By Judy Newell
One of the most underrated states in Mexico is Chiapas, located in the south of the
country bordering Guatemala. Home to a large population of Indigenous groups, many
Maya archaeological sites and 46 protected natural areas; Chiapas has a rich Maya
culture, phenomenal cuisine and wonderful adventure activities. Most adventures in Chiapas begin in the state’s capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Book an overnight here so you can go on a morning boat ride through the Nacional Canon del Sumidero.
Next, head to Chiapas’ most popular tourist town, San Cristobal de las Casas. On the
way, you can stop at Chiapa de Corzo, one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Magicos
(Magical Towns), highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Continue to drive an hour east to San Cristobal. Another Pueblo Magico, this is one of the top destinations in the country to shop for local artisanal crafts at markets such as the indoor Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias Ambar.
San Cristobal is known for its pastel-hued, colonial-era buildings. Take a walking tour to
the golden San Cristobal Cathedral and view Indigenous textiles at the Los Altos
Museum, housed in a former convent Spend a few days in San Cristobal before heading off to more daring adventures.
Sumidero Canyon National Park
In Sumidero Canyon National Park, you can take a two-hour-long boat ride in the
canyon, where vertical walls stretch upward of 2,600 feet. In addition to spectacular
scenery and abundant vegetation, you will encounter wildlife such as an array of birds,
the endangered American crocodiles, spider monkeys and butterflies.
Rappelling tours, bird-watching, cycling and hiking are also available in the area. Six
lookout points — called miradores — at various elevations offer different perspectives
along the canyon.
Simas de las Cotorras
Take a flight unlike any you have taken before with Club de Vuelo Valle Bonito, which
takes travelers to new heights in an ultra light plane. Tours provide breathtakingly
beautiful flights over several sinkholes believed to have been formed by a meteorite.
El Chorreadero Cave
Adrenaline-seekers will love rappelling down the waterfall at El Chorreadero cave. Enter
the cavern where the waterfall starts and then follow the stream through a series of
thrilling rappels, jumps and swims. You will even get to experience underground
waterfalls and pools.
Tacana Volcano
Travelers can make an epic hike up the active Tacana Volcano, a symmetrical
stratovolcano with three large calderas set along the high mountain route that borders
Guatemala. The challenging hike is best experienced over two days, with overnight
camping in the wilderness.
Visiting Maya Archaeological Sites
If you prefer a multi-day tour, itineraries are offered such as Maya Traditions in Chiapas,
a nine-day adventure that brings visitors to the remote Maya archaeological sites of
Yaxchilan and Bonampak in the Lacandon Jungle. The more famous UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Palenque is located at the foot of Sierra Madre del Sur.
Throughout the journey, you will have opportunities to meet with Indigenous people such
as Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya, weavers and ceramicists.
Judy Newell, Perfect Journeys, judynewell@perfectjourneys.net, 415-111-8765
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