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CHIAPAS
Chiapas is a state located in southern Mexican bordering Guatemala. It is a mountainous area, surrounded by lakes, rivers and national parks. The landscape of Chiapas with its rugged valleys, steaming forest and stubborn highlands is breath-taking and that’s why the place is called ‘’Mexico Wonderland’’.
Chiapas is meant for all kind of travellers. It is an ideal place for hiking, camping, zip-lining, mountain biking, boat excursions, rappelling, rock climbing, white-water rafting and other outdoor activities. Besides these adventure options, Chiapas also features fascinating and friendly Mexican ‘’pueblos’’.
The major destinations are Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas. Palenque is located in the Tumbalá mountains and overlooks the jungle below. The Mayan builders and architects of Palenque balanced landscape with platforms, temples and palaces, which created an artful harmony at the settlement. The forest around these temples is still home to howler monkeys, ocelots and toucans. The ruins and surrounding forests form a national park; Parque Nacional Palenque. The Mayan Ruins of Palenque are as important as Chichén Itza, so definitely worth to visit. The entrance fee for the Ruins of Palenque are around 50 Mexican peso.
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San Cristobal de las casas, also known by its native Tzotzil name, Jovel, is the cultural capital of Chiapas. It is mostly made up of mountainous terrain, but the city sits in a small valley surrounded by hills. San Cristobal has a Spanish colonial layout because of its architecture; red tile roofs, wrought iron balconies with flowers, cobblestone streets and woodcarving. Furthermore, many international backpackers visit this place because of its bohemian, laid-back atmosphere.
The city has many travel agencies, language schools, museum, art-house cinemas, sidewalk cafes and restaurants and artisans’ markets. When you are in San Cristobal, you really have to visit the San Cristobal Cathedral and the town’s best mirador. On the top you can enjoy a spectacular view overlooking the whole town. There are also some more interesting places to visit in San Cristobal. For example Tzotzil Maya, a traditional town where you can discover the real Mexican culture and old customs. Furthermore, Chiapa de Corzo: this is the oldest colonial town in the state of Chiapas with amazing canyon views.
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What makes Chiapas even more beautiful are the Cascadas the Agua Azul (Blue Waterfalls). They are located in the Municipality of Tumbalá, 69 kilometres from Palenque by the road that leads towards San Cristóbal de las Casas. The National Park at Agua Azul ranges over an astonishing 2,580 hectares of jungle. A designated Natural Protected Area, the park shelters a wide variety of flora and fauna as well, as preserving the forest. The water is as blue as you can see on the pictures.
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How to get here?
When you are staying in Cancún, you can go by plane to Tapachula, Palenque or San Cristóbal. From there you can rent a car or take a bus and travel through the state. Getting around is hassle-free and fast. The places of interest are close to each other, so the bus rides are not that long. Please keep in mind that it is a mountainous area, so you might want to bring some warm clothes.
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