I’ve not been to Chiapas in the last 10 years, but it is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Perhaps one of the most remote states in the country, with thick jungles standing toe to toe with towering mountains.
Historically, Chiapas was home to the Maya, who left behind ruins like Palenque, Bonampak, and Yaxchilán. It is also one of Mexico’s most ethnically diverse states, with over a dozen Indigenous groups, including the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Chol, Lacandon, and Zoque peoples. These groups maintain vibrant languages, customs, and traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and embroidery. Indigenous spirituality and rituals remain central, often blending pre-Hispanic beliefs with Catholic traditions (it is also very economic).
To get here, I would advise flying into Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport in Tuxtla Gutiérrez (which is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Mexico City) then taking a shuttle bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas, about an hour away. I would also strongly recommend hiring a car.
Chiapas
Chiapas
Hotel Recs
Although there are plenty of accommodation options here are handful of recommendations
CasaVieja ≈ £70 • Hotel San Marcos ≈ £30 • Sombra de Agua ≈ £55 •
Hotel Casa de Familia San Cristóbal ≈ £65 • Hotel Villas Casa Morada ≈ £50
San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Small highland town known for its colorful architecture, indigenous culture, and cool mountain climate. Surrounded by pine forests, it’s famous for its textiles, amber and coffee production. I would recommend staying here for 2-3 days.
San Juan Chamula
Just a 15-minute drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Juan Chamula is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It’s syncretism in its purest form, a fascinating blend of Catholic saints and ancient Mayan traditions. Inside the town’s church, you’ll witness a surreal mix of rituals, offerings, and candle-lit devotion. Spanish isn’t the common language here; most locals speak Tzotzil, a Mayan dialect. And one important note: photography is strictly unwelcome, they believe it can steal their spirits. Respect the local costumes :)
Zinacantán
A Tzotzil Maya town just 20 minutes from San Cristóbal, is famous for its vibrant floral textiles and flower greenhouses as their economy is heavily tied to flower cultivation. Warmer and more welcoming than neighboring Chamula (which you can pair the two in one day), it offers visitors weaving demonstrations, colorful festivals, and a glimpse into living Mayan traditions.
Cañon del Sumidero
El Cañón del Sumidero, just an hour from San Cristóbal, is a breathtaking canyon carved by the Grijalva River with towering cliffs over 1,000 meters high. Boat tours will take you around and show the waterfalls, wildlife like crocodiles and spider monkeys, and rock formations. A perfect day trip!
Lagunas de Montebello
The Lagunas de Montebello are a stunning group of over 50 crystal-clear lakes located about two hours from San Cristóbal de las Casas, near the border with Guatemala. Each lagoon is uniquely coluored thanks to the area's limestone and volcanic soil. Surrounded by pine forests and mountains, the park offers great spots for hiking, swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. You can hire out the COOLEST tree-trunk rafts.
Bonampak
An ancient Mayan archaeological site located in the Lacandon Jungle of Chiapas, about a 5-6 our drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas. It’s world-famous for its remarkably well-preserved murals inside three temples, which depict Maya life, rituals, battles, and ceremonies from around 790 AD. Unlike many other ruins, Bonampak murals are incredibly unique and rare. I have never been given its hard to get to, but its up there in the bucket list!
Palenque
You can’t go to Chiapas and not visit Palenque – it’s a treasure. It has the famous tomb pyramid of Pakal (which you have to see, along with the recreated version in the Museum of Archaeology in Mexico City) and the ONLY example in all of Mesoamerica of a 3-story tower that is part of the palace complex.
About a year ago, a new train system was introduced in the region, with Palenque as one of its stops. From there, you can continue traveling northwards into the rest of the peninsula if you wish.
Cascadas de Agua Azul
About a 10-15 minute drive from Palenque, this waterfalls are beautiful and people commonly swim here. From the top of my head, I think locals will charge you an entry free, it can get really busy if you go during easter when kids are out of school - best to go before easter if you plan to come here :).
Tren Maya
Here’s an overview of the new train system in the area, along with a basic map of its routes and stops. Palenque serves as the final stop, and from there you can travel northwards to Bacalar, the Riviera Maya, Tulum, etc.