Chiapas distinguishes itself as one of the most exotic and culturally diverse regions in Mexico. The country’s southernmost state, bordering Guatemala, stands as a captivating blend of lush jungles and diverse range of species, rich cultural and indigenous heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. In this guide, we will delve into the best things to do in Chiapas, from exploring ancient Maya ruins to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of San Cristobal de las Casas.
Best Things To Do In Chiapas
#1 Palenque: Exploring Ancient Maya Ruins
A must-visit destination, Palenque offers an enchanting experience amidst Maya ruins set in the heart of the jungle. Surrounded by a lush rainforest, the site provides a glimpse into the ancient civilization’s architectural and cultural achievements.
#2 Canyon de Sumidero: A Breathtaking Natural Wonder
Experience the awe-inspiring Canyon de Sumidero, an 80-meter high canyon with spectacular views from both the top and the river passing through it. Organized tours usually include visits to viewpoints and boat tours, culminating in Chiapa de Corzo, where you can further immerse yourself in Chiapas’ rich culture.
#3 El Chiflon waterfall: Pristine colors and landscapes
Embark on a journey to El Chiflon, a beautiful waterfall with turquoise waters and small hiking trails. Along the hike up to the waterfall, you will find a lot of small natural pools with crystal clear waters that invite for a small swim in the heat.
#4 Aguas de Azul: Perfect turquoise waters
Explore the wider but equally mesmerizing Aguas Azul, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and offering a spectacular backdrop for a swim. Aguas de Azul is perhaps the most picturesque waterfall in Chiapas with its shapes and colors.
#5 Misol Ha waterfall
Another waterfall highlight in Chiapas is Misol Ha. It is a lot more slim than El Chiflon or Aguas de Azul but the setting in a cave and the water dropping into a small pool create a beautiful scenery. Also, you have the chance to go around the whole pool and also go behind the waterfall.
#6 Lagos de Montebello
Visit the picturesque Lagos de Montebello, situated at the border with Guatemala, showcasing the diverse natural beauty that Chiapas has to offer. The forest-like landscapes, treehouse architecture around the lakes and cooler climate offer a welcoming difference to the hot tropical jungle climate in the rest of Chiapas.
#7 Explore San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas is the cultural hotspot and main tourist center of Chiapas. Explore the Templo de Santo Domingo Guzman, witness the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza 31 de Marzo, and discover the fascinating history at Na Bolom.
How to Explore Chiapas
Tour Options
Discovering Chiapas is often done through organized tours departing from San Cristobal de las Casas or with a private driver. Due to the region’s complexity, self-driving is not recommended. Consider popular tour packages such as:
- El Chiflon and Lagos de Montebello (leaving ~6am and returning by ~7pm)
- Canon de Sumidoro (leaving ~9 am and returning ~5pm)
- Agua Azul, Misol Ha and Palenque (leaving 3-4am in San Cristobal and returning ~10pm in the night – a monster trip but you will get to see a lot)
Tour prices range between 400-800MXN per person depending on the package and operator. Usually you find best prices in the hotels as they cooperate with a tour provider, while you will see higher prices on portals like Viator or GetYourGuide.
I would advise to take a break between tour days as long tours and early starts can be a bit intense. Take a relaxed day in between to recharge and explore the town of San Cristobal de las Casas on these days. Therefore, I would advise a total of 5-6 days to spend in Chapas to have the chance to explore the main highlights and also get to know the city.
Getting There
Fly into Tuxtla Gutierrez airport, but head directly to San Cristobal, the heart of Chiapas. Direct buses to San Cristobal are available, or you can take a bus from the main bus station in Tuxtla. The direct bus only goes 2x per day and can be fully booked, so it is advised to purchase the tickets a few days in advance. Check busbud for availability and prices in advance.
Travelers from Oaxaca can also reach Chiapas by bus. Check my related article: The 6 Best Things To Do in Oaxaca City
Where To Stay in Chiapas
Choose to stay in San Cristobal, around the city center and Calle Belisario Dominguez, the main street with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. We stayed in Casa Flor de Vida and really enjoyed our stay there.
While Chiapas generally has a tropical climate, San Cristobal has its microclimate, with evenings getting chilly and occasional rain showers. Pack accordingly with long pants, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket.
Where To Eat
Due to the many full-day tours we did, we often ended up having breakfast, lunch and dinner in places along the way.
In general, the cuisine in Chiapas is less spectacular than for example Oaxaca or other regions in Mexico, so do not expect too many highlights here (Chiapas knows to impress with other things!). However, in San Cristobal de las Casas I can recommend:
- Sarajevo: Nice ambiente for coffee and breakfast, also has good internet for working remotely
- Cafeologia: Amazing coffee experience
- Trattoria Italiana: Surprisingly good Italian food, especially the seafood pasta was delicious!
One name you might get recommended is El Secreto, however I found it quite overpriced for merely average quality.
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