Chiapas Travel Guide: Mexico’s Wild and Cultural Frontier

Welcome to Chiapas

Dense jungles, ancient Mayan ruins, misty mountains, colonial towns, and vibrant Indigenous traditions — Chiapas is one of Mexico’s most fascinating and least-explored destinations.

Located in the country’s far south, bordering Guatemala, Chiapas invites adventurous travelers to experience a side of Mexico that’s rich in history, raw in beauty, and deeply connected to its roots.

At MexicoTravel.info, we’ll help you discover the best of Chiapas — from cascading waterfalls and archaeological wonders to charming highland towns and cultural immersion experiences.


Why Visit Chiapas?

Chiapas offers a perfect combination of nature, archaeology, culture, and off-the-beaten-path adventure. It’s ideal for travelers seeking authenticity, scenery, and deep cultural connection. Here’s what makes Chiapas truly special:

  • 🏛️ Incredible Mayan Ruins: Explore Palenque, Bonampak, and Yaxchilán — some of Mexico’s most spectacular ancient cities.
  • 🌿 Lush Nature and Waterfalls: Hike through jungles, visit dramatic waterfalls, and take boat rides through towering canyons.
  • 🎭 Indigenous Culture: Experience living traditions, language, dress, and customs among Tzotzil and Tzeltal communities.
  • 🏞️ Colonial Highland Towns: Wander the cobblestone streets of San Cristóbal de las Casas, one of Mexico’s most beautiful towns.
  • 💰 Budget-Friendly: Chiapas is one of Mexico’s most affordable destinations for travelers.

Where to Stay in Chiapas

Chiapas has three main hubs for travel: San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Each offers different experiences and landscapes.

🏨 Best Places to Stay:

  • San Cristóbal de las Casas: A picturesque colonial town in the highlands, perfect for culture lovers, families, and digital nomads. Home to boutique hotels, artisan markets, and mountain charm.
  • Palenque: Best base for visiting Mayan ruins and waterfalls. Expect jungle lodges, eco-resorts, and rustic cabins close to nature.
  • Tuxtla Gutiérrez: Capital of Chiapas and closest city to Sumidero Canyon. Ideal for short stays or connections via the local airport.

🌟 Top Hotel Categories:

  • Best Boutique Hotels in San Cristóbal
  • Top Eco-Lodges in Palenque
  • Affordable Hostels and Guesthouses in Chiapas

Best Things to Do in Chiapas

Chiapas is packed with natural wonders, archaeological marvels, and cultural experiences. Here are the must-do activities:

🏛️ Visit the Mayan Ruins

  • Palenque: A majestic ruin set in the jungle with temples, tombs, and the Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Yaxchilán: Accessible only by boat via the Usumacinta River, these ruins are deep in the Lacandon jungle and feel completely untouched.
  • Bonampak: Famous for its preserved murals depicting ancient Mayan life — a vivid window into the past.

🌿 Explore Waterfalls and Nature Parks

  • Agua Azul: A stunning series of turquoise waterfalls and natural pools — ideal for swimming and photos.
  • Misol-Ha: A single-drop jungle waterfall you can walk behind — cinematic and peaceful.
  • El Chiflón Waterfalls: A dramatic multi-tiered waterfall cascade near Comitan, with hiking trails and swimming spots.
  • Sumidero Canyon (Cañón del Sumidero): Take a boat through this massive canyon with cliffs over 1,000 meters high. Wildlife includes crocodiles and monkeys.

🎨 Discover Culture in San Cristóbal

  • Visit indigenous villages like San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, where ancient rituals blend with Catholicism.
  • Explore the Amber Museum, Textile Museum, and Na Bolom Museum for local history.
  • Shop for handwoven textiles, pottery, and wood carvings at the local markets.

🐒 Jungle Adventures and Ecotourism

  • Trek with Lacandon Maya guides in the Lacanja jungle.
  • Stay at a jungle eco-lodge near the Guatemalan border.
  • Birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography opportunities abound.

Best Time to Visit Chiapas

Due to its varying elevations, Chiapas has multiple microclimates, but general patterns apply:

SeasonWeatherTravel Tips
November – AprilDry season, clear skiesBest time for outdoor travel and exploring ruins
May – OctoberRainy season, warm & humidLush scenery and fewer tourists, especially in highlands

Tip: San Cristóbal is cool year-round due to its altitude, while Palenque and the lowlands are warm and humid.


How to Get to Chiapas

✈️ By Air:

  • Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (TGZ) is the main airport for the region.
  • Domestic flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and some U.S. cities.

🚍 By Bus:

  • ADO buses serve all major towns, including Palenque, San Cristóbal, Comitán, and Tuxtla.

🚖 Getting Around:

  • Local colectivos (shared vans), taxis, or private drivers are available.
  • Renting a car is possible but not necessary unless you’re visiting remote jungle areas.

Chiapas Travel Tips

  • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards accepted in cities; bring cash for villages and rural areas.
  • Language: Spanish widely spoken, but many communities also speak Indigenous languages like Tzotzil and Tzeltal.
  • Safety: Chiapas is generally safe, especially for tourists. Avoid isolated rural roads at night.
  • Health: Bring mosquito repellent, stay hydrated, and be prepared for altitude changes.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Always ask before photographing Indigenous people or rituals.

Book Your Chiapas Adventure

Ready to discover the magic of southern Mexico?

Let us help you plan an unforgettable journey into the heart of Chiapas — a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

🌟 Plan Your Trip:

  • Top Hotels and Lodges in Chiapas
  • Best Ruins, Waterfalls, and Tours in Chiapas
  • Book Flights to Tuxtla or Palenque

🌟 Travel Smarter:

  • Essential Chiapas Travel Tips
  • What to Pack for Chiapas

At MexicoTravel.info, we believe Chiapas is where adventure meets authenticity — a land of secrets, stories, and soul.

Experience Mexico’s untamed heart — and let it move yours.