Best Places to Visit in Chiapas (Mexico)

Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Chiapas? Are you thinking of a trip to North America and wondering what to explore in Chiapas? We’ve got you covered. Chiapas, Mexico, is a place that is rich in history as well as natural splendor. As a result, Chiapas is home to the best-preserved ruins ranging from the ancient Maya cities in Palenque to the town’s colonial outskirts of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Chiapas’ many waterfalls and rivers provide a relaxing escape if you’re seeking a break from people. The cool water from the Agua Azul Falls is a fantastic experience! Travelers looking for adventure can zipline through the forest or explore one of Chiapas’s many caves.

Alongside its numerous historical and natural tourist attractions, Chiapas is also home to some of Mexico’s finest coffee beans. A trip to a plantation is a must-do for anyone who loves coffee!

There’s plenty to see, from ancient ruins to stunning waterfalls in Chiapas, a Mexican state. Whatever your interests are, there’s going to be something that will appeal to you in Chiapas!

This blog will take deep into the top activities to enjoy within Chiapas, Mexico. The activities are scattered throughout the state, so it’s a good starting point when planning your Chiapas travel plan.

Palenque Ruins

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Palenque Ruins is one of the best places to visit in Chiapas. The Palenque ruin sites are an absolute must while you are in Chiapas. In addition, the excellently preserved Maya ruins are among the most beautiful in Mexico.

The Palenque ruin remains have existed since 2226 BC and were at one time a major city in The Maya civilization. About 2.5 sq km of land have been excavated, but this could only represent about 10 percent of the total area. The site is home to many temples, palaces, and pyramids.

Incredibly, most of these structures were destroyed over time due to natural or human-made ones. Later, archaeologists utilized information from hieroglyphics on the temple’s walls to study what these structures could have looked like. They then recreated their designs to preserve the past.

The Temple of Inscriptions is among the most well-known and famous temples of the Palenque ruin. This colossal temple is where you can find the grave of Pakal the Great, One of Palenque’s notable rulers. The temple is more than twenty meters (66 feet) tall and is topped by six distinct Piers (levels)! The temple can be entered by visitors and then climbed up to the top to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

The Palenque ruin is open each day from 8:30 am until 5 pm. Tickets cost about $4, and the national park’s $2 fee. We suggest arriving early to avoid the heat and crowds! The ruins can be explored on your own or join an organized tour. There is a free bus that travels toward Palenque Ruins. Palenque Ruins starting from Palenque ($1 USD.).

Tuxtla Gutierrez

In a tropical location, Mexico’s southernmost region is filled with beautiful views, marimba dances, and food that’s distinct as it is delicious. Globally recognized as a “city of the future,” Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of Mexico’s Chiapas state, gives a glimpse into the region’s culture and lifestyle and is modernized.

Visit the Victor Manuel Reyna Stadium, Also known as Zoque Stadium, where the Causeway for Indigenous Cultures is situated. Walk among huge-scale statues of people and animals representing the state’s diverse cultures. Jaguars are featured in the center as the animal representing the area.

Take a stroll through the Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden, which includes 98 percent indigenous species, including ornamentals, medicinal plants, and orchids. In the museum, there are exhibits of the diversity of the region’s trees as well as fossil wood.

Discover the variety of cuisines the region offers at a local market like that of Mercado Diaz Ordaz. You can enjoy Chiapaneco coffee or Antojitos (snack meals) at Marimba Park with its garden setting. The locals dance to the sounds of an evening marimba band.

Explore the wide range of flavors that are part of the regional cuisine in one of the restaurants in the city. Local dishes infused with Spanish influence have resulted in an original and delicious selection of food items. For example, try the cuchunuc roasted dish made of flowers, an indigenous word from the region.

If you’re in this vicinity of the city, you should take advantage of Sumidero Canyon, located 14 miles (23 kilometers) from the city on the Grijalva River. Then, cruise on a boat for between 2 and three hours to take in the stunning canyon walls that rise 3280 feet (1,000 meters) above the waters and the fascinating biodiversity and wildlife.

Utilize Tuxtla Gutierrez’s ideal location within Chiapas as a starting point to take your car rental to the towns around and rural areas in southern Mexico. The city is home to its airport and reliable transportation services and is very secure, making Tuxtla Gutierrez well worth a trip.

Misol Ha Waterfall

The Cascada of Misol-Ha, also known as the Misol-Ha waterfall, is located in Chiapas in the Salto de Agua municipality of Chiapas. The waterfall is a 35-meter high (over 100 feet tall!) cascade that falls to a circular pool, surrounded by tropical flora and plants. Misol-Ha Waterfall can be found in a protected area close to Palenque. It’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in Chiapas.

The pool beneath the waterfall is around 25m (82 feet) deep. The tranquil waters are ideal for swimming in. There’s even a cave in the back of the waterfall, which allows you to explore and view it from an entirely different point of view.

Misol-Ha falls are located approximately 20 km (32.2 miles) from Palenque on the way from San Cristobal de las Casas. Misol-Ha Waterfalls are also situated near Agua Azul waterfall along with Roberto Barrios waterfall, which is within that identical National Park so you can go to all three of them on the same day.

To get to the falls, it is possible to travel by shuttle bus, to the falls, or a vehicle starting from Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas. From Palenque, it takes about an hour, and for San Cristobal, it takes around five hours. Guided tours are readily available and are the ideal alternative if you don’t own your vehicle.

Marimba Park

Enjoy a break from the city’s heat by evening and dance to beautiful rhythms of marimba music at night. Visit Colonial-style Marimba Park (Parque de la Marimba) is famous for its evening live music and social dancing events. Marimba Park takes its name from the marimba, the symbol of the Chiapa state. The park is an aesthetically pleasing layout, with a central bandstand and decorative gardens, which are surrounded by pathways.

The park can be a nice spot to relax and enjoy watching people in the summer. Be aware of how courting couples, families, and street vendors gather to seek shade from the scorching sun. Look at the large branches and bowing trunks of the numerous trees. Pay attention to the intricate design of the iron fences, benches, and streetlamps.

Visit the park in the evening as it transforms from a peaceful green oasis to the pulsing heart of Tuxtla’s culture of the marimba. The marimba is a type of xylophone drum of African origin and is played across Mexico and Guatemala.

Bands perform on the bandstand and attract people who dance regularly and pedestrians into the park to listen to their soulful music. Most often, they are comprised of percussionists. However, some groups also include saxophones and vocals.

Take your pick of watching the spectacle on the benches or joining the crowds of dancers, both old and young. Ladies dressed in traditional Mexican dress, costumes for balloon sellers, and stilt walkers are just a few ways to add excitement to the carnival.

If you are hungry, purchase food at the market food stalls. You can try esquites. They are bowls of sweetcorn sauteed, served with a mixture of hot sauce, cream cheese, lime juice, and mayonnaise. Fresh fruit, cotton candy, and pizza slice are some other foods that are typically served. Restaurants, bars, and cafes with outdoor seating areas are located along the park’s perimeter.

Take a walk through Marimba Park, just 15 minutes from Plaza Civica. There is parking for metering on the streets around. In the southwestern corner of the park lies the Museo de la Marimba, where you can learn more about the marimba’s development and history. This museum’s hours are all day long.

Agua Azul Waterfalls

Agua Azul Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit in Chiapas. It is believed that the Cascadas de Agua Azul The Cascadas de Agua Azul, also known as the Aqua Azul Waterfalls are a group of waterfalls located in the Xanil River in Chiapas only one hour’s drive just a few minutes away from Misol-Ha Waterfall. The waterfalls have small cascades that lead to turquoise-blue pools.

This is why they are referred to as “Agua Azul,” which refers to “blue water” in Spanish. The area has been declared a Biosphere Reserve since 1980. It is a habitat for many wildlife species, including toucans, monkeys, and other exotic birds.

The waterfalls are comprised of a succession of mini cascades that flow to the top in floods. The most potent cascades can reach six meters or more (20 feet). The water flows down into two streams for most of the route, with tiny floating islands in the middle.

After you’ve reached the waterfall and then take just a short walk towards the platform for viewing, you’ll have a closer glimpse of the cascades and the opportunity to take a dip in the pools located at the bottom of the falls.

It’s crucial to remember that the waterfalls aren’t located in a single location and are instead scattered over the entire space. This is why we recommend exploring the area around you instead of staying at the top viewpoints, which are usually populated by lots of people. There are many excellent spots to enjoy a stunning view of the falls; therefore, don’t be afraid to take a stroll.

Agua Azul Falls is located in Agua Azul falls lie in Tumbala Municipality, around 69 kilometers (43 miles) from Palenque and located close to Palenque and the Mexican Federal Highway 199. Therefore, it is easy to get there by car or bus that travels precisely the same way as Misol-Ha falls.

Roberto Barrios Waterfalls

If you’re searching for stunning natural beauty, look no further than Roberto Barrios Waterfalls in Chiapas, Mexico. These breathtaking waterfalls are caused by a river that flows down from the nearby mountains. It’s covered in lush vegetation.

Visitors will likely encounter many vibrant birds and flowers and some caves for exploration. Since it’s less crowded and has fewer vendors selling souvenirs compared to other waterfalls within the vicinity, people favor this particular waterfall over others near. This is also, in fact, one of our most favored falls in Palenque.

The falls may not be relatively as high as similar sites near Palenque However, the thing that is what makes Roberto Barrios unique is the large number of them. Roberto Barrios Waterfalls are comprised of five distinct waterfalls! You can choose your preferred for a dip and an afternoon of water play or join locals in another pool that many utilize as a relaxing spa.

Everyone from every walk of life can be seen enjoying a break from work and families looking to escape the hot summer days. The background of the water feature is as enjoyable as its look, and its name is a tribute to a Mexican revolutionary who stood up to protect the indigenous people.

The Roberto Barrios Waterfalls are easily accessible from Palenque by bus or car. They are about 32 km (20 miles) from the town’s center. Use a Colectivo (city bus) or an organized trip from downtown. The tour offers stunning panoramas of Chiapas and its surroundings, which include the lush tropical vegetation and mountain peaks of gray.

Palenque Archaeological Zone

The lush jungle, its hiking trails, lush vegetation, and elegant Maya temples make Palenque one of the most intriguing tourist attractions. The Pre-Hispanic City and the National Park of Palenque are one of Mexico’s treasures. The Palenque region in the town of Palenque is a stunning archaeological site and a national park that boasts abundant vegetation.

Explore some of the best and most fascinating Maya architecture, and trek through the lush greenery and waterfalls. It is a natural reserve covering approximately 4,400 acres (1,780 acres). It includes and surrounds Ciudad Prehispanica (Pre-Hispanic City) and the Ciudad Prehispanica (Pre-Hispanic City), which are Maya ruin sites.

Marvel at the beauty of a city once a metropolis with sophisticated architectural designs. There are numerous temples, palaces as well as carvings, and sculptures. A guided tour to explore jungle areas is accessible only with an expert guide. Explore the multiple ruin sites that have yet to be discovered.
Find a trail to walk on and be in a gorgeous evergreen forest that is high and moist.

The trees are a deep green throughout the year. Explore picturesque waterfalls and blue streams of water. You can try to spot the most famous Chiapas species in the region. The park is home to the gray four-eyed opossum cotton rats, Guaqueques (Central America agouti), and howler monkeys.

When you’re at the park, you can stop for a visit to The Museo de Sitio de Palenque Alberto Ruz Lhuillier. The museum’s archeological site is in the national park close to the massive souvenir shop. The site is named in honor of an archeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier, famous for locating the burial site of the Maya ruler King Pakal.

Next, visit the magnificent Sarcophagus, which is among the museum’s most popular attractions. Find out more about exciting aspects of the Maya culture and the fascinating objects found among the drainage.

You can find your way to the Ciudad Prehispanica and Parque Nacional de Palenque, around six miles (9 kilometers) from the center of town. Access the site with a car or take one of the numerous colectivos (local buses) that travel from downtown to the ruins throughout the daytime. Pay a fee for entrance that grants you admission to the park’s national site, archeological site, and museum.

Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon is one of the best places to visit in Chiapas. If you’re in search of an adventure, then look no further than The Sumidero Canyon. The natural beauty is a must-see when visiting Chiapas! The Sumidero Canyon is a river gorge that’s more than 1,500 meters (3,281 feet) deep in certain areas. It’s situated just outside Tuxtla Gutierrez’s city. Tuxtla Gutierrez is a well-known destination for tourists and locals alike.

Sumidero Canyon is located in the national park with the same name in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. A reservoir created by Chicoasen Dam feeds the canyon. Chicoasen Dam, which the Grijalva River supplies. The soaring cliffs of the canyon are lined with views (miradores) that allow you to take in stunning perspectives of the valley and the water below. Spider monkeys, river crocodiles, and ocelots belong to the endangered animals that reside in the region and make this area their home.

There are various ways to visit the canyon; however, the most well-known is the boat. This full-day excursion departing from San Cristobal de las Casas combines excursions at Sumidero Canyon and a walking tour through Chiapa de Corzo. The time will cruise on to the Grijalva River, seeing wildlife such as crocodiles and monkeys on the way and stunning images of the walls. Discover the local flora and fauna with your expert guides as you travel along the Grijalva river. You’ll also admire the canyon walls that tower over you!

All of the amenities are included. Everything is included in this trip; we enjoyed it as it eliminates the stress of your holiday organizing. There is no need to think about anything other than attending and having fun. Tickets for the tour start at just $52. They include transportation, a bilingual guide, and a cruise through the canyon. Hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as National park fees, are also included.

Chamula Church

The Chamula Church, situated in Chamula in the town of Chamula, is among the most visited tourist destinations in Chiapas. It’s so stunning! However, there’s more to the Church than is apparent from the outside. Chamula Church is known for its unique mix of Catholic and indigenous religious beliefs.

As you enter your Church, you’ll notice people kneeling on the floor covered with pine needles. This is an ancient ritual of shamanism that is still being practiced to this day. Some people take Coca-Cola and eat chicken, believing it will heal them from illnesses. Coca-Cola is a drink that is used in rituals. The carbonation that triggers a burp is thought to be a signal spirit rising and interacting with gods.

The Chamula was initially used to make a fermented beverage that required three weeks before they discovered Coca-Cola. However, it can create a similar reaction in only a fraction of the time and is more affordable than water from bottled bottles!

If you’re interested in discovering more about the practices that are the norm for Chamula people, We recommend having a tour guide. This excursion offers round-trip transport from San Cristobal de las Casas, a bilingual guide, and entry costs for the Church. It will allow you to see each of the Chamula and Zinacantan, discover the culture and history of the Chamula people, and witness their sacred ceremonies in person.

Arco del Tiempo

Arco del Tiempo is one of the best places to visit in Chiapas. Arco del Tiempo is a massive stone arch located in Chiapas, Mexico. It is believed to be among the giant natural stone archways in the world and is more than 500 feet (150 meters) tall!

It is typically visited during 2-day, 1-night trips that depart from San Cristobal de las Casas however, you can also take day excursions from Tuxtla Gutierrez. The tour begins with a drive of 3 to 4 hours to the arch before taking a strenuous hike through the jungle and Venta Canyon. When you’ve reached the turn, there’s one more challenge to conquer, an obstacle that drops 30 meters (98 feet) into the canyon.

As you descend, you’ll visit Arco del Tiempo with your guide and take many stunning images as the sun goes down. The camp will be set up, and the guides will prepare dinner before a great night’s sleep. The next day is filled with exploring before returning to your home.

This is a fantastic adventure among the top exciting activities to experience in Chiapas!

Conclusion

All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Sumidero Canyon is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Chiapas.

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