· MX

Chiapas

Chiapas, Chiapas, Mexico

Chiapas, located in the southern part of Mexico, is a captivating destination that offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and vibrant indigenous communities. Known for its stunning …

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Chiapas.

Top Hotels in Chiapas

Top Flights to Chiapas

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Chiapas.

Tours

Explore Palenque Archaeological Zone

Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architectural and sculptural masterpieces.

Visit the Agua Azul Waterfalls

Marvel at the stunning turquoise cascades of Agua Azul, a natural wonder surrounded by lush vegetation.

Toniná Archaeological Zone Tour

Explore the ruins of Toniná, an ancient Mayan city known for its towering pyramids and intricate carvings.

Yaxchilan Archaeological Site Expedition

Travel deep into the Lacandon Jungle to explore the remote and mystical Yaxchilan ruins along the Usumacinta River.

Shopping

San Cristobal de las Casas Market

Shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs in this bustling market full of colors and culture.

Shopping at Amber Museum

Discover unique amber jewelry and artifacts at the Amber Museum, showcasing Chiapas' renowned craftsmanship.

Outdoor

Sumidero Canyon Boat Tour

A thrilling boat ride through the majestic Sumidero Canyon, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs and diverse wildlife.

Hiking in El Chiflón Waterfalls

Enjoy an adventurous hike to El Chiflón Waterfalls, famous for its powerful waterfalls and scenic beauty.

Cañón del Sumidero National Park Drive

Drive through the Cañón del Sumidero National Park for stunning views and photo opportunities of this natural wonder.

Lacandon Jungle Trek

Embark on a guided trek through the lush Lacandon Jungle, home to diverse wildlife and ancient secrets.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Chiapas.

Currency

$ | MXN | Mexican Peso

Population

nan

Languages

Spanish, Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Chol

Average weather

Chiapas

Jan

25°14°

Feb

26°15°

Mar

28°16°

Apr

30°18°

May

31°20°

Jun

29°21°

Jul

28°20°

Aug

28°20°

Sep

28°20°

Oct

27°19°

Nov

26°17°

Dec

25°15°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Chiapas.

What people love

Traveling to Chiapas, a state in southern Mexico, offers a variety of attractions and experiences. Here are some of the pros of visiting Chiapas:

Rich Cultural Heritage: Chiapas is home to a diverse array of indigenous cultures, including the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya. Visitors can explore traditional villages, markets, and cultural festivals that showcase this rich heritage.
Stunning Natural Landscapes: The state features breathtaking natural beauty, including the Sumidero Canyon with its towering cliffs, the Lacandon Jungle, and the Agua Azul Waterfalls, known for their vibrant blue waters.
Archaeological Sites: Chiapas boasts several significant archaeological sites, such as Palenque, a Maya city famous for its impressive ruins, including the Temple of the Inscriptions and the Palace.
Ecotourism Opportunities: With its diverse ecosystems, Chiapas offers numerous ecotourism activities, including hiking, bird-watching, and exploring the biosphere reserves like Montes Azules.
Unique Cuisine: The food in Chiapas is distinct from other regions of Mexico, featuring local ingredients and traditional dishes such as tamales chiapanecos, cochinita pibil, and pozol, a corn-based drink.
Charming Colonial Towns: San Cristóbal de las Casas is a popular destination with its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and lively markets.
Adventure Activities: For adventure enthusiasts, Chiapas offers activities such as river rafting in the Grijalva River, zip-lining, and exploring caves.
Warm Hospitality: Visitors often find the people of Chiapas to be welcoming and friendly, eager to share their traditions and way of life.
Affordable Destination: Compared to other tourist destinations, Chiapas is relatively affordable, offering budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and activities.

Overall, Chiapas provides a unique travel experience with its combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, and adventure opportunities, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in exploring a different side of Mexico.

What to know

When considering travel to Chiapas, Mexico, it's important to weigh both the attractions and potential drawbacks. Here are some potential cons of traveling to Chiapas:

Safety Concerns: Like many parts of Mexico, Chiapas can have issues with crime, including petty theft and, in some areas, more serious crimes. Travelers should stay informed about current safety conditions and exercise caution, especially in rural areas or during nighttime travel.
Infrastructure and Accessibility: Chiapas is a region with rugged terrain and limited infrastructure in some areas. Roads can be in poor condition, and public transportation options might be less reliable than in more urbanized regions. This can make travel within the state challenging.
Language Barrier: While Spanish is the official language, many indigenous communities in Chiapas speak their native languages. Travelers who don’t speak Spanish might face communication challenges in more remote areas.
Political and Social Issues: Chiapas has a history of political and social unrest, partly due to indigenous rights movements such as the Zapatista uprising. While these movements are largely peaceful today, travelers should be aware of any potential protests or demonstrations.
Healthcare Facilities: Access to healthcare facilities may be limited, especially in rural areas. In case of medical emergencies, it might be necessary to travel to larger cities for adequate care.
Weather Conditions: Chiapas has a diverse climate, with some areas experiencing high humidity and heat, particularly in the lowlands. The rainy season, typically from May to October, can bring heavy rains and potential flooding.
Tourist Facilities: While Chiapas has many natural and cultural attractions, tourist facilities may not be as developed as in other Mexican tourist destinations. This includes fewer luxury accommodations and limited international dining options.

These factors should be considered alongside the many positive aspects of visiting Chiapas, such as its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and unique historical sites. As always, it's important to stay informed and plan accordingly.

Chiapas is a state located in southeastern Mexico, bordering Guatemala. It is known for its rich cultural history, diverse ethnic groups, and significant natural beauty. Here is a detailed history of Chiapas, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Pre-Columbian History

Early Inhabitants: Chiapas has been inhabited for thousands of years. The earliest known civilizations include the Olmecs, whose influence spread into the region around 1500 BCE.
Mayan Civilization: By the first millennium CE, the Maya civilization had a significant presence in Chiapas. Notable Mayan cities include Palenque, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, renowned for its architecture and inscriptions.

Colonial Period

Spanish Conquest: The Spanish arrived in Chiapas in the early 16th century. The region was officially conquered in 1528 by the Spanish under the command of Diego de Mazariegos.
Colonial Administration: Chiapas became part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala during the colonial period. The Spanish established many towns, including the city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, named after Bartolomé de las Casas, a Spanish Dominican friar who advocated for the rights of indigenous peoples.

Independence and 19th Century

Mexican Independence: Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, Chiapas had to decide whether to join the Mexican Empire or remain part of Guatemala. After a period of contention, Chiapas joined Mexico in 1824.
Chiapas Rebellion (1824-1826): The decision to join Mexico was not universally accepted, leading to a brief conflict known as the Chiapas Rebellion.

20th Century and Modern History

Land Reforms and Social Movements: Throughout the 20th century, Chiapas experienced significant social and political changes, largely driven by agrarian issues. This included land reforms under President Lázaro Cárdenas in the 1930s.
Zapatista Uprising (1994): On January 1, 1994, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) launched an uprising, protesting against the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and demanding rights for indigenous people. The movement brought international attention to the poverty and marginalization faced by indigenous communities in Chiapas.

Cultural and Natural Landmarks

Palenque: This ancient Mayan city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features remarkable ruins, including the Temple of the Inscriptions.
Sumidero Canyon: A stunning natural landmark, the canyon is a popular tourist attraction and an important ecological site.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant indigenous culture, this city is a cultural hub in Chiapas.
Lacandon Jungle: The largest rainforest in Mexico, it is home to diverse wildlife and the Lacandon Maya people.

Significant Figures

Bartolomé de las Casas: A significant historical figure who advocated for the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Subcomandante Marcos: A leader and spokesperson for the Zapatista movement, he became an international symbol for indigenous rights and anti-globalization efforts.

Chiapas continues to be a region of cultural richness and complex social dynamics, with ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by its indigenous communities.