Is Chiapas on your itinerary in Mexico?  Then find out why this gorgeous state is a must-see place to visit in Mexico.

Chiapas is Mexico’s southernmost state and a little-known treasure. This breathtaking Mexican state is definitely not to be skipped and is worth your visit. Chiapas is a better alternative to Yucatan if you want to experience something more real and less commercialized. It is home to Mexico’s biggest indigenous population as well as several historic Mayan sites. Only in Mexico’s Chiapas region are you able to see both ancient ruins and colonial villages in one day. The Canyon of Sumidero and the Sima de las Cotorras are only two examples of the state’s many natural treasures.

The top things to do in Chiapas and some helpful travel advice when you plan for your Mexico trip are here for you.

Let’s see what this amazing Mexican state has to offer, shall we?

1. Canyon del Sumidero

At Canyon del Sumidero, you’ll feel like a speck of dust. This canyon is near Chiapa de Corzo, and for as long as the canyon has been in existence, this natural wonder has drawn tourists to Chiapas. There is a boat tour of the canyon while you are there, where you will be able to witness waterfalls, caverns, and wildlife like crocodiles, spider monkeys, and canyon walls that are more than 1,000 meters high. Rappelling, cave exploration, and mountain biking are all popular activities in the national park that surrounds the canyon which makes it an unmissable place to visit in Chiapas.

Canyon del Sumidero, Chiapas Mexico

Tip: To get a bird’s eye view of the canyon, visit Mirador Canon del Sumidero – the observation deck which can be accessed by road from Tuxtla Gtz. To find out where to stay in Tuxtla, click here

2. San Cristobal de Las Casa

Chiapas’ cultural capital, San Cristobal de Las Casas, is one of the most visited cities in the country. As a result of its old-world charm, including red-tiled rooftops and cobblestone lanes reminiscent of Puebla, it is very popular with tourists. It also boasts a large indigenous population, many of whom still wear and practice their pre-Columbian clothing and rituals. This makes a trip to San Cristobal seem like a trip back in time. San Cristobal is a great area to do some shopping while in Chiapas because of the abundance of marketplaces.

Visit San Juan Chamula, situated 10km from San Cristobal and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a whole other nation. One of the greatest places to view how indigenous people live today is in this municipality, which is recognized as an independent entity in Mexico. With its own language, clothing, and architecture, it is a fully distinct society. The religious practices of the locals are especially noteworthy since they draw on Catholicism as well as Paganism.

For example, the Templo de San Juan, a colonial-style chapel in which worshipers kneel and pray on hay, surrounded by hundreds of tea light candles, is an excellent example of this. It is a must-see place in Chamula & therefore check for its open timings to get inside the church. Seeing one of the rites performed here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss. Inside the temple, you are not permitted to take photographs or recordings of any kind. You must abide by the rule!

Palenque and San Cristobal de Las Casas are both within an hour’s drive of one another and may be visited on the same day. Both have swimming pools with crystal-clear water.

3. Palenque Ruins

The Palenque ruins are a must-see in Chiapas if you’re looking for a glimpse into the past. This is a Mayan ruin that has been preserved in almost pristine condition. It’s one of the most studied Mayan sites in the world and has some of the finest examples of Mayan art and architecture. If you ever have the chance to visit Palenque in Mexico, don’t miss out on the chance to view some of the most beautiful Mayan temples and palaces in the country. For those of you who have always desired to see what life was like for the ancient Mayans, now is your opportunity. See HERE for directions to Palenque, Mexico, as well as other helpful information.

Tip: To understand the incredible history behind these ruins & to learn a lot about Mayan culture & history, hire a local government-approved tourist guide. You will not regret it, we assure you!

Yaxchillan ruins in Chiapas Mexico

4. Visit Agua Azul waterfalls

Several waterfalls can be seen near the Lacandon jungle and the Usumacinta River, which separates Mexico and Guatemala. Agua Azul Falls is unquestionably the most impressive of these tributaries. A must-see place in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, the Agua Azul waterfalls are located approximately 40 miles from Palenque and 80 miles from San Cristobal de las Cass.

Agua Azul, or Blue Water, is the name given to the waterfalls because of the brilliant blue tint of the water that thunders down them. Because of the rich mineral content of the water, which deposits itself on the rock, the rocks have an outstanding hue. The waterfall’s undulating shape is partly a result of the limestone-rich deposits. During the rainy season, when the water pressure is greater and the falls take up more silt, the blue tint is less apparent, but the waterfalls are still stunning.

The waterfalls Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, both of which rise 35 meters above the surrounding terrain, are not to be missed when in Chiapas.

5. El Chiflon Waterfall’s Spectacular Views

El Chiflon Waterfall’s Spectacular Views

Nature-lovers should not miss this opportunity. Tzimol is home to the El Chiflon Waterfall Chain, a collection of five interconnected waterfalls. A 120-meter-tall waterfall crowns the group. As an added bonus, the Rainbow Waterfalls get their name from the spectacular vista of a rainbow that can be seen from the top of the falls’ trail. One of the most spectacular natural marvels anybody has ever seen is Cascada El Chiflon. In addition to just taking in the scenery, there are a variety of different activities available. Hiking, swimming, and even zip-lining are all on the list.

6. National Park of the Montebello Lakes

Lagos de Montebello (National Park of the Montebello Lakes) is a park in northern Honduras that contains 59 picturesque lakes. Because of their unusual mineral composition, the hues of these lakes are particularly stunning. You’ll see a variety of greens and turquoises, as well as purples and reddish blacks, in the waters here. Swimming and kayaking are possible in many of Montebello’s lagoons.

Additionally, there are pre-Colombian Mayan ruins to be seen within the park. Get a birds-eye perspective of the lakes below from the summit of its main pyramid.

7. Yaxchillan

Yaxchilan (green stones) belongs to the Classical Period (400-900 A.D.) archaeological zones. Located on the Usumacinta River, which serves as a boundary between Mexico and Guatemala, it is a rainforest. It is protected by a horseshoe bend in the river, which allowed it to dominate trade between the Peten and the Gulf of Mexico.

This is a must-see place to visit in Chiapas, Mexico. The village of Frontera Corozal is located 140 miles/224 kilometers southeast of Palenque on the main route. In this town, lodging, guides, and riverboat transportation to the site can be arranged. From here, you can travel further downstream to the equally jungle-covered Maya ruins at Piedras Negras. The military checkpoint a short distance downstream is the first stop for anyone visiting Piedras Negras, so be sure to bring your passport. It’s a little out of the way here in Mexico. Before departing from either Palenque or San Cristobal de las Casas, check the security situation.

8. Bonampak

Bonampak, a Mayan Ruin located in Chiapas, Mexico, is a modest archaeological site, but don’t allow its size to distract you from its value. Visits to Chiapas are well-worth it for the well-preserved 790 A.D. murals in Bonampak. Among the best examples of Mayan frescoes are those in Bonampak. These murals provided a new perspective on the Maya civilization that had previously been unavailable.

But entry was restricted when we visited because of covid protocols in place during that time. Check before you visit if the murals are open to visitors. If it is not allowed, then we suggest skipping this place as there are better Mayan ruins to be found in Yaxchilan  & Palenque.

9.Parque Ecoturístico Rancho Nuevo

Located 15 kilometers from San Cristóbal de las Casas, the Rancho Nuevo Caves Ecotourism Park is a pristine natural environment. The caves deep within the mountain are the most significant features in this area.

We urge that visitors to Rancho Nuevo caverns pay 30 pesos and 10 each car at the entry to appreciate the caves, which are of remarkable beauty, as they are accessible only by paying for the entrance.

There are roughly 10 local eateries and a few small shops right outside the grotto’s entrance, but you are more than welcome to bring your own food.

10. EL ARCOTETE ECO PARK

If you’re in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, be sure to check out Arcotete Ecotourist Park (El Arcotete Parque Ecoturstico).

With a massive limestone archway and a flowing freshwater river, this stunning tourist destination has something for everyone. San Cristóbal de las Casas’ town center is only a 20-minute drive away, and the entire area is surrounded by pine trees and beautiful vegetation. There are just ten local eateries and a few tiny shops in the immediate area, but you can bring your own food.
You must pay 10 MXN to enter the park, and an additional 15 MXN to get inside the caves within (gruta).

For thrill-seekers, the park has a number of zip lines (tirolesa) to choose from. The zip line costs 100 pesos (Mexico’s currency) per person.

1.Canyon del Sumidero 2.San Cristobel de Las Casa 3. Palenque ruins 4.Agua Azul waterfall 5.El Chiflon Waterfall 6.Lagos de Montebello 7.Yaxchilan  8.Bonampak 9.Rancho Nuevo Caves Ecotourism Park 10.El Arcotete Ecotourist Park

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