Chiapas is Mexico at its wildest and most diverse. In Mexico’s southernmost state, Maya cities emerge from the rainforest, rivers tumble over turquoise waterfalls, and in the cool highlands Indigenous communities keep their languages, dress and markets alive around the colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Why visit Chiapas
For some of the most beautiful Maya ruins in Mexico, waterfalls and jungle rivers, misty mountains, living Indigenous cultures and excellent coffee.
Top places to visit in Chiapas
Palenque
A UNESCO-listed Maya city set against jungle-covered hills, with the Temple of the Inscriptions – the tomb of the king Pakal – the Palace and its tower, and temples where howler monkeys call at dawn.
Misol-Ha and Agua Azul
Misol-Ha is a single 30-metre waterfall you can walk behind; Agua Azul is a long staircase of turquoise cascades. Both are easy day trips from Palenque.
Yaxchilán and Bonampak
Remote Maya sites near the Guatemalan border: Yaxchilán is reached by boat on the Usumacinta river, and Bonampak has rare painted murals.
San Cristóbal de las Casas
A colonial highland town of colourful streets, churches, markets and cafés, at about 2,200 metres. Nearby, the Tzotzil villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán keep their own traditions.
Sumidero Canyon and Montebello
Boats run through the Sumidero Canyon, whose walls rise around 1,000 metres; the Lagunas de Montebello are lakes of many shades of blue near the Guatemalan border.
Best time to visit Chiapas
November to April is the dry season, and the best for ruins, roads and the bluest waterfalls. The lowlands around Palenque are hot and humid all year; the highlands are cool, with cold nights in winter. The rainy season runs from May or June to October.
Getting to and around Chiapas
Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ) is the main airport for San Cristóbal and the Sumidero Canyon; Palenque (PQM) has a few flights, and Villahermosa is about two hours away. First-class buses and organised tours link the main sights. The road between Palenque and San Cristóbal is long and winding.
What to eat in Chiapas
Tamales of many kinds, sopa de pan, cochito (roast pork), local cheeses and some of Mexico’s best coffee and chocolate.
Chiapas travel tips
- Check current travel advice for road conditions before long drives.
- Ask before taking photos of people, and never photograph inside the church of San Juan Chamula.
- Start early at Palenque: it is cooler and quieter.
Chiapas FAQ
How many days do you need in Chiapas?
Five to seven days for Palenque, the waterfalls, San Cristóbal and the Sumidero Canyon.
When are the Agua Azul waterfalls bluest?
In the dry season, especially March to May; after heavy rain the water turns brown.
