Chiapas stands as a vibrant sanctuary of indigenous culture and ancient Mayan history in Mexico. Far from the typical beach resorts, this state offers travelers a deep immersion into preserved traditions, colonial charm, and breathtaking archaeological wonders hidden within lush jungles.
From the cobblestone streets of San Cristobal de las Casas to the majestic pyramids of Palenque and the sacred rituals of San Juan Chamula, Chiapas is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and adventurous journey through the heart of Mesoamerican heritage.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Cobblestone streets, colorful churches, and a domineering cathedral are just a few of the architectural wonders that make San Cristobal de las Casas a must-visit addition to any southern Mexico travel itinerary. Throw in a prevalent indigenous culture that’s like nowhere else in Mexico, countless Mayan languages, and a rather fiery history of opposition to the central government in Mexico City, and with San Cristobal de las Casas, you have an exciting destination that’s just waiting to be explored.
San Juan Chamula
San Juan Chamula is the principal town of the Tzotzils, with a population of around 80,000. It is also the main religious and economic center of the community. The Chamulas also are very private people. They do not tolerate well people taking pictures of them or their temples. Like other indigenous communities in this region, The Chamulas can be identified by the clothes they wear: in this case, distinctive purples and pinks predominate. All the clothes they wear are handmade locally. The wool on the sheep, cleaning, dyes, and knitting are all obtained “in-house”: nothing is purchased externally. Sheep are sacred here, and are treated, protected, and mourned on passing as any other member of the family.
Chinkultic and Amatenango
The archaeological site of Chinkultic is a true masterpiece of architecture because its construction was made in such a way that the blocks of stone could adapt to the topography of the ground. Part of the Lagunas de Montebello National Park is located in the middle of the jungle, this site was founded around the 3rd century by the Maya. The site contains about 200 structures, ancient remains such as ceramics (Plumbate Tohil), 38 stone stelae that represent the rulers of this site, and sculptures with hieroglyphic inscriptions.
The cenote is located in the middle of the jungle and comes from lake Tepancuapan and Lake Chanujabab which are twins and connected by a tributary crossing the archaeological site. This cenote gives the name of the site because Chinkultic means “staircase cenote” in the Maya language. Chinkultic is therefore the perfect setting to breathe fresh air while enjoying an impressive view.
Amatenango del Valle, or the "The town of the Potters" in its native language, Tzo'ontajal, is located on a small elevation that dominates a fertile valley covered with cornfields and where they use pre-Hispanic methods in the process of making pottery.
Agua Azul
Agua Azul, Chiapas, is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico. As the name Cascadas de Agua Azul or Blue Water Waterfalls suggests, this is a place of incredible natural beauty. A series of small waterfalls with swimming holes, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day. The waterfalls range from short waterfalls up to 6 meters high, and all of them are interconnected, with one pool leading into the next.
Bonampak
In the jungle, 183 km, southeast of Palenque along the Rio Lacanja, are the remarkably well-preserved ruins of a Mayan temple called Bonampak. The name means “painted walls” and it is the highly detailed frescoes that tell the history of the people who lived there. These paintings on the inside of the walls and roofs of three buildings, make Bonampak a true delight and a major attraction for archaeologists and visitors alike.
Yaxchilan
Yaxchilan is a mysterious and stunning city. Not only because of its classic past but also because of its location. An area where wildlife is still abundant. Tropical birds, monkeys, crocodiles.
Palenque
Imagine a city buried under a thousand years of jungle growth. Less than 10% of Palenque has been excavated, only the central part, composed of steep pyramids and blocky temples of white limestone. All around Palenque is dense rainforest crisscrossed by gurgling streams and shimmering waterfalls. The tropical air is filled with the buzzing of insects, the singing of tropical birds, and the booming grunts of howler monkeys. The Palenque archaeological site has all this and more. You can even climb the pyramids and explore the inner chambers of the city’s massive stone palace of this ancient Maya City.
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