
- Wildlife including howler and spider monkeys and toucans
Tips for visiting
- Hire a Lacandon guide directly in the village; it is mandatory and typically costs 300-600 MXN per day
- Pack quick-dry clothing and river shoes for the stream crossings
- Use strong insect repellent and consider a head net in the humid forest
- Visit January to April for the driest trail and river-crossing conditions
- Arrange overnight cabaña stays in Lacanjá in advance for full-day or multi-day circuits
When to visit
January to April is the driest window for river crossings and trail conditions; early morning starts avoid the worst midday heat and humidity.
Accessibility
The trails are unmarked jungle paths with river crossings and are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is a guide required?
Yes, hiring a Lacandon guide from the community is required both because the trails are unmarked and because they cross private community land.
How much does a guide cost?
Guides typically cost roughly 300-600 MXN (approx USD 18-35) per day depending on the route length.
Can visitors reach ruins connected to Bonampak from Lacanjá?
Yes, longer routes reach unrestored outlying ruins connected to Bonampak, though these require a guide and a full-day commitment.