Holiday in Chiapas

About Chiapas

Chiapas is Mexico's southernmost and most original state – a land of dense jungles, misty highlands, and vibrant indigenous cultures that feels like its own world. Here, the spectacular Maya ruins of Palenque hide in the steaming rainforest, the turquoise waterfalls of Agua Azul cascade, and the impressive Canon del Sumidero, whose cliffs rise up to 1,000 meters, ranks among the highest canyons in North America. The colonial highland city of San Cristobal de las Casas, at an altitude of 2,200 meters, is the cultural heart of Chiapas and a magnet for travelers from around the world. Cobblestone streets, colorful markets, cozy cafes, and a vibrant art scene shape the cityscape. In the surrounding Tzotzil Maya villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, ancient traditions and syncretic rituals are still practiced today – offering a deep insight into the vibrant Maya culture of the present. Chiapas also offers the archaeological sites of Tonina and Yaxchilan, which are only accessible by boat across the Usumacinta River, the magical cloud forest in the El-Triunfo Reserve with the rare Quetzal bird, and the lakes of Montebello in all imaginable shades of blue and green. The state is also Mexico's largest coffee producer – plantations in the Soconusco region offer tours and tastings. The best travel time is from November to April, with nights in the highlands potentially becoming quite cool.