Among vivid wildlife, rich in variety, the rainforest jungle exists side-by-side right within Mexico’s southernmost state.
Colonial cities, amazingly preserved, remain all throughout these decades to ensure the legacy of Spanish rule besides the evidential remnants of an ancient Mayan civilization.
The state has the second-largest indigenous population in the country, and the modern Maya of Chiapas form a direct link to the past, with a traditional culture that persists to this day. The fine city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is at the heart of this region.
Chiapas contains swathes of wild green landscape that have nourished its inhabitants for centuries. Moreover, nature lovers willing to venture off the beaten path will be rewarded with frothy cascades, exotic biosphere reserves and adventurous geological destinations.
Must-do’s in Chiapas & Tabasco
This picturesque town has a wide range of places you can go around, each of them is completely worth to see and visit. We list them below but you can decide which you visit first.
- Explore the extraordinary ruins of Palenque, where jade masks and priceless jewels were found inside a ruler’s sarcophagus, and the architecture boasts unique features.
- Wander around high-altitude San Cristóbal de las Casas, home to charming cobblestone streets, pretty colonial buildings and colorfully dressed indigenous peoples.
- Ponder the mysterious sculptural art of the ancient Olmecs while wandering around the junglelike grounds of Villahermosa’s Parque-Museo La Venta – a paradise within the bustling city.
- Visit the ancient cities of Yaxchilán, reachable via an adventurous river-boat trip, and Bonampak, which offers amazingly preserved painted murals.
What to eat in Chiapas and Tabasco?
Home to many immigrants, Chiapas has become a great attractive for visitors from other countries who have decided to stay and settle down in its land.
This works as the way for dishes to turn into a convergent of flavors and textures and a delicious variety of cuisines. In the restaurants scattered all over the town you can find from Lebanese to Argentinian food.
Sightseeing Spots
If there is a recommended place to live and experience Chiapas atmosphere is the wonderful, postcard-like Plaza 31 de Marzo. Its pretty bandstand has occasional live music. You can be the best views, head to Cerro de Guadalupe and Cerro de San Cristóbal.
You’ll have to work for it, because at this altitude the stairs up these hills can be punishing. Churches crown both lookouts, and the Iglesia de Guadalupe becomes a hot spot for religious devotees around the Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, happening exactly on December 12. Cerro de San Cristóbal has a better view but should be avoided after dark, it’s much more lonely and there have been muggings in the past.