Chiapas is one of Mexico’s most underrated states in our opinion.
Its rich history and culture have been preserved to the present day. There isn’t a better place in Mexico to learn about Indigenous cultures. Chiapas is home to one of the largest Indigenous populations including the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Tojolabal, Jacalteco, Chol, Kanjobal, Chuj, Mochó, Cakchiquel, Lacandón, Chiapa, Zoque, and Mam.
Almost 30 percent of Indigenous people that speak their native language don’t speak Spanish. Tzeltal and Txotxil are both Mayan languages and represent 11.5 percent of all Indigenous speakers in Mexico.
Chiapas also boasts many natural wonders that are simply stunning and exciting to explore. Combined with the many cultural activities available, it's safe to say that you won't run out of things to do when you are in Chiapas!
Is Chiapas safe?
When in Mexico, always be conscious of your surroundings and don’t take unnecessary risks. In particular, avoid travelling at night. You should always aim to leave early and arrive at attractions with enough time to make it back before dark.
You should also be wary of scammers targeting tourists. Having said that, we had zero issues while in Chiapas. We were scammed on arrival in Cancún when we took a taxi and felt that area had more safety issues due to the volume of tourists.
At the time we travelled there, Chiapas was classified as “exercise increased caution due to crime” by the United States. Only two states (Yucatan and Campeche) were classified as less dangerous.
Based on our personal experience, we felt safe travelling in Chiapas while following the precautions explained above. Please always check your government’s current travel advisories for travelling to Mexico, including Chiapas. Do not take this article as the final word on your safety.
There have been periods of increased violence and it’s worth speaking to locals and checking the news to understand any potential issues. Road blocks are sometimes set up on major roads, while the state border areas can also be dangerous due to the drug cartels.
When to visit Chiapas
The climate in Chiapas is mostly tropical and humid. But being a quite large state, its climate varies depending on the area.
For example, it could be 27 degrees Celsius in Palenque in January while it doesn’t get higher than 17 degrees Celsius in San Cristóbal de las Casas. San Cristóbal is known for its mild temperatures during the day and very cold nights.
The best time to visit Chiapas is between November and April, the drier and cooler months of the year. It’s a perfect time to go on adventures and explore the ruins.
During these months, the water at the rivers and waterfalls has a beautiful blue colour. If you want to witness Sumidero Canyon being lush green with water running through it, your best bet is going at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season.
We visited Palenque and the surrounding area during the spring months, and it was beautiful. The flowers on the trees change one after another from blush pink colours to electric yellow.
How long to stay in Chiapas
Chiapas is a big state that has really large distances between attractions. The bare minimum we’d recommend would therefore be two weeks.
But we would recommend staying at least one month if you can. This would allow you to experience everything we have mentioned in this list without rushing it.
Visit sustainably
Please be respectful to Indigenous people and support them as much as you can. You can do this by purchasing their art, staying at their homes instead of hotels, and eating in local restaurants. Please minimise the use of plastic. Chiapas just like the whole of Mexico is facing a huge problem with disposing waste. There is no proper waste management in place.
The waterways and rivers are highly polluted. By saying no to single-use plastic and using your own container for street food and take away, you will minimise your footprint.
We also recommend using LifeStraw filter bottles when in Mexico. The water there is not safe to drink. LifeStraw makes it possible to avoid buying plastic bottles and drink straight from the tap. Not only is it a great solution for the environment, it will also save you lots of money.
Avoid Coca-Cola
With a bottle of water more expensive (and harder to get) than a bottle of Coke, many people have replaced water with Coke. Chiapas is the poorest state in Mexico, so of course the price is a major factor when they decide what to drink.
Besides the negative health effects it has on people, Coca-Cola is also damaging the environment. It’s the single largest plastic polluter in the world, producing over three million tonnes of plastic packaging each year. It’s also the number-one polluter and consumer of clean water.
San Cristóbal de las Casas is facing a huge problem with contamination of their waterways because of chemicals that the company uses and dumps in local rivers. The city's only source of clean water is used by Coca-Cola, with their factory having a long-standing agreement for 300,000 gallons of water daily. On numerous occasions, the water supply in the city of San Cristóbal stops. Yet production at the Coca-Cola factory persists.
So what can you do as a responsible traveller?! Obviously do not drink Coca-Cola and spread the message on your social media, local communities, or with your fellow travellers.
What to do in Chiapas
We spent about six weeks in Chiapas and that was enough time to realise how beautiful and rich the state is. We visited countless waterfalls, explored charming towns, spent time with locals, and climbed some of the most fascinating Maya ruins.
We came up with this list from our own experiences to help you have the best time as a sustainable traveller when in Chiapas. But remember this is your trip, so make sure that you only do the activities that feel right for you.
If you only visit Chiapas for a week, just choose a few things and don’t try to do them all. Take your time to immerse yourself in the surroundings. They are magical! Give yourself enough time to meet the friendly locals and remember to have fun, whatever that means to you!
1. Take an adventurous trip to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Chiapas, Roberto Barrios
Roberto Barrios is the fifth caracole (administrative centre) out of the twelve existing caracoles in Chiapas. The administrative centres are run by The Zapatista Army of National Liberation. Zapatistas is a group of mostly Indigenous activists from the southern Mexican state of Chiapas.
While Roberto Barrios provides a great opportunity to learn more about the history and how things are run by the Zapatistas in this autonomous village, it’s also home to one of Chiapas’ most beautiful waterfall cascades. If you only have to choose one waterfall to visit, in our opinion Roberto Barrios should be your pick.
There are two entrances to choose from, from either side of the river. Both are amazing and offer different perspective of the falls.
Don’t miss an opportunity to stay overnight or have some food at Manuel’s guest house called El Turco. Manuel is one of the few remaining Zapatistas and an amazing carpenter with a lovely family that will make sure you have the most delicious homemade food in Chiapas.
You can learn more about this heavenly place in our article.
2. Stay overnight at Cascada de Misol-Ha
Most people visit this single-drop waterfall for just a day, but we highly recommend to stay at their super affordable simple cabanas located in the jungle next to the waterfall. Explore a tunnel with a secret view of the waterfall inside, or find some hidden swimming spots along the river.
Read our article to discover how to maximise your experience at Misol-Ha.
3. Immerse yourself in La Selva (rainforest) de Lacandón with its friendly locals
Coming to the rainforest of Lacandón is like finding yourself in a different world. People live here under a different mode of time. The Indigenous people of Lacandón have one of the most preserved Maya cultures which is a treasure in itself.
The communities are also participating in protecting the area from deforestation. You will not find any of the big chain hotels here and every guest house is an eco sanctuary. If you make your way here, you will therefore directly support locals in their work of preserving this unique eco system and their culture.
You can choose from a jungle hike with the best guide Victor Chambor, explore some of the most hidden waterfalls and ruins, or take it to the next level by doing water rafting. To book any of these tours head directly to this website or contact Victor via WhatsApp: on 9161106904. You can also reserve a cabaña via WhatsApp on 9161051573.
To see and read more about our time in the Lacandón jungle, check our our article.
4. Discover the lost city of Yaxchilan
Hidden in the Lacandón jungle right on the edge of the river near the Guatemalan border, this site will blow your mind. If you have a chance to make you own way here instead of booking a tour, you will be amazed at how quiet and peaceful this place is.
Your journey will start with the most picturesque boat ride down a stunning river into a deep jungle where will will find yourself surrounded by hollow monkeys, ancient trees, and a lost Maya city. These ruins are one of the most remote and least accessible ruins in Mexico, which makes them mysterious and adventurous.
To see and read more about our time in the Lacandón jungle, check our our article.
5. Witness the most preserved Maya paintings at Bonampak archaeological site
These are the other Maya ruins located in the Lacandón jungle. They are famous for the most preserved wall paintings left from the Maya civilisation.
They were nothing like we’d seen before. They are really detailed, colourful and remarkable, so make sure you spare half a day to visit this amazing archaeological site.
To see and read more about our time in the Lacandón jungle, check our our article.
6. Soak in the bluest waters of the Agua Azul waterfalls
Probably the most famous waterfalls in the state of Chiapas, Agua Azul are popular for a reason. They are way more commercial than any other waterfalls you can visit in the area, with countless restaurants, souvenir stands and a few accommodation options.
Agua Azul receives a large amount of international tourists as well as local tourists. There are popular day tours departing from San Cristóbal de las Casas or from the town of Palenque that take you to the Palenque Maya site, and the Agua Azul and Misol Ha waterfalls.
Is Agua Azul worth the hype? We would say so.
The cascades stretch along the river and have many viewpoints the take in its beauty, but only a few places to swim. If you had to chose between Roberto Barrios and Agua Azul, we would definitely recommend Roberto Barrios as a lesser known place with more places to swim and with equally blue water.
7. Uncover the secrets of Maya ruins in Palenque
A visit to Chiapas wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Palenque archaeological site. It’s Mexico’s second biggest Maya ruins and in our opinion, the most amazing site.
It has a main square with big temples but also smaller temples hidden in the jungle. You will be followed by the sounds of birds and hollow monkeys.
Make sure to hire a local guide for deeper knowledge about the site and take a walk to the hidden temple deep in the jungle either by yourself or by a knowledgeable guide that you can arrange on site. The mystique of Palenque emanates from its harmonious blend of naturalistic artistry, innovative architecture, and intricate epigraphic inscriptions.
8. Eco stay in La Ventana
This is your perfect getaway from civilisation, the internet, and pollution. La Ventana is a homestay and community located in the jungle near Palenque. It’s surrounded by a cooling river and a few local villages. It’s the perfect place to unwind.
Learn how to live a sustainable and authentic Mexican life with the hospitality of Benjamin and Nancy. You can hike to a hidden waterfall, get to know Indigenous people and their way of living in a nearby village, or learn about cacao harvesting.
You can choose from staying in a tree house, cabana or a tent depending on your preference. And don’t miss out on weekly Aztec dance workshop by Nancy!
Learn more about our experience at La Ventana in our article.
9. Take the best free walking tour in San Cristóbal de las Casas
This is not a typical, boring walking tour. The walking tour offered in San Cristóbal gives you a true perspective on the local life of the city.
Besides some interesting historical facts and buildings, you will learn about the ethical way of buying gifts at an artisan market (Mexico’s best and cheapest art market), try local coffee, and get a taste of pox, a local alcoholic drink made of corn.
I highly recommend you take a tour with someone who is a member of the Zapatistas. Don’t forget to tip him as a good part of his tips go to helping stray dogs and giving back to his community. We promise you will have the best time if you book a tour with him.
10. Stroll leisurely through the enchanting Pueblo Magico ('Magic Town') of Comitán
Often overlooked, the magical town of Comitán is just a stone's throw away from San Cristóbal de las Casas. Nestled between Lagos de Montebello and Cascadas El Chiflón, it's the perfect place to make a stop and spend a night.
This quaint town oozes charm and authenticity; during our visit, we barely met any tourists. It's a fantastic place to soak in the vibrant culture of Indigenous communities. The historic district is small, allowing you to wander through its cobblestone streets, admire colourful buildings, and unwind in serene squares with picturesque Catholic churches, feeling like you've stepped back in time.
Make sure to swing by the market for a taste of the local flavours!
11. Marvel at Cascadas El Chiflón
Cascadas El Chiflón was a huge surprise for us. After visiting Roberto Barrios and Agua Azul, we thought nothing could impress us more. But the blue waters and the scale of Cascadas El Chiflón is beyond impressive.
If you want to enjoy this place fully, go there on your own or even better spend a night in one of two parks. Bring your own tent to camp or stay in the cabanas. Whatever you choose, waking up to this natural beauty will be one of your highlights.
12. Experience the charm of staying at Lagunas de Montebello
Lagunas de Montebello are a hidden gem with not one, not two, but nine stunning lakes to explore! While only a few of them are accessible, Lagunas de Montebello is a national park that contains 60 lakes which makes a very unique eco system. It's home to 157 species of orchids and 93 species of fungi.
This area is of a great importance for bird conservation, where species such as the quetzal, the lion, the woodpecker, the ocelot, and others live. Paddle in a canoe or kayak through the crystal waters, hike the trails, or simply take a refreshing swim surrounded by the scent of pine trees.
It's like a mini escape to Canada or New Zealand, right in Mexico!
Book yourself into one of many wooden cabanas at Lake Tziscao so you don’t miss out on the sunset. You can also book this day tour from San Cristóbal de las Casas which takes you to Lagunas Montebello after a stop at nearby Cascadas El Chiflón first.
13. Get adventurous at Arco del Tiempo
This place looks absolutely insane. It’s like a bigger version of Arcotete Eco Park. We wish we had known about this place before arriving, as it requires some planning, time, and money to do it.
But everyone who has ever done it says that it’s worth every penny. You can only do it as a part of a three-day adventure with camping overnight. If canyoneering is your thing, you should seriously consider booking this trip.
14. Enjoy the powerful Cascada El Salto
This is probably one of the most underrated waterfalls in Chiapas. A true gem that even locals don’t know about. If you are looking for the least touristy waterfall and swimming place near Palenque, this is your place.
It also has the most stunning zip line that we’ve ever seen in our lives. And don’t forget to dine in the local restaurant. You can ask for their rich mole with vegetables instead of meat.
15. Stay at El Jardin
If you're looking to spend a few days, weeks, or even months in a sustainable community with daily yoga practice and yummy food, this is your perfect place. Martin the founder of El Jardin has created an almost off-the-grid conscious community with a vegetable and fruit garden, filtered ground water, dry toilet, and sustainably-built bungalows.
El Jardin is a true heaven on earth. You have the chance to learn how to harvest vegetables, work in the garden, grow your own cacao trees, make chocolate, and cook plant-based food.
Enjoy sharing your journey with fellow travellers that you meet there. There is also the chance to participate in some of the ceremonies.
Make sure to fill in a form prior to your arrival via their website.
16. Learn about rituals at a controversial church in Chamula
Just outside of San Cristóbal de las Casas lies a village where Tzotzil Maya people live by their own rules with a mix of Catholic and Indigenous customs. At San Juan Chamul you can witness their spiritual rituals in a church which looks Catholic on the outside but has its own unique style inside.
It’s best to visit this place on Sunday to experience a local market full of crafts, textiles, and produce. This is an amazing place to get the perfect ethical and sustainable gift for your family and friends.
If you're looking for a tour to Chamula from San Cristóbal de las Casas, we recommend this one which also takes you to the nearby town of Zinacantán.
17. Experience the spiritual world of Indigenous ceremonies
Modern Mexico has many pre-hispanic traditions and customs which have been preserved to the present day. Many tribes and villages are still practising spiritual ceremonies that have been practised since Maya and Aztec civilisations.
Chiapas with the biggest population of Indigenous people is one of the best places to experience their traditions in the form of ceremonies. Some of the ceremonies are only performed in close circles where foreigners are not permitted.
But many are more open and allow people from around the world to be part of their circles. The main purpose of the ceremonies is to find connection with nature and the inner self.
The most accessible and common ceremonies in this region are the ceremonies of cacao and temazcal. The cacao ceremony is a ceremony of love celebrated with songs, prayers and of course the most delicious hot cacao grown locally.
Temazcal literally means “house of heat” in the Nahuatl language. It’s a ceremony that uses a cave or a hut with hot stones inside. This warm and small space represents a mother’s womb. The purpose of it is to allow your body and mind to enter a deep relaxation through chanting music and heat. The result is a purification of you body, mind, and soul which symbolises rebirth.
18. Take a boat ride through Cañón del Sumidero
Sumidero Canyon is one of the most popular activities in Chiapas. Most people come here with a tour because of its convenience and affordable price.
However, we would skip the viewpoint at least during the dry season because it takes a really long time to reach there and you end up spending half of the day in the car. During the dry season, the vegetation looks very dry and the hot wind can be quite unpleasant.
But you should definitely do the boat tour as the beauty of the canyon is unbeatable. You may even get lucky and spot some crocodiles and other wildlife on the way.
19. Eat at many vegan places in San Cristóbal de las Casas
San Cristóbal de las Casas has become a real vegan hub over the last 20 years. Many foreign and local artists have come to this town to seek their inspiration and many people have decided to call this town home.
The mix of cultures has led to many delicious restaurants and cafes with all kinds of gastronomical experiences, and many of them happen to be plant-based. We were shocked to see that many vegetarian and vegan restaurants in one place.
For those who have travelled around Mexico before, you will know what we’re talking about!
Just to mention a few of our favourites - Bek, Te Quero Verde, and K’an K’an. Most of the non-vegan restaurants still had a proper plant-based option in their menu, which was so refreshing to see.
20. Watch a movie about the Zapatistas at Kinoki
Every day, this small cinema in San Cristóbal de las Casas shows educational documentaries about the movement of the Zapatistas. It’s a great place to deepen your knowledge about the Indigenous people and their fight for justice. They also have the town’s best terrace to enjoy a drink, mingle with other travellers, and of course watch the sunset.
We went there twice and had to see two documentaries about the Zapatistas. It's a really great way to expand your knowledge plus it's a cheap night out. For 50 pesos you will get a movie ticket with popcorn included. Feel free to chip in a bit more to support this community.
Check out their Facebook page to see what events and movies they have on now.
21. Discover the Toniná Archaeological Zone and feel history vibrate beneath your feet
This is another important archeological site that is worth visiting. Unfortunately, when we were there, it was closed until further notice.
There had been some unresolved conflict between the locals. Check out on Google Maps for updates and the latest reviews to find out if it has opened yet.
22. Visit the Pueblo Magico of Chiapa de Corzo
Often visited together with Sumidero Canyon, this magical town deserves fame on its own. It’s a very laidback town where time seems to have stopped.
It’s a fishing town which has transformed into a colourful tourist destination because of its proximity to Sumidero Canyon. So if you want to do the canyon yourself, we recommend to visit there.
Our hearts were stolen by the kindest people there and of course its vegan-friendly secret little restaurant La Cocina de la Tia with an amazing view and a cute garden. You will find many artisans and vendors there too selling hats, textiles, and homemade pox (alcoholic drink).
23. Find the perfect gift at an artisan’s market or make one yourself
The artisan market in San Cristóbal de las Casas also known as Mercado de la Caridad y Santo Domingo will not disappoint you. From gemstones to textiles, it has the best and cheapest variety of clothes and and jewellery.
If you’re looking for an ethical and sustainable gift to take home. this is your place. Please be a responsible traveller and don’t negotiate prices at this market. You may get 20-50 pesos off depending on the value of the item, but generally the prices there are very honest compared to other places in the Caribbean where you will find the same art but five times more expensive.
This market is a great way for you to truly contribute to the local economy by supporting the artisans' work. You can even witness work in progress while you are there.
If you are visiting Palenque, I would recommend you pay a visit to Arturo. He is a great artisan that make more advanced jewellery and uses inspiration and gems from Maya civilisation.
Find him at his workshop at his home or at one of the stalls during the weekend at the main square in Palenque. You can make your own jewelery or ceremonial maraca instrument made of cacao seed.
24. Visit a local produce market
This is a great way to discover local produce and meet the locals. You also directly support local farmers with your dollars, or in this case pesos.
The morning market in Palenque, also known as the Indigenous market, is one of my favourite ever markets to get stocked up on my fruits and veggies. Don’t miss out on the pumpkin tortilla filled with beans and homemade tamales, a corn mass filled with beans.
The produce market in San Cristóbal de las Casas is also great but a lot of things are sold by big amounts, so unless you have a big kitchen at you apartment or guesthouse, this may not be for you.
25. A quick escape to Parque Ecoturistico El Arcotete
Coming to the pine forest at Arcotete Eco Park and having a picnic was such a highlight when staying at the buzzing city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. There are various tracks for hiking, but my favourite spot was near the water at the cave.
We came here in the late afternoon and there were no other souls around, just us and the echo of nature surrounding us. There is also a cave with stalactites that you can visit or hire a boat for a small fee that will take you along the river.
Arcotete is such an underrated park. It’s super accessible by public transport and can be done in just half of day.
