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Mayan Route Gastronomy

Palenque Gastronomy

Comitán Gastronomy

San Cristóbal de las Casas Gastronomy

Rio Lacanja Camp

The Lacandon Jungle is one of the most representative places of Mexico's biological richness. In this magical and exclusive place is located the Lacanja River Camp, a natural site inhabited and cared for by the descendants of the Mayas, who still preserve their cultural traditions, faithful guardians of the vestiges of the Mayan Culture.   The Lacanjá River Camp offers lodging services with cabins on the banks of the river, meals in its restaurant, a visitor center, swimming area, handicrafts for sale and an interpretive trail. Here visitors can enjoy the spectacular archaeological site of Bonampak through the jungle and very close by, just 40 minutes away, is the community of Frontera Corozal, a town from which boats leave on the Usumacinta River to visit the archaeological site of Yaxchilán.

How to get?

Leaving from Palenque, you must first take federal highway 199 and then drive along the Frontera Sur highway, you will travel 132 km until you reach the San Javier junction and from this point, it is 8 km to the community of Lacanja Chansayab.

Lacanja Chansayab, Municipality of Ocosingo

Always open

For your comfort

• Lodging in cabins on the river bank
• Visitors Center
• Swimming area
• Sale of handicrafts
• Interpretive Trail

What to do?

• Guided walks to the Lacanjá jungle
• Visit to the Moctunihá Waterfalls.
• Visit to the ruins of Lacanjá.
• Rafting descent (rafting).
• Swimming area.

Contact for attention and reservations

967 631 7498

Doubts or suggestions:

Call us at 800 280 3500

Corpus Christi

Feast of Saint John the Baptist

Patronal fair of San Pedro

Feast of Saint Peter

Feast of Señor Santiago

Nearby places

Bonampak archaeological zone

Archaeological zone of Yaxchilán

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Campamento Río Lacanjá

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 65
• Very Good 21
• All languages ( 99 )
• Spanish ( 61 )
• English ( 26 )
• French ( 6 )

" Cabins 1 and 2 have the best views to the river but no private bathroom. There are other cabins with private bathroom "

" Cabins 11, 12 or 13 have integrated bathrooms. You pay a bit more, but it's worth it. "

" Reserve a cabin without an indoor toilet. They have a great view of the river. "

" Choose another hotel "

" The best cabins righti on the river bank tend not to have en-suite. The shared facilities are very clean and acceptable. "

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CAMPAMENTO RÍO LACANJÁ

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Welcome to the Jungle: Exploring Mexico’s Lacandón

Explore the lush, green jungle of Chiapas and step into the lore of the indigenous people who call it home.

Anyone who says Mexican time runs sloooow hasn’t walked with a Maya in the jungle.

Mariano must be 200 feet ahead already. I break my gaze away from the slick roots on the trail to see him weave through a clump of hanging vines, his sheathed machete strapped to the back of his white xikul tunic.

“He must be going three miles per hour,” says Spencer Millsap, a videographer I’m traveling with. I nod, figuring that’s fast. I’m thinking more about the last half of this six-hour hike—when we have to walk back in pitch dark.

Lacandón Rain Forest

The Lacandón rain forest spills across the Usumacinta River into Guatemala from Mexico ’s southernmost state, Chiapas, where about a quarter of the population is indigenous. Relatively few visitors to Mexico make it to Chiapas, and far fewer make it here, though there are gorgeous waterfalls, excellent Maya ruins, the occasional jaguar spotting, and eco-camps with the Lacandón people, a Maya group that now numbers fewer than 1,000.

When the Spanish first appeared, the Lacandón disappeared into the jungle and only reconnected with the outside world in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now the jungle is disappearing—only about 10 percent remains virgin—but local groups here in the town of Lacanjá are trying to curb deforestation. Tourism helps.

The road we’re taking is twisting, quiet, remote, and partly paved. We pass a buffet of greens in sudden vistas of wide valleys. Hand-painted signs before simple wood-plank homes and racks of peas drying in the sun read “ Zapatista” in support of the rebel group that stands for indigenous rights. On one curve, we slow for a small brown-and-black anteater, which crosses before us, then stands on its hind legs—front legs outstretched at its sides—to look back at us.

During the last half hour of the ride, I read a local brochure to my travelmates (Spencer, Sebastian, Enrique from Mexico City ’s Nomad Republic , and our lively driver, Serafino). It says of our next stop, “everything at Las Golondrinas is a party.” We laugh at the hyperbole.

Then we get there.

Jungle Trekking

A jungle trail to the waterfalls leads past bright flowers. We hear the roar before we reach it, then are rewarded with a wide, bright blue-green pool fed by a cascade. Towering above are mud and rock formations that look like hidden elephants. No one is here. “This is so Indiana Jones ,” one of us says. We follow a trail heading up through the jungle to the right and find a second, higher pool, set below towering trees.

It’s perfect, but how do we get there?

“You have to jump,” Enrique is saying, holding out his arms in a circle the size of a manhole cover. “But you have to land in a hole this big.”

Swimmers enjoy the water at Las Golondrinas.

A man stands under the falling water at Las Golondrinas in Chiapas, Mexico.

We agree on an alternative: climbing straight down the 25-foot steep bank of shrubs, plants, and loose dirt. It looks a little sketchy. Sebastian, Enrique, and Serafino go first. Then Spencer, ever selfless, goes down holding an underwater camera. He tumbles the last few feet, making a splash and reappearing with a scrape across his chest. (The man works hard, so be sure to watch his great video.)

Somehow I follow more successfully, and we swim upstream, over a fallen log, to reach the pool below the crash of falls. We’re cradled in jungle, in a bright blue pool—the best swimming hole I’ve ever seen.

Writer Robert Reid hikes up to a set of ruins at the Mayan site of Yaxchilán.

A couple of hours later, we meet Mariano, our Lancadón host in Lacanjá Chansayab, the small village we’re staying in for a few days. He's not much more than five feet tall, stocky in his traditional white tunic, with long hair pulled back into a ponytail. "Look," he says proudly of his arcing forehead and sharply defined nose. "My profile. Just like you see at the ruins."

He joins us on a boat trip to reach the Maya site of Yaxchilán , one of my favorites from previous visits. We eat veggie tacos as our driver spins around to show us crocodiles on the banks. Howler monkeys groan from treetops on either side of the Usumacinta, along the Guatemala border.

At Yaxchilán, we pass one temple’s dark tunnels, where fruit bats huddle and squeak above us, to reach the wide shaded plaza where hundred-foot-tall trees share space with temples well over a thousand years old. On the ride back, we stop at a Guatemala border town for a celebratory Gallo beer. No passport required.

Mariano, who learned to hunt by bow and arrow as a kid in the ‘70s, leads us through the jungle, over root-laced trails—and occasionally off them. We pass over a series of log bridges and ford one river by foot.

I quickly see how overpacked I am for the jungle. Sebastian and Enrique, grown-up city boys with gusto, are gamely walking barefoot with just a small bottle of water. My bag, meanwhile, is filled with four waters, some chocolate cookies, a few hard-boiled eggs, some electrolyte powder, and a rain jacket I wouldn’t need. Then, in the first 15 minutes, my strap broke.

Colorful artwork has been preserved inside one of three main chamber rooms at the Bonampak ruins.

But it’s a fun walk. After two and a half hours—at Mariano’s brisk pace—we reach his camp at a shady crest above a reed-filled lagoon just as dusk approaches. Crocodiles are out of sight on the muddy beach below. Nearby is the start to a new home Mariano is building with materials he hauls in on foot.

He pulls binoculars from his tiny bag and uses them to survey the water. He sees a few “spirit people” on the opposite bank, perhaps a quarter mile away. “Not everyone can see them,” he says.

I take this, and the binoculars, as a challenge and soon spot a shadowy figure. I can’t quite make it out. It could be a person, perhaps even a spirit. It seems still, though I sense something moving, like arms. As the sun sets, I watch the figure gradually fade into the background. And out of sight.

Traditional Lore

Mariano, a shaman’s son, has built a fire and mentions that a TV crew came to shoot a “how to survive the jungle” show once, but a few of the participants quit after getting infected by some ivy. “But it’s easy to survive here,” he insists.

To demonstrate, he chops off an arm-size branch of a bejuco , letting us sip the sweet running sap. He whittles the bark and boils cut-up pieces of the branch, soon producing a bubbling gold broth. “Jungle coffee,” he says. I have two cups’ worth. It’s delicious.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

It’s fully dark now. Above, stars are bright through the shadowy outline of treetops. I wonder when we’ll be starting back—and what sort of life will come out at night—but Mariano’s not ready to go yet.

He catches and hands over a sudden visitor. The cocuyo is a click beetle with fluorescent yellow-green lights that glow from its eyes like a penlight. Its head sharply clicks between three positions.

The thing you have to worry about here, Mariano says, are the aluxes, which are something like Maya leprechauns. They’re well-known, knee-high tricksters (as depicted in some Yaxchilán engravings). And if you’re not careful to ignore their misleading noises, you can get lost.

“I saw one near here,” says Mariano. “I thought it was an armadillo at first, but it made a human noise, then went invisible.” I ask what it looked like. “Hairy and nude,” he replies.

Mariano tells us more about spirit people, including one who transformed into a crocodile, and also about a friend who can become a jaguar. After a half hour, silence falls around the fire. “That’s the end of the story,” Mariano says.

And then we start walking back in the dark.

HOW TO DO THIS TRIP

Day trips from Palenque regularly visit the sites of Yaxchilán and Bonampak, famous for its brightly colored murals showing Maya ceremonies. I traveled with Mexico City-based Nomad Republic , which customize volunteer tours (with English-speaking guides) to indigenous communities.

It’s also possible to show up at Golondrinas Falls (the turnoff is at Nueva Palestina) as well as Lacanjá village and arrange overnight stays and activities, including white-water rafting, visits to ruins, and jungle hikes. If you don’t speak Spanish you will miss a lot.

Related Topics

• JUNGLE EXPLORATION
• BACKPACKING

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The Selva Lacandona is located in the southeast of Chiapas . It is a unique place for its natural beauty, Mayan culture, exuberant wildlife and humid jungle climate. This natural paradise is perfect for ecotourism and adventure tourism.

Explore the Lacandon Jungle with the Lacandones in Chiapas

The Lacandon Maya are an indigenous community that lives on the banks of the Lacantun River. On an almost virgin land, this community has settled down and is mainly dedicated to agriculture and, recently, to tourism.

What to do in the Selva Lacandona?

Explore the lacandon people.

To get to Bonampak, you have to pass through the indigenous community of Lacanjá, where the famous Lacandons live and where there are currently 22 camps. If you have the time, we highly recommend that you experience sleeping in the jungle in one of these camps.

It may seem too rustic or wild to spend the night in the jungle, but these camps are more like ecotourism centers and really do have all the amenities. What is different is living with this Mayan community, getting to know their dialect, traditional dress and other customs.

Moreover, these camps are very economical. We stay at the camp “Los Lacandones” which, in addition to being cheap, has hammocks and a view of the Lacanjá River. In fact, with the heat, there is nothing better than bathing in the river – a great place to connect with nature!

Lacandon Jungle Tours

Almost all camps offer guided tours to different points in the Lacandon Jungle. There are tours from 1 hour to 2 days. After visiting Bonampak in Mexico, you can go to Black Cork Falls, Las Golondrinas Falls and the Lost City, an archaeological site that has yet to be studied.

On these excursions, you will also have the chance to see wild animals of the Lacandon Jungle such as toucans, howler monkeys, tapirs and, with a little luck, even the scarlet macaw. The trails of the Selva Lacandona are very well marked and the landscapes you see are really impressive and beautiful, you will not be able to resist the urge to take a walk.

Extreme Trekking of Laguna Lacanjá

The most extreme trek is to Laguna Lacanjá, which is further into the jungle, 14 km from the community. The hike is a bit heavy and takes about 3 hours, but it is super interesting to see everything in the jungle. You can go and return the same day, or camp and return the next day.

We did the two day tour and that’s where we got to experience and learn the most from the Lacandons. Even though they are already extremely modernized, we could see that they still have their wild side, as they still hunt and can live off what nature itself provides.

When we reached the lagoon, we followed their footsteps and went to bathe in what they were fishing for what we were going to eat. But the feel of the sand was not at all pleasant and later we learned that there were crocodiles. They are supposed to do nothing, but if we had known, we would not have done it. We recommend you to be very careful when traveling in the Selva Lacandona, this kind of danger does not necessarily appeal to us, so ask the locals beforehand if everything is safe. 

When to go to the Selva Lacandona

Best weather : It is very hot all year round, but from November to February the weather is much better for visiting the Selva Lacandona. Rainy season : It usually rains from June to October. If you are planning to visit other destinations in Chiapas, it is best to avoid this season. High season : If you don’t like crowds, avoid visiting Chiapas during the vacations or during Easter.

How to get to the Selva Lacandona

It all depends on where you want to visit. The most convenient for any type of trip is to arrive at the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. You can stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán, or Chiapa de Corzo. All of these places are very close to Tuxtla, so you can get there by car or by public transportation.

There are buses from Palenque to the community of Lacanjá, ask at the market for the route that goes there.

Don’t forget that sometimes the cell phone signal is lost, so we recommend that you don’t rely on your GPS, but have a printed map handy in case of emergency! Anyway, the locals are very friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask !

Book your rental car in Mexico

Find the best rental car for your trip to Mexico through our partnerships with the best site to book your car: Discover Cars. They offer competitive rates because they search all the major car rental companies and find the best price.

Circuits in the Lacandon Jungle :

Cenote + Corcho Negro Waterfalls : $180 pesos (about 7,50€) per person – 1 hour

The Lost City + Las Golondrinas Waterfalls : $280 pesos (about 11.50€) per person – 2 hours

Lacanjá Lagoon + 2 previous tours : $580 pesos (about 23,50€) per person – 9 hours

Rafting + Lost City : $1000 pesos (about 40,50€) per person – Half day

• If you have time, we recommend that you experience sleeping in one of the 22 Lacandon camps and take a few tours in the Selva Lacandona.
• You should also bring a bathing suit. With the hiking and the heat, there is nothing more to do than to swim in the Lacanjá River.
• Use repellent, preferably biodegradable, if you don’t want to be eaten by mosquitoes.
• Bring plenty of cash because there are no ATMs and nowhere do they accept credit cards.

Accommodation

Cabins : In the town of Lacanjá there are 22 Lacandon camps. “Ya’ajche” has cabins from 300 pesos per night. We recommend “Los Lacandones” with cabins from 500 pesos per night, clean, economical and with a view of the river.

Camping : At “Los Lacandones” there is also a campground in front of the river, it costs 100 pesos per tent and includes bathrooms and showers.

Where to eat with the Lacandons

Each Lacandon camp has its own restaurant. At “Los Lacandones”, breakfast costs about 60 pesos and meals about 120 pesos. There is not much variety but you can eat well.

In the community of Lacanjá, there are also some local restaurants where you can eat for about 60 pesos.

Do you have questions about visiting the Selva Lacandona? Are you planning a trip? Write us a message! 

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Aventuras Chankin | Selva Lacandona

Sitios Arqueológicos, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Selva lacandona, Rafting, río Lacanja, Tours en Chiapas, ciudad perdida de Sak Tsi, Mayas Lacandones, Cascada del Corcho Negro, cenote, cascada de las golondrinas, transportación desde Palenque.

El Servicio Incluye:

• Transporte hasta el sitio Arqueológico
• Guia Certificado

* Este TOUR se hace desde la reserva de Bonampak. No incluye alimentos ni entrada a la zona arqueológica. Promoción valida a partir de 3 personas. **  El viaje es redondo.

• Transporte de la reserva a la frontera Corozal para tomar la lancha (viaje redondo).
• Lancha para cruzar a las ruinas.
• Entrada a la comunidad.
• Entrada al sitio arqueológico.

* Esta actividad se hace desde la reserva de Bonampak. No incluye alimentos. La contratación del guía es opcional. La Promoción de $420 pesos por persona es valida únicamente para grupos de 10 personas.

Ciudad Perdida de Lacanjá

• Entrada al sendero para llegar a la ciudad perdida.
• Parada a la cascada de las golondrinas.
• Guia para la caminata.
• Tiempo aproximado para el recorrido 5 hrs.

* Este TOUR se hace desde la reserva de Bonampak. No incluye alimentos. 

Ciudad Perdida de Sak Ts´i´

• Transporte de la reserva a la ciudad perdida de Sak Ts´i´(viaje redondo).

* Este TOUR se hace desde la reserva de Bonampak. No incluye alimentos. La contratación del guía es opcional. La Promoción de $300 pesos por persona es valida únicamente de 3 personas en adelante.

Rafting en el río Lacanja

• Un pequeño refrigerio.
• Guía para el descenso del río y caminata.

* Esta actividad se hace desde la reserva de Bonampak. No incluye alimentos. Se necesita de un minimo de  3 personas para realizar la actividad.

Campamentos en la selva

• Pago de acceso para la cascada del corcho negro y cenote natural.
• Guía de caminata para internarse en la selva.

* Esta actividad se hace desde la reserva de Bonampak. No incluye alimentos.

Caminatas Nocturnas en la Selva

• Pago del sendero para la cascada del corcho negro y cenote natural.
• Tiempo del recorrido 2 hrs y media.

Caminata Extrema a Laguna Lacanja

• Pago del sendero .
• Tiempo del recorrido 11 hrs .

Recorridos en la selva para Fotógrafos

• Tiempo del recorrido 2 hrs y media .

Cascada del Corcho Negro y Cenote Natural

• Pago de entrada al sendero de la cascada.
• Duración del recorrido 2 hrs ida y vuelta.

Cascada de las Golondrinas de Lacanja

• Pago del sendero para la cascada de las golondrinas.
• Caminata a la ciudad perdida de Lacanja
• Tiempo del recorrido 5 hrs ida y vuelta.

Cascada de las Golondrinas de Nueva Palestina

• Transportación a las cascadas (viaje redondo).
• Pago de entrada al centro ecoturistico.

* Esta actividad se hace desde la reserva de Bonampak. No incluye alimentos. 

Investigación de Flora y Fauna

• Pago de acceso al sendero de la selva.
• Tiempo del recorrido 5 hrs

Observación de Aves

• Tiempo del recorrido 3 hrs

La Reserva de Bonampak será el punto de inicio para todos los Tours que ofrece AVENTURAS CHANKIN . Para disfrutar todas las maravillas de la Selva Lacandona se recomienda hospedarse en nuestro Campamento Lacandones , contamos con Guías certificados, Cabañas, Agua caliente, Luz y Restaurante. Aqui le damos las indicaciones para planear su llegada a nuestro Hogar:

Nota: Una parte del ingreso que se obtiene de los Tours se destina a la preservación de la Selva Lacandona y para material educativo ambiental y rescate a la Cultura Lacandona.

Damos pláticas de educación ambiental para preservar la selva y el rescate a la Cultura Lacandona. Si te interesa que vayamos a tu Empresa o Escuela contactanos para poder organizarnos.

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Providing you with the best russian tours, our reviews, russian travel update.

Russia is open for international travelers regardless their citizenship/country of residence. Tourist visas are being issued in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, EU, Japan, and worldwide. Electronic visas (up to 16 days of stay, single entry) are available for the following nationals: Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, China, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Vatican, Vietnam.

You can bring foreign currency and exchange money freely in Russia. You can open a bank account and g et a debit card in one hour time, once you will have arrived, we assist.

Medical insurance is available for international travelers through Russian insurance companies.

International flights to Moscow and St Petersburg are available via Tbilisi (Georgia), Yerevan (Armenia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade (Serbia), Dubai & Abu-Dhabi (UEA), Doha (Qatar), Algiers (Algeria),Tehran (Iran), Muscat (Oman), Cairo (Egypt), Astana & Almaty (Kazakhstan), Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Qingdao & Xian (China), Delhi (India), Colombo (Sri-Lanka), Male (Maldives). Information changes frequently, please inquire.

Trans-Siberian travels can fly in/out Vladivostok via Beijing (China), Harbin (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Trans-Siberians taking off in Irkutsk/Lake Baikal, fly to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Dushanbe (Tadjikistan), Namangan (Uzbekistan), Osh (Uzbekistan), Beijing Daxing (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Ulaaanbaatar (Mongolia).

Explore the best travel destinations in Russia with our wide range of sightseeing tours to Moscow, St Petersburg, Golden Ring, Kazan; Northern Lights viewing tours; wildlife & nature tours to Lake Baikal tours, Altai, Kamchatka tours, Trans-Siberian train tours, and more. Find the best guided trips and expert planned Russian holidays 2023-2024.

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• Trans-Siberian Express

Our 8 Best Trans-Siberian Rail Tours of 2022

Come with us on truly... The Journey of a Lifetime along the world’s longest railway. See how the landscape and culture changes as you head West to East. See Moscow, Siberia, China and more. Our Trans-Siberian Railway tours are all customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular packages are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Trans Siberian rail tours using the form on the page. Feel free to also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists. Many travelers have found this to be the best way to together, create an unforgettable customized tour for you.

Trans-Siberian by Imperial Russia Train

Besides the below tours, we also offer a luxurious tour by a private train

Trans-Siberian 3 in 1

This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Great Russia by Train

This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia's most interesting cities - Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok - the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horn and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Trans-Sib - four cities

On this great Eurasian journey from West to East you will cover the entire route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, visiting four major cities along the way: Russia's capital Moscow, Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk including incredible Lake Baikal, and finally Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, at the very edge of Russia.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Highlights on the Trans-Sib

This tour is a great choice for seeing the highlights of Russia, Mongolia and China. From Golden-Domed Moscow you will continue on to Irkutsk and visit beautiful Lake Baikal. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert. Finally, you will reach China and visit the magnificent Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Forbidden city.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Monday
• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

The Great Journey - East to West

This trip lasts for 2 weeks and passes through 6 fascinating cities. Starting in Vladivostok with its harbour of the Golden Horn and passing through the Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude, then to Irkutsk - home of magnificent Lake Baikal and onto Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg - very dynamic Siberian cities, and finally ending in golden-domed Moscow.

• Route Vladivostok - Ulan-Ude - Irkutsk - Novosibirsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

5 stars - East to West

This tour covers the highlights of the Trans-Siberian Railway - including all 5 major cities along its route. You will admire cultural masterpieces in Beijing, learn about nomadic life in Mongolia, see amazing Lake Baikal in Irkutsk, learn about the fate of the Last Tsar in Yekaterinburg, and visit Russia's energetic capital Moscow.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Thursday.
• Route Beijing - Ulaanbaatar - Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Saturday
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

Journey of a Lifetime

The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Krasnoyarsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

My wife & I have just completed the Journey of a Lifetime 16 day 15 night Trip as organised by Express to Russia. We also had a tour of St Petersburg & Moscow as well. The planning & execution of both trips was well above our expectations. The guides we had in all of our destinations were exceptional & the meet & greet & return to the stations went as smooth as clockwork. We had one minor hitch but that was through no fault of Express to Russia..a quick email from our Ipad had the problem resolved immediately We did have some misgivings at the start about doing the booking online ourselves but Elena was wonderful & answered all of our questions promptly & to our satisfaction. We felt comfortable with the whole process.The train trip is wonderful with Mongolia being a "special " place for us! We highly recommend Elena & her company. I am happy to answer any questions any body may wish to ask.

Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. Everything went wonderfully, and we really enjoyed our time in Russia. Moscow was beautiful, Lake Baikal was very cold, yet very fun to swim in, and the DPR Koreans that I met and made friends with in Vladivostok was beyond priceless. The guides you got for us did an exceptional job, and the drivers helped us out a lot as well. The hotels you got for us were great, and the room you got for us in the Vladivostok really made the long stay comfortable. The trains were also very enjoyable as was the Russian hospitality, although we really weren´t expecting people to be so generous or helpful. Overall, the trip was wonderful, and you arranged it magnificently. You really went out of your way to accommodate my schedule and help me with my schoolwork, so I really appreciate it; I couldn´t have done it without you. So once again, thank you for all of your efforts, and hopefully in the future you will be able to help us out again. Take care, and thank you for everything.

The Trans-Siberian Express is the longest train journey in the world. The route takes you from ancient Russian cities through deep forests and breathtaking mountains to Siberian outposts and into Asia. You will visit Buddhist temples , Lake Baikal , the Ural Mountains , Vladivostok or Beijing . Express to Russia is a specialist in travel for individuals and small groups along the route. We will make sure that you have an unforgettable journey on this incredible adventure. Choose basic packages below or contact us to arrange your own custom travel.

Our Russian tours are offered as land only where you arrange your own airfare and we meet you at the airport and handle everything else. You can easily book the discount tickets yourself through our own discount internet ticket office . Please browse our discount air tickets section to learn more.

Trans-Siberian Train

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow and heads east to Vladivostok passing through Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk. The length of the route is 9259 km or 5753 miles. The train travels through 7 time zones and takes 8 days to complete without making overnight stops. The Trans-Siberian splits off into a few other fascinating directions as well:

Trans-Mongolian Train

The Trans-Mongolian Line was built from 1940 to 1956 between Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern shore and the Chinese capital Beijing. From Ulan-Ude the tracks go south towards Mongolia, crossing the great Gobi Desert and finally ending up in Beijing. This route is a mere 7867 kilometers long (Moscow - Beijing).

Trans-Manchurian Train

The Trans-Manchurian Line runs on the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. From Tarskaya, the line runs southeast into China near Zabaikalsk and makes its way down to Beijing. This route is a 9001 kilometres long (Moscow - Beijing).

Click to learn more about the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway .

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

Where does the trans-siberian railway start and where does it end.

The Trans-Siberian Railway starts in Moscow and extends all the way to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. This route connects the European part of Russia, the Ural region, Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Are Beijing and Ulan Bator stops along the Trans-Siberian railway?

Beijing and Ulan Bator are parts of Trans-Mongolian railway - an offshoot of the main Trans-Siberian Railway. There are many options to arrange your travel: to visit Ulan Bator and or follow the Trans-Siberian railway to or from Vladivostok. 

Can I use the hop-on hop-off principle when traveling by Trans-Siberian train?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Train tickets in Russia are not open, so you will need a separate ticket with a particular date for each leg of your trip - for example, you may go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, but you will only be able to leave the train for short stops at the railway stations. In case if you would like to explore different cities on the way, you will need separate tickets, for example Moscow – Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg – Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Vladivostok. We offer carefully planned private tours that will allow you to visit several cities on your way.

Are there showers aboard Trans-Siberian trains?

Most of the Trans-Siberian trains do not have showers, and there are two WCs per each carriage. Please consider it while planning your trip. We recommend to choose shorter distances (that is, to plan more overnight stops in the cities along the way) to avoid the inconvenience of not showering. Another option is to choose the trip on board a more luxurious train which has all the on-board amenities that one might need.

Are meals included on the board of Trans-Siberian express train?

When traveling with RZD regular trains meals are not included. You can easily buy your meals in the restaurant car.  Another option is to buy local specialties from “babushkas” (grandmothers, or simply Russian old ladies) on the short train stops along the way. This is a very authentic way of getting your meals.

What is the most comfortable way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railroad?

There are luxurious trains on the Trans-Siberian railway that are quite different from regular RZD trains and can be described as 5* hotels on wheels. We offer this type of accommodation on the Imperial Russia train where you can enjoy a full board menu, a shower and a comfortable compartment.

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Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
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Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

Find Your Cruise

Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

What people are saying

Jacqueline Lapwood

Great Britain

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United States

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Monique Verbrugge

Peter & Annemieke English

Philippa Calnan

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