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10 Best Places to Visit in Chiapas, Mexico

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The southernmost state in Mexico, Chiapas is a beautiful land of contrasts. Crumbling Mayan ruins lie next to charming colonial cities, and steamy, rainforest-coated mountains give way to epic natural sights such as the glimmering Laguna Miramar and the death-defying drops of Sumidero Canyon.

There is much to discover, and the region’s rich indigenous heritage and culture shines forth wherever you go. Whether it’s the incredible archaeological sites of Palenque and Yaxchilan or the astounding nature on show in Lagunas de Montebello National Park and at Cascadas de Agua Azul, Chiapas certainly won’t disappoint. There’s a lot to fit in, but here are the best places to visit in Chiapas.

Map of Chiapas, Mexico

chiapas mexico map

10. Laguna Miramar [SEE MAP]

Laguna Miramar

Tucked away deep in the confines of Montes Azules National Park, the sparkling blue waters of Laguna Miramar stand out delightfully against the vivid greens of the rainforest that hems it in on all sides.

A biodiversity hotspot, the lake and its surroundings are home to around 20 percent of the different species of fauna and flora to be found in the country, while lots of wildlife such as crocodiles and howler monkeys are also on show.

Due to its secluded nature, Laguna Miramar is a very peaceful place, and camping or staying the night in one of its eco-friendly shelters is a fantastic experience. In addition to horseback riding around the forest, swimming in the lake, and taking a boat trip around its waters, guests can also explore the unexcavated and unspoiled Mayan ruins that lie coated in the jungle alongside part of the lakeshore.

9. Tonina [SEE MAP]

Tonina

Boasting one of the largest pyramids in the country and a host of impressive stone-carved monuments, the archaeological site of Tonina is fascinating to explore, with lots of crumbling temples, ball courts, and palaces to discover.

Although the site dates back to much earlier, the ancient Mayan city flourished between 600 and 900 AD. It was during this epoch that many of its most eye-catching monuments and buildings were built.

These include the magnificent Temple of Cosmic War, the remarkable Mural of the Four Eras and the towering Temple of the Smoking Mirror. Despite the wealth of beautifully carved sculptures and stuccoes, surprisingly few tourists visit Tonina. As such, you’ll be able to explore the spectacular archaeological site at your leisure with barely another soul in sight.

8. Lagunas de Montebello National Park [SEE MAP]

Lagunas de Montebello

Located just a stone’s throw away from the border with Guatemala , Lagunas de Montebello National Park is a nature lover’s dream, with its 59 glittering lakes shimmering among the endless pine forests.

As the mineral content of the lakes varies quite considerably, they each have a different color; some appear emerald and turquoise while others take on a darkish ruddy hue.

Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice at what the national park has to offer up; you can go hiking or horseback riding through the forests or swimming, kayaking, and canoeing in the lakes. In addition, there are also hundreds of half-excavated Mayan ruins for you to check out; seeing them appear before you from amid the dense vegetation is a mesmerizing experience that will make you feel like Indiana Jones.

7. Canon del Sumidero [SEE MAP]

Canon del Sumidero

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, Sumidero Canyon is simply spectacular to behold; in some places, its steep, almost vertical walls tower up to a kilometer in height. Taking an exhilarating boat trip along the Grijalva River that runs along the bottom of the canyon is a must as you shoot beneath the cliffs and alongside the rainforest-coated banks of the river.

Nestled away in the national park of the same name, Sumidero Canyon was formed millions of years ago. A number of waterfalls, rapids, and beaches can be found along the canyon, which stretches for 13 kilometers. While the scenery is stunning, the canyon also attracts many outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports lovers, who go rock climbing, rappelling, and mountain biking within the park.

6. Chiapa de Corzo [SEE MAP]

Chiapa de Corzo

Lying just a short distance away from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapa de Corzo is a very charming town that has a wonderful relaxed and laidback feel to it. With its lovely central plaza, beautiful riverside waterfront, and impressive colonial-era churches, Chiapa de Corzo has more than enough for you to see and do for a few days, with some excellent street art and lively markets also on offer.

As it is mostly overlooked by foreign tourists, it is a great place to head to if you want to see the authentic side of Mexico. In addition to this, some interesting pre-Columbian ruins of the same name are located not far from the town – as is the spectacular Canon del Sumidero.

5. Yaxchilan [SEE MAP]

Yaxchilan

Once one of the most important and powerful Mayan cities in the region, Yaxchilan is now home to some of the most impressive ruins in the country, and just reaching the archaeological site is a memorable experience in itself.

Surrounded by dense jungle and perched atop a hill overlooking the Usumacinta River, Yaxchilan is only accessible by boat. Shooting along the river to see its ruined palaces and temples is an incredible feeling which is only magnified by the calls of the howler monkeys as you approach.

Exploring the secluded site is just as magical. Its well-preserved buildings with their intricately decorated facades and sculptures fully convey the power and prestige of the ancient Maya who once lived here. After wandering around Yaxchilan’s many ruins, retreating to the riverfront and taking the boat back feels as if you are resurfacing from a dream as you leave the mysterious ruins in the steamy jungle behind you.

4. Cascadas de Agua Azul [SEE MAP]

Cascadas de Agua Azul

Twinkling in the sunlight, the Blue Water Cascades – as they are known in English – are a sight to behold; the vivid blues stand out starkly against the rocks and trees around them. Due to the high mineral content, gleaming white limestone is deposited in the stream’s wake, and this only adds to the beauty of the scene.

Coursing down a series of cataracts and cascades, the waterfalls are a popular place to visit with both locals and tourists alike, as the fresh water is so reinvigorating to bathe in. A peaceful and relaxing place to spend an afternoon, Cascadas de Agua Azul is well worth checking out if you have the chance.

3. Bonampak [SEE MAP]

Bonampak

Due to its remote location amongst endless swathes of dense jungle, Bonampak was only rediscovered by the outside world in 1946 – and what a discovery it was. With its magnificent murals and frescoes that display epic and eerie scenes of war and human sacrifice, the ancient Mayan archaeological site is fascinating to explore, with lots of well-preserved buildings and temples.

While it takes quite a while to get to the site, visitors will be well-rewarded for their effort, as they’ll likely have the incredible ruins of Bonampak almost to themselves.

2. San Cristobal de las Casas [SEE MAP]

San Cristobal de las Casas

Full of incredible colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and lively street markets, the charming San Cristobal de las Casas is a lovely city to visit. Its beautiful setting in a valley surrounded by hills only adds to its picturesque look and feel.

While its many beautiful churches and plazas are certainly worth checking out, many people come to San Cristobal to learn more about the rich indigenous cultures and traditions that continue to shape the city’s identity.

San Cristobal lies at the heart of many traditional villages that are scattered amongst the hills. For people interested in experiencing the authentic, traditional, and indigenous side of Mexico, taking a trip out to some of them is well worth the effort. Offering the perfect balance of history and culture, city and countryside, San Cristobal de las Casas really is a treat to explore.

1. Palenque [SEE MAP]

Places to Visit in Chiapas, Mexico

Home to some of the finest examples of Mayan carvings, sculptures, and architecture, the Palenque archaeological site is mesmerizing to explore, and it is not without reason that it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.

Rising from the dense jungle, the crumbling temples and pyramids look absolutely stunning. Wandering among the huge buildings that tower over you really does make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

Thanks to the beautiful carvings that can still be seen etched in stone, much is known about the site, so it is well worth hiring a tour guide to take you around. With the cries of howler monkeys echoing in the rainforest and brightly colored parrots flying overhead, visiting Palenque and exploring the Mayan ruins promises to be a memory that will stick with you a lifetime.

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12 Best Places to Visit in Chiapas (with Photos and Itinerary)

best places to visit chiapas

Paddling, zip-lining, rock-climbing, waterfall sighting, and exploring ancient cities. Diverse Mexican cuisine, thousands of years of history, and cultural heritage. That’s Chiapas . Dive into our detailed guide and find out what are the best activities to do in Chiapas. At the end, you’ll find a sample itinerary to enjoy your vacation easily and without hours of planning. 

First, we’ll show you the must-do activities in Chiapas. Then, we’ll move on to the most beautiful waterfalls and ancient ruins. And we’ll close the list with the best cities in Chiapas.

You might also be interested in reading:

  • Yucatán Itinerary—2 Weeks Full of the Best Places to Visit
  • Safety in Mexico—Is It Safe to Travel There?
  • The Best Food in Mexico: 11 Things You Should Try + 3 You Shouldn’t
  • 7 Best Aztec Ruins in Mexico
  • 33 Mexico Travel Tips from Our Own Experience

Best Chiapas Activities 

Adventure lovers, read on! These are the best Chiapas activities you can do: 

1. Take a boat trip in Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas

Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas  

Fancy a boat trip? And what about a boat trip to the most beautiful place in Mexico? Read our Guide to Sumidero Canyon . It's a national park in Chiapas , consisting of the Grijalva river surrounded by 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) tall cliffs. You can see it all from the deck of a boat.  

The boats embark in Chiapa de Corzo, and will take you all the way through the canyon to the Chicoasén dam and back. Break out from the rut and experience the indescribable. Occasional crocodiles and jaguars will perk up your trip. 

  • Opening hours: The boats set off between 8 AM and 3 PM 
  • Price: cca. 500 pesos (25 US dollars) 
  • Address of the embark point: Capitán Vicente López 7, San Jacinto, 29160 Chiapa de Corzo, Chis., Mexico 

Hotel tip for Tuxtla Gutiérrez: We enjoyed our stay at Mariott Tuxtla Gutiérrez Hotel . Great location, nice personnel, gym, pool, and tasty breakfast—what else could you wish for? Prices start at 55 USD for 2 people.

Mariott Tuxtla Gutiérrez Hotel in Mexico

Mariott Tuxtla Gutiérez Hotel : The most beautiful atrium I’ve ever seen!

Just so you know, if you book a hotel (any hotel) using our booking.com affiliate links sprinkled throughout this article, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps our blog free and shows us you love us, so thank you! 

2. Paddle on a raft in Lagunas de Montebello

Lagunas de Montebello in Chiapas (system of lakes)

Lagunas de Montebello, Chiapas  

Lagunas de Montebello is a national park with a system of crystal-clear lakes connected through underground rivers . It offers truly enchanting views: limestone rocks, special red moss, and underwater caves which can be seen clearly thanks to the purity of the water. 

But what would a Chiapas activity be without adventure? Take the road less traveled and explore the lakes from a balsa raft ! Your childhood dreams awakened by Row, row, row your boat will finally come true. You can rent a raft or a kayak and paddle around for approximately 600 pesos (30 US dollars). 

Travel tip: Lakes don’t go without mosquitos. Bring a repellent if you don’t want to be eaten alive.

paddling a raft as a Chiapas activity

Paddling a raft in Chiapas was fun!  

Even if you don’t want to paddle, the Lagoons of Montebello are still one of the top 10 best places to visit in Mexico . The admission is rather cheap, and a number of guides are waiting by the entrance. (Some of them even speak English.) I suggest taking one, because the signage in the park is really, really poor. You can also opt for a two-hour hike through the jungle . The rainforest is safe and the locals are friendly. 

Travel tip: Withdraw money from an ATM in advance. It would be very hard to do so on the spot.  

  • Opening hours: open 24 hours 
  • Price: 25 pesos (1.25 US dollars) for the entrance to the park + 600 pesos (30 US dollars) for the raft 

3. Try rock climbing in El Arcotete

A cave in El Arcotete, Chiapas, Mexico

View from a cave in El Arcotete  

It’s easy to observe rocks from the ground, but will you dare to climb them? Just a 20-minute drive from San Cristóbal , El Arcotete is a complex of caves. 40 climbing routes are at your disposal in the park, including various lengths and difficulties. 

If you prefer to stay on the ground , you can choose from other activities El Arcotete has to offer: picnicking, horse riding, cave exploring… An irresistible half-day trip, isn’t it? 

  • Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM 
  • Price: 10 Mexican pesos (0.5 US dollar) as the entrance fee + 15 Mexican pesos (0.75 US dollars) to visit the caves 
  • Address: Carretera Rumbo a Tenejapa km 8 Ejido Río, Del Arcotete N, Rìo Arcotete, 29200 San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chis., Mexico 

Places to visit in Chiapas: the most wonderful waterfalls 

Waterfalls splash through Chiapas and overwhelm tourists with their beauty and force. These are three Chiapas’ most wonderful waterfalls that will ignite your wanderlust: 

1. El Chiflón

Chiflón Waterfall in Chiapas, Mexico

Karin and El Chiflón Waterfall  

If your staying anywhere close to San Cristóbal , you can't miss the Cascada el Chiflón . It's a series of waterfalls , roaring and spraying you with water as you stand nearby. A path winds along the riverbank and gradually shows you the cascades, each better than the previous one. 

After several smaller cascades, the path will finally lead you to Cascada Velo de Novia which is a powerful reminder of nature’s force, as it comes crashing down 80 meters (260 feet) into a turquoise-colored pool. You can test your limits and climb up to see the waterfall even from above. This trip belongs to the 10 best hikes in Mexico . 

Travel tip: No window of time is too large for Chiflón. Reserve at least five hours to visit both banks of the river and see the waterfalls from both sides, and maybe even try zip-lining above the river! 

  • Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily (visit it in the morning to avoid the crowds) 
  • Price: 50 Mexican pesos (2.5 US dollars) 
  • Address: Ejido, San Cristobalito, 30100 Tzimol, Chis., Mexico 

Hotel tip: We stayed at Comitán and, in my opinion, the best accommodation option is the City Express Comitán. It’s basically a motel in a very good location. Super clean and convenient. Prices start at 100 USD for 2 people.

Room in City Ecpress Comitán

One of the rooms in City Express Comitán  

2. Cascada El Aguacero

El Aguacero Waterfall in Chiapas, Mexico

Me and El Aguacero Waterfall  

A hike + bathing in the river + wild waterfall = the perfect thing to do in Chiapas! Located an hour´s drive from Tuxtla Gutiérrez , Cañón Río La Venta hides the El Aguacero waterfall. You’ll have to drive on a poor, bumpy road , and then climb a steep slope in the jungle to get into the canyon. But it’s worth it a hundred times.  

The trip starts at the tourist center under the hill. You can grab a bite of Mexican food to gain some strength before the climb, or buy a souvenir. Which I highly recommend, by the way, as the staff is truly friendly and kind, and you’ll help them by buying something.  

Then the hike is ahead of you, consisting of at least a bazillion stairs . After the hardship you come through, a beautiful scenery will open in front of you: a warm river, surrounded by walls, and leading to the waterfall. Sounds tempting? Here are other top 10 hikes in Mexico .

Travel tip: If you’re not sure whether the climb is in your power, try the street view in Google Maps. I know, it sounds weird. But it will show you the path and help you decide.

Map: How to get to El Aguacero (Chiapas, Mexico)

This is how you get to El Aguacero, Chiapas. You can find the trail on alltrails  

  • Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily  
  • Price: 50 pesos (2.5 US dollars) 
  • Address: Centro Turístico El Aguacero, Chiapas, Mexico 

3. Agua Azul

Agua Azul Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico

Magical Agua Azul Waterfalls  

If Chichén Itzá is the New Wonder of the World, then Agua Azul should be the Water Wonder of Mexico. The name of the cascades literally means Blue Water . The bright colors, banana trees and palms all around, and small islands in the middle of the river make the place look like paradise.  

The path along the cascades is lined with shops , selling souvenirs as well as Mexican food and beverages .

Agua Azul Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico

Agua Azul loses its bright color in the rainy season  

Agua Azul Waterfalls lie in a land far, far away . First, they really are like a fairy tale. Second, they’re 160 kilometers (99.4 miles) from San Cristóbal, and 214 kilometers (133 miles) from Tuxtla Gutiérrez. So consider carefully whether the cascades are worth your time or not. 

Travel tip: You can swim in some of the pools below waterfalls. However, always read the signs with instructions! Invisible underwater currents could be deadly for you if you don’t obey the rules and swim where you shouldn’t.  Read more about useful Mexico travel tips .

  • Opening hours: 8 AM – 8 PM daily  

Ancient ruins in Chiapas 

Mexico is the land of ancient gods, worships, and pyramids. These are the best ancient ruins to visit in Chiapas: 

1. Palenque

Ancient ruins in Palenque, a Mayan city in Chiapas

Ancient ruins in Palenque  

Located in the middle of the jungle , Palenque is undoubtedly a hidden treasure among the best Mayan cities in Mexico . The numerous carvings and hieroglyphs found on the interior walls make the complex a unique archeological site. 

A UNESCO site today, a rich city back in the day. Palenque was inhabited between the 3 rd and 8 th centuries, when it prospered as a trade center and agricultural site. In the 8 th century, it was abandoned and left at the mercy of the jungle. Most of the city remains unseen till today—it’s supposed that only 10% of the ruins are discovered. 

  • Opening hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM daily 
  • Price: 35 Mexican pesos (1.75 US dollars) for the entrance to the national park, and further 75 pesos (3.75 US dollars) for the entrance to the ruins 
  • Address (parking lot) : Carretera a Palenque- Zona Archaeologica Km. 8, 29960 Palenque, Chis., Mexico 

2. Bonampak

Ancient ruins in Bonampak, a Mayan city in Chiapas

Ancient ruins in Bonampak  

Bonampak is a Mayan city complex close to the border with Guatemala, best known for murals on its walls. Originally, historians thought the Maya was a peaceful culture. It was the murals in Bonampak that showed them they were wrong. The pictures clearly depict war and human sacrifice. Read more about Aztec culture in the 12 facts about Mexico article .

Murals in Bonampak, a Mayan city in Chiapas

Murals in Bonampak  

Travel tip: It’s not allowed to go to the ruins by car—you will have to pay some 75 Mexican pesos (3.75 US dollars) for a tourist van to get you there. 

  • Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily 

3. Yaxchilán

Ancient ruins in Yaxchilán, Chiapas

Ruins in Yaxchilán  

The archeological site of Yaxchilán lies on a piece of Mexico surrounded by Guatemala. Literally. Look at the map.

Yaxchilán on the map

Check the Yaxchilán route on alltrails !  

The history of Yaxchilán started in the 4th century, and continued with a rather long series of wars, as local cities were fighting for power . Yaxchilán used to be the dominant center of the region, and was rivals with both Palenque and Bonampak. Thanks to its position on the curve of the river, the city was naturally protected from enemies.  

Today, the site contains numerous ruins of temples, palaces, and terraces, and is best known for its sculpture structures . Yaxchilán is strewn with carved lintels, altars, and bas-relief carvings which all narrate the story of the city. 

How to get to Yaxchilán, Chiapas 

The trip to Yaxchilán is a slightly difficult one, as the ruins are surrounded only by rainforest and no roads. So first, you need to get to Frontera Corozal and pay 30 pesos (1.5 US dollars) for the entrance to the town. Boats set off from Frontera Corozal and will take you to Yaxchilán, where they will wait two hours for you to get you back again. The price is around 1,300 pesos (65 US dollars) per boat—the more people go, the less you pay per person. When you get to Yaxchilán, you will pay additional 90 pesos (4.5 US dollars) for the entrance to the ruins.

Note that the accommodation options in Frontera Corozal are quite modest. Hotel Nueva Alianza is by far the best option.

  • Price: 30 pesos (1.5 US dollars) per person for the entrance to Frontera Corozal, 1,300 pesos (65 US dollars) per boat, and 90 pesos (4.5 US dollars) per person for the entrance to the ruins 
  • Address (embark point) : 29935 Frontera Corozal, Chiapas, Mexico 

Cities in Chiapas 

Busy streets, restaurants, cafés, cathedrals, and other tourist attractions. If you’re keen to dive into the hustle of a city , here are three Chiapas cities you shouldn’t miss: 

1. San Cristóbal

A colorful street in San Cristóbal (Chiapas, Mexico)

Walking through the beautiful streets in San Cristóbal  

San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of the most promoted cities in Mexico, being on the list of the Magical Towns . In the city, it’s impossible not to stumble upon a café or a restaurant every two minutes. San Cristóbal is alive—not only with good food, but also with culture and history . 

But if you ask me—San Cristóbal may be one of the best cities in Chiapas, but it’s definitely not one of the best cities in Mexico. If you have the option, it’s much better to visit Puebla or Oaxaca instead . They’re bigger, more interesting, and less crowded. 

Hotel tips: I’d recommend spending the night in San Cristóbal’s Hotel Bo. Its cool design (inside and out!) is complemented by its wonderful staff and a great on-site restaurant that serves Mexican and international dishes. Prices start at USD 230 for 2 people.

Hotel Bo, San Cristóbal, Chiapas

Luxurious Hotel Bo , San Cristóbal de Las Casas  

2. Tuxtla Gutiérrez

A view of Tuxtla Gutiérrez city (Chiapas, Mexico)

A view of Tuxtla Gutiérrez city  

A two-day stay in Tuxtla is a perfect mix of museums in the city, and nature nearby. First, you can visit the awesome Canyon Sumidero and Aguacero Waterfalls, both sites within an hour’s drive from Tuxtla. Then, you can clear your head and rest a bit in Tuxtla’s museums , such as the Museum of Coffee, the Museum of Marimba, or Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden. 

Tuxtla Gutiérrez is a good place for your vacation especially thanks to its location, and the international airport 30 minutes by car from the city center.  Here are the 16 things you need to know about driving in Mexico .  

A church in Comitán (Chiapas, Mexico)

The Comitán Church  

Comitán, the fourth largest city in Chiapas, is the place to stay if you want to explore the attractions near the border with Guatemala . Like Tuxtla, the city is interesting especially thanks to the tourist sites nearby. 

You won’t stay hungry in Comitán, as it’s full of nice restaurants serving true Mexican food. We visited Ta Bonitio , and were really satisfied. 

Do you want to see it all? This is how you’ll make it  

Do you want to see all I mentioned in this article? For your own sake, I hope you have a ton of time. This is a sample itinerary for your trip to Chiapas (you’ll find a shorter version below). You might also find this article about traveling in Mexico during COVID-19 or our 33 Mexico travel tips useful.

Chiapas itinerary: longer version  

Day 1: Tuxtla Gutiérrez + El Aguacero  

  • Morning: drive from Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport to Tuxtla, check-in at a hotel  
  • Around noon: walk around the city, visit museums and the botanical garden 
  • Afternoon : visit El Aguacero Waterfall  
  • Night: in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
  • Hotel tip: Mariott Tuxtla Gutiérrez Hotel

Chiapas itinerary: map (day 1)

Map of the route of Chiapas itinerary day 1 here!  

Day 2: Canyon Sumidero + San Cristóbal + El Arcotete  

  • Morning: visit Canyon Sumidero 
  • Around noon: visit San Cristóbal, check-in at a hotel 
  • Afternoon: try rock-climbing in El Arcotete 
  • Night: in San Cristóbal 
  • Hotel tip: Hotel Bo

Chiapas itinerary: map (day 2)

Map of the route of Chiapas itinerary day 2 here!  

Day 3: Lagunas de Montebello  

  • Morning: drive from San Cristóbal to Lagunas de Montebello (3 hours) 
  • Around noon: paddle on a raft in Lagunas de Montebello 
  • Afternoon: drive to Frontera Corozal (5.5 hours) and check-in at a hotel 
  • Night: in Frontera Corozal
  • Hotel tip: Hotel Nueva Alianza

Chiapas itinerary: map (day 3)

Map of the route of Chiapas itinerary day 3 here!  

Day 4: Yaxchilán + Bonampak + Palenque  

  • Morning: take a trip to Yaxchilán 
  • Around noon: visit Bonampak 
  • Afternoon: drive to Palenque (3 hours), check-in at a hotel, and visit the ruins 
  • Night: in Palenque
  • Hotel tip : Hotel Boutique Quinta Chanabnal

Chiapas itinerary: map (day 4)

Map of the route of Chiapas itinerary day 4 here!  

Day 5: Agua Azul + Chiflón  

  • Morning: visit Agua Azul 
  • Around noon: drive to Chiflón (5 hours), visit the cascades 
  • Afternoon: check-in at a hotel in Comitán 
  • Night: in Comitán
  • Hotel tip : City Express Comitán

Chiapas itinerary: map (day 5)

Map of the route of Chiapas itinerary day 5 here!  

Day 6: Departure  

  • Morning: drive back to the Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport 

Chiapas itinerary: shorter version 

Maybe you’ve noticed that the drives sometimes take 5+ hours . And maybe you don’t like that. In that case, we have a shorter version of the itinerary for you, without the tedious distances: 

  • Night: in Tuxtla Gutiérrez 

Day 2: Canyon Sumidero + San Cristóbal + El Arcotete + Comitán  

  • Around noon: visit San Cristóbal 
  • Afternoon: visit El Arcotete, drive to Comitán and check-in at a hotel 
  • Night: in Comitán 

Day 3: Lagunas de Montebello + Chiflón + Departure  

  • Morning: visit Lagunas de Montebello 
  • Afternoon: visit Chiflón 
  • Night: drive back to the Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airpor

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you make bookings through my links, at no additional cost to you. This helps keep this blog free, thank you!    

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About me

Hi! I’m Jan. I live in Prague, Czech Republic. I try to experience the best the world has to offer, and I don’t cease to be impressed. But if I’m not, I’m sure going to tell you! You can count on my full honesty and real opinions here. No bullcrap. I own and run several companies, which gives me great (but not unlimited) freedom to roam the world.  

I was first inspired to start this blog by my own experience of researching for upcoming trips—I often struggle with a lack of good information, accuracy, and authenticity of resources. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” don’t even visit the destinations they write about! 

My goal with this blog is to provide you with complex and practical information so that you can plan your own vacation, complete with insights you’d only get if you visited the place. I also put together itineraries that are fully planned out trip guides.

Another aspect that drives this platform is my curiosity about the history, geography, politics, and economy of each country I visit, so I try to include this information in my articles, too. It’s always great to get the bigger picture, right? 

And just to be clear, I am not trying to compete with backpacking blogs or provide hacks for an economical and affordable experience. My vacations follow the standard pattern of traveling by plane, staying in good hotels, and renting a car on the spot to get around. I’m also always up for a fantastic meal, though I don’t shy away from local delicacies and street food, either.  

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Your Ultimate Guide to Chiapas, Mexico

04/13/2021 by Emily Becker 2 Comments

best places to visit chiapas

There’s something about Chiapas that gives my heart that little pitter-patter. Maybe it’s the landscapes, the incredible coffee, or the plentiful opportunities for adventure. Between the thick jungles, remote beaches, and high mountain peaks, this state in Mexico has so much to offer.

If you’re not convinced to come to Chiapas yet, here’s a better idea of what’s in store:

Table of Contents

Waterfalls You’ll Fall in Love With

You may have seen the waterfalls of Chiapas posted all over Instagram and Pinterest . Crystal clear pools nestled in the mountainous jungles, oh my! What you see online about these waterfalls is the real deal. The areas where you can find these magnificent falls are protected by both governmental and non-governmental organizations and it shows. Here are a few that I personally recommend visiting:

Cascadas El Chiflón

best places to visit chiapas

When you go to Chiapas, you cannot miss a trip to El Chiflón. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in Mexico and unlike any other waterfall I’ve seen before. It’s about 2 and a half hours away from both San Cristóbal de las Casas and Tuxtla and 45 minutes from Comitán by car. The distance makes it a great option for a day trip from any of those bigger cities.

As you enter the park, you’ll see a small river below with a trail leading to the waterfalls. Moving along the trail, the waterfalls get bigger until you finally reach the most impressive one, Velo de Novia (the bride’s veil). At the end of the trail, there’s an amazing view of the waterfall and the mist rising from below. From that point, you can see the other trails around the falls, which are awesome to explore as well.

As you make your way back, you can actually zipline over the falls as a fun shortcut. I found it was an exciting way to see everything from above. It costs 200 pesos (about $10 USD) to zipline.

The entrance to El Chiflón is 50 pesos (about $2.50 USD).

best places to visit chiapas

Since I arrived in Chiapas, everyone kept telling me I HAD to go to Agua Azul. After visiting, I understand the hype!

Agua Azul, gets its name from the intense turquoise pools both above and underneath the waterfall. It’s considered one of the best waterfalls in Chiapas because of its boisterous power and beauty.

However, I found Agua Azul to be crowded. There were so many food stalls, souvenir vendors, and large tour groups in such close proximity to the waterfall. It wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but it’s something to consider if you’re looking for a more low-key experience.

You can get to Agua Azul from San Cristóbal de las Casas, which is about 4 hours away. If you’re driving through Chiapas independently, it could be a great stop on your way to Palenque from San Cris or just as a quick day trip from Palenque. However, if you want to keep San Cris as your base, this tour picks you up from your hotel and will take you to both Agua Azul and Palenque in the same day.

Entrance to Agua Azul can be confusing. At the entrance to Salto de Agua ecopark (where Agua Azul is located), you have to pay a 10 pesos entrance fee. Then, you’ll have to pay again to actually access the falls, which will be another 20 pesos.

Cascadas Misol-Ha

best places to visit chiapas

While the other waterfalls on this list are bright blue paradises, Misol-Ha has a totally different feel. Here you won’t find turquoise pools, but you will find a picturesque waterfall surrounded by bright green vegetation.

Misol-Ha is about 115 feet tall and towers above a pool that you can swim in. You can also follow a small trail that will take you right behind the mighty falls, which has a spectacular view.

This one is located close to Palenque. It’s about a 45-minute drive away and is often included on different tours going out from there. If you’re not into a tour, it’s easy to visit Misol-Ha from Palenque on your own.

This waterfall is another one where you have to pay twice to actually get to it. The first park entrance fee is 10 pesos, and then it’s another 10 pesos to access the falls.

best places to visit chiapas

This stunning waterfall and waterway is much more remote than the others and is close to the Guatemalan border. It’s about a 5 hour drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas, but definitely worth the distance!

Las Nubes feels like you’re stepping into the garden of Eden. The lush greenery surrounding the brilliant blue waters with the round boulders above the cascades will take your breath away.

The best part of visiting Las Nubes is swimming in the blue pools above the falls. The water remains cool and refreshing year-round. It costs 30 pesos to enter the park. You can also rent a raft at the tourism center of the park for about $1,500 pesos (about $75 USD), which can fit up to 5 people.

Because of how far away Las Nubes is, I recommend spending a couple days exploring the area. You can easily camp around the park itself, or you can find other accommodation in Lagos de Montebello (see below). I camped nearby and enjoyed it, but another great option is this ecolodge which is right on the river.

Chiapas’ Best Archaeological Sites

Chiapas is located in southern Mexico, bordering Guatemala to the east. In fact, the general region of what is now known as Chiapas was part of Guatemala until 1824. This region of Mexico is known for being the most tied to its indigenous roots, which is evident in the local culture. You can often find local women wearing head-to-toe traditional clothing and there are many ceremonies and rituals that are still practiced here.

Chiapas is rich in indigenous culture and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. If you want a direct look into the past to better understand the roots of Mayan culture, take a trip to an archaeological site and dive head first into the beauty and mysticism of the ancient societies of Chiapas:

best places to visit chiapas

The first time I went to Palenque to explore the Mayan ruins there, I was speechless. I’ve been to my fair share of ruins and Palenque is by far my favorite.

The main temple on the grounds has a tomb inside, which used to house the deceased kings of the ancient city. You can go inside the dark, cavelike ruins and see where the kings used to lie. As you make your way through the ruins, I highly suggest hiring a guide. There are a lot of different symbols, sacred geometry, and even paintings which would be difficult to decipher without an expert present.

The city of Palenque has its own airport, which you can fly to from Mexico City. There isn’t a whole lot happening there, but it’s in the jungle and there are quite a few restaurants with traditional dishes to try. If you do go to Palenque, be prepared for humid weather and a lot of mosquitos!

Getting to the ruins from Palenque is as simple as driving there yourself or booking a tour once you get into town. These tours range from 300 to 1,000 pesos, depending on what is included. They are run out of local travel agencies, but you can also book one through GetYourGuide . The entrance fee for the ruins is 75 pesos, plus the 35 pesos fee to enter the surrounding national park where the ruins are.

best places to visit chiapas

Meaning “House of Stone”, Toniná is the tallest archeological site in Mexico at 233 feet tall. If you’re ready for the climb of your life, you can trek up the stairs all the way to the top! I visited Toniná back in 2017 and was amazed at the view from the top of the main structure. With the gorgeous mountains in the background, it made the hike up totally worth it.

Toniná isn’t often crowded, and there’s a good chance you will have the site to yourself. It’s not a very well known archeological site yet, so it doesn’t have the same crowds you’d find at Palenque or other popular sites.

The entrance fee for Toniná is 46 pesos, which is cheaper than other big sites. Toniná is located just outside of the city of Ocosingo, which is about equidistant from San Cristóbal and Palenque, making it easily accessible from either of those cities. Tours to Toniná are often included in those which visit other archaeological sites, so it’s rare to find one that will just go there. One of those tours will cost around 500 pesos, which usually includes the park entrance fees.

best places to visit chiapas

These ruins have the best preserved Mayan murals that have ever been found. When I saw them I couldn’t believe how old they were and it felt like I took a step back in time. The murals are the main focal point at Bonampak, and it’s worth hiring a guide to explain what they mean. There are some powerful images in the murals that give you an inside look at the ancient Mayan culture.

You can get to Bonampak from either San Cristóbal de las Casas, or more easily from Palenque. I recommend Palenque because it’s geographically closer and there are far more tours available. Taking a tour as opposed to tackling the ruins on your own won’t give you the same freedom of being on your own schedule, but it takes a lot of the pressure off.

If you decide to visit on your own, the park entrance fee to the park itself is 45 pesos, plus 25 pesos to enter the ruins themselves.

best places to visit chiapas

Located close to Bonampak, a trip to Yaxchilán will take you deeper into the jungle. The area around the ruins is one of the most sparsely populated places in all of Mexico, giving it some serious Indiana Jones vibes.

Yaxchilán is famous for the Maya hieroglyphs that are carved into the stones of the temples. These glyphs tell the story of the different dynasties of the ancient city. It’s fascinating to learn about these ancient civilizations and also interesting to ponder how much the world has changed since then!

Both Bonampak and Yaxchilán are off the beaten path and you won’t find the flocks of tourists like you will at many ruins in the Yucatan peninsula , for example. A tour that will take you to both of them from Palenque will cost around $40 USD, which doesn’t include a guide. Last time I went, I paid $10 USD at each place for a Spanish-speaking guide. If you don’t speak Spanish, you can ask for a guide who speaks English.

Getting to Yaxchilán is quite a journey and one you can take at your own risk. It involves crossing a river by boat, which can be expensive if you’re traveling alone. The entrance fee to the town itself is about 30 pesos, and there’s another fee to enter the ruins of about 30 pesos.

For ease, safety, and cost, I recommend doing a tour that will take you to both Yaxchilán and Bonampak which includes park fees and transportation.

Tenam Puente

Tenam Puente is just outside the small city of Comitan. The name literally translates to “defensive bridge” and was primarily used as a trading hub for nearly 1,000 years. You can climb the tallest temple there and get an awesome view of the scenery surrounding the site. There are also a few ball courts where the ancient Maya people used to play the sacred ball game.

One of my favorite things about visiting Tenam Puente was how empty it was when I went. Even though it was semana santa , or spring break, there were only a few groups of tourists in the entire site. It was at Tenam Puente that I felt much more connected to the spirit of the site and was able to sit with the peace and calm at this once-bustling city. If you can get a little bit of space, it’s cool to do a short meditation at the top of the temple.

The cost to enter the ruins is 45 pesos. If you’re curious about the Mayan ball game, consider hiring a guide who can take you through the courts and explain how it’s played.

Historic Towns

San cristóbal de las casas.

best places to visit chiapas

If you’ve read our post all about San Cristóbal de las Casas , you already know that San Cris has a very special place in my heart. It’s a charming colonial city high up in the mountains of Chiapas and a hub for artisans, yogis, and creative people of all kinds.

San Cris serves as a great base when visiting Chiapas because of how central it is. From here, you can easily take a day trip in any direction to visit ruins, waterfalls, and nature parks. Additionally, there is a wealth of history and culture here. With plenty of museums to visit and long pedestrian streets to stroll, you can spend a good amount of time here. I came here 4 years ago while traveling and I’ve just come back to stay – it has a magnetic quality!

San Cris is about an hour’s drive from the capital city Tuxtla Gutierrez, where the nearest airport is. If you’re renting a car to travel through Chiapas, I recommend doing so in Tuxtla as there is (literally) only one place in all of San Cris to rent a car. If you come during high season (around spring break and December), there is a chance that the rental company will be out of cars to rent.

San Juan Chamula

best places to visit chiapas

You’ll see signs all over the place about tours to visit San Juan Chamula as soon as you get to San Cris. This charming and mystical small town is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown San Cris and can be easily visited via taxi.

San Juan Chamula is known throughout the region as THE place to go to experience the heart of indigenous culture in Chiapas. The main attraction is an old church where priests, shamans, and local observers go to practice their sacred religious rituals. One of these rituals involves drinking Coca Cola and burping as a way of ridding the body of bad spirits. Yes, burping!

The cemeteries sprinkled throughout the town are a unique feature of Chamula. The grave sites at these cemeteries seem to pop up out of nowhere. In fact, it’s common practice in many indigenous communities here to bury loved ones in their own backyard. As buildings change hands or are knocked down, the graves remain.

It is important when visiting Chamula to be respectful of the local culture and customs. There is a very heavily-enforced rule at the church in Chamula that no phones or photography is permitted. There are signs outside that advertise this rule, and it applies to other sacred places there, too.

best places to visit chiapas

The first time I visited Zinacantán, I fell in love. This small town is best known for its handwoven textiles and traditional clothing. You’ll see women weaving fabrics by hand on a traditional waist loom. It’s fascinating to watch them carefully move the threads in and out of one another. It made me appreciate the meticulous care put into the garments. Read more about our favorite ways to support women when we travel here .

Most people in Zinacantán live off the textiles and clothing sold there, making it a great place to purchase souvenirs. That way, you can directly support the hard work of the artisans. The vibe of this town is much more laid back than San Juan Chamula, which made it easier to strike up a conversation with the locals.

There is a beautiful church in the center of Zinacantán that is definitely worth taking a peek at. During Catholic holidays, the church is filled with flowers which fills the space with a delightful floral aroma. There is no explicit “no pictures” policy at this church. However, it’s best to avoid taking pictures of people in their place of worship, no matter where you go. Stick to taking pictures of the architecture, the art, and the altars, but avoid snapping pictures of locals in the church.

You can easily go to both San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán in the same day on your own or with a tour. This one will bring you to both and even includes a traditional drink!

Chiapa de Corzo

best places to visit chiapas

Do not, I repeat, do NOT go to Chiapas without going to Chiapa de Corzo! I might be partial to this magical town because of its delicious food, but there’s something for everyone there. If you want to get a taste of Mayan culture, this is the place.

Chiapa de Corzo is famous for its large festive celebrations including Dia de Los Muertos at the end of October as well as Christmas and Easter. Hang out in the main plaza and catch a glimpse of the dancers called parachicos moving together in synchronicity while wearing wooden masks and traditional wigs.

Beyond the cultural richness of the town, Chiapa de Corzo is located right next to Cañon del Sumidero. This canyon can be explored by boat while floating down the Sumidero river. There you might catch a glimpse of the crocodiles, monkeys, and birds that inhabit the area while you gaze up at the towering walls of rock. This tour includes both Chiapa de Corzo and Cañon del Sumidero and operates out of San Cristóbal, which is just a 45-minute drive away.

Comitán de Domínguez

best places to visit chiapas

Comitán is the best base for exploring the wonders of southern Chiapas, as it is closer to many of the waterfalls mentioned above. This quaint town is known for its famous Christmas celebrations every year. The best part of visiting Comitán is how down-to-earth and non-touristy it is. Walking through the streets, you’ll likely see very few foreigners and not a whole lot of English happening in general, so be prepared if you don’t speak Spanish!

There also always seems to be music playing. The most common music to hear in the plaza is Marimba, which tends to illicit large crowds of dancing people. Join in if you can!

While you’re there, don’t miss the Rosario Castellanos Cultural Center, which hosts different art, music, and language workshops for the local community. It also has a theater, cafe, and bookstore inside and is right behind the Museo Arqueológico de Comitán. This museum is free and has some pretty neat artifacts from nearby ruins.

Coffee Farms

You don’t have to be a coffee connoisseur to know a great cup of coffee when you taste one. I’ve been ruined for life now because after tasting the coffee here in Chiapas, there is no going back. Whether you’re an expert on all things coffee or merely an enthusiast (like me!), here are a couple places where you can try some delicious brews and see where it all comes from:

This coffee farm is by far the most famous on the Ruta del Café here in Chiapas. It can be found about an hour north of Tapachula in southern Chiapas and has its own hotel and resort attached. The hotel is a bit of a splurge to stay at, but you can easily take a day trip there from Tapachula and just tour the farm. There is nothing quite like sipping the freshest coffee you’ve ever tasted with the backdrop of rolling green hills.

Finca Hamburgo

best places to visit chiapas

This coffee plantation is one of the oldest in Chiapas and was founded by a German family. The hotel on the grounds has some amazing views of the coffee plants and mountains, which are covered in green vegetation.

They also have tours of the facilities where you can learn about the coffee making process, the machinery, and the different varieties of plants on the farm. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to try some of the freshest brews directly from the farm itself. Sounds like a dream!

Finca Hamburgo is a bit more remote than Argovia at about two hours north of Tapachula in the heart of the coffee region. Both of these places would make an excellent day trip from Tapachula, but could also be made into a longer trip if you fancy staying for a while at one of the hotels.

A Beach Destination Unlike Any Other

best places to visit chiapas

If you’re into the kind of destination that does NOT include big resorts and crowded beaches, the coast of Chiapas is for you. Boca del Cielo and Puerto Arista are the closest beaches to San Cristóbal de las Casas–about 4 hours away by car.

To get to the beach from San Cris, you will take the long and winding highway 190D for about 3 hours to reach Tonalá. This small city is the last place where you can find a grocery store and the best pit stop to stock up on snacks and drinks if you want to bring anything with you to the beach.

From there, you can drive (or take a taxi) to Puerto Arista where you’ll have to cross a lagoon by boat to get to the long strip of beach where you’ll find a few hotels spread out along the coast.

My favorite place to stay there is Entremares which has A-frame cabins and a geodesic dome. The rest of the buildings are built from earth and sand, which contributes to the overall eco-friendly vibe of the place.

The biggest draw of Puerto Arista and Boca del Cielo is the neat contrast of the lagoon with the mountains in the background and the grey beach on the other side of the isthmus. In this area you can take a dip in the lagoon and then walk for 5 minutes to then jump into the ocean. The best of both worlds!

Because of how remote this beach is, I recommend booking your accommodation ahead of time and clarifying with your host on how to get there. Boats that cross the lagoon are relatively cheap during the day (around $3 per person, per trip) but can increase at night.

Bonus: Lagos de Montebello

best places to visit chiapas

Imagine pulling up to a misty lake surrounded by pine-filled mountains after sleeping in the car for several hours only to realize you’ve stumbled upon paradise. That’s exactly what happened to me when I went to Lagos de Montebello while on a packed full-day tour.

This dreamy lake has a few small islands on it and is part of a chain of lakes along the Guatemalan border. Because of the altitude it gets quite chilly, especially during the winter months. I went in December when it was freezing cold outside! When the air is cold, the temperature of the water in the lake remains a few degrees warmer, creating steam above the lake.

The main activity at Montebello is floating around on a wooden boat, which are the same ones the Maya people used to cross the lake. From there, you’ll take a couple stops at different islands on the lake and you can even go for a swim!

Before You Go

best places to visit chiapas

Since Chiapas is still relatively off the beaten path, there are a few things to keep in mind before traveling there.

  • Road Blockades: It’s commonplace to be driving on the highway in Chiapas and see that a road has been blocked by demonstrators. If you’re taking a road trip, be prepared to take an alternate route if you find yourself in a long traffic jam due to a blockade.
  • Children Selling Souvenirs: You can expect to see many children selling trinkets, bracelets and other souvenirs in Chiapas. While some people feel called to purchase from those children, I don’t recommend it. Check out this article or do your own research before deciding for yourself.
  • Photography: As I said above, please be mindful when taking photos in Chiapas. Many travelers feel inclined to take photos of or with local children without the parent’s consent. Here’s an article to provide some perspective.
  • Language: While other places in Mexico may cater more to an English-speaking crowd, there are many places in Chiapas where it may be difficult to find an English speaker. Knowing a few key phrases goes a long way here, so no need to become absolutely fluent. Try downloading the offline Spanish-English and English-Spanish dictionary on the Google Translate app in case you need a translation in a pinch.
  • Leave No Trace: The principle values of Leave No Trace are not limited to national parks in the USA. Organizations are working hard to keep the natural beauty of Chiapas free of pollution. Consider this while traveling and try to avoid single-use plastic whenever possible!
  • Supporting Local Communities: Chiapas has plenty of opportunities to buy directly from artisans. That being said, there are plenty of big stores selling cheap dupes of local handicrafts. If you want to read more about supporting local women and artisans, check out our post about it.

Wondering how to fit all these sites into one trip? Here’s a map of each of the places mentioned so you can start planning:

Chiapas feels like it carries the heart and soul of what Mexico once was. Going out to these remote places to take in the natural beauty of the landscape brought me a lot of solace during a time when everything else felt like it was being turned upside down. Chiapas is often overlooked as travelers tend to favor the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, but that is what has allowed it to maintain its originality. Next time you get the itch to visit Mexico, consider coming to bask in the beauty of Chiapas.

About the author: Emily is a Mexico travel enthusiast based in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. She is a part-time freelance writer for BMTM and part-time doula.

About Emily Becker

Emily Becker is a digital nomad based in Costa Rica. She's been traveling on and off since 2014 and has visited 15 countries—planning to tick many more off her bucket list. In addition to writing for BMTM, she works as a copywriter and project manager.

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03/08/2022 at 7:05 pm

Thanks for this detailed! I am planning to visit San Cristobal in November 2022 with my family. We want to visit Palenque as a day trip with a tour company. Do you feel this is safe to travel on highway 199? I have read some things that are giving me pause, and would love to hear from someone with more experience in the area.

03/10/2022 at 8:07 am

Hi Lily! How exciting that you’re planning to come to San Cristóbal. Visiting Palenque as a day trip from San Cris isn’t possible as the drive is about 6 hours (on a good day with no road blocks), so consider going for a few days at least. One day for travel each way, plus a full day to see the ruins, though I think two days with a guide is the best way to go if you have time.

Traveling on the highways here can be a bit of a wildcard. Right now I believe highway 199 might be a no-go because of some conflicts in one of the towns that it runs through. There are other routes that are safer, but they will take more time. If you want to get more info leading up to your trip, check out the San Cristobal Expats Community Facebook group, as people regularly update the page with their experiences traveling through the region.

I hope this is helpful and will give you some peace of mind about coming to Chiapas. I have lived here for about a year and a half and think it’s one of the most magical places in Mexico. Have a wonderful trip!

Mexico

24 Best Things to Do in Chiapas Mexico: 2024 Local’s Guide

There are plenty of things to do in Chiapas, Mexico to warrant spending at least a week here. However, Mexico’s southernmost state is often overlooked from most people’s Mexico itineraries. 

Word about Chiapas has only started getting out in recent years and most people that take the time to venture here only do so to experience the majestic ruins of Palenque or the colonial architecture of San Cristobal de Las Casas. For the most part, Chiapas remains largely untapped. 

That isnt necessarily a bad thing though, as Chiapas, steeped in Mayan history, indigenous cultures, and gorgeous nature, offers a more authentic Mexico travel experience than you could ever obtain in places like Cancun or Tulum. 

This guide to the best things to do in Chiapas has been written by a British Travel Writer based in the Yucatan. (Me!) I have explored Chiapas extensively over several visits to the state and have used my knowledge to create the most comprehensive Chiapas travel information you can find anywhere online. 

Rest assured, you are in good hands here 😉 

Things to do in Chiapas Mexico

Table of Contents

24 Best Things to Do in Chiapas Mexico

Chiapas is a unique destination, quite unlike anywhere else in Mexico. After you have spent a while in Mexico, you will start to note that each of the country’s 32 states is like a little independent nation in itself, each with its own distinctive cultures, regional cuisine, etc. 

Chiapas sits in the south of Mexico. It shares its borders with Guatemala to the south, the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Veracruz to its west, and Tabasco to the north. Chiapas is perhaps best known for its indigenous populations which help give the region a distinctly different culture than what you will find elsewhere. 

There are 68 different indigenous groups in Mexico, that speak more than 350 different languages and dialects. More than 25% of Chiapas´ four-million-strong population belongs to an indigenous group, and there are 12 different ethnic groups that live in the state. (With the  Tzotzil and Tzeltal Mayan being the largest and perhaps best known). 

Chiapas is one of the poorest states in Mexico, but you shouldn’t let that concern you. Chiapas is safe for the most part , and the people here are among the friendliest in Mexico, eager to show travelers the beauty of their homeland. 

Things to do in Chiapas Mexico: Visit the pueblo magico of Chiapa de Corzo

Visit the Pueblo Magico of Chiapa de Corzo 

The charming little town of Chiapa de Corzo is one of four Pueblo Magicos in the state of Chiapas. Pueblo Magicos are Mexican towns and settlements that have been recognized for their unique beauty, charm, culture, and gastronomy. Generally speaking, when you see that somewhere has been designated as a Pueblo Magico, you know that it is a worthwhile place to visit. Most people overlook Chiapa de Corzo when they are traveling through Chiapas, or they only stop by briefly as part of a day trip to the Sumidero Canyon. 

However, the little town is well deserved of a day or two´s exploration in itself. This is one of the oldest towns in the Americas.

It dates back to 1528 and was one of the first places that the Spanish colonizers settled when they arrived in Chiapas. They later realized that the intense desert heat was too much for them and moved their main settlement to San Cristobal. However, they left many beautiful churches and structures in their wake. 

Start your day in the Zocalo – the charming central square of Chiapa de Corzo surrounded by porticoed buildings and quaint cafes. The piece de resistance of the square is ¨La Pila¨ – a diamond-shaped fountain in its center.

An exploration of the unsuspecting side streets leads you to magnificent, centuries-old churches and thought-provoking street art. Stop for breakfast at Jardines de Chiapa Restaurant (Francisco I. Madero 395, San Jacinto, 29160) and stroll along the riverfront.

The hilltop ruins of the Templo de San Sebastian are not to be missed. From up here, you can enjoy spectacular panoramas of the town and wider Chiapas below.

A street lined with colorful houses in Chiapas de Corzo in the southern Mexico state of Chiapas

Best Chiapa de Corzo tours

If you are traveling to Mexico in January , your time in Chiapa de Corzo will be particularly special. Every year, the Fiesta Grande is hosted here in honor of three Catholic saints.

The festival is famous for its Parachico dancers that wear traditional clothing and painted wooden masks as they dance their way through the town. This dance is so culturally important that it has even been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Throughout the year, you may enjoy exploring Chiapa de Corzo with the aid of a guide who can give you more in-depth information about the town and its various districts. Several reputable Chiapa de Corzo tours are detailed below for your information.

  • Chiapa de Corzo & Sumidero Canyon day tour from Tuxtla Gutierrez
  • Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo and San Cristobal tour
  • Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo tour from San Cristobal

Best things to do in Chiapas, Mexico: Visit the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas

Spend a long weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas 

San Cristobal de Las Casas is the main raison d’etre that most people decide to visit Chiapas. The town was founded in 1528 and named ¨Villa Real de Chiapa¨ Its name has changed various times over the centuries before being given its current name in 1848.

Spending three to four days here allows you enough time to explore the town itself, but you may want to base yourself here for as long as a week. San Cristobal is a convenient base for taking day trips out to other parts of Chiapas.

The free walking tour is a good way to get your bearings in the city. It departs at 10 am daily from the wooden cross in front of the cathedral in the Plaza de la Paz.

There are many gorgeous catholic churches scattered throughout San Cristobal which will take your breath away, even if you are not remotely religious. A fun way to explore the town is to mark different churches on your map and enjoy exploring the offbeat neighborhoods that they lead you through.

The beautiful white and yellow Iglesia del Cerro de Guadalupe is a charming 19th-century church perched on top of a hill. If you ascend the 79 steps to the church at the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramas over the town.

Equally worthy of your attention is the Iglesia de San Cristobalito. The views from up here are unparalleled. However, conquering the hundreds of steps to the top is no mean feat.

Best things to do in Chiapas Mexico: The mysterious white and green San Juan Chamula church where unique religious practices are followed

Learn about the religious practices at San Juan Chamula Church

The San Juan Chamula Church is one of the most unique churches in the world. From the outside, it looks no different from any other Mexican catholic church.

Its crisp white facade is decorated with green fixtures and detailing, and colorful, intricate azulejo tiles. It is when you step inside the church that things get interesting.

Chiapas locals visit the San Juan Chamula church when they or their loved ones become sick. They light candles and pray to a saint of their choosing in the hope that their loved ones become better.

Generally, the more candles a person uses, the sicker they are. A lot of people here cannot afford access to modern medicine or they are suspicious of it. So, they turn to religion instead.

A blend of Catholic and indigenous practices is used during rituals here. Many indigenous people believe that they get sick as a result of people looking at them with envy or sending negative energy their way.

So, they sit and drink bottles upon bottles of fizzy drinks such as Coca-Cola as they pray and force themselves to burp as they believe that burping expels evil. Sometimes chickens are sacrificed in exchange for the person becoming better.

Best Chamula tours to take in 2023

You can take a Colectivo (shared minivan) from San Cristobal to Chamula. However, for the best experience, you should visit with a tour guide.

A number of reputable Chamula tours are detailed below for your consideration. It is advisable to reserve your spot online in advance as places do sell out! Most combine a trip to Chamula with a visit to nearby Zinacantan.

  • Chamula & Zinacantan day trip from San Cristobal
  • Indigenous villages of Chiapas day trip

An old man pays his respects in a local church in Zinacantan Chiapas

Experience indigenous cultures in Zinacantan

Zinacantan is one of the best places to visit in Chiapas, particularly if you are interested in learning about indigenous cultures. The little town is home to around 45,000 inhabitants, many of whom are Tzotzil.

The town’s original name was ¨Tzinacantlān¨ which is of Nahuatl origin and means “land of bats”. However, it was modified to Zinacantan as the Spanish colonizers could not pronounce its original name.

Today, Zinacantan is home to several beautiful churches that use a blend of Catholic and indigenous practices in their worship. Stop by the Iglesia de San Lorenzo and the Capilla El Señor de Esquipulas.

This region is famous for growing flowers. Whenever you step inside any of the churches of Zinacantan, you will be met with the fragrant aroma of hundreds of colorful flowers and garlands that decorate every wall and ceiling.

Many stunning, vibrant textiles are also produced here. You may be interested in stopping by the indigenous women’s textile cooperative on the outskirts of town.

More than 60 women work together to create unique garments and the existence of this cooperative has helped to massively improve the lives of the residents of the village. They donate a portion of their earnings to fund the education of the younger generations.

best places to visit chiapas

Recommended Zinacantan tours

best places to visit chiapas

Take a boat tour of the magnificent Sumidero Canyon

Chiapas is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful natural scenery in Mexico. The Sumidero Canyon, set inside the national park of the same name, is a dramatic gorge that was formed more than 35 million years ago.

Start by taking a boat tour along the Río Grijalva where you will pass through areas surrounded by towering 1km high cliffs. It takes approximately 2 hours to sail along the 64km length of the river.

Many endangered species call the canyon home, along with crocodiles, spider monkeys, and many exotic, colorful birds. If you are lucky, you will see them as you sail around the canyon. There are also numerous hiking trails that weave around the scenery here and offer spectacular panoramas over the canyon, with Chiapa de Corzo and Tuxtla Gutierrez shimmering in the distance.

Recommended Sumidero Canyon Tours

It is very difficult to tour Sumidero Canyon independently. One of the best things to do in Chiapas is to take a Sumidero Canyon tour that starts in Chiapa de Corzo, Tuxtla Gutierrez, or San Cristobal.

Many tours include pick-up and drop-off from/to your hotel. This takes a lot of stress out of managing the logistics of how to get from A to B.

A number of reputable Sumidero Canyon tours are detailed below for your consideration. Book online in advance to secure your place.

  • Sumidero Canyon full day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Sumidero Canyon and San Cristobal de las Casas day trip from Tuxtla Gutierrez
  • Tour of Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo and San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas

best places to visit chiapas

Visit a coffee plantation

An interesting fact about Mexico that you may not be aware of is that the country is the world’s largest producer of organic coffee. In general, Mexico is one of the largest coffee producers in the world.

Chiapas, along with Veracruz and Oaxaca, is one of the country’s largest coffee-growing regions. Mexican Chiapas coffee tends to have a strong, distinct taste and while it may be relatively unknown internationally, you will note that many cafes and restaurants across Mexico stock and serve it.

If you are a major coffee aficionado, one of the best things to do in Chiapas is to visit one of the coffee plantations in the area. Many plantations offer tours and tastings.

They often also have tourist accommodations on site where you can stay in gorgeous rural cabins in the mountains overlooking the plantations. Most Chiapas plantations are concentrated around Ocosingo and near the Sierra Madre mountains in the southern part of the state.

The Hamburgo plantation is a good choice, although it is tricky to reach unless you are renting a car in Mexico. It is located high in the Sierra Madre mountains, close to the town of Huixtla.

The plantation was founded in 1888 by German Arthur Edelman. It has been passed down through his family for more than 100 years and is currently managed by the fifth generation. There is also a spa and restaurant on-site.

Marvel at the spectacular Arco del Tiempo 

The Arco del Tiempo del Río La Venta ” (Arch of Time of La Venta River )is a spectacular natural stone arch 180 meters high that is one of the tallest arches in the world. The arch is currently on the ¨tentative¨ list for UNESCO, to potentially be added as a natural wonder of the world. The breathtaking natural archway sits in the lush, dense jungles of the Reserva de la Biosfera Selva El Ocote in Northern Chiapas. It is about as off the beaten path as you can get in Chiapas, with less than a handful of tourists visiting the area each month. 

The archway wasn’t even designated as a tourist destination at all until 2010, when a group of Italian travelers that had stumbled across the Arco del Tiempo and fell in love with the surrounding biosphere reserve, convinced the locals to build huts to promote ecotourism. The archway is more than 80 million years old and was formed by limestone dissolution and erosion by rain and wind. Petroglyphs (ancient wall carvings) created by the indigenous Zoque communities that lived here approximately 5,000 years ago can be found along the arch. 

Getting to the Arco del Tiempo is no easy feat – doing so requires a 4-hour trek through the jungle with the help of a local guide. Rappelling, swimming, and kayaking are among the activities that you can enjoy when you arrive. Rather than heading back the same day, you can choose to camp in the grounds of the archway or in the jungle just above it. 

Swim in the crystalline waters of Cenote de Chukumaltik 

Most travelers to Mexico have never heard of Chukumaltik cenote and their trips often center around the ¨Instagram famous¨ cenotes in the Yucatan, such as Cenote Suytan and Cenote Ik Kil. But ask any Chiapas resident where the most beautiful place to go swimming is and chances are they will all give you the same answer: Cenote de Chukumaltik. 

Cenote de Chukumaltik translates to mean ¨hidden beauty¨. This is a fitting title as this natural sinkhole awaits in the middle of nowhere, escaping the eyes and attention of most tourists. 

The open cenote has a diameter of approximately 200 meters and a depth of 70 meters. You could easily spend a day swimming and snorkeling in its refreshing crystalline waters which are backed by the luscious green jungles of Chiapas. Chukumaltik awaits approximately 36 minutes (27km) south of the city of Comitan de Dominguez, not too far from the Mexico-Guatemala border. Not only is the cenote beautiful in itself, but even more treasures await beneath the surface of its warm waters – including a petrified forest, sulfur chimneys, and a submerged statue of the Virgen de los Dolores with her hands together in prayer. If you do not have access to a vehicle, the best way to get to Chukumaltik is to organize a taxi ride from Comitan. You can take the bus headed to Cascadas de Chiflón and get off at Chucumaltik junction but it is quite a ways from the cenote and you will have to wait by the side of the road for a while (which can be almost unbearable when it’s hot) and hitchhike or wait for a ride. 

Explore the Toniná Ruins

The Toniná Ruins (meaning ¨House of Stone¨ in Tzeltel Maya is a pre-Colombian city that was built by the Ancient Mayans in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Although small, it is filled with impressive and well-preserved temples and pyramids and is believed to have been a rival city of Palenque. 

Archeologists believe that Toniná originally went by the name of ¨Po¨. The Acropolis here is one of the tallest Mayan structures in Latin America and at a height of 241 feet, it is significantly higher than the famous ¨El Torre¨ at the ruins of Ek Balam , and the Ixmoja pyramid at the Coba Mayan ruins in the Yucatan. 

Tonina/Po thrived during the Classic Period (400-900 CE). Notable structures to look out for here include the Pok-ta-Pok ball court at the Great Plaza, which contains ornately carved structures of Mayan lords that were captured by the city leaders, the Altar of Sacrifices, various tombs, and an ¨Altar of the Underworld¨.

The ¨Altar of the Underworld¨ contains a labyrinth that is extremely rare to find in Mayan cities. (There is one more at Oxkintok in the southern part of the Yucatan state ). 

The entrance fee for visiting the Toniná Ruins is 70 MXN pesos and the site entrance includes admission to the Toniná museum which contains artifacts and statues recovered from the city and helps you to put the things you see here in more context. 

Street art in Tuxtla Gutierrez Chiapas

Spend an afternoon in Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the bustling capital city of Chiapas and while it is no great beauty, it is worth stopping by here briefly on your way to/from Chiapas’ Ángel Albino International Airport if your schedule allows. 

The Cristo de Copoya is a 62m high Catholic cross with an image of Jesus Christ carved out of its center. It sits on the top of Mactumactzá Hill in the southern part of the city, and you can enjoy sweeping vistas of Tuxtla and the wider region from the top. 

As you make your way around the city, you will see it peeping out above the various structures. There is some great street art scattered around Tuxtla, even in the most unsuspecting industrial and residential neighborhoods and much of it is politically motivated and thought-provoking. 

Stroll down Calzada de la Revolución, one of the city’s oldest streets, and stop at the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Chiapas to learn more about how Southern Mexico has developed through the decades. Traditional markets like the Mercado Juan Sabines or the Municipal Public Market are great places to people-watch, witness signs of traditional daily life, and sample Mexican cuisine. When the sunsets, you can head to the Parque de la Marimba to watch or join in with older Chiapas residents as they dance to traditional music played on the marimba. The marimba is often referred to as being ¨the ancestral voice of Chiapas¨.

You will no doubt hear it played over the radio in various taxis, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you want to learn more about the instrument and how it fits into local culture, you can stop by the Museo de la Marimba (Calle Novena Pte. Sur S/N, El Cerrito). 

Boca del Cielo, Chiapas

Sink your toes into the golden sands of Chiapas beaches 

A lot of visitors to Chiapas aren’t even aware of the fact that the southernmost state offers dozens of beaches to choose from. The sheer mention of Chiapas is so synonymous with rugged outdoor adventures, waterfalls, and ruins that few people realize there are any beaches here at all!

In reality, the western coast of Chiapas features over 250km of undisturbed natural coastline, and gorgeous beaches and coves that boast soft, powdery-white sand, and clear cerulean waters. Puerto Arista Beach is one of the most popular. 

It is backed by picturesque palm trees and mangroves and is considered one of the most critical places in Chiapas for the conservation of sea turtles. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and palapa-style huts here where you can sample the regional cuisine, fresh seafood dishes prepared with fish caught earlier the same day, or ice-cold micheladas. 

If you prefer something a little quieter and more secluded, you will love Boca del Cielo (¨mouth of heaven¨ beach). This sleepy little fishing village is well worth the effort to get to and few people take the time to venture here. 

It is backed by the clear blue waters of La Jolla Lake on one side and the endless horizons of the Pacific Ocean on the other. A trip here is more about relaxation than anything else, and having the opportunity to laze around on the beach in a hammock, watching gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and simply admiring the view. 

Palenque Chiapas

Explore the ruins at Palenque

The Palenque ruins are undoubtedly among the best Mayan ruins in Mexico. The site dates back to the Early Classic period (A.D. 200-600) and was also known as ¨Lakamha¨ in the Ancient Itza language. It flourished during the 7th century under the rule of Pakal.

Palenque sits in the heart of the Tumbalá mountains. You can climb the ruins here and for your efforts, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the jungle below.

The site is expansive and worthy of 2-3 hours of your time. Palenque is one of the world’s most studied Mayan ruins and it was just as important as Chichen Itza, Edzna , and Mayapan .

Recommended Palenque tours

Palenque is relatively remote and somewhat tricky to get to. It is advisable to visit the site on a tour.

Many reputable local tour operators offer day trips from San Cristobal de Las Casas to Palenque. They usually combine a trip to the ruins with a visit to some nearby waterfalls.

A selection of the best Palenque tours is detailed below for your consideration.

  • From San Cristobal: Agua Azul and Palenque day trip
  • From San Cristobal: Palenque, Agua Azul and Misol-Ha day trip

Yaxchilan ruins

Take a boat out to the Yaxchilan ruins

Visiting the ruins at Palenque can feel like a bit of an effort. At first glance, it seems like there is little else of interest in the area nearby. Palenque town is not a tourist destination in itself, although it is home to several hotels and restaurants.

If you opt to stay overnight in Palenque, you can then consider taking a day trip out to Yaxchilan and Bonampak ruins. The Yaxchilan ruins are some of the most difficult to reach but they are well worth the effort.

To get here, you need to board a boat and ride along the Usumacinta River. Much of Yaxchilan has been reclaimed by the jungle and is massively overgrown. It looks just as you would expect a site that has been abandoned for thousands of years to look. Yaxchilan sees just a fraction of the tourists seen by the likes of Palenque and Chichen Itza.

This is, in part, because the ruins require so much effort to get to. Only a small handful of tourists pass through here every day.

Yaxchilan was occupied between 250 AD and 900 AD. Its location right on the river made it an important city for trade and commerce.

Recommended Yaxchilan and Bonampak tours

It would be very difficult to try and get to Yaxchilan independently. Your best bet is to travel with a tour guide.

Several reputable tour options are detailed below. Most tours combine a trip to Yaxchilan with the nearby ruins of Bonampak.

  • Yaxchilan and Bonampak ruins and Lacandon jungle tour from Palenque

Yaxchilan and Bonampak can be visited on a tour from Palenque

Stop by the Bonampak archeological site

The Bonampak archeological site is small, and at first glimpse, it may not seem as impressive as Palenque or Yaxchilan but don’t be fooled. The most fascinating thing about this site is that it is home to several extremely well-preserved, colorful painted murals.

In fact, ¨Bonampak¨ is Mayan for ¨painted walls¨. In one of the main structures here, nestled deep in the heart of the jungle, are three rooms that are painted from floor to ceiling.

These are the best-preserved Mayan murals in the world and Mayan paintings like these are extremely rare. The murals depict scenes from everyday life in a Mayan civilization – celebrations, sacrifices, and religious ceremonies.

It is better to visit Bonampak as part of a tour. Most companies combine a trip to the ruin with a trip to Yaxchilan.

A Chiapescan man walks beneath fluttering papel picado flags in the colorful Chiapas city of Comitan

Venture off the beaten path to the city of Comitan

The city of Comitan de Dominguez is a pueblo magico in the southernmost part of Chiapas state. It sits right beside the Guatemalan border and a visit here is one of the best things to do in Chiapas if you want to venture far off the beaten track and experience local life.

Comitan’s pre-Hispanic name was Balún Canán meaning “Nine Stars”. The settlement was founded in a swamp by a large group of Tzeltal Indians.

In 1486 it was subdued by the Aztecs who changed the name to “Comitlan” derived from a Nahuatl word meaning “Place of potters”. Spanish colonizers changed the name to Comitan, which was easier for them to pronounce.

The ¨de Dominguez¨ aspect of the name was added in 1915 in honor of Dr. Belisario Dominguez, a beloved doctor, and politician. Comitan does not offer a huge amount in terms of things to see and do; You could easily explore most of the town on foot in half a day.

However, it makes a great base for exploring many of the southernmost ruins, lakes, and parks in Chiapas. If you base yourself in Comitan rather than San Cristobal, your journey time to the likes of Montebello Lakes and the El Chiflon waterfalls is much shorter.

Howler monkeys and other animals can be found in the Lacandon jungle

Trek through the Lacandon Jungle

The Lacandon Jungle is an area of rainforest that is easily accessible from Palenque. It stretches from Chiapas, Mexico, all the way down to Guatemala.

You will pass through a section of the jungle if you want to travel to the ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak. However, if you want to delve deeper into the wilderness and learn about the indigenous Lacandon Maya tribe that inhabits the jungle, as well as have the chance to view its endemic flora, fauna, and animals, you can book a jungle trek.

Many local companies offer Lacandon Jungle trekking tours. Some are led by members of the Lacandon tribes and others include an overnight say at a jungle camp.

A mask recovered from Tenam Puente on display at a museum in the Comitan archeological museum

Visit the ruins at Tenam Puente

A visit to the ruins at Tenam Puente is one of the best things to do in Chiapas if you have a keen interest in Mayan history. The Mayan city is just 11.6km south of Comitan and is accessible via Colectivo.

Tenam Puente comes from the Nahuatl word  tenamitl  meaning fortification. The site dates back to the early post-classic period (900-1200 AD) until it was eventually abandoned. Like many Mayan cities, nobody is certain about the reasons why it was abandoned.

Many artifacts that have been recovered from Tenam Puente are on display in the small Museo Arqueológico de Comitán in the Comitan city center. This is well worth visiting if you have time.

Unfortunately, the museum information is only displayed in Spanish so if you cannot speak/read Spanish, it doesn’t give a huge amount of context. However, some of the old Mayan masks and artifacts recovered from Tenam Puente are so ornate and intricate, that it would be a shame to miss the chance to view them.

Best things to do in Chiapas Mexico: Visit the Mayan ruins of Chinkultic

Head out to the forgotten ruins of Chinkultic

The ruins at Chinkultic are located 45.5km south of Comitan, close to the Guatemalan border. Unless you are driving in Mexico , they are difficult to get to independently.

The site dates back to 600 AD and contains several temples and pyramids that you can climb. From their peaks, you have incredible views across Southern Chiapas, with Guatemala in the distance.

The Chinkultic ruins are small. You only need an hour or two to explore them so a visit here is best combined with a trip to the nearby Montebello lakes.

For the time being, very few tours run to the region. If you do not have a vehicle, your best bet to reach the site is to go by taxi.

Ask your hotel reception/accommodation host to provide you with the details of a taxi driver that they trust. Then, you can negotiate a price with the driver for them to wait for you while you explore the site and then drive you back to Comitan.

There is a colectivo that you can take. However, it does not run all the way to Chinkultic. Instead, you need to go to Mobtelello Lakes and then try and hitch a ride from there.

El Chiflon waterfalls are one of Chiapas states most popular natural attractions

Take a day trip to El Chiflon Waterfalls

The El Chiflon waterfalls are among the most popular day trips that you can do from San Cristobal de Las Casas. This collection of tiered waterfalls awaits in the southern part of the state, close to Comitan.

There are five waterfalls here. The most famous is called the Cascada de Vela Novia (the bridal veil) because its crystal clear water cascades over the edge of a cliff, giving the appearance of a bride’s veil.

You cannot swim in the waterfalls. However, there is a river nearby where you can swim so be sure to bring your swimsuit to make the most of the falls on a hot, humid day. There are also several hiking trails that lead you through the breathtaking natural scenery of the area.

best places to visit chiapas

Recommended El Chiflon tours

  • San Cristobal: El Chiflon waterfalls and Montebello day tour
  • Tuxtla Gutierrez: El Chiflon waterfalls and Montebello day tour

Spend a day at Montebello Lakes

The Lagos de Montebello (Montebello Lakes) is a complex of 59 natural lakes situated at the Mexico-Guatemala border. Some fall on the Mexican side of the border, others await in Guatemala.

This is one of the best places to visit in Chiapas if you enjoy the great outdoors and getting back to nature. You can take a boat ride on some of the larger lakes and many hiking trails weave throughout the area.

Many local tour companies include a trip to Montebello lakes with their El Chiflon tours. However, the lakes are also very easy (and cheap!) to get to independently.

You can take a Colectivo from Comitan to the lakes for just 20 pesos ($1 USD!) Pack some snacks or some Mexican street food and have a picnic on the banks of one of the lakes.

Sundays at the lake provide a great people-watching opportunity. Most Mexicans have the day off work and you will see lots of local families having picnics, camping, and swimming in the lakes.

Marvel at the Agua Azul waterfalls

There are several spectacular waterfalls that you will likely pass on your way to Palenque. Namely, Agua Azul, Misol-Ha, and Roberto Barrios.

If you are participating in a Palenque tour that departs from San Cristobal, they will typically include a brief stop at one or multiple of these sites. The Las Cascadas de Agua Azul is the most popular of the falls.

As the name suggests, the clear water here is a fabulous shade of turquoise blue. This ethereal shade is due to a combination of carbonated salts that exist in the water.

Fortunately, the salts do not affect or harm your skin in any way so you can safely and comfortably enjoy swimming in the pools at the base of the falls. Many tour buses stop at Agua Azul each day and unfortunately, the site is becoming increasingly crowded which can somewhat detract from the magic of visiting the site.

If you are touring Chiapas independently, you may prefer to visit the lesser-known cascado Roberto Barrios. The falls are an hour’s drive from Palenque and are accessible via Colectivo.

Visit the Sima de las Cotorras sinkhole 

The Sima de las Cotorras sinkhole (chasm of the parakeets) is a Chiapas cenote that sits in the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve in Western Chiapas. As the name suggests, the huge sinkhole is home to thousands of colorful birds but its most famous residents are its bright green parakeets (cotorras). Every morning at around 4.30 or 5 am, the sinkholes’ resident birds wake up with the sunrise and take flight, fluttering out of the caverns and decorating the sky with hundreds of different colors. Not only is Sima de las Cotorras located in the very heart of the Chiapescan jungle, but there is a separate jungle located at the base level inside of it. Many of the trees and flowers here are native to Mexico and some of them are not found anywhere else – they are exclusive to this unique sinkhole. The only way to go inside the sinkhole is by rappelling down it. 

Various tour companies offer fully-supervised rappelling tours from Tuxtla and San Cristobal. If you are afraid of heights or nervous about the safety of rappelling, it is reassuring to know that you are with professionals that will watch and guide you the entire time. 

The Sima de las Cotorras is open from 7 am until 5 pm daily, but many tour companies will get you to the site before that so that you can watch the sunrise, see the birds coming out of the chasm, and enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast before you start rappelling. 

Part way down the rim, you can find hundreds of cave paintings (petroglyphs) that were likely created by the local Zoque communities some 10,000 years ago. The sinkhole is 520 feet wide and 460 feet deep. 

Trek to the Aguacero Waterfalls 

Although El Chiflon Falls may be the most popular waterfalls in Chiapas, they are not the only worthwhile cascadas in the state. The Aguacero Falls could easily give them a run for their money, and this spectacular, underrated gem is nestled in the heart of the Ocote jungle. 

The falls are approximately an hour away from Tuxtla Gutierrez. Once you arrive at the site, it’s a short trek down 749 stone steps to the Cañón Río La Venta (La Venta River Canon). From there, you need to wade through the knee-deep waters of the river as you make your way to the falls. If you ever wanted to feel like a real-life Indiana Jones, the Aguacero Falls are your opportunity to do just that. While the Falls themselves are beautiful (even if they do not have the same ethereal-looking turquoise pools of water that El Chiflon and Agua Azul have), the jungle that encompasses them is equally fascinating and filled with caves and tunnels to explore, natural rock pools to bathe in, and mossy rocks to sit on while you revel in the view. 

Fall in love with the Reserva de la Biosfera La Encrucijada

La Encrucijada is a series of mangrove forests and estuaries that have been recognized as a biosphere reserve since 1995. The mangroves here are among the best in Mexico, with some of the trees reaching heights of up to 35km tall – making them among the tallest in Latin America. 

Sailing through the mangroves with local fishermen and admiring the flora, fauna and wildlife here is the best way to experience the biosphere reserve. (It is similar in some ways to Celestun or Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan ). 

Many of the plants that are found here are endangered and on the bird of extinction. Various migratory birds pass through the reserve each year, notably the waterfowl from Canada and the north of the United States. 

Nearby, on the coast of Barra Zacapulco, turtles come ashore onto the beaches to lay their eggs during the hatching season which takes place every year between August and October.  

Tapachula 

If Comitan de Dominguez is overlooked, the border town of Tapachula is even more so. Most travelers to Chiapas only see passing through the settlement as a necessary evil on the journey across the border into neighboring Guatemala. 

However, Tapachula is home to a population of 353,706 inhabitants and provides some great opportunities to immerse yourself in Mexican traditions and culture. Mexico’s southernmost city is known as the ‘Pearl of the Soconusco´and is an important place for the production and trade of flowers and fresh produce. 

The Miguel Hidalgo Central Park is a nice place to walk around while the Museo de Tapachula gives insight into the region’s history. (Although the exhibits are mostly in Spanish).

From here, you can also take day trips out to the Izapa ruins or the Tajumulco volcano. 

Impressive street art in Chiapa de Corzo

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Chiapas in 2024

Have you been to Chiapas, Mexico? Do you have any additional suggestions in terms of the best things to do in Chiapas Mexico? 

If you are visiting Mexico for the first time, you may enjoy reading this list of Mexico travel tips to know before you go . Safe travels! Buen Viaje! Melissa xo

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Melissa Douglas

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Chiapas: Top 15 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in chiapas: the 15 best places to visit.

Are you planning to visit Chiapas on your trip to Mexico?

That’s a great idea!

Chiapas is a stunning region with nature reserves , archaeological sites hidden in the jungle, traditional communities and colonial cities. It has so much to offer for an unforgettable stay.

To help you plan your trip, I have prepared this guide with all the best things to do and see in Chiapas . It’s a perfect destination to combine with the Yucatan Peninsula on your next trip to Mexico.

In this guide, you will find all the attractions in Chiapas with practical information and my tips so you can make the most of your stay.

So, what are the best places to visit in Chiapas? Where to stay?

Book your tour in Chiapas

  • 1.The archaeological site of Palenque

2. The Misol-Ha Waterfall

3. the waterfalls of agua azul, 5. bonampak and yaxchilán, 6. ecotourism in the lacandon jungle, 7. san cristobal de las casas, 8. the sumidero canyon, 9. visit the tzotzil communities, 10. el chiflón waterfalls, 11. montebello lakes, 12. comitan de dominguez, 13. visit a coffee hacienda, 14. tuxtla gutierrez, 15. taste the gastronomy of chiapas, tourist map of chiapas, san cristobal de las casas, comitan de dominguez, tuxtla gutierrez, my tips for visiting chiapas, how to get to chiapas, by colectivo, is chiapas dangerous, what is the best time to go to chiapas, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you.

If you just want to book an activity in Chiapas at the best price , without reading the article (although I recommend reading it for all the details!), here’s the summary table of the best activities in Chiapas.

The great thing is that for all the activities I present in this article, cancellation policy is flexible.

Simply click on the names of the activities to make your reservation:

Best Things to Do in Chiapas

1. the archaeological site of palenque.

Palenque is one of the must-see places in Chiapas . It was one of the most important Mayan cities, along with Tikal in Guatemala and Calakmul in Campeche .

Surrounded by the jungle, Palenque offers a unique experience of exotic bird songs and monkey howls.

It is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.

Palenque has many attractions to explore:

  • The Temple of the Inscriptions , where the tomb of K’inich Janaab’ Pakal I , a 7th century ruler, was found with valuable artifacts, such as a jade mask. You can see a replica of the tomb at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City , which is worth visiting if you are in the capital!
  • The Palace , which has a magnificent view of the site.
  • The Cross Group , with the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Foliated Cross, related to three deities of Palenque.
  • The Museum of Palenque , one of the most important museums of Mayan archaeology with 6 rooms displaying 234 artifacts from the region.

You may also like: How to Visit the Archaeological Site of Palenque

How to visit Palenque:

  • You need to pay 2 entrance fees: 97 pesos (includes the ruins and museum) and 85 pesos (entrance to the national park)
  • The archaeological zone is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the museum from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm
  • You can get there from the town of Palenque (5 miles) by driving along the Palenque Archaeological Zone Highway for about 30 minutes, or by taking a colectivo (shared taxi) that goes between the town and the ruins.

If you want to visit Palenque from San Cristobal d e las Casas , you can also book this one-day tour that includes pick-up at your hotel, entrance to the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls , and a guided visit to Palenque.

You can book it here :

palenque

Misol-Ha is a spectacular place in Chiapas that you won’t regret visiting! It is a 100 ft waterfall surrounded by a lush jungle that creates a large natural pool where you can swim.

Misol-Ha is close to the ruins of Palenque , the Agua Azul waterfalls and the Mayan site of Toniná .  You can easily do the whole tour in one day.

If you want to save time and hassle, I suggest you book this tour (click here!) , which includes pick-up from your hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas , visit to Misol-Ha, Agua Azul and Palenque.

Fun Fact Misol-Ha and Palenque were the main filming locations for the movie Predator (1987) with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

misol ha

The Agua Azul waterfalls are one of the most stunning sights in Chiapas.

The water has a magical color because of the high concentration of limestone in the Yax-Ha river , which feeds the waterfalls.

Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit to enjoy the natural pools!

How to visit Agua Azul:

  • The entrance fee is 80 pesos (2 tickets of 40 pesos), open from 8 am to 6 pm
  • If you are driving from Palenque : take highway 199 Palenque-Ocosingo and after 40 miles turn right on the road leading to Agua Azul (there is a blue sign).
  • If you are taking public transport from Palenque : take a colectivo to Ocosingo (1h30, 80 pesos) and tell the driver that you are going to Agua Azul. He will drop you off at the intersection of the road to Agua Azul. You can either take a cab from there (30 pesos) or walk 2.5 miles
  • If you want to join a guided tour, you can book this one (click here!) that includes pick-up from your hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas, visit to Palenque, Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.

agua-azul-chiapas

Toniná is a hidden gem in Chiapas that you should visit. It is an archaeological zone with an impressive 7-story temple or Acropolis that has many altars, temples, houses and palaces.

You can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the surroundings if you climb the 260 stairs to the top of the pyramid.

Did you know that the pyramid of Toniná is taller than the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán and the Pyramid of Cholula in Puebla ? It is 250 ft high!

Toniná has many attractions to see, such as temples, sculptures, murals, labyrinths, two Mesoamerican ball game courts and a museum. To make sure you don’t miss anything on your visit, it’s worth hiring a guide .

How to visit Toniná:

  • The entrance fee is 75 pesos (also includes the museum), guide service (optional) costs about 200 pesos
  • The closest town to Toniná is Ocosingo. You can take the ADO bus from San Cristóbal or Palenque to Ocosingo (2h30 or 2h50), then a combi from Ocosingo to Toniná (20 min)
  • If you are driving, you need to get to Ocosingo by taking Highway 199 from San Cristobal or Palenque. After Ocosingo, take Highway 218 and turn left on the road to Toniná (25 min).

Toniná Chiapas

Bonampak , which means “painted walls” in Mayan, is a small Mayan site that flourished from the 6th to the 9th century. You should visit it if you want to see some amazing Mayan art.

It is famous for its incredible murals in the three rooms of Structure 1 or “ Temple of Murals ”. They show the life of the time, such as priests and nobles, war and prisoners, human sacrifices, dancers, customs, etc.

These murals are priceless because they are the most complete representation of a pre-Hispanic civilization discovered so far!

Bonampak was a vassal of Yaxchilan , an important city that dominated the region and today is known for its sculptures, considered masterpieces of Mayan art.

Yaxchilan is located only 12 miles away, on the banks of the Usumacinta River , which forms the border with Guatemala.

How to visit Bonampak and Yaxchilán:

It is not very easy to get there on your own…

  • There is no public transportation
  • To reach Bonampak , you can drive up to a certain point, but then you have to take a van from the community of Lacanjá.
  • To reach Yaxchilán , you can only take a boat (40 min) from Frontera Corozal .

So the best option is to take a tour to Bonampak and Yaxchilán from Palenque , which includes pick up at your hotel, the guide and entrance fees to the sites, the river ride, breakfast and lunch.

You can book it here:

bonampak

The Lacandon Jungle is one of Mexico’s most amazing rainforests and a must-see in Chiapas!

It became a Natural Monument in 1992, protecting the animals that inhabit its 4357 hectares, such as the jaguar and the eagle, which were symbols of power for the Mayas, as well as various species of monkeys, parrots, toucans, etc.

In this lush jungle, you can meet the Lacandones and experience their daily life surrounded by nature.

What to do and see in the Lacandon Jungle:

  • Explore the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve , a pristine and well-preserved area of the jungle
  • Spend a night at the Top Che ecotourism center run by a Mayan family
  • Visit the archaeological sites of Bonampak , Yaxchilan and Lacanja
  • Go to the Las Nubes ecotourism center (40 pesos entrance fee) to see the waterfalls and walk along the trails until you reach the viewpoint
  • Visit the La Guacamaya ecotourism center (free entrance) which is involved in the conservation of the scarlet macaw . They offer tours on the Lacantun River and trekking excursions to fund the center

My tip If you like adrenaline, you can take this tour in the Lancandon jungle (click to book!) from Palenque with hiking and rafting .

selva Lacandona Chiapas

San Cristobal de las Casas is the cultural capital of Chiapas , located 7,000 ft above sea level.

It is a colonial city that was founded in 1528 by Diego de Mazariegos. It has preserved its traditional charm and authenticity with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, churches and markets.

Its architectural richness reflects the greatness of this city that was the capital of Chiapas until 1892.

What to do and see in San Cristobal de las Casas:

  • The Zócalo , the main square of the city, and the cathedral
  • The Guadalupe Church , which you can reach by climbing 79 steps. It offers a beautiful view of the city
  • Na Bolom , a cultural association located in a lovely colonial house that works for the preservation of the Lacadon culture
  • The Textiles of the Maya World Center which displays 500 beautiful Mayan textile pieces from Chiapas and Guatemala
  • The Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman , a stunning example of baroque architecture in Chiapas
  • Visit the markets: the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías for sweets and souvenirs, the Mercado de Artesanías de Santo Domingo for handicrafts or the Mercado Viejo to experience local life
  • The Calle Real de Guadalupe with shops and restaurants

san-cristóbal-de-las-casas

The Sumidero Canyon is a natural wonder of Mexico , a national park and a Ramsar site. It is one of the highlights of Chiapas !

It is a geological fault formed 35 million years ago and crossed by the Grijalva River . You can take a boat ride to enjoy the amazing scenery.

You will see birds sunbathing (there are 195 species in the area!), some monkeys and crocodiles, and many natural formations.

Its most famous attractions are the Cave of Colors with a sculpture of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Christmas Tree , a waterfall named after its shape.

Besides the boat ride , I highly recommend you to go up to the viewpoints to have a view from above. It is even more impressive!

  • Check out my Complete Article About the Sumidero Canyon , where I explain how to get there on your own or with a tour, take the boat ride and go to the viewpoints!

How to visit the Sumidero Canyon:

  • By boat : you can take a boat ride from one of the four docks: Unidad Deportiva, Cahuaré, Belisario Domínguez and Chiapa de Corzo. If you go by yourself, you will have to wait for the boat to fill up with other passengers.
  • By car: you can drive to the viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the canyon from above. The viewpoints are La Ceiba, La Coyota, El Tepehuaje and Los Chiapa.

How to get to Sumidero Canyon If you don’t have a car, it is quite complicated to get to the Sumidero Canyon , especially to the viewpoints.

The best option in this case is to join a tour like I did. It is a small group tour that includes transportation, a boat ride on the Grijalva river and a visit to the viewpoints, with free time in Chiapa de Corzo.

To book , click here on the name of the tour that suits you better (the only difference is the departure point):

  • Sumidero Canyon Tour from San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Sumidero Canyon Tour from Tuxtla Gutierrez

Cañon del Sumidero

If you want to experience the culture of the tzotzil people , you should visit these two communities near San Cristobal de las Casas :

  • Zinacantán is a small town known for the beauty of its traditional clothing . You can learn about the textile production process in a workshop and visit the church of San Lorenzo .
  • San Juan Chamula , whose inhabitants wear black or white lamb’s wool clothing. Its church is a fascinating mix of Mayan and Catholic rituals in a mystical atmosphere . It is a must-see in Chiapas!

I invite you to read My Article about Zinacantán and the Complete Article about San Juan Chamula !

My tip They are autonomous communities with their own laws and the police have no authority here.

It is very important to be respectful and not take any photos of the people or the inside of the church of San Juan Chamula.

How to visit San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán:

  • By car: from San Cristóbal, take the Puerto Caté-San Cristóbal Highway (25 min).
  • By public transportation: colectivos go from the San Cristobal municipal market (25 pesos).
  • You can join a tour from San Cristóbal de las Casas that includes transportation, a visit to Zinacantán with a demonstration of traditional weaving and a tasting of pox (a local alcoholic drink), and a visit to San Juan Chamula to discover its church and cemetery.

Book it here:

tzotziles

El Chiflón was one of the best surprises of my trip to Chiapas!

It is a beautiful natural site in Mexico located between the mountains and the rainforest.

It has 5 turquoise waterfalls , fed by the San Vicente River: El Suspiro, Ala de Angel, Velo de novia (the highest, 395 ft), Arcoiris and Quinceañera.

The park has a trail of about 1 mile that lets you see all the waterfalls in the middle of nature. It is easy for everyone to enjoy .

  • Check out: My Complete Article about El Chiflón with all the practical information

How to visit El Chiflón:

  • Entrance fee to El Chiflón : 80 pesos, option to zip-line (200-650 pesos, price varies according to the length you choose).
  • There is a campground and cabins at El Chiflón if you want to spend the night there
  • To get there from Comitán de Domínguez , take highway 226; or a colectivo to Socol or Tuxtla and ask the driver to stop at El Chiflón (45 min), then walk for 10 min.
  • To get there from San Cristóbal de las Casas , take the 190 and then the 101 (2h20). To get there by public transport, you have to go through Comitán de Domínguez first.

If you don’t have a car, the best option is to take a tour to Cascadas El Chiflón because the distances are long!

It includes transportation from San Cristobal de las Casas , a visit to Lagunas de Montebello and free time for you to explore El Chiflón. Book it here:

cascade-el-chiflon

The Lagunas de Montebello National Park is a vast natural area of 23 square miles that has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

The park is very big (with 59 lakes !) and of course you can’t see them all. These are the lakes I recommend you to visit in Montebello Park :

  • Lake Tziscao is the largest and deepest lake in the park, located on the border with Guatemala . You can find cozy cabins and small restaurants where you can spend the night.There are small restaurants and cabins to spend the night .
  • Lake Pojoj boasts an Orquídeas Island, which you can access by renting a raft (100-150 pesos, depending on the duration) or a kayak (1h, 80 pesos)
  • Cinco Lagos consists of five interconnected lakes that offer the most breathtaking view of the park . You can enjoy a raft ride or  rent a cabin there.
  • Lake Montebello is the perfect place to conclude your visit to the park. It has a charming atmosphere and you can relax in the small restaurant with a cup of typical Mexican chocolate by the lake.

Check out: My Complete Guide to Visit the Lakes of Montebello!

My tip El Chiflón is a convenient stopover if you are traveling to Montebello Park from San Cristobal.

How to visit the Lagunas de Montebello National Park:

  • Getting there from Comitán de Domínguez : 1 h by Highways 190 and 307. If you go by public transport, the colectivo (1h15) leaves every hour from Calle 13a Sur Poniente and stops at Cinco Lagos. Be careful not to miss the last colectivo or you will be stuck!
  • Getting there from San Cristóbal : there is no public transportation. You have to take Highway 101 to Comitán de Domínguez and then Highway 307 (total 4h-4h30).

If you are staying in San Cristobal de las Casas , the most convenient way is to join a tour because there is no direct public transportation and, even if you have a car, the road is long and has many curves and bumps.

I recommend this tour that includes transportation, a visit to the Lagunas de Montebello and El Chiflón . Click on the name of the tour:

  • El Chiflón + Lagunas de Montebello Tour from San Cristobal de las Casas
  • El Chiflón + Lagunas de Montebello Tour from Tuxtla Gutiérrez

cinco lagos montebello chiapas

Comitán de Domínguez is a city in the south of Chiapas that will delight you with its gothic, baroque and art nouveau architecture. It is also a city with a rich gastronomy, famous for its typical distillate, the Comiteco , which you can pair with spicy butifarra sausage.

Some of the attractions that you can enjoy in Comitán de Domínguez are:

  • Mercado 1 de Mayo , a market that has been operating for over 100 years. There you can sample jocoatol, a fermented corn drink, and atole de granillo, a corn-based beverage with sugar and cinnamon.
  • Stroll through the streets to see the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, the Chapel of San Sebastian, the Church of San Jose, the Juanchavin Theater and the Municipal Palace.
  • The charming neighborhood of Caralampio , where you can see colorful houses and murals.
  • The Hermila Dominguez de Castellanos Art Museum
  • A coffee break on the terrace of the Rosario Castellanos Cultural Center , which is housed in a former convent from the 16th century.
  • The House-Museum of Dr. Belisario Domínguez , who was a prominent politician who gave his name to the city.

From Comitan, you can also explore the Mayan ruins of Tenam Puente and Chinkultik , the waterfalls of El Chiflon , or dive in the cenote Chucumaltik !

How to get to Comitán de Domínguez:

  • From Tuxtla Gutierrez : by car (2h45) take Highway 190D and then Highway 190; or by ADO bus (3h20)
  • From San Cristóbal de las Casas : by car (1h50) take Highway 190; or by ADO bus (2h).

If you want to discover more of Comitan de Dominguez and its surroundings, you can join a tour that includes hotel pick-up , lunch and a visit to the stunning waterfalls of Las Nubes in the Lacandon jungle. To book this amazing experience, just click on the tour name below:

  • Comitan + Las Nubes Tour from San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Tour Comitán + Las Nubes from Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Comitán de Domínguez

If you are a coffee lover, you should visit a coffee hacienda in Mexico . Coffee was introduced to Mexico in the 18th century and today it has a controlled designation of origin in the states of Veracruz and Chiapas , which is the largest coffee producer in the country.

You can visit several coffee farms that welcome travelers and offer more than just a cup of coffee. You can also enjoy ecotourism activities , such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and staying overnight at the farm.

You can follow the  Coffee Route  to explore the farms of Irlanda, Argovia, Hamburgo and La Chiripa, where you can learn about the history and culture of coffee production. You can also discover natural attractions like the San Francisco waterfall , which is a hidden gem in the jungle.

hacienda cafe chiapas

Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the capital city of Chiapas and a lively place with an airport. It can be a great starting or ending point for your trip through Chiapas.

Some of the attractions that you can enjoy in Tuxtla Gutiérrez are:

  • Marimba Garden Park , where people gather from 7 pm to dance to the rhythm of the marimba, a musical instrument invented in Chiapas.
  • The Marimba Museum, located right in front of the park, which tells the history and evolution of this instrument.
  • The regional museum , which displays the history and culture of Chiapas from pre-Hispanic times to the present day.
  • The Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden
  • The Cathedral of San Marcos, which has a stunning façade that is illuminated by a show of lights, sounds and colors from Thursday to Sunday at 8 pm.

And if you want to taste the famous Chiapas coffee I recommend Café Avenida , an emblematic place on Avenida Central that has been serving delicious coffee since 1936!

Chiapas is a paradise for food lovers , as it offers a variety of typical dishes and drinks that reflect its rich and diverse culture.

Some of the dishes that you should try are: sopa de pan , a hearty soup with bread, egg and plantain; tamal chiapaneco , a corn dough filled with chicken, pork or cheese and wrapped in banana leaves; queso relleno , a cheese ball from Ocosingo, stuffed with pork and cooked in tomato sauce.

Another delicacy is tascalate , a refreshing drink made with roasted corn, cocoa, achiote and cinnamon.

Finally, there is pox , a traditional liquor made from corn, sugar cane and wheat, used in Mayan ceremonies for 2000 years.

It is quite strong (39% to 53%), so I suggest you start with a milder one that is infused with fruit. You can find them at  La Posheria in San Cristobal de las Casas, a cozy place that offers different flavors of pox and other local products.

tamal chiapaneco

Here you have a map with the main tourist attractions of Chiapas !

Where to stay in Chiapas?

  • The Coffee Bean Hostel : A very cozy hostel with nice common areas, a restaurant and bar, a garden, terrace with hammocks, pool tables and several breakfast options, starting at 12 $usd in a shared dorm!
  • Parador Margarita : Only 3 blocks from the main square and the bus station, it is a small haven of peace with a garden and very comfortable beds. Wifi and breakfast are included, only 46 $usd per night!
  • Hotel Diego de Mazariegos:   A magnificent 18th century mansion with a preserved Mexican colonial style, a charming interior courtyard with a fountain and classic decoration in warm tones. The hotel has two restaurants and a bar. Wifi and breakfast included, from only 73 $usd per night!
  • Casa Lum Hotel Boutique: My favorite hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas ! It is a small and sophisticated hotel decorated between modernity and traditional design. Includes a great restaurant, a terrace with a panoramic view over the city and a garden. A few steps from the main square, it is the ideal place for lovers, from 164 $usd per night!
  • Corazon del Café: A hotel very close to the Plaza de Armas, with modern and comfortable rooms, good wifi and restaurant. From 40 usd per night
  • Hostal Tres Central: Is a cozy and colorful hostel , it has a terrace with hammocks and a view over the mountains. Shared dorms and private rooms, very clean and with wifi. It offers the best value for money in town for its category, from only 13 usd!
  • Hotel Madrid:  If you are looking for a little more comfort, this hotel is very well located in the center of Tuxtla Gutierrez, a few steps from the Marimba Garden and the main square. King bed and breakfast included, from only 35 usd per night!
  • Marriott Tuxtla Gutierrez Hotel:  A high-end hotel at very affordable prices with very comfortable beds, very good wifi, gym, pool, restaurant open also for dinner. With breakfast buffet, starting at 73 usd per night!

If you want to explore Chiapas on your own , you should follow these tips:

1. Rent a car

Based on my personal experience, I would advise you to rent a car if you want to explore Chiapas on your own.

Public transportation in Chiapas is very challenging, as the distances are long and the options are limited. You may be able to take a colectivo (shared taxi) to your destination, but you may have trouble finding one to take you back!

Chiapas is not like the Yucatan Peninsula , where you can easily find buses or colectivos.

The good news is that there are many tours available from San Cristobal de las Casas , Tuxtla Gutierrez and Palenque that can take you to the most important places to see in Chiapas. However, if you want more freedom and flexibility, renting a car is the best option.

2. Plan your distances well

Chiapas is a large state with many attractions, but some of them are far apart.

For example, it can take you 4 to 6 hours to drive from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque, or from Palenque to Bonampak and Yaxchilan.

It is important to plan your itinerary well and avoid driving too much in one day. 

3. Never drive at night

For safety reasons, it is advised not to drive or travel at night on the road in Mexico.

Chiapas is no exception, especially on Highway 199 (Palenque-San Cristóbal) and Highway 307 (Palenque-Bonampak, Yaxchilán). These roads are not well lit and may have potholes, animals or other hazards.

It is better to drive during the day and reach your destination before dark.

4. Have a map with you

With so many forests, jungles and isolated places, the GPS signal and network can be easily lost in Chiapas .

It is always a good idea to download maps to your phone , but if you are going to Chiapas on your own, it is best to have a paper map as well. You can buy one at any bookstore or tourist office in Chiapas.

5. Bring the right clothes

In Chiapas, you can experience different climates and temperatures in one day .

You can be cold in the morning and then sweat from the heat and humidity in the afternoon. That’s why it is very important to pack light and comfortable clothes, but also a warm sweater or jacket for the evenings.

And don’t forget a good repellent because mosquitoes are voracious!

To get to Chiapas, you need to take a flight to Cancun or Mexico City first, as there are no direct international flights to Chiapas.

There are 3 airports in Chiapas : Tuxtla Gutierrez (the largest), Palenque and Tapachula.

From Mexico City:

  • Going from Mexico City to Tuxtla by bus takes 14h (TAPO or Central del Norte) or 1h30 by plane with Viva Aerobus, Interjet, Aeromexico.
  • Going from Mexico City to Palenque by bus takes 17h (TAPO or Central del Norte) or 1h10 by plane with Interjet. Palenque airport is 2 hours from the city.

From Cancun:

  • Going from Cancun to Tuxtla takes 18h30 by bus or 1h40 by plane with Viva Aerobus or Volaris. The other companies pass through Mexico City.
  • Going from Cancun to Palenque by bus takes 13h30. You can also go by plane but passing through Mexico City.

To find a cheap flight to Cancun or Mexico City , I recommend you to use our flight comparator in partnership with Skyscanner, it’s the guarantee to pay the best price!

How to get around Chiapas?

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Chiapas and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

  • You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
  • Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
  • Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

ADO buses are very convenient for getting around Chiapas because they reach many destinations, the seats are comfortable and there are even some night buses.

It is best to buy your ticket in advance on their website as they are usually cheaper than at the station.

The colectivos are shared vans that make the same trips as the buses, but departures are more frequent.

And the great advantage (which is very practical) is that you can ask the driver to get off on the way (ex: El Chiflón, Misol-Ha, Agua Azul).

As I explained above, there is an airport in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Palenque and Tapachula.

But there are no flights between these destinations in Chiapas.

Chiapas has a history of conflict with the Zapatista movement , but today Chiapas is safer than many other Mexican states.

You can walk the streets and visit the tourist attractions of Chiapas , but of course, always be careful as in any trip.

It is also important to avoid driving at night.

The best season to go to Chiapas is the dry season (January to June) and avoid the rainy season (May to September), when you can admire the turquoise water!

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

  • TOP 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions in Mexico – All the best places to discover
  • El Chiflón Waterfalls (Chiapas): How to Plan Your Visit
  • How to Visit San Juan Chamula , the Mystical Town of Chiapas
  • Montebello Lakes (Chiapas): The Ultimate Guide + My Tips
  • Palenque : The Ultimate Guide to the Maya Ruins
  • San Cristobal de las Casas (Chiapas): Top 15 Things to Do
  • Sumidero Canyon (Chiapas): The Definitive Guide
  • Zinacantan : A Guide to the Tzotzil Community in Chiapas
  • Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
  • Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
  • Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
  • Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
  • Road trip in Mexico : The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
  • Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
  • Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
  • Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
  • Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
  • Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
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Chiapas Is the Key to Understanding Mexico's Rich Indigenous Heritage

Steeped in Mayan heritage, the country’s southernmost state is Mexico at its most unexpected.

As I stood outside the Iglesia de San Juan de Bautista in the village of San Juan Chamula in Chiapas, Mexico, I marveled at the artistry of the traditional dress worn by the congregants filing in. Women of every age showed off ornately embroidered black sheepskin skirts and sashes and blouses the color of Easter eggs. It was a reminder of Chamula's status as a stronghold of ancient Tzotzil and Tzeltal Mayan culture — and the resilience of its native communities , which were exploited and displaced after the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

Shyly, I poked my head inside the church. The haze of copal incense smoke, flickering candlelight, and the low hum of prayer drew me in. At first, the religious cues felt familiar enough. Worshippers knelt amid thousands of candles as rays of morning light streaked through windows into the cavernous space. But as my eyes adjusted to the dim glow, I realized everything else was unfamiliar. There were no pews, no formal mass, no crucifixes. Instead, saints with the iconographic power of Mayan deities lined the walls. Sewn onto their clothing were mirrors, which are thought to reflect the sins of onlookers and to serve as gateways to the spirit world for true believers.

Like most Indigenous groups in the largely agrarian southern state of Chiapas, the Chamulans believe they live at the center of the earth. Their religion, Mexican syncretism, worships the forces of nature, the animals of the jungle, and the planets in the sky. It's combined with a form of Catholicism that places John the Baptist above Christ. From my position at the back of the church, I watched a middle-aged shaman attend to a young boy whose head was wrapped in white gauze. Rocking back and forth, she took his pulse as his parents hovered, their eyes closed in prayer.

Chiapas is almost entirely forested, rising gently, and then precipitously, from the Pacific coastal jungles to the central highlands, before reaching 13,850 feet at the peak of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas. More than 25 percent of the state's roughly four million inhabitants are Indigenous, and most of its 12 ethnic groups trace their roots to pre-Columbian Mayan peoples.

Following Mexico's independence in 1821, a small landowning elite replaced the colonial rulers, and most of the farmers (except those who joined farming collectives) transitioned from slavery to serfdom. Linked with Guatemala during the colonial era, Chiapas only became part of Mexico in 1824 and never attracted the kind of investment in industry and infrastructure of other, more mineral-rich states.

Today Chiapas is, on paper, the country's poorest state, and yet I didn't come across a single panhandler — only a handful of vendors who asked for a "donation" when they hadn't succeeded in closing a sale. Nor did I encounter a single unreturned smile. Unlike in densely populated cities to the north, I saw an almost familial sense of community everywhere I looked.

For travelers, Chiapas' isolation and rugged landscape are both a gift and a curse (there are no direct flights from the U.S., so most visitors connect through Mexico City ). There's also a lingering wariness due to the legacy of the Zapatista anti-globalization uprising that paralyzed the Mexican government in 1994, for which the region has become synonymous.

But now, with more travelers interested in understanding Mexico's Indigenous heritage (and thanks to a few truly excellent hotels and restaurants), the region is being recognized for its cultural and creative offerings. In Chiapas, travelers will find a bewitching mix of ancient and modern culture that's distinct from any other in the country.

Planning a Trip

If it's your first time in Chiapas, you'll need five to seven days to cover the region's dizzying trifecta of craftsmanship, nature, and archaeology — and have enough hang time in dreamy San Cristóbal de Las Casas, the state's third-largest (and arguably most beautiful) city. Plan to spend the first three or four nights in the San Cristóbal highlands, where you can take half and full-day trips to visit weavers, ceramists, and markets. You can also witness ceremonies in the Indigenous municipalities of Zinacantán, Chamula, and Tenejapa.

San Cristóbal's historic center, meanwhile, offers abundant shopping, eating, and cultural experiences. It can also be a base for day trips to national parks and natural attractions like El Chiflón waterfall, where the main cascade drops 393 feet. It's hard to wrap your head around the region's extreme microclimates: on the same day, you might need a puffer jacket in the morning as you set out from the San Cristóbal highlands and end up sweating through a tank top in the afternoon as you hike through the waterfall mist in El Arcotete National Park. You'll also want to make pilgrimages to the spectacular archaeological sites of Toniná and Palenque.

Though I had fantasies of renting a car and crisscrossing the region on my own , I quickly realized there was too much ground to cover. Even if you speak Spanish and trust your navigational skills, you will want the political, cultural, and historic context a skilled guide can offer. That's why I enlisted the tour operator Journey Mexico , both for the deep knowledge of their seasoned local guides and for their help with logistics. Here's my suggested itinerary, broken down into regions.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez

You will likely connect through Mexico City by plane to Chiapas's state capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, but will probably want to stay in the region's de facto cultural capital, San Cristóbal de Las Casas (about an hour's drive away). Take an early flight so you can hit the awe-inspiring — if touristy — Sumidero Canyon en route to San Cristóbal. Formed 35 million years ago by cracks in the earth's crust and erosion by the Grijalva River, Sumidero is a showstopper on a par with Yosemite's El Capitan. If you have the energy after your flight, you can even hire a boat for a two-hour ride from Chiapa de Corzo along the Grijalva — the waters of which reach eerie depths of up to 860 feet — to the Chicoasen Dam and back. A welcome reprieve from the heat, the boat trip takes you within arm's length of waterfalls, spider monkeys, ocelots, and crocodiles sunning themselves along the riverbanks.

Chiapa de Corzo, about 30 minutes east of Tuxtla, is an iconic Spanish colonial town that's also worth a quick lap. The colonnaded square centers on a 459-year-old fountain that's dedicated to a group of Indigenous resistance fighters who are said to have jumped to their deaths in Sumidero Canyon rather than surrender to the invading Spanish army.

San Cristóbal de las Casas

The city, which was a Spanish stronghold against Mayan freedom fighters in 1528, is quickly nipping at Oaxaca 's heels as Mexico's artisan capital. With a growing number of stylish boutique hotels and destination restaurants, the place has graduated from a backpacker haven to a destination for the creative arts. Its colonial-style buildings, with their wooden colonnades and red-tiled roofs, as well as its cobblestoned pedestrian streets, have also helped to draw its growing community of artistic expats (as well as its left-leaning politics). In Chiapas, there's nowhere else like it.

San Cristóbal is easily navigated on foot, and I ducked in and out of museums, stores, and cafes without much planning. At night, the streets, bars, and restaurants came to life with locals and tourists. It felt like a college town, only for grown-ups, with its mix of tradition, political charge, and sense of optimism.

On my second day, I met Margarita Cantu while she was replenishing some pieces from her clothing line at the beautiful boutique inside Hotel Bo . The 40-year-old Monterrey, Mexico-born artist and designer works with some 150 weavers from nearby communities for her women's clothing and home goods line, Omorika. After starting her career in fashion in New York City, she arrived in San Cristóbal 12 years ago for a month-long stint to learn traditional weaving techniques — and never left. She told me it was "the mix of conflicts and traditions that make every day interesting" that kept her in town.

Amatenango del Valle and Zinacantán

About an hour's drive south of San Cristóbal I visited the small town of Amatenango del Valle. It's where Juana "Juanita" Gómez Ramírez has her studio showroom, Taller y Galería Artesanal. She is something of a celebrity ceramist, known for her intricately painted sculptures of jaguars and fish, and her operation is a big source of employment in the community.

And in Zinacantán the next day, I visited the home of Catalina Pérez Hernández, who weaves textiles using the traditional backstrap loom (appointments with her are offered exclusively through Journey Mexico). Her shop has an impressive selection of embroidered textiles from the area, and for 100 pesos (about $5), she will invite you back for lunch in her kitchen, where her sister makes the most delicious corn tortillas I have ever eaten. She serves them with bowls of black beans, salsa, and raw onions, and each one is covered with embroidered linen. As in most places in the region, tortillas are made in the traditional manner, a laborious process that involves drying the maize on the husk and then cooking it overnight in lime water.

Toniná and Palenque

One of my favorite parts of this trip was the drive from San Cristóbal to Toniná en route to Palenque. As I was winding my way down from evergreen forests to sultry jungles, the pine trees competed with banana trees for position along the road, the temperature rose, and every once in a while, I was left stunned by the dramatic views.

The truly spectacular Toniná is an archaeological site etched into a hillside. The stepped pyramid presides over the lush Ocosingo Valley; inside, the ceremonial core features a labyrinth used in religious rituals.

Palenque, meanwhile, is a magnificent Mayan city of the Late Classic Period (around A.D. 600–900) that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Its temples and palaces were abandoned after the ninth century. You'll see the delicate craftsmanship that went into the mythological reliefs in the Temple of Inscriptions; the building ingenuity of the elaborate civic, religious, and residential complex; and the architectural innovation of the palace's pointed vaults.

After you've walked the site for a couple of hours, head to the parking lot. You can hire a guide to take you deeper into the jungle, where smaller, lesser-known temples are hidden among the flora. Seeing the sophisticated relics of Mayan civilization emerge from these wild, impossibly verdant surroundings is enough to take your breath away.

Exploring Chiapas

Bookmark these favorite places across Chiapas, from San Cristóbal de las Casa to Palenque, to plan your own trip through this beautiful Mexican state. You will find our favorite restaurants, hotels, and must-see things to do.

  • Casa Lum : This hotel's restaurant is worth a visit for the octopus with cauliflower and chorizo.
  • Centro Cultural de los Altos : Occupying an old convent, the city's main museum traces regional history from the pre-Hispanic era to the evangelization of the Indigenous people.
  • Eklektik : This shop has a nicely curated selection of local pottery and textiles, including women's and men's shirts, scarves, shawls, and bags.
  • El Tacoleto : Locals consider this the best taqueria in town. It's ideal for a quick lunch of tacos al pastor.
  • Hotel Bo : With its handmade furniture and local textiles, this hotel is one of those gems that puts a city on the map.
  • Hotel Guayaba Inn : This tastefully appointed property feels traditionally Mexican, with its timbered ceilings and stucco construction, four-poster beds, and tile-lined bathrooms.
  • Maho Japones : In the historic center, you'll find the Esquina San Agustín, a food-hall-style collection of stylish restaurants and bars, including this outstanding sushi spot.
  • Museo Jtatik Samuel : In addition to celebrating the life of Samuel Ruiz, the bishop of the Diocese of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, who championed land and human rights of Indigenous people, this museum houses some of the finest examples of textiles from the Oxchuc region of Chiapas.
  • Nostalgia : Go for a Michelada — prepared with a homemade tamarind mixture — at cocktail hour on the patio overlooking the public library.
  • Tarumba ; A small menu from chef Jorge Gordillo — who comes from a neighboring village — is served at Hotel Sombra del Agua .
  • Tierra y Cielo : Chef Marta Zepeda gives her elevated spin on the classics, such as quesadilla de tinga, in a chic dining room.
  • Xut El Restaurante : Casual Chiapan dishes like chile relleno and chicharrón de queso are served with flair, as is a regional take on a tuna tartare.

Amatenango del Valle

  • Taller y Galería Artesanal: Juana Gómez Ramírez and her team of artisans produce some of the best ceramics in the country. They are known for their depictions of jaguars, which still populate the jungles of Chiapas.
  • El Huachinango Feliz : Seafood is made into phenomenal ceviche and soup and served in an airy dining room.
  • Quinta Chanabnal : Run by an Italian-German scholar of Mayan hieroglyphics, this hotel gets high marks for its warm service and excellent food. Doubles from $139.

How to Book

This trip was planned by Journey Mexico , which has a network of expert local guides and can arrange all the logistics for a customized itinerary. five-day trips from $2,000 per person.

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Must-Visit Attractions in Chiapas, Mexico

Maya Pyramid, Palenque, Mexico

Chiapas is Mexico’s wild and wonderful southern state, and has many natural wonders and Mayan ruins to explore. From dense rainforests and misty cloud forests to cascading waterfalls and ancient Mayan ruins, Chiapas offers an unforgettable sceneries. Here are places we feel are must-sees while you visit the jungles and colonial towns of Chiapas.

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San Juan Chamula

best places to visit chiapas

Located near San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Juan Chamula is a sleepy mountain town rich with local character. Its beautiful church hosts a combination of indigenous and Catholic rituals—shamans cure the ailments of the community under visions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The town also holds a lively weekly market where you can buy textiles and local crafts.

A boat of Mexican tourists in Sumidero Canyon, a deep natural canyon in Chiapas state, Mexico

A stunning example of nature’s architecture, you can check out Sumidero Canyon ‘s 3,300-foot (1,000-meter) walls in a lancha (boat) for a pretty low price with a guide who will point out some of the canyon’s incredible flora, fauna, and its natural wonders . Mineralized caves, waterfalls of many shapes and sizes, and the awestruck feeling of your own tiny place in the world await you at this natural wonder

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Churches of San Cristóbal

Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

San Cristóbal de las Casas is Chiapas’s cultural center; there is so much to do there every day, including visiting art galleries, eating great food, and attending neighborhood festivals. Though the town has several churches , you should make sure you visit these six: the Santo Domingo Church, the San Cristóbal Cathedral, the Guadalupe Church, the Templo de Carmen, the San Francisco Church, and the El Cerrito Church.

Weekly markets

The weekly markets throughout Chiapas are wonderlands of sights, smells, and cultural traditions. Make sure to check out the several markets in San Cristóbal de las Casas (they have a great municipal market if you’re in the mood for local food) and the mountain towns around the city. Zinacantán has an especially great market, though they are all fabulous.

best places to visit chiapas

As one of Mexico’s most impressive set of ruins , Palenque and its jungle setting are an unmissable experience on your trip to Chiapas. Scientists have learned about this Mayan city’s history through its many hieroglyphic inscriptions and it has some of the most exquisite stone work and relief art. Though the site was buried for years in a massive forest, it’s now yours to explore!

Lacandon Jungle

Once the home of Chiapas’s most famous indigenous fighters, the Zapatistas , the Lacandon Jungle is now home to several autonomous indigenous communities. Take a day or a few weeks to head into the jungle and get to know some of these fascinating populations and their belief systems.

Palenque’s rival city is Yaxchilán , a once powerful center of life and cultural development that sits on the Usumacinta River. Known for its detailed stone sculpture and stelae, the site is a collection of buildings and structures situated around a main plaza overlooking the river. This city, deep in the jungle heat and humidity, controlled much of the river commerce and was once one of the most important Maya cities in the area.

The Bonampak archeological site was uncovered recently in 1946 and is one of Chiapas’s true gems, with many frescos that illustrate Maya life during the late Classic period. The site isn’t huge and easily doable in a day, although getting there can be a little tricky. It sits right next to the Montes Azules Natural Park, which has plenty of endemic flora and fauna, making the site just that much more impressive.

Laguna Miramar

Miramar, Chiapas, Mexico

Laguna Miramar, located inside the Montes Azules Natural Park, has been protected from development by an agreement between nearby communities aimed to preserve the lagoon’s natural beauty. Its turquoise-green waters are home to a variety of wildlife and there are opportunities to camp, take boat rides, check out cave paintings, and observe animals there. The town of Emiliano Zapata is where you should start your journey to the lagoon.

Madresal is a tourism project developed by the local fishermen of Ponte Duro. The business behind the bohemian luxury of simple palapa cabins and private access to an inviting part of the Chiapas coast also benefits the local economy and communities. Book with Madresal and you’ll also be able to take tours into the mangroves and bird watch.

The Toniná pyramid , which is even bigger than the Pyramid of the Sun outside of Mexico City , makes quite the impression on anyone who visits it. Because the city of Toniná was often at war with surrounding Mayan towns, like Palenque, it became known for its capture and decapitation of opposing rulers. Once again, this is a great site to get that off-the-beaten-path experience as it gets a much lower volume of tourism than do Palenque and Yaxchilán.

Templo de Quechula

What was once one of the area’s most beautiful colonial churches went underwater when a nearby resevoir was built. In 2002, receding waters caused the temple to reappear from its watery grave and now, you can take a boat tour to skirt around its massive stone walls and get a peak of its former glory.

Agua Azul Waterfalls

Agua Azul Waterfalls, Chiapas, Mexico

This series of breathtaking waterfalls splash and descend over limestone rocks down the Tulijá River, north of San Cristóbal. There are cabins nearby if you want to stay overnight and several waterfalls , natural pools, and rock structures for the explorer in you. Make sure you pack all the necessary items, including insect repellent!

Built during the Pre-Classic period, this mid-size archeological site is one of the lesser visited ones in Chiapas, which makes it a great stop for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds. Make sure to check out the pyramids, the famous cenote (a kind of sink well), and the Maya ball court .

Lagunas de Montebello

Fifty-nine wildly colored lakes make up the Lagunas de Montebello National Park and about 15 of them are easily reachable on foot or by car. The varying colors are dependent on each lake’s mineral content as they are believed to have been cenotes that ate away at the limestone bedrock and filled in over time. There are cabins for overnight stays and opportunities to kayak and swim in the lakes. Don’t miss the Grutas San Rafael del Arco.

Coffee plantations

A coffee route has been developed in Chiapas through the efforts of several long-standing, family-owned coffee plantations in the area. You can visit Finca Irlanda , Finca Hamburgo, Finca Argovia , and Finca La Chiripa to get a better understanding of the coffee harvest process, take tours of the haciendas , hike in the wildlife that surrounds them, and most importantly, drink coffee !

Reserva de la Biosfera La Encrucijada

This coastal biosphere is the protected home of many incredible species in Chiapas, including jaguars, spider monkeys, turtles, crocodiles, caimans, boa constrictors, and fishing eagles. You can even enjoy spectacular bird watching as the biosphere sits along the migratory path of many North American birds. The Red de Ecoturismo La Encrucijada is an organization that will take tourists out to see some of the natural beauty of the biosphere.

The humid and lush region of Soconusco was one of the birthplaces of the Mokaya and Olmec cultures and today is home to a collection of interesting small towns and beaches that get little press in Chiapas’s tourism initiatives. Make sure to try the local coffee and chocolate and visit a few of the region’s beautiful northern beaches.

Puerto Arista

Puerto Arista, Chiapas, Mexico

When it’s not a holiday or weekend, this little coastal village is perfect for a completely relaxing beach stay. Located approximately 14 miles (23 kilometers) from Tonalá via a paved road, this area is known for its long and fine-sand beaches, which are bordered by palm trees swaying the wind. This quaint beach town is also home to one of the state’s four marine turtle sanctuaries.

Boca del Cielo

Second only to nearby Puerto Arista, Boca is one of Chiapas’s most popular beach destinations. Its name, the Mouth of Heaven, refers to a long lagoon where you can watch an incredible sunset in the evening. Most of the locals work in either tourism or fishing, so there are water sports and ocean tours of all kinds for tourists to enjoy.

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Chiapas

10 Magical Places to Visit in the Mexican State of Chiapas

Chiapas is the ultimate destination to put on your bucket list for 2022. This state of Mexico (the southernmost state bordering Guatemala) is home to lush waterfalls, charming colonial towns, jaw-dropping canyons, magical ancient ruins and an endless stream of hidden gems.

I had been wanting to visit this region three years but last year (on my birthday) I had a trip there cancelled due to the pandemic. However, I got the chance to visit this area in 2021 and it turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime. If you are planning a trip to Chiapas, Mexico – and need some inspiration to start building your itinerary – here are the best places to visit:

  • Archaeological Site of Yaxchilan
  • San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Cascada El Chiflon
  • San Juan Chamula
  • Sumidero Canyon
  • Lagunas de Montebello National Park
  • Agua Azul Waterfalls
  • Zona Arqueologica Palenque

Of course, there are more incredible places to see in Chiapas but these are fantastic reference points to start putting together a travel plan. So in this article, I will be sharing my experiences in Chiapas and providing more detail around what to expect at each of these 10 destinations. Before I get started though, allow me to introduce myself and share my personal story.

My name is Lizzeth Huerta and I was born in the state of San Luis Potosi, growing up in a small town called Santa Maria del Rio. My passion for traveling around Mexico stems from my Dad’s job which always involved some form of travel. Every time he visited a new place, he brought me gifts and something representative of the gastronomy of that destination.

Since I went to university and started working, I decided that I wanted to see those places with my own eyes and have as many experiences as possible around my country. Today, I love nothing more than exploring my own backyard and having new adventures. Follow along @lizzhuertai2.0 .

A Beautiful Adventure in Chiapas

My interest in Chiapas started when I first saw pictures of the waterfalls there. They are considered to be some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mexico, so I wanted to see them for myself. I also wanted to experience the Lacandon Jungle. My trip in Chiapas lasted for eight days and I traveled by plane from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Here are the places I visited:

  • Chiapa de Corzo
  • Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints
  • Cascada El Chorreadero
  • Comitan de Dominguez
  • Velo de Novia Waterfall
  • Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Chiapas is a fascinating state with a rich cultural heritage. You can see the traditions of ancient cultures everywhere. On the other hand, the towns of Chiapas are surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and lush jungle. This state has everything a traveler could dream of and more. It’s a must-visit!

Chiapa de Corzo

My Favorite Place in Chiapas: Yaxchilan

My favorite place in Chiapas was the Archaeological Site of Yaxchilan. The journey to get there was amazing! I took a boat tour on the Usumacinta River that forms in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and empties in the Gulf of Mexico. On the way, you enjoy the tropical vibe of the Lacandon Jungle and when you arrive one of the most impressive archaeological sites greets you.

10 Best Places to Visit in Chiapas

1. archaeological site of yaxchilan.

Yaxchilan combines an epic journey to get there on the Usumacinta River with a classic Maya urban complex – a unique expression of the Usumacinta style. This city was once a thriving place back in A.D. 500 and 700 and the history is palpable as you walk around and marvel at its ruins.

Chiapas

2. San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal is a beautiful town with colonial architecture, lovely streets to explore, fantastic gastronomy and mountains surrounding it. Here you can base yourself for many adventures such as the Sumidero Canyon Boat Tour, visiting Cascada El Chiflon and mountain biking.

San Cristobal de las Casas

3. Cascada El Chiflon

Cascada El Chiflon is home to not one waterfall but five! All of them are this beautiful turquoise color, which makes them so inviting and appealing. From San Cristobal de las Casas, the waterfalls can be reached in three hours and from Comitan de Dominguez it takes no more than 45 minutes. I recommend visiting these waterfalls from either of those towns.

Chiapas

4. San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula is a hidden gem of Chiapas. The church here is the centerpiece but there is so much more that makes up this destination, like the Tzotzil Maya locals who have been fiercely independent people for centuries. Everything is distinct in San Juan Chamula – from the people, to the traditions and dress, to the architecture and religion.

In fact, I had one of the best experiences of my travels when I visited the church of San Juan Chamula. There is a deep sense of indigenous and Mayan traditions here. The energy of this church is so indescribable that I still think about it today. It generates this unique feeling inside of me.

San Juan Chamula

5. Sumidero Canyon

There are a couple of ways to experience this canyon. You can join a boat tour from San Cristobal de las Casas or find the best viewpoints from up above. The viewpoints are fantastic for photography but if you want to get immersed in the canyon, it’s best to join a boat tour. You won’t regret it!

Sumidero Canyon

6. Lagunas de Montebello National Park

Lagunas de Montebello National Park is one of the most unique places in Chiapas. Each lake at the park (59 in total) has a different color and there are a few great cabin accommodations to book in the area. You can enjoy the lakes, hike around the pine forest and even visit a couple of Maya archeological sites. The park was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

Chiapas

7. Zinacantan

A quaint little town of 30,000 inhabitants, Zinacantan is situated in a valley surrounded by flowers and pine-forested hills. Due to its location in the highlands of Chiapas, this town is a little colder than the other destinations mentioned in this guide. But it’s no less precious and beautiful!

Zinacantan

8. Agua Azul Waterfalls

As the name suggests, Agua Azul Waterfalls has this bright blue water that is a stunning visual spectacle to see. This color occurs because of the high mineral content in the water, which is then deposited on the rock. In the rainy season, the water is less blue but it’s still absolutely worth visiting.

Chiapas

9. Bonampak

The ancient Mayan city of Bonampak is home to incredible engravings, sculptures, murals and paintings. These all document the rituals, war practices and politics of the Late Classic Period of Mesoamerican civilization. The main attraction here is an acropolis that sits on a natural hill. You can walk up the stairs to a plaza that is surrounded by platforms.

Bonampak

10. Zona Arqueologica Palenque

Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which achieved this status back in 1987. The various temples of Palenque are breathtaking to explore, even though they only represent a small fraction of how big this city was during the Classic period. I recommend spending at least a full day at the ruins, including a visit to the Palenque Site Museum “Alberto Ruz Lhuillier”.

Chiapas

Gastronomical Delights of Chiapas

The gastronomy in Chiapas is similar to the rest of the country, with the main difference being that some of the garnishes include fried plantain and cheese from the region. There are a few fantastic local dishes to enjoy like tamale balls and pork stews, and also traditional drinks such as pozol – which besides being delicious is very refreshing in the hot climate.

Where to Stay in Chiapas

Basing yourself in San Cristobal de las Casas is a nice idea as you are close to many amazing destinations and you can take several tours from here. Finding a hotel, airbnb or hostel should be no problem at all – just search online and book before you go, or turn up and see what you can find.

In Lagunas de Montebello National Park, I stayed in a cabin that I highly recommend – which includes a delicious breakfast and direct views of Lake Tziscao. The cabins I’m talking about are called Cabanas Junkolal tziscao .

Essential Info for Visiting Chiapas

The roads in Chiapas aren’t the best so I suggest traveling during the day to be safe. Chiapas has a large population of self-government for which they close the roads to protest. It’s important to check for alternate routes in case there is a blockage, since cell phone signal can be unreliable.

In most regions, the climate is hot. However, in San Cristobal de la Casas and nearby places the temperature is lower. It’s important to consider the appropriate clothing for both climates. Thanks for reading and enjoy!

BY LIZZETH HUERTA IG: @LIZZHUERTAI2.0

best places to visit chiapas

Author:  Lizzeth Huerta

Lizz Huerta was born in the state of San Luis Potosi, growing up in a small town called Santa Maria del Rio. She is passionate about living life to the fullest, traveling, concerts and being a free soul.

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Every Steph

13 Unmissable Things To Do in Chiapas, Mexico

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2023

Categories Mexico , North America

Looking to visit Chiapas, Mexico? This state in the South of Mexico is incredible! Check out the best things to do in Chiapas + useful travel tips.

Chiapas is the southernmost state in the country of Mexico and is still quite a hidden gem. If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Yucatan, you’ll find Chiapas way more authentic and less touristy. Not only is Chiapas home to a number of ancient Mayan ruins, it also contains Mexico’s largest population of indigenous people.

Chiapas in Mexico is one of the only places in the world where you can explore old ruins and colorful colonial towns in the same day. Chiapas also contains several natural wonders such as the Canyon del Sumidero and the Sima de Las Cotorras. So, are you curious? Let’s take a closer look at what this incredible Mexican state has to offer!

Table of Contents

Wander Around San Cristobal de Las Casas

best places to visit chiapas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is widely considered to be the cultural capital of Chiapas and is one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. The reason why it’s so popular is because it still retains the appearance of an old, colonial Spanish village with red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets which reminded me a bit of the streets in Puebla .

It also has a very strong indigenous population, with many of its people retaining clothes and customs from Pre-Columbian times. Because of this, visiting San Cristobal is much like taking a step back in time. There are also a number of markets to be found in San Cristobal, making it the perfect place to go shopping while you’re in Chiapas.

READ ALSO :  The Best Things to Do in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Climb Pyramids at the Palenque Ruins

best places to visit chiapas

Image by Raphael Zoren, Journey Wonders

If you really want to see some history, you have to visit the Palenque Ruins . This is an ancient Mayan city that still stands in near perfect condition. It’s one of the most thoroughly investigated Mayan sites today and is considered to contain some of the best examples of Mayan sculpture and architecture in the world.

READ ALSO: A Day Trip to Palenque from San Cristobal de las Casas

In Palenque there are many gorgeous temples and palaces that you must see for yourself…. and the best part of all is that you can climb these pyramids, unlike most other Mayan ruins in Mexico . If you’ve ever wanted to catch a glimpse of how the ancient Mayans lived, this is your chance. Check out HERE how to get to Palenque, Mexico + other useful info for your visit.

⇒ BOOK HERE the same full-day tour I took from San Cristobal to Palenque ruins and some beautiful waterfalls in Chiapas (keep reading for info about those). It’s a very long day, the tour lasts about 18 hours, but in my opinion is worth it! At less than $40, the tour is also very affordable.

Feel Small at the Canyon del Sumidero

best places to visit chiapas

The Sumidero Canyon is a massive canyon located near Chiapa de Corzo. This natural attraction is as old the Grand Canyon in the United States and a popular tourism spot in Chiapas. While you’re there, you can take a boat tour of the canyon in which you’ll see waterfalls, caves, and animals such as crocodiles and spider monkeys, and canyon walls that are over a thousand meters high.

The canyon is also surrounded by a national park which is a popular spot for extreme sports such as rappelling, spelunking, and mountain biking.

⇒  Check out this tour of Sumidero Canyon from San Cristobal de Las Casas. It’s the same tour I did, and it includes the boat ride at the canyon + transportation from/to San Cristobal. It also includes a visit to the colonial town of Chiapa del Corzo.

Visit Misol-Ha Waterfall and Agua Azul

best places to visit chiapas

Two of Chiapas’s most impressive natural wonders are the Misol Ha waterfall and Agua Azul waterfalls . Agua Azul is a series of cascades while Misol-Ha is a single waterfall with a height of 35 meters, and you can’t miss them when you visit Chiapas!

Both sites are only an hour away from each other and can be visited on the same day either from Palenque or San Cristobal de Las Casas. They both feature clear, blue waters and pools that you can swim in. 

READ ALSO:  Misol Ha, Agua Azul, and Palenque Ruins: a Day Trip from San Cristobal de Las Casas

⇒ BOOK HERE the full day trip to the waterfalls + Palenque ruins from San Cristobal.

Horseback Riding To Chamula

best places to visit chiapas

Chamula is another indigenous town near San Cristobal with its own language and customs. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests and hills, and what better way to explore this countryside than by going on a horseback riding tour? On this tour, you’ll be greeted with many views of the spectacular Chiapas countryside .

The ride itself lasts for about an hour and a half and doesn’t require any previous horseback riding experience…. although if you have some, you probably won’t hurt like me the next day! Afterwards, you’ll be able to experience the unique culture of Chamula, which leads to the next point.

Witness the Religious Rituals in San Juan Chamula

best places to visit chiapas

Visiting Chamula is much like seeing a country within a country. This municipality enjoys autonomous status within the country of Mexico and visiting it is one of the best ways to see how indigenous people live today. It’s an entirely unique culture with its own language, clothes, and architecture.

The people here also have fascinating religious beliefs that are influenced by both Catholicism and Paganism. This is best exemplified by the Templo de San Juan , a colonial style church in which people kneel and pray on hay, while offering to their Gods a variety of goods such as Coke bottles and chickens, while surrounded by hundreds of tea light candles. Witnessing one of the rituals here is truly a magical sight to behold and something you can’t afford to miss.

A  reminder: you are not allowed to take photos or videos inside the temple. Please respect the rule!

⇒ If the horse riding isn’t for you, check out the  Chamula and Zinacantán Day Trip from San Cristóbal , where you’ll be able to visit the indigenous towns and learn about the tradition and culture of the Tzotzil Maya people. BOOK IT HERE

Rappel Down the Sima de Las Cotorras

best places to visit chiapas

Sima de Las Cotorras is a huge sinkhole located in Chiapas, but unlike the cenotes, this isn’t filled with water but with a forest. Along with being an incredible natural wonder in its own right, it’s also home to thousands of Mexican parrots. Every morning, you can see these parrots fly out of the sinkhole at once, which is a sight unlike any other. This makes Sima de Las Cotorras a popular destination for bird watchers around the world.

It’s also a great spot for rappeling if you’d like to try something adventurous… I tried and it was tons of fun but a little scary, especially if you are afraid of heights! On top of all this, the sinkhole also contains a number of wall paintings from the ancient Zoque culture.

Unless you rent a car and are prepared to drive through the countryside (and some sketchy areas), I would recommend coming here with a tour. Rappel down this incredible spot for an adrenaline rush and some incredible views.  ⇒ BOOK IT HERE

Swim at Cenote Chukumaltik

If you follow this blog, you’ll know I’m probably the biggest fan of cenotes, so I couldn’t leave this one out of this guide. Chiapas isn’t famous for cenotes like Yucatan, but you can find a beautiful one here.

Cenote Chukumaltik is a giant sinkhole filled with crystal clear waters. It’s a perfect place for swimming, and it’s also a popular spot for scuba divers. There are many interesting sights to be seen under the water such as petrified trees, stalagmites of seaweed, and an altar of the Virgin Dolorosa. It’s a great spot for beginners if you’ve never tried scuba diving before.

Cenote Chukumaltik is still somewhat unknown compared to some of the other attractions, so you’ll most probably have the place to yourself when you visit.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 6 Unmissable Cenotes in Tulum 11 Cenotes You Need to Visit Near Valladolid 11 Incredible Cenotes in Playa del Carmen

Soak Up the Views at El Chiflon Waterfall

best places to visit chiapas

If you love nature, then this is something you don’t want to miss. El Chiflon is a chain of five waterfalls that can be found in the municipality of Tzimol. The tallest of these waterfalls is 120 meters high. Also, if you hike to the top of the aptly named Rainbow Waterfalls, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful view of a rainbow below.

Many people who’ve visited Cascada El Chiflon describe it as one of the most beautiful natural wonders they’ve ever seen. Along with simply enjoying the sight itself, there are several other activities you can participate in. These include hiking, swimming, and even zip-lining.

⇒ BOOK HERE the Chiflon Waterfalls & Montebello Tour from San Cristobal. This 12-hour tour will bring you to discover the remote Chiflon Waterfall (where you’ll be able to swim), then you’ll cross one of the lakes at Montebello Lakes National Park on a raft.

Take a Tour To the Coffee Plantations

best places to visit chiapas

This is something that coffee lovers like me are sure to appreciate! Chiapas is famous for its fragrant coffee, and there’s a number of tours available in Chiapas where you can explore the plantations that make your favorite coffee.

On these tours, you’ll get to learn more about how the coffee is made, how the people who make it live on a day to day basis, and how coffee production is important to the local economy. In addition to this, you’ll also spend several hours hiking through the gorgeous highlands of Chiapas. And of course, you’ll also get to sample some delicious coffee along the way.

⇒ If you have some extra time, check out this 3-day tour Encrucijada Biosphere reserve in Chiapas and to the coffee route (Ruta del Cafe) at some local fincas. It looks incredible, I wish had gone on this tour!

Take a Day Trip To the Lagos de Montebello

best places to visit chiapas

Image via Flickr by Rod Waddington

Lagos de Montebello (Montebello Lakes National Park) is a national park near the Guatemalan border that consists of 59 beautiful lakes . The colors of these lakes are quite striking due to their unique mineral contents. The waters you’ll find here are various shades of green and turquoise; some of them are even purple or reddish black. Many of the Lagunas Montebello are suitable for swimming and kayaking.

The park also features ancient Mayan ruins from the Pre-Colombian era. Stand at the top of its main pyramid to get an incredible view of the lakes below.

⇒ CHECK OUT HERE the Chiflon Waterfalls & Montebello Tour from San Cristobal. This full day tour will let you soak up the beauty of Chiflon Waterfall (where you’ll be able to swim), then you’ll enjoy crossing one of the lakes at Montebello Lakes National Park on a raft.

Hike Up Volcán Tacaná

best places to visit chiapas

Image via Flickr by eduardorobles

Volcán Tacaná is an active volcano that can be found on the border of Mexico and Guatemala, and it’s one of the highest peaks in Central America. There are two different paths to the summit, one starting in Mexico and one in Guatemala. The Mexican path is not only easier to get to, it’s also considered to be one of the best hiking experiences in Central America.

This hike will take you through several different landscapes, including small villages, jungles, and volcanic forests. If you enjoy hiking, then this is something you must try for yourself.

Volunteer in Chiapas 

Have you ever wanted to volunteer somewhere in Mexico but you had no idea where to start from? It’s not always easy to look for good volunteer opportunities in Mexico on your own, and agencies can charge even thousands of dollars to find you a volunteer placement.

On Worldpackers, however, there are plenty of opportunities when it comes to volunteering in Chiapas. You can help a local NGO, teach music to children, or work at a hostel in San Cristobal de Las Casas.

READ ALSO: A Complete List of Volunteering Opportunities in Mexico

You simply have to pay a yearly membership that gives you access to thousands of volunteer opportunities all over the world, and it’s very affordable. The yearly membership usually costs $49, but use this link for $10 off the membership .

Where to Stay in San Cristobal de Las Casas

When staying in Chiapas, Mexico, it’s recommended that you use San Cristobal as a base. Not only is it an amazing cultural experience in its own right, it’s also relatively close to the other sites on this list. Book your accommodation by using the map below ⬇

Of all the hotels available in San Cristobal, none are better than Villas Casa Morada . This hotel comes with a number of great amenities including a restaurant, a cafe, a bar, cable TV, and free WiFi. The rooms also come equipped with fireplaces and kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators, and some of them are on two levels.

My favorite part was the fireplace that they kindly helped us light. After over a month on the road, there was nothing better than ordering pizza and beer and have a night of Netflix and chill in front of the fireplace! San Cristobal de Las Casas can get very chilly at night, so it’s certainly appreciated.

best places to visit chiapas

The hotel is also located near many of San Cristobal’s attractions. The Na Bolom Museum is only a five minutes’ walk away, and the Santo Domingo Temple is only fifteen minutes away. All these things make it a great mid-budget option for your stay in Chiapas, Mexico.

Check out RATES & AVAILABILITY for Villas Casa Morada

Other Mexico Articles To Check Out

8 Top Things To Do in Oaxaca

The One and Only 3 Days in Mexico City Itinerary

Isla Holbox, Mexico: The Complete Guide To This Island Paradise

Stefania Guglielmi

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Thursday 4th of November 2021

Hi Julien! When I wrote this article they weren't selling the activity on the Internet, just in a local travel agency, but this one is the exact tour I went on: https://www.civitatis.com/en/san-cristobal-de-las-casas/indigenas-communities-horse-ride/?aid=8495

Wednesday 3rd of November 2021

Hi Steph, loving all this info, you didn't provide a link to book to horseback ride to Chamula, any chance you remember what tour/service you used for that? thanks!

Aundrea Grieco

Saturday 4th of September 2021

Thank you for this article Steph! Really appreciate it! :) Learned a lot.

Monday 6th of September 2021

So glad it was useful!! :)

Man Everywhere

Friday 10th of January 2020

You need visit Chiapas on this hollydays, during january 9 january 23 all the towns celebrate the parachico fest! YOU SHOULD LOVE IT! it's a super crazy party where you can feel all the love and culture from Chiapas.

MÉXICO: 50 POSTS QUE AYUDAN PARA VIAJAR [1] | Viatges pel Món

Wednesday 8th of May 2019

[…] 12 Unmissable Things To Do in Chiapas, Mexico | Every Steph […]

Travel Mexico Solo

Chiapas Travel Guide

Your ultimate guide to chiapas mexico, chiapas travel guide contents.

Location | Getting There | Where to Stay  |  Things to Do  |  Chiapas Tours  |  Chiapas Safety  | Chiapas FAQ

Chiapas travel guide

Chiapas mexico: at a glance.

Mayan culture abounds in Chiapas, one of the most unique states in Mexico.

Though not as well known as some other Mexico travel destinations, those in the know flock to Chiapas to escape the crowds, enjoy the beautiful nature and Mayan Ruins, stroll the colorful colonial streets, eat delicious foods and drink the famed Chiapas coffees.

Chiapas Mexico: Know before you go

  • ✈️ Airport: Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (code: TGZ)

⏰ Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)

  • 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
  • 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
  • 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Chiapas — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
  • 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
  • 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
  • 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best time to visit Chiapas Mexico?

colorful streets in san cristobal de las casas, chiapas, mexico

Cities in Chiapas: The best time to visit the cities (including  San Cristobal de las Casas , Tuxtla Gutierrez, Comitan and  Palenque ) is from  November to May , during the dry season. Chiapas is on the cold side, so make sure you’re packing layers if you visit in winter.

Coastal Chiapas: On the coast of Chiapas, the dry season months of November to March are best. Keep in mind that if you visit during other months, it will be quite hot and humid, and mosquitoes are certainly an issue, so don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray 🦟

Where is Chiapas Mexico located?

Chiapas is a state located in Southern Mexico, and borders the states of Oaxaca and Tabasco, and the country of Guatemala to the east. These two states are popular with culture travelers and backpackers alike.

Those continuing on to Central America from Mexico often have Chiapas as a last stop, as you can do a land crossing into Guatemala from this state.

Chiapas Map

What’s the best airport for Chiapas Mexico?

Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport (code: TGZ) is the largest airport in Chiapas, located in the state’s capital city of Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico.

It is about one hour from San Cristobal de las Casas , the city frequented most by visitors to Chiapas state. ▶︎ BOOK AIRPORT SHUTTLE NOW!

You can also fly into the small Palenque International Airport  (code: PQM), located in the Palenque pueblo magico (magic town). Here, you’ll find Palenque Mayan Ruins , a UNESCO World heritage Site, and some of the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico.

What’s the best way to get to San Cristobal de las Casas?

The safest, most-stress free, easiest and best way to get from Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport to your hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas is via private shuttle. ▶︎ BOOK NOW!

You can also rent a car , take a colectivo (small, shared van), or taxi. Note: There’s no Uber in Chiapas Mexico.

If you’re not headed to San Cristobal, you can take connecting ground transportation to other parts of the state via bus .

Where to stay in Chiapas Mexico

The vast majority of visitors stay in San Cristobal de las Casas (usually just called San Cristobal), located in the center of Chiapas state.

From here, you’re about five hours by car from both Palenque and Comitan, two other popular cities to visit outside of San Cristobal. Though the main airport is in Tuxtla Gutierrez, very few visitors stay there.

chiapas travel guide, san cristobal de las casas pueblo magico (magic town) with colonial architecture located in the mountains

San Cristobal de las Casas

Located way up in the mountains in Chiapas state, you’ll find  San Cristobal de las Casas . This  pueblo magico  (magic town) lives up to its magical name — and is very popular with nature and culture lovers, backpackers and digital nomads.

Is San Cristobal de las Casas worth visiting? This is a popular place for travelers seeking “real” Mexican culture. However, it also has a posh side, with amazing San Cristobal hotels with spas — so San Cristobal appeals to many types of travelers.

chiapas travel guide: palenque mayan ruins in chiapas, mexico

Palenque, Chiapas Mexico

There is the pueblo magico (magic town) of Palenque Mexico, and the famous Palenque Mayan Ruins within the town. When people refer to Palenque, they often mean the ruins, and not the town itself.

Is Palenque worth visiting? The Palenque Ruins are a must see in Chiapas! It is nice to stay for the night in the town of Palenque , though there isn’t much to see besides the ruins and the surrounding jungle nature.

yellow chuch in comitan, chiapas, mexico | chiapas travel guide

Comitan, Chiapas Mexico

Comitan de Dominguez (usually just called Comitan) is a charming town about two hours south of San Cristobal. Enjoy the sounds of marimba music in the air, as you stroll its colonial streets and enjoy the local Chiapas food.

Is Comitan worth visiting? Comitan is the perfect home base to stay in for those who will be exploring southern Chiapas. If you want to see the Bonampak and Yaxchilan Mayan Ruins, they are both near Comitan.

Best things to do in Chiapas Mexico

There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in Chiapas, one of the best vacation spots in Mexico.

The majority of them are in or near San Cristobal de las Casas, the main tourism hub, but for those who venture off the beaten path, there’s even more to Chiapas! Click on any image below to learn more ⤵

smaller blue boat approaching the large Sumidero Canyon, one of the most unique places to visit in mexico

Sumidero Canyon

best places to visit chiapas

Agua Azul Waterfalls

best places to visit chiapas

Bonampak Ruins

best places to visit chiapas

Palenque Ruins

best places to visit chiapas

San Juan Chamula

best places to visit chiapas

Montebello Lakes

best places to visit chiapas

El Chiflon Waterfalls

best places to visit chiapas

Chiapa de Corzo

Best chiapas tours.

Tours in Chiapas are a great way to see the main cities and their surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Chiapas, this is the best way to get around because taxi fees add up quickly! 💡 Note: If you do want to have a car in Chiapas, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico .

Below, you’ll find the most popular and best tours in San Cristóbal de las Casas and the surrounding areas — including Palenque Mayan Ruins, Sumidero Canyon, Agua Azul and El Chiflon Waterfalls, and more.

Is Chiapas safe for travelers?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Chiapas if you stick to the popular places like San Cristobal de las Casas , San Juan Chamula , and the Chiapas  pueblos magicos  (magic towns) of Palenque and Comitan de Dominguez.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

That’s not to say bad things still don’t happen in those parts of Chiapas; they do. As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.

For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

travel insurance for mexico paperwork

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

  • World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
  • SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
  • Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
  • 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Chiapas Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the water in mexico.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico. So what can you do?

  • If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
  • You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
  • Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

water bottles

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

What’s the Chiapas weather like?

The main travel destinations in Chiapas are located in the northern and central part of the state — in the Central Highlands. These cities have temperatures that hover around 60-70°F (15-21°C) all year long.

However, the jungle and rainforest areas like Palenque, and the coast of Chiapas, see much hotter temperatures and high humidity.

☀️ san cristobal de las casas weather

chiapas weather

Is Chiapas expensive?

No — Chiapas is actually one of the most budget-friendly places to live and cheap places to travel in Mexico.

It has been popular with backpacker and budget travelers for decades, but in the last few years, Mexico digital nomads have begun flocking to San Cristobal de las Casas for its low prices and good quality of life.

How many days do I need in Chiapas Mexico?

If you’re sticking to San Cristóbal de las Casas and the surrounding areas, four full days would suffice. With that amount of time, you can see the main sites including Palenque Mayan Ruins, the Agua Azul waterfalls, Sumidero Canyon and more.

For those who want to do some Chiapas off the beaten path travel, plan for at least one full week in Chiapas and venture to the coast. The best beaches in Chiapas — Puerto Arista and Boca del Cielo — are often empty, and you can really get away from it all.

Is Chiapas worth visiting?

Yes — Chiapas is a unique Mexico destination that many types of travelers will love. Nature enthusiasts will adore the waterfalls, lakes, caves and mountains, while artists and fashionistas can shop in the Chiapas mercados (markets) to buy colorful Mayan textiles and handicrafts.

If you’re interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, you must visit Chiapas Mexico!

Is there political unrest in Chiapas Mexico?

For the most part, Chiapas is safe for travelers, though Chiapas locals have a history of clashes with the Mexican government (for very justifiable reasons, btw).

However, tensions have been quiet for over a decade — though there are often bloqueos , which are protests where locals shut down the roads.

If you stick to the most visited places in Chiapas —  San Cristobal de las Casas , San Juan Chamula , Tuxtla Guitierrez, Zinacantan, and the Chiapas  pueblos magicos  (magic towns) of Palenque , Comitan de Dominguez and Chiapa de Corzo, you should be safe while traveling to Chiapas.

Chiapas Mexico podcast

🎧 Love podcasts? Have a listen to Episode #782 of The Amateur Traveler Podcast, where I was featured to speak about my experiences and best tips for traveling to Chiapas Mexico! It may just be the only Chiapas podcast out there.

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

Find Your Rental Car

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

  • Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
  • Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
  • Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
  • Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

El Palacio Mayan ruin.

Justin Foulkes

Chilly pine-forest highlands, sultry rainforest jungles and attractive colonial cities exist side by side within Mexico’s southernmost state, a region awash with the legacy of Spanish rule and the remnants of ancient Maya civilization. Palenque and Yaxchilán are evocative vestiges of powerful Maya kingdoms, and the presence of modern Maya is a constant reminder of the region’s rich and uninterrupted history. The colonial hubs of San Cristóbal de las Casas and Chiapa de Corzo give way to sandbar beaches and fertile plots of coffee and cacao in the Soconusco, and for outdoor adventurers, excursions to Laguna Miramar and the Cañón del Sumidero are unmissable.

Leave the planning to a local expert

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Temple of the Inscriptions. Ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, in the jungles of Chiapas, Mexico; Shutterstock ID 38923966; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

Palenque Ruins

Ancient Palenque stands at the precise point where the first hills rise out of the Gulf coast plain, and the dense jungle covering these hills forms an…

Yaxchilán

Jungle-shrouded Yaxchilán has a wonderfully atmospheric setting above a horseshoe loop in the Río Usumacinta. The control this location gave it over river…

Templo de las Inscripciones Group

Templo de las Inscripciones Group

As you walk in from the entrance the vegetation suddenly peels away to reveal many of Palenque’s most magnificent buildings in one sublime vista. A line…

best places to visit chiapas

Templo de las Inscripciones

Perhaps the most celebrated burial monument in the Americas, this is the tallest and most stately of Palenque’s buildings. Constructed on eight levels,…

The ancient pyramids of Tonina, a Mayan Archaeological Site in Chiapas, Mexico.

The towering ceremonial core of Toniná, overlooking a pastoral valley 14km east of Ocosingo, is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in…

Chinkultic ruins, Chiapas, Mexico.

Chinkultic Ruins

With a dearth of other tourists, this is one of those magical archaeological sites where the sense of wild atmosphere is as enthralling as the stories…

Zona Arqueológica de Iglesia Vieja

Zona Arqueológica de Iglesia Vieja

Believed to be the regional capital of the Zoque during the Classic period, these ruins were inhabited between AD 250 and AD 400. The site's most…

Na Bolom

San Cristóbal de las Casas

An atmospheric museum-research center, Na Bolom for many years was the home of Swiss anthropologist and photographer Gertrude Duby-Blom (Trudy Blom; 1901…

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Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Nov 16, 2015 • 3 min read

The diversity of Chiapas extends to its geography and environment, a fertile green expanse of bird-rich tropical lowlands laced with hidden waterfalls,…

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Chiapas and beyond

Mexico, Chiapas, San Cristobal de las Casas

Live, Wander, Play

Best places to visit in Chiapas, Mexico: a 1 week itinerary

Chiapas is a naturally and culturally stunning region of Mexico. It has seven distinct geographical regions ranging from the Pacific coastal region, arid plains, high altitude forests, jungle, as well as the Gulf Coast region. In addition to a fascinating geography, Chiapas also has the largest population of indigenous people in Mexico, and is home to very significant Mayan ruins such as including Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak. I visited Chiapas in the Spring of 2022 during my sabbatical year after travelling around Colombia . This post will highlight what I think are the best places to visit in Chiapas, Mexico on a 1 week itinerary.

  • San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Transportation
  • Where to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas
  • Learn about local indigenous groups in Chiapas
  • Visit the Sumidero Canyon and Chiapas de Corzo
  • Visit Cascadas el Chiflon and Lagunas del Montebello
  • Sima Cotorra and Cascada El Aguacero
  • Trip costs for 7 days and 6 nights in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
  • Final thoughts on best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico in 1 week

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I may receive a small percentage at no extra cost to you.

San Cristobal de las Casas:

best places to visit chiapas

I decided to base my adventures in Chiapas out of the charming colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas. While increasingly popular on the Mexican tourist trail, San Cristobal was embroiled in the heart of the Zapatistas movement – when the town was taken over in the 1994 on the day the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented – by Zapatista rebels using the town as a base to launch their revolution.

While the Zapatista rebels were driven out of the town by the government into the fringes of the Lacandon jungle within a few days; killings and violence escalated throughout Chiapas throughout the 90s. Tensions have de-escalated since 2016, when the Zapatistas put forward a candidate for the 2018 election – which effectively ended 20 years of the Zapatistas rejection of conventional Mexican politics.

With its cobbled streets, colorful colonial architecture and myriad of artisan markets; San Cristobal de las Casa is undeniably charming, and is has been rightfully designated as a “Pueblo Magico” by the Mexican government for being one of the most beautiful cities of the country. San Cristobal is rapidly gaining attention on the Mexican tourist track and has become magnet for travelers visiting for a short while – and increasingly – a haven for digital nomads.

best places to visit chiapas mexico - Cathedrale de guadaloupe

The artistry of local and indigenous artisans can be seen in many of the local markets in San Cristobal de las Casas. I could not help but go a little overboard in purchasing beautiful hand-woven scarves, pillow cases, and local amber jewelry at the many local markets in San Cristobal.

San Cristobal de las Casa is the base for many day trips and excursions that take you to stunning natural and culturally significant sites around Chiapas. Note that while all day tours will indicate they have bilingual service – my experience is that the tour is typically carried out almost exclusively in Spanish. For those who do not speak Spanish, either be prepared for a crash-course in the language, or there is always bilingual individuals on the tour who can help translate.

best places to visit chiapas

Transportation:

The closest airport to San Cristobal de las Casas is in Tuxla Gutierrez (TGZ), which is about a 2 hour bus ride away from the town. There are several ADO bus services from the TGZ airport directly to San Cristobal de las Casas (approximately $12USD) – but note that the services are limited to a few times daily – so you may want to time your flight accordingly, or be prepared to take a bus first to the bus station in Tuxla Gutierrez, and then another bus from Tuxla Gutierrez to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Where to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas:

I stayed at La Abuelita Hostel , and loved it. The property was very clean, cozy, and very inexpensive only 815 MXN ($41USD) for 7 nights – less than $6USD a night for a dorm bed, and included free coffee and drinking water, as well as very well-stocked kitchen with a wall of free spices and seasonings if you’re cooking. La Abuelita also has a sister property Posada del Abuelito which I’m told is similarly amazing.

best places to visit chiapas mexico - La Abuelita Hostel

Learn about local indigenous groups in Chiapas:

A popular day tour to the indigenous towns of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan was one of the highlights of my visit to Chiapas. The guided tours leave daily from San Cristobal de las Casas, and take you to the two villages, and tell you more about quite vastly different cultural practices of the two groups who live just a stone throw away from each other just outside of San Cristobal de las Casas.

best places to visit chiapas mexico - Iglesia San Juan Chamula

The people of both towns have incorporated elements of indigenous beliefs to the Catholicism that they encountered during the colonial era. As a result they have created their own unique religious practices. In the famous Iglesia de San Juan, chickens are sacrificed inside the church along with offerings of Coca-Cola and hundreds of candles burned as “tortillas” to feed the Saints. Taking photos is strictly prohibited inside the church, but the memory of seeing the hundreds upon hundreds of candles burning row upon endless row next to families sitting peacefully with their offerings on floors covered with pine needles was a truly amazing sight that I will not soon forget.

best places to visit chiapas

In Zinacantan, theres is typically a visit to an indigenous household where you can see first-hand how the beautiful patterned fabric that the village is famous for is painstakingly woven thread by thread, and have the opportunity to purchase these handicrafts directly from the indigenous artisans themselves.

Visit the Sumidero Canyon:

The Canyon de Sumidero can be visited on a day tour, and features several viewpoints of the impressive canyon and river below, along with a 1.5 hour boat cruise along the bottom of the canyon. The boat cruise will drop you off at Chiapas de Corzo for a few hours to explore another one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, before taking you back to your land transport that will drop you off back in the center of the city.

best places to visit chiapas mexico - Canyon de Sumidero

Visit the Casacadas el Chiflon and Lagunas de Montebello:

The Cascadas El Chiflon are some of the most stunning waterfalls I have seen anywhere in the world. The glowing aquamarine waters flow as a calm river linking stunning sets of waterfalls one after the other until you get to the largest waterfall – Cascada del Chiflon. The visit to Cascadas el Chiflon is usually done as a day tour along with a visit to Lagunas de Montebello .

best places to visit chiapas mexico - Cascada del Chiflon

The Lagunas de Montebello are a stunning set of lagoons next to the Guatemalan border. You’re given time to visit the Lagoons, as well as cross the border on foot on a little “cul-de-sac” of little shops and souvenir stores that dips into Guatamala. No passport checks, the cul-de-sac leads right back to Mexico, and I imagine it was built with the sole purpose of tourism in mind. Worth the cross border jaunt if you want to quickly check another country off your list with a little 10 minute walk into and out of Guatamala.

best places to visit chiapas mexico - Lagunas Montebello

Sima de las Cotorras Rappelling Adventure and visit to Cascada Aguacero:

This rappelling and ziplining adventure to the Sima Corterra – a 150 meter deep sinkhole that is now home to thousands of parrots and other bird species – starts early in the morning with a 4am pick-up from San Cristobal de las Casas. The drive will take approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to Sima Corterra. The driver will take a break mid-way through at a gas station to fill up, and also for you to take a washroom break and buy snacks.

The rappelling adventure includes a 50 meter rappel about 1/3 of the way into the sinkhole, followed by a harnessed walk along the walls of the sinkhole. The adventure ends with a zipline across the sinkhole back to the start point.

Best things to do in Chiapas - Sima Cotorra

No experience or equipment required – everything you need will be provided to you. It would be a good idea to wear running shoes or trainers – flip flops would be a very bad idea.

You’ll complete your visit at Sima Corterra around midday, and the tour will then continue with a visit to Cascada El Aguacero, a stunning waterfall that takes about 45 minutes to hike down to from where your driver drops you off. Not to worry the trail is easy and well-marked. If it is a hot day, make sure to bring ample water, and some snacks, as there are no vendors down by the waterfall.

best places to visit chiapas

Trip costs for 7 days and 6 nights in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas:

Accommodations: $29.45USD

Flights from Santa Marta (SMR) to Tuxla Guiterrez (TGZ) Airport: $281.50USD

Mexico prepaid-SIM card with 2GB (Valid for 15 days*) $6.43USD

SIM card refill at OXXO additional 5GB valid for 30 days* $14.90USD

Souvenirs and gifts $75.50USD

Food and drinks: $65.77USD

Transportation: $12.02USD

Excursions: $106.55USD

Total: $592.12USD

*Note that you can refill SIM cards very easily in most OXXO and 7-11 convenience stores located all over Mexico. Usually refilling the SIM will create another 30 days of validity. Just make sure to take a photo of the card information that comes with the SIM card blister so you know your phone number and PIN unlock code

Final thoughts on best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico in 1 week:

Chiapas completely blew my mind with its beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and affordability. I had originally only planned to stay in Chiapas for 1 week, but ended up continuing my travels for an extra week in Palenque which I will cover in a separate post. If you take off the cost of the flights and my spending on souvenirs and gifts, my time in Chiapas only cost $33.59USD per day – and that includes the cost of excursions and eating like a queen for a week. A wonderful and highly recommended trip for sure!

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What are the 4 levels of travel advisory? What to know about spring break trips to Mexico

best places to visit chiapas

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26.

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico , according to the U.S. State Department . Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

Travel: Should I mask for my flight? What to know about COVID and traveling.

Here's what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

Is Mexico safe 2024?

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is list of safety concerns to consider:

  • Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
  • Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. See the  Mexico Travel Advisory   for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
  • Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
  • Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
  • Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
  • Immigration:   Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.
  • Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States. Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
  • Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
  • Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
  • Unregulated Alcohol: Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.

Mexico spring break travel advisory 2024

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is a list of actions travelers should take:

  • Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
  • Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation. Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
  • Call 911 in an emergency. Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
  • Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo. The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
  • Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
  • Drink responsibly and always watch your drink. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online   at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
  • Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program   to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
  • Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
  • Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place. Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
  • Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
  • Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
  • Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
  • Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
  • See our  advice for cruise passengers  , particularly those with underlying health conditions.

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings for Mexico

Here are the travel warnins from the U.S. State Department :

Do Not Travel To In Mexico

  • Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Guerrero state  due to  crime .
  • Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Sinaloa state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping
  • Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
  • Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To in Mexico:

  • Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Durango state  due to  crime .
  • Guanajuato state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Morelos state  due to  crime .
  • Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To in Mexico

  • Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
  • Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
  • Chiapas state  due to  crime .
  • Coahuila state  due to  crime .
  • Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
  • Mexico City  due to  crime .
  • Mexico State  due to  crime .
  • Nayarit state  due to  crime.
  • Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
  • Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Queretaro state  due to  crime .
  • Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
  • San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Tabasco state  due to  crime .
  • Tlaxcala state  due to  crime .
  • Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To In Mexico

  • Campeche state
  • Yucatan state

Is Cancun safe in Mexico?

The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexico:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

  • Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
  • Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
  • Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
  • Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the  CDC page  for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Hotel travel: Parking fees are out of control. Here's how to fight them.

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory , according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

  • This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

  • Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

  • Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

  • This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Cheap flights: The destinations that could see a drop in airfare prices this year

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

  • Afghanistan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • North Korea
  • South Sudan

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

  • El Salvador
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Papau New Guinea
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Trinidad & Tobago

Travel advisory tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips :

  • Bureau of Consular Affairs  
  • The Overseas Security Advisory Council  
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

Testing out Tren Maya, Mexico’s new train that connects the Yucatán

The controversial train is up and running, but not without challenges. here’s what it’s like to book and ride..

MÉRIDA, Mexico — It wasn’t until I stepped aboard Mexico’s shiny new train myself that I truly believed the Tren Maya existed. Up until that point, between a confusing booking process and reports of stranded passengers and construction problems, I felt that it was possible the entire project was nothing but a Potemkin train.

If there was any hope it existed, it was from the bad news: the train had already attracted headlines for injuries to workers, rushed construction and damage to the fragile jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula and archaeological sites, despite promises from the Mexican government to avoid any harm.

The new train opened its first section in December 2023 and was scheduled to be fully complete in February, but that’s since been pushed to June. When finished, it will span about 970 miles and link five states in southeastern Mexico in a Q-shaped loop — Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Tabasco. Construction is still underway on tracks covering most of that distance, including a line running about 26 miles south from the Cancún airport to the popular beach town of Playa del Carmen. The inaugural train rolled through that section Thursday.

During my early February visit to the region, only one segment of the total route was in reality complete — a line connecting the busy tourist hub of Cancún to Campeche via the busy midsize city of Mérida. At the time, the train was making just a couple of runs per day, which is a fraction of its promised frequency. It’s ostensibly geared toward visitors, so being a lover of train travel, I eagerly incorporated it into my travel plans. That, it turned out, would be easier said than done.

Here’s what it was like booking and riding the train from Mérida to Valladolid.

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The booking process

The beauty of taking a train is that booking a ticket and boarding the train is a much simpler process than flying. That’s not the case for the Tren Maya, which is complex.

I first tried booking a ticket from my home in Canada in the weeks before my trip. There is just one official website for booking tickets — the service’s X account warns of scams — but the site is less than user friendly. Tickets only come available one week before and are frequently sold out. (This week, there were no tickets available, for any segment of any route that I checked.)

One week before my arrival in Mexico, I did manage to snag what I thought was a reservation. Alas, it was not to be: Booking a ticket is actually a two-part process, and I had only completed the first part. Once a booking is made, you have to make a payment online within half an hour, but the site’s automatic redirect to the payment page didn’t work, no matter how many times I tried from Canada. I gave up and decided to book while I was in Mexico for a different leg of my trip.

A week later, I was in my hotel in Mérida, determined to make this journey happen. When I found two open seats, I jumped on them, and — voilà! — was redirected to the payment page. The payment went through, and I received a receipt moments later. But, still no tickets. Those would take another nerve-racking 13 hours (did I just get scammed?) to arrive in my email inbox.

The lessons I took away from this experience: Booking within Mexico seems to be the easiest, if not the only, way to complete a reservation. The website does in fact provide tickets eventually, but planning a week ahead helps. So does having a grasp of Spanish; there is no English-language website or support, though you can use the translate function of your browser. I also didn’t see ticket kiosks in the city centers of Cancún, Mérida or Valladolid, where I spent time throughout my trip.

Ticket pricing

Prices for different journey lengths vary based on the cabin choice — tourist or premier — and are higher for international visitors than for Mexican nationals.

When I booked my tickets, a three-and-a-half hour, one-way trip from Mérida to Cancún airport cost about $90 for premier class or just under $60 for tourist class, for an international visitor. Tickets are 25 percent less for a Mexican national. With all the uncertainty and wanting to limit my chances of being stranded, I decided to book a premier ticket on the shortest leg I could — between Mérida and Valladolid — for about $50.

The station and boarding

With my ticket PDF on my phone, I caught a $15 Uber from central Mérida to the brand-new station in Teya, on the city’s outskirts. My Uber driver, Gabriel, mentioned that he was taking the train to visit family in Cancún in July. As I arrived at the station, it appeared that the majority of the users of the train were in fact Mexican families. The lack of international visitors riding has raised concerns, local media has reported.

Construction at the station was still ongoing. Crews were putting the finishing touches on everything from the landscaping to platforms, while the security screening machinery sat next to the boarding area, ready to be plugged in. The station is sparkling and airy, with a few little shops selling snacks, but there is no air conditioning, phone charging stations or WiFi.

With the departure approaching, an announcement in Spanish echoed through the station and we were ushered smoothly and efficiently onto one of the station’s six platforms, the only one that appeared to be operational at that point. There are no elevators in sight, but instead many stairs and escalators. Combined with a wide gap between the platform and the train, it’s safe to say that accessibility is not yet a consideration.

The departure time came and went, with no sign of the train, and I feared the train might not come. But then, 20 minutes later, the security officers fanned out across the platform and fixed their eyes into the distance where the train was winding into view.

The train journey

The train is divided into two classes: tourist and premier, which are distinguished mainly by the amount of elbow room. Premier compartments have three seats to a row, while the tourist compartments have four and more options for seats that can face one another, which is great for small groups. (A third, sleeper class, will eventually operate on the longer journeys.) The cars are immaculate, comfortable and quiet; the train operates so smoothly as to be almost unnoticeable when it moves.

The cars were outfitted with air conditioning and the seats have USB plugs for your devices; and the temperature is kept at a pleasant, cool level. There is WiFi, but it didn’t appear to work at a level sufficient to do much of anything.

After one or two stops, at semi-functioning stations near archaeological sites between Mérida and Valladolid, a cart rolled through the premier cabin with complimentary (but unappetizing) sandwiches. Luckily, other snack and drink options, including alcoholic drinks, were available in the bar car. A full menu of food options is expected to be offered later, but it wasn’t available yet. When I turned down the sandwich, I was instead offered a cup of fresh papaya, watermelon and pineapple, which I gladly accepted.

The atmosphere on the train was bordering on festive: Families took selfies as the train pulled away from its various stops, and those who had just disembarked waved to everyone aboard. The sense was that this train was opening up new possibilities for the region, much of which is served by poorly maintained roads, if there are any at all.

A friendly Pomeranian wandered the central aisle — a reminder that the train allows small dogs — as the train rolled past tiny villages and henequen plantations, and near enough to archaeological sites for quick access — but unfortunately not for a view.

Pulling into the station near the region’s best-known archaeological site and new Wonder of the World , Chichén Itzá, I felt like the kids locked in their Jurassic Park jeep, craning my neck to spot the attraction from the ride. There was no sign of the towering Kukulcan pyramid on the horizon, however, and I had to remind myself it’s not a theme park ride, it’s transit — intended to deliver you to the places where you can experience the region, not to be the experience itself.

The train glided into a station north of Valladolid just behind schedule, as the sun was about to dip below the horizon. A bus waited to whisk us downtown for about $2 a head, completing the short journey.

It was hard in retrospect to reconcile the comfort and confidence of the train experience itself with the labyrinthine process of booking — and the ecological destruction its construction has wrought. Sitting down on the train, I had the sense of having tumbled through the surf, certain I would drown, only to be deposited gently on a pristine shore with a drink in my hand.

If I were returning to the Yucatán Peninsula, I’d avoid incorporating the train into my plans for now. The booking system is too unreliable and support is too sparse for it to be a predictable or pleasant part of a vacation. I also have a nagging feeling that my uneventful, mostly on-time journey was something of an outlier.

But if I were to return sometime after the dust settles over the next few months — and I hope to — I’d gladly hop on another ride. When the booking system bugs and construction chaos are worked out, the Tren Maya feels destined to become a must-do for any traveler, foreign and domestic alike, eager to explore beyond the resorts of Cancún.

Jimmy Thomson is a journalist based on Vancouver Island.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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COMMENTS

  1. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Chiapas

    A wide variety of pyramids, temples and sculptures have all been found at this famous Mayan archaeological site. See full details. 2023. 5. Aluxes Palenque. 774. Nature & Wildlife Areas. We are Aluxes Ecoparque a non-profit non-governmental civil association based in Palenque Chiapas. Due to all the destruction of the ecosystems in the last ...

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    Map of Chiapas, Mexico. 10. Laguna Miramar [SEE MAP] Tucked away deep in the confines of Montes Azules National Park, the sparkling blue waters of Laguna Miramar stand out delightfully against the vivid greens of the rainforest that hems it in on all sides. A biodiversity hotspot, the lake and its surroundings are home to around 20 percent of ...

  3. The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Chiapas, Mexico

    Cañón del Sumidero. Make sure to check out the Sumidero Canyon near both Tuxtla and Chiapa de Corzo. The 25-kilometre (16-mile) reservoir is best seen by boats that leave from either Chiapa or Embarcadero Cahuaré, which is only 5 kilometres (3 miles) north of Chiapa along the road to Tuxtla. There is much flora and fauna to appreciate, from ...

  4. 12 Best Places to Visit in Chiapas (with Photos and Itinerary)

    Mexico is the land of ancient gods, worships, and pyramids. These are the best ancient ruins to visit in Chiapas: 1. Palenque. Ancient ruins in Palenque. Located in the middle of the jungle, Palenque is undoubtedly a hidden treasure among the best Mayan cities in Mexico.

  5. 21 BEST Things to do in Chiapas, Mexico and Complete Guide to Visiting

    1. Palenque Ruins. The Palenque Ruins are some of the best in Mexico! A visit to the Palenque ruins is a must-do when in Chiapas. These well-preserved Maya ruins are some of the most impressive in all of Mexico. The Palenque ruins date back to 226 BC and were once a major city of the Maya civilization.

  6. Your Ultimate Guide to Chiapas, Mexico

    Your guide to Chiapas Mexico's best waterfalls, Mayan ruins, historic towns, and coffee tasting spots. Your guide to Chiapas Mexico's best waterfalls, Mayan ruins, historic towns, and coffee tasting spots. ... You'll see signs all over the place about tours to visit San Juan Chamula as soon as you get to San Cris. This charming and mystical ...

  7. 24 Best Things to Do in Chiapas Mexico: 2024 Local's Guide

    Best things to do in Chiapas, Mexico Spend a long weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas . San Cristobal de Las Casas is the main raison d'etre that most people decide to visit Chiapas. The town was founded in 1528 and named ¨Villa Real de Chiapa¨ Its name has changed various times over the centuries before being given its current name in 1848.

  8. 15 Amazing Things to Do in Chiapas

    Best Things to Do in Chiapas 1.The archaeological site of Palenque. Palenque is one of the must-see places in Chiapas.It was one of the most important Mayan cities, along with Tikal in Guatemala and Calakmul in Campeche.. Surrounded by the jungle, Palenque offers a unique experience of exotic bird songs and monkey howls.

  9. The Ultimate Chiapas Travel Guide

    Chiapas is hands down one of the best places to visit in Mexico and the best part is that many people don't even know it exists. Chiapas, Mexico is an often overlooked destination known for its magical mix of breathtaking wilderness, archeological ruins, and thriving indigenous communities. Since this captivating state is off the main tourist ...

  10. Chiapas, Mexico Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Eat

    Exploring Chiapas . Bookmark these favorite places across Chiapas, from San Cristóbal de las Casa to Palenque, to plan your own trip through this beautiful Mexican state. ... 20 Best Places to ...

  11. Must-Visit Attractions In Chiapas Mexico

    Chiapas is Mexico's wild and wonderful southern state, and has many natural wonders and Mayan ruins to explore. From dense rainforests and misty cloud forests to cascading waterfalls and ancient Mayan ruins, Chiapas offers an unforgettable sceneries. Here are places we feel are must-sees while you visit the jungles and colonial towns of Chiapas.

  12. 15 Best Things To Do in Chiapas, Mexico

    See Also: Visiting Palenque - A Guide to The Ruins. 15. Get To Know The Lacandones And Their Treasures. Here are two more places to visit in Chiapas that lie a little further away from the other suggestions; towards the borders of Guatemala. Bonampak and Yaxchilán were built by the Lacandones, a mysterious Maya tribe that lives in the jungle ...

  13. 12 absolute best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico (2024)

    10. Zinacantán and Chemula. Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula are two indigenous Tzotzil Maya towns in Mexico's Chiapas Highland. Zinacantan is known for its colorful textiles and traditional weaving techniques, and the small town of San Juan Chamula stands out for its strong Mayan beliefs and traditional clothing.

  14. 10 Best Places to Visit in Chiapas, Mexico (Travel Guide)

    Cascada El Chiflon. San Juan Chamula. Sumidero Canyon. Lagunas de Montebello National Park. Zinacantan. Agua Azul Waterfalls. Bonampak. Zona Arqueologica Palenque. Of course, there are more incredible places to see in Chiapas but these are fantastic reference points to start putting together a travel plan.

  15. 10 BEST Places to Visit in Chiapas

    Places to visit in Chiapas. Top Things to Do in Chiapas, Mexico. Places to Visit in Chiapas. ... Misol-Ha, Agua Azul and Palenque, The Best of Chiapas . 3. Historical Tours. from ₹12,199. per adult. Full Day Tour to Palenque Archaeological Zone with Waterfalls. 1. Full-day Tours. from ₹9,357.

  16. 13 Unmissable Things To Do in Chiapas, Mexico

    Wander Around San Cristobal de Las Casas. Climb Pyramids at the Palenque Ruins. Feel Small at the Canyon del Sumidero. Visit Misol-Ha Waterfall and Agua Azul. Horseback Riding To Chamula. Witness the Religious Rituals in San Juan Chamula. Rappel Down the Sima de Las Cotorras. Swim at Cenote Chukumaltik.

  17. 27 Best Things To Do In Chiapas, Mexico

    Boat trip along the Grijalva River at Sumidero Canyon National Park. A tour of the Sumidero Canyon is one of the unmissable things to do in Chiapas, Mexico. This natural wonder features 3,280-foot-high canyon walls topped with verdant forest, at the bottom of which the Grijalva River runs its snaking course.

  18. 15 Adventurous Things to Do in Chiapas

    4. Wander the Famous Palenque Ruins. PC: Andrea Parola. Palenque is perhaps the most well-known place to visit in Chiapas and one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. As such, it is at the very top of people's bucket lists for things to do in Chiapas.

  19. Chiapas Travel Guide: Visiting Chiapas Mexico in 2024

    Chiapas Mexico: Know before you go. ️ Airport: Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (code: TGZ) ⏰ Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5) 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso. 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages. 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for ...

  20. Chiapas travel

    Chiapas. Chilly pine-forest highlands, sultry rainforest jungles and attractive colonial cities exist side by side within Mexico's southernmost state, a region awash with the legacy of Spanish rule and the remnants of ancient Maya civilization. Palenque and Yaxchilán are evocative vestiges of powerful Maya kingdoms, and the presence of ...

  21. Best places to visit in Chiapas, Mexico: a 1 week itinerary

    Visit the Sumidero Canyon and Chiapas de Corzo. Visit Cascadas el Chiflon and Lagunas del Montebello. Sima Cotorra and Cascada El Aguacero. Trip costs for 7 days and 6 nights in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Final thoughts on best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico in 1 week. This post includes affiliate links.

  22. The Most Epic Chiapas Road Trip Itinerary

    A road trip in Chiapas, Mexico is the ultimate adventure.. Imagine discovering, in 2-3 weeks' time, some of the most magical natural landscapes — from roaring waterfalls with turquoise pools to ancient Mayan ruins lost in the jungle to colorful indigenous towns and colonial cities (and more!).. There are so many places to visit in Chiapas that a road trip is the best way to check them off ...

  23. Best Places to Visit in Chiapas

    Best Places To Visit in Chiapas. 1. San Cristobal de las Casas : San Cristobal de las Casas is a charming colonial town located in the highlands of Chiapas. It is known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant indigenous culture. Visitors can explore the town's many churches, museums, and markets, or take a day trip to ...

  24. Travel advisory 2024: What to know on U.S. spring break ...

    The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26. Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico, according to the U.S. State Department. Crimes such as ...

  25. A guide to Mexico's Tren Maya, from train tickets to travel

    When finished, it will span about 970 miles and link five states in southeastern Mexico in a Q-shaped loop — Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Tabasco.