Within the south of Mexico, near Guatemala, lies Chiapas, a gorgeously wild area with lush jungles and a harsh local weather. There are some incredible issues to do in Chiapas, Mexico, together with distinctive experiences round historical traditions and rituals.
Densely populated by indigenous tribes instantly descending from the Maya, a number of historical languages come collectively on this genuine and principally untouched a part of Mexico.
15 greatest issues to do in Chiapas, Mexico.
Sadly, Chiapas can be Mexico’s poorest area, and the indigenous folks aren’t all the time handled the best way they need to be. This injustice led them to create a motion referred to as Zapatismo, named after the primary chief Emiliano Zapato within the early twentieth century, of which there are nonetheless lively teams right this moment.
Visiting the area is a method to assist Chiapas’s economic system and its folks, and after spending a number of weeks in and round San Cristóbal de las Casas, (one of many predominant cities within the state), I can truthfully say that it’s one in all my favorite areas in Mexico.
1. Get Misplaced in San Cristóbal De Las Casas
Based in 1528, San Cristóbal de las Casas is the oldest Spanish city within the state of Chiapas. Nestled inside the mountains, town has stored its charming colonial aptitude, and options slim streets and iron window grilles on elegant multi-coloured facades.
Add to that some quaint squares, (generally animated, and at different instances empty), stunning church buildings, and vaulted galleries, and it’s simple to see why this city is among the greatest locations to go to in Chiapas.
The city has a really cosmopolitan vibe, and also you’ll discover a combination of locals, long-term expats, and vacationers mingling with Tzotzil Indians coming down from the mountains to promote their merchandise contained in the Gran Mercado – San Cristóbal’s attractive roofed market.
Don’t miss going up the steps to the Templo de Guadalupe for an unimaginable view of town, (remember that it might probably get fairly chilly through the winter months due to the altitude).
2. Take a Cooking Class in San Cristóbal De Las Casas
In my view, you possibly can’t get to know a rustic or area with out tasting its meals. And what higher technique to perceive the meals than to make it your self?
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Chiapas is to e-book a cooking class like this one, the place you’ll particularly study the strategies to make scrumptious tortillas, tamales, and moles. Earlier than diving into the cooking, you’ll be taken to San Cristóbal’s market to choose the freshest elements attainable.
Get your palms soiled in corn flour dough, and experiment with sometimes Mexican elements like cocoa and chilli in thick sauces.
3. Expertise The Mysteries of San Juan Chamula
Some of the intriguing locations to go to in Chiapas is undoubtedly San Juan Chamula. A small city about 10km northeast of San Cristóbal.
Right here, you’ll discover a syncretism of contemporary Christianism and Tzotzil rituals distinctive to this a part of Mexico. You’ll additionally discover church buildings, however they’re solely used as a body for his or her faith; a type of very historical Maya shamanism that features stay hen and fizzy drinks to exorcise evil spirits.
The Tzotzil are very personal. Keep away from photographing them of their conventional woollen tunics, and particularly while they’re performing rites inside the church buildings. Though pictures are positively frowned upon, the entire expertise is so fascinating that there’s no probability of forgetting what you witnessed – even with out footage.
With this particularly well-rated tour, you don’t have to fret about doing something incorrect because the native information will clarify the dos and don’ts intimately. You’ll even get to expertise a cleaning ceremony for your self if you want.
4. Discover Your Artful Aspect
To get to know the San Andres Larrainzar neighborhood by visiting the native village and seeing the embroidery loom at work. You’ll go to two small cities the place the artists make textiles and embroidery, and see how they use a standard device, the backstrap loom.
This half-day tour begins in San Andres Larrainzar, adopted by a church go to, after which a cease at a neighborhood household dwelling. You’ll study embroidery, textiles and even some cooking ideas! Lunch, information and personal transportation are included.
This is among the greatest issues to do in Chiapas to raised perceive the area’s tradition. Click here to learn more.
5. Perceive The Zapatista Motion
Diving deeper into the Zapatista motion may not be your typical factor to do in Chiapas, however this specific motion is important to the indigenous folks.
In 1994, the Indian farmers began a rise up, taking San Cristóbal de Las Casas and demanding extra rights for possessions, well being, training, work, justice, and recognition of their indigenous identification.
The reality is, indigenous folks have all the time been thought of second-rank by the Mexican authorities. The Zapatista motion nonetheless fights to vary this, though on a extra political stage these days versus armed conflicts.
Visiting a “Zapatista Village” will provide you with a greater understanding of what’s at stake for the indigenous folks of Chiapas, and with a information like Luis who grew up with the motion, any questions you will have can be answered.
6. Take a Boat Journey Via The Cañón Del Sumidero
The Cañón del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon) traverses the states of Chiapas and Tabasco. It was shaped by the Grijalva, which flows right down to the Gulf of Mexico, and even figures on Chiapas’ flag.
A ship or lancha journey on the Grijalva is enjoyable, however solely through the dry season as heavy rainfalls deliver down all of the waste of the encircling villages through the moist season.
Throughout this 2-hour boat journey contained in the canyon, you’ll cross by attractive waterfalls, and dense jungle emitting unusual animal noises, and chances are you’ll even spot the occasional crocodile – maintain your palms contained in the boat!
You should definitely put together your digicam for the Árbol de Navidad, or “Christmas Tree Waterfall”, which is arguably one of many world’s most unusual waterfalls.
The tour combines the canyon journey with a go to to Chiapa de Corzo; a fairly little city with a incredible Fifteenth-century fountain referred to as La Pila. Don’t neglect sunscreen and convey loads of water. It is a enjoyable journey and a must-do in Chiapas. Click here to study extra and to e-book.
7. Go to Tuxtla Gutiérrez
While you’re within the neighborhood, cease by Tuxtla Gutiérrez, to go to the State of Chiapas’s capital metropolis.
It’s not generally probably the most marketed locations to go to in Chiapas, however this contemporary metropolis nonetheless has some areas the place the wealthy historical past is perceptible.
Wander round and uncover a number of the metropolis’s most stunning corners, and luxuriate in a number of the greatest eating places to seek out genuine Mexican food. Try El Mixote for tasty, conventional meals.
For these with a musical background, Tuxtla Gutiérrez is also referred to as the “metropolis of the marimba“, with a park and a museum across the instrument.
8. Watch a Distinctive Nature Present At Sima De Las Cotorras
The Sima de Las Cotorras (Sinkhole of Parrots) is one in all many sinkholes contained in the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas. You possibly can go abseiling, repelling, and ziplining right here, but it surely’s the hundreds of Mexican inexperienced parakeets flying out and in of it that makes it an additional particular Chiapas attraction.
It is a distinctive factor to do in Chiapas. Try to go to from March to October, when the parakeet present may be witnessed very early within the morning.
Keep in mind that if you wish to head there by yourself, you’ll must be on the particular viewpoint of the sinkhole between 5.30am – 6.30am. Discover out extra here.
9. Spoil Your Style Buds With Mexico’s Scrumptious Meals
Mexico, and particularly the state of Chiapas, is dwelling to a number of the most scrumptious and different-looking fruits you’ll doubtless ever come throughout. Fruits just like the juicy pitaya, (a spiky tuna that grows on cacti), or the jicama that’s normally served as a snack, sprinkled with lime and chilli.
A number of of those fruits are used for each candy and salty dishes, making them extremely invaluable in Mexico’s meals scene.
Ever tasted a cactus leaf? The considered biting into one repelled me initially, provided that it’s considerably slimy, however the style was surprisingly good and, above all, very refreshing. The leaves are referred to as nopales and are sometimes utilized in salads, or as a aspect to fried eggs at breakfast.
Rambutans are significantly in style in Chiapas, and though initially from Asia, you’ll doubtless discover them on little makeshift stalls alongside the highway. If you wish to strive one thing that may nearly solely be present in Chiapas, head to the market and search for the (cracked open) Papausa.
10. Uncover Hidden Lakes At The Lagunas De Montebello
Round sixty small lakes await within the Lagunas De Montebello, all with distinctive colors and ecosystems. This tour from San Cristobal takes within the beautiful lakes and unimaginable waterfall.
Essentially the most stunning ones are the Lagunas de Colores the place you’ll discover the sunshine blue Laguna Agua Azul, the violet Laguna Agua Tinta, and the emerald inexperienced Laguna Esmeralda. They’re situated on the left-hand aspect after the doorway to the park, and it’s a 3km lengthy hike in complete to see all of them.
On the finish of the hike, you’ll discover the San José cave which is a sacred place for the indigenous folks; it’s nonetheless used for flower choices right this moment.
The lakes are a bit additional aside on the correct aspect after the doorway. There’s a 4km hike to achieve the Laguna de Montebello at 1485m altitude, and one other stroll, (about 90 minutes from right here), which ends up in a wonderful viewpoint referred to as Bosque Azul.
These lagoons are one other beautiful place to go to in Chiapas and native households get pleasure from them too, usually throughout weekends for household picnics alongside the lakes. I like to recommend visiting when the climate is evident, and ideally within the morning to keep away from rainfall.
Should you fancy a swim, it’s price realizing that the Pojoj lake is the one one the place swimming is permitted. Click here for a tour that takes within the lakes and waterfall, and consists of transportation from San Cristobal and entrance charges.
11. Climb The Quite a few Stairs At The Ruins of Toniná
The archaeological website of Toniná is especially authentic, due to a colossal pyramid leaning in opposition to a hill. The entire metropolis was constructed vertically and every stage options completely different buildings starting from dwellings over official buildings, to palaces and temples.
On this day trip from San Cristobal, you’ll go to Tonina and El Corralito. Joining a tour is one of the simplest ways to get right here, as transportation and entrance charges are included
The positioning is at 1000m altitude and usually fairly sizzling – be certain to hydrate properly. As soon as on the prime of the construction, the 180-degree view of the encircling mountains is really spectacular.
Toniná was a affluent metropolis between the seventh and tenth century however struggled to withstand the rule of Palenque’s kings. The latter slowly however absolutely gained management over the world, and Toniná was finally deserted.
There’s no have to pity them an excessive amount of although; the folks of Toniná have been identified for being masters in decapitation practices and human sacrifices.
12. Marvel At The Colors Of The Superb Agua Azul Waterfalls
One other pure gem in Chiapas is the magnificent Cascadas de Agua Azul – a sequence of shiny turquoise waterfalls, every ending in a limestone basin.
The entire space is attractive and extremely refreshing when the temperature is sizzling. Hike up from the doorway on the backside of the falls by merely following the river within the opposed course.
Go to the Cascadas within the morning because the lighting is ideal for footage, and keep away from the hours after a tropical storm as the color can be extra brown than blue.
You possibly can go to on a day journey from Palenque with this day tour.
Do not forget that this a part of Chiapas is within the centre of the EZNL, or Zapatista territory. It doesn’t occur on a regular basis, however there’s a probability that armed folks might make you cease by blocking the highway with a rope, and ask you to pay an extra price.
You would possibly really feel uneasy, however keep in mind that these are the poorest folks in Mexico, and so they don’t get something from the official entrance price you pay down on the falls.
13. Cool Off Beneath a Mesmerizing Waterfall
Cease by the spectacular Misol-Ha waterfall on the best way to Palenque for a refreshing bathing session.
Pouring 30m in direction of a basin the place you possibly can swim, the falls disguise a cave the place you possibly can admire fossils entrenched within the rock – deliver a washing go well with and a torch!
I like to recommend going there your self, as tour guides discovered on the entrance solely keep on the falls for roughly an hour – in my view, this isn’t lengthy sufficient.
The washing space is delimited with a rope, and though there are lifeguards on the spot, it might probably nonetheless be harmful because the entry is relatively troublesome. You should definitely be in your guard and watch your step as you benefit from the fairy-tale environment.
14. Admire The Fascinating Temples of Palenque (Considered one of The Finest Issues To Do in Chiapas)
I stayed in a tenting spot close to Palenque for a couple of weeks, and woke to the loud howler monkeys bellowing from the bushes above each morning. Maybe not probably the most charming technique to get up for some, however fairly useful as there’s a lot to see in Palenque. An early begin is ideal!
Should you’d relatively be a part of a day journey from San Cristobal, check out this tour. It consists of Palenque and the gorgeous Agua Azul waterfalls.
Palenque means “surrounded by bushes”, and that’s fairly correct. It’s one of many largest Maya websites in Mexico and one in all my favorite locations to go to in Chiapas.
Palenque’s structure is sort of completely different from different well-known websites similar to Uxmal or Chichén Itzá, and is properly preserved. The setting is romantic, and nature nonetheless covers a lot of the ruins.
King Pakal, probably the most well-known ruler who died at almost 100 years previous, was answerable for town’s bloom through the seventh and eighth centuries, and his son Chan-Bahlum continued the work.
After the latter, the good civilisation of Palenque slowly died below mysterious circumstances, and town remained unknown till its latest rediscovery within the twentieth century.
Highlights embody the Templo de Las Inscripciones, on prime of a 22m tall pyramid defending Pakal’s tomb, the Palacio which presents stunning views to these courageous sufficient to climb the steps, and the Templo Del Sol, in entrance of king Pakal.
To actually really feel like Indiana Jones, head deeper into the jungle for the hidden Templo de Los Murciélagos (“bat temple”). Click here for a enjoyable day journey to Palenque from San Cristobal. See Additionally: Visiting Palenque – A Guide to The Ruins
15. Get To Know The Lacandones And Their Treasures
Listed here are two extra locations to go to in Chiapas that lie just a little additional away from the opposite recommendations; in direction of the borders of Guatemala.
Bonampak and Yaxchilán have been constructed by the Lacandones, a mysterious Maya tribe that lives within the jungle. There are solely about 600 Lacadon folks left these days, and the chance of shedding their language, amongst different issues, may be very actual.
They’re simply recognisable due to their particular fashion of white tunics and lengthy hair. Whereas Bonampak is well accessible by automobile or bus, you’ll want a lancha to get to Yaxchilán.
The highlights embody the Templo De Las Pinturas in Bonampak, with well-known Maya frescoes offering invaluable data on their every day life, and the Edificio 33 in Yaxchilán, a wonderful temple with attractive views of the river and the encircling jungle.
The easiest way to go to these two unimaginable locations is on a day tour from Palenque. The tour consists of choose up and drop off at your lodge, entrance charges to the websites, driver and information, two meals and the boat to Yaxchilán. Click here for more details.
FAQs About Chiapas
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Chiapas.
Is Chiapas protected?
As with all of Mexico, there are some dangers to pay attention to when travelling as a vacationer. In Chiapas specifically, the Zapatista motion that fights for the rights of indigenous folks continues to be very lively, and also you’re extraordinarily more likely to encounter roadblocks occasionally.
Although they could look imposing, they solely need a bit of cash and in comparison with their basic residing situations, it actually isn’t that a lot. Keep in mind to remain calm and pleasant, and also you shouldn’t have any issues.
Is Chiapas price visiting?
Chiapas is completely price visiting! It’s stuffed with fascinating archaeological sites, historical traditions which might be nonetheless very a lot alive, and beautiful locals.
All of the vacationer points of interest in Chiapas are very genuine and it appears like a chunk of uncooked Mexico not but spoiled by mass tourism. I might positively suggest placing Chiapas in your itinerary when visiting Mexico.
What number of days do you want in Chiapas?
This relies considerably on what number of points of interest in Chiapas you wish to go to, however I might say that 5 days is the minimal. The extra the merrier.
When is the most effective time to go to Chiapas?
One of the best time to go to Chiapas is from November – Could, as that is the dry season and it doesn’t get as sizzling as in different elements of Mexico.
I’ve been to Chiapas through the wet season too, and while there have been heavy rainfalls, they normally solely lasted about an hour or two earlier than the sky cleared up once more. The temperatures are fairly excessive, however in the event you don’t thoughts the warmth, the wet season is nice to keep away from crowds at in style spots.
Now You Know What To Do in Chiapas
Writing about every little thing there’s to see and do in Chiapas makes me wish to e-book a flight straight away and head again.
I can’t wait to spend some extra time on this very uncooked and genuine a part of Mexico – I’m certain that there are nonetheless so many desirable websites to find. The traditional Maya tribes are alive, but a lot of their tradition is veiled in thriller.
If Chiapas wasn’t in your Mexico listing earlier than, go forward and add it. You received’t remorse it.
