Chiapas Destinations – Top Things to See

If you’re wondering what are the best Chiapas destinations you should visit, then this article will surely shed some light on that.

Mexico is often associated with sandy beaches and exclusive resorts that are perfect for tourists wishing to explore the multi-cultural country. However, Chiapas presents another picture filled with magnificent colonial cities, incredible natural beauty, interesting archaeological sites and exciting native culture.

The town, which is located in the south, is also quite affordable for travelers seeking to explore Mexico for the first time. If you are planning a short or extended trip to Chiapas, here are some things you need to know to ensure you have an unforgettable journey.

Best Places to Visit

Chiapas offers a wide array of places to visit and activities to do so that your trip is engaging from start to finish. Whether you plan to spend a few days or weeks in the state, you can still get as much as possible from your trip if you know where to go. Let’s check out some of the “must visit” places in Chiapas when traveling solo or in a group.

Palenque Ruins

If your keen to explore old sites and walk ancient paths, Chiapas destinations like Palenque are a must.

Getting to the top of the Palenque ruins gives tourists a breathtaking view of the ancient Mayan city and its environs. The ruins are one of the few that allow visitors to climb it and explore the various types of architecture and sculptures made by the people.

You can expect to see gorgeous temples that are as close to their original look as possible, giving you a glimpse of the lifestyle of the ancient Mayan people. The archaeological zone is part of Palenque National park, home to a variety of jungle animals and also hosts a museum that showcases items about ancient Maya and its culture.

Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon is a popular attraction in Chiapas with visitors from near and far coming to see the massive natural site. It is near Chipa de Corzoand Tuxtla and is accessed by boat tours, which are available daily.

The natural attraction gives visitors to come as close as possible to the canyon walls that go beyond a thousand meters in height. The walls have fantastic rock formations plus caves that can be seen alongside breathtaking waterfalls.

Wildlife such as spider monkeys, crocodiles and local birds can be seen while on the boat tour. If you prefer to get involved in mountain biking, rappelling or spelunking, then the national park that surrounds the canyon is the best place to go.

San Juan Temple

Religion is an integral part of the residents of Chiapas, especially the municipality of Chamula, which plays host to the famous San Juan Temple. That’s why this next place needs to be listed in Chiapas destinations that are worth visiting.

The San Juan temple is the focus of the religious beliefs of the people and is visited by many interested in experiencing their unique way in which they worship. The sanctuary has no pews and is filled with many lighted candles placed on the ground. Statues of several saints are placed around the room, with a lot of incense burned during the rituals in the church. The witnessing of rituals in San Juan is a once in a lifetime experience that you cannot miss.

El Chiflon Waterfall

El Chiffon is one of the best-kept secrets for nature lovers visiting Chiapas. The water feature, which is made up of five waterfalls, is a popular attraction in the region.

Its water runs over several cliffs that give it a fantastic background before draining into large pools filled with turquoise water. Apart from showering you with mist as you gaze at it, visitors can hike up the waterfall and enjoy a view from the top.

Adventure lovers will enjoy the option of zip lining back down, allowing them to get a better view of the magnificent gorge.

Laguna Miramar

Nature enthusiasts will love Laguna Miramar because of its beautiful scenery. It is an exquisite and remote lake that is surrounded by an extensive rainforest.

Visiting the secluded lagoon may require a few days of traveling, but it is worth it when you reach the destination. Visitors can engage in various activities such as bird-watching, kayaking and mountain riding, among others.

Exploration of caves is also captivating as you get to wonder at several ancient drawings put up by the indigenous people in the early days.

Zinacantan

The people of Chiapas express their culture through their clothing and cuisine. The best place to see their lifestyle in full color is in the region of Zinacantan, located in Los Altos.

The area is home to the Tzotzil Mayan community, whose men wear tunics commonly referred to as huipils. The tunics are colored and long and have tassels that make them very unique. Visitors to the region can buy fashionable tunics made from high-quality textiles at the open-air market on Sundays.

How to stay safe in Chiapas

Chiapas is considered a remote location in Mexico and may be regarded as unsafe in some quarters. However, the opposite is true, with many tourists giving it a thumbs up for security, sociability and overall hospitality of the people.

The Chiapas destinations you will be visiting are not rated with a high criminal activity, unlike some parts of Mexico.

Even so, always have your passport with you when taking trips within the region and keep an eye on your belongings. First-time visitors can book reputable tour firms with operators that speak English so that they make most of their time touring the region.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting Chiapas is possible throughout the year, with the state experiencing both rainy and dry season in different months. The best time to plan a trip to the region is during the dry season to allow you to explore and participate in various activities.

Chiapas has its dry season from November until May when the sun is shining and the sky is clear. However, the weather patterns in the region also depend on which area you plan to visit. The lowlands and coastal regions are generally warm all year round while the highlands can get chilly in the colder months.

Ultimately, Chiapas should be on your annual bucket list when planning a trip to Mexico so that you can experience the wonders in this most southern region of the country.