Located in the tropical belt of our planet and officially known as the Free and Sovereign State of Chiapas, this beautiful place is more than Mexico’s southernmost state, it is the country’s hidden gem. With a strong indigenous population and rustic appearance that maintains the mysterious look and intriguing atmosphere of a traditional old Spanish village. Usually moderated by its altitude in many areas, Chiapas experiences hot, temperate, semi-hot, and cold climates along with heavy rainfall in some places.
Chiapas’ natural beauty, stunning landscape, and exotic wildlife are only further accentuated by the sheer variety of cultures and twelve federally recognised ethnicities that reside between its borders. This only adds to the list of reasons why our next trip should be down there. When all is well and you get to hop on a flight again, make sure to add Chiapas to your destination. To help you with the planning, here is a list of must-visit places that are sure to make Chiapas one of your all-time favourite holiday destinations to visit!
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
The capital of Chiapas and the largest city in the state, Tuxtla Guitiérrez, although not considered a major tourist destination, is the urban hub of the state. It is a highly populated city that is commercial and service-oriented, with a busy government and is commonly used as a transportation hub. With city sidewalks and bustling streets, Tuxtla is a great spot to try out special Chiapas and regional delicacies such as Carnes parrilladas (a platter of grilled meats) and ground beef tartare. Additionally, the Parque de la Marimba which is literally named after the instrument is a great place to visit as it is home to many marimba bands that play as older couples sway to their music. The city is also home to the Zoológico Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo, and the Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia (Regional Museum of Anthropology and History).
Laguna Miramar
One of Mexico’s most beautiful water bodies, Laguna Miramar is the perfect place for a thrilling experience of natural beauty. The freshwater lake is surrounded by tropical rainforest and the area itself has been left untouched and underdeveloped, making it an incredible getaway for a refreshing timeout. With activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, and birdwatching, one can truly immerse themselves in the peaceful presence of mother nature. The nearby caves also have ancient drawings which will take you back in time and enrich your knowledge of their history. The lake is also home to amazing wading spots, with the turtle cave and petroglyphs that are reachable by canoe. Laguna Miramar is also rich in wildlife; toucans, tapirs, macaws, spider monkeys, and butterflies are a common sight as you swim in this exquisite lake.
Chinkultic Ruins
A pre-Columbian city that belongs to the ancient Mayan civilisation, the Chinkultic ruins in Chiapas is a less frequented moderate-sized archaeological ruins and part of the Lagunas de Montebello National Park. Surrounded by humid forests and mainly known for its ball court, which was used to play a Mesoamerican ballgame (a sport with ritual associations), a large cenote (natural well), and the stelae-carvings of the town’s rulers, this site once made up a Mayan city from the 3rd and 9th centuries. The cenote was significant to the city’s people who used to throw offerings and mainly for giving the site its Mayan name, Chinkultic, which translates to stepped-cenote. The Chinkultic Ruins is also home to step pyramids and around 200 smaller buildings. Although not well known and commonly visited by tourists, Chinkultic Ruins is a once in a lifetime serene experience enriched by culture and heritage.
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Considered the cultural capital of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The mountain town is much loved and has something for everyone. The red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets add to the rustic feel and give out a sense of old town Spanish villages. The hilltop churches and the town’s main plaza are must-visits. Also visiting the municipal market that sells local fruits, vegetables, and regional cuisines can make for an amazing experience in the city. San Cristóbal de las Casas is a great stop for food, music, art, and culture.
Cascadas de Agua Azul
Found on the Xanil river and located in the Municipality of Tumbalá, Cascadas de Agua Azul, is an exquisite series of waterfalls in Chiapas. Following the 2017 earthquake, it is believed that a crack reduced water flow and the local residents are credited with restoring the waterfalls to their original beauty. The high content of calcium carbonate in the water along with other minerals forms a thick coating of limestone on the rocks. These limestone beds contribute to the naturally made swimming pools with an intense blue colour that is beyond breath-taking. Cascadas de Agua Azul is just an hour’s drive from San Cristobal; apart from swimming and soaking in the gorgeous blue hues, the surrounding area has cabins to rest, restaurants, and eateries, as well as opportunities to hike with or without a guide.