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Imagine Latin America  >  Destinations  >  Mexico  >  Chiapas, San Cristóbal and Palenque
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Chiapas, San Cristóbal and Palenque

Rainforest jungle, pine forest highlands, rugged canyons, Maya ruins, colourful birdlife and handsome colonial cities abound in Mexico’s southernmost state, an area that seamlessly blends Spanish heritage with indigenous Indian culture, perfect for culture lovers and adventure enthusiasts looking to explore off-the-beaten-track Mexico.

Dotted with attractive Spanish colonial towns, each with an elegant church, shady plaza and local market, as well as self-governing Tzotzil Indian villages, such as San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, scattered throughout the highlands, Chiapas provides a fascinating insight into Mexico’s vibrant cultural heritage. Add to this, some of the world’s most important Maya ruins and a chance to actively explore the jungles, rivers and waterfalls of the terrain and it’s easy to understand why Chiapas makes a great addition to any Mexican holiday.

One of the main draws of Chiapas is a chance to visit the beautiful Maya ruins of Palenque in a steamy jungle setting, alive with the sound of roaring howler monkeys and chattering parrots. One of Mexico’s national treasures, the ruins have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s. We think this vast complex of temples is best seen early in the day as it slowly emerges through the morning mists, adding to the magical atmosphere.

We’d also recommend a stay in San Cristobal de la Casas, an attractive colonial town of colourful houses, cobblestone streets, sleepy plazas and a laidback vibe. With a lively restaurant and bar scene this is a great city to explore. What’s more, there is much evidence of indigenous culture on display as the local Tzotzil Indians come into the city to sell their unique handicrafts. It is also a great base for visiting the villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan to discover more about the Tzotzil way of life.

Another highlight is a boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon, where the towering walls reach heights of up to 1,000-metres. The boats run from Chiapas de Corzo, around a one-hour drive from San Cristobal and the journey takes around three-hours, during which you will cruise past caves and rock formations admiring the herons, vultures and kingfishers you pass along the way. In fact, Chiapas is full of interesting cave systems, waterfalls and jungle, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy adventure activities, as well as hiking and biking.

Chiapas is a one-hour 25-minute flight from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez (the state capital) airport. From here, it is a one-hour drive to San Cristobal or a five-hour drive to Palenque. Alternatively, there is an airport at Palenque with a flight time of one-hour 35-minutes to Mexico City. To see the best of Chiapas, we would recommend flying into Tuxtla Gutierrez, spending two nights in San Christobal to explore the city and Indian villages, taking a trip along the Sumidero Canyon, before transferring to Palenque for one night, to visit the Maya ruins and flying back to Mexico City from Palenque. 

We think that Chiapas is a culturally interesting area of Mexico which would be enjoyed by those looking to explore country’s indigenous culture and visit some of Mexico’s most atmospheric Maya ruins.

Chiapas

Palenque

San Cristóbal de las Casas

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San Cristobal, Chiapas

Located in the heart of San Cristobal de las Casas, Casa del Alma combines modern comfort with colonial-inspired design to create a lovely boutique property.

Casa del Alma

San Cristobal, Chiapas

Hotel Bo is a luxury boutique hotel delicately placed amongst the cobbled streets and red tile roofs of San Cristobal de las Casas. The focus of the hotel is for guests to experience a complete sense of harmony and well-being with nature.

Hotel BO

Palenque, Chiapas

Set amidst verdant jungle, the Quinta Cha Nab Nal combines pre-Hispanic tribal designs with contemporary elegance to create an enchanting Mayan palace. Bask in the swimming pools that feature typical waterfalls found in the ruins of Palenque.

Boutique Quinta Chanabnal

Palenque, Chiapas

The ecological resort of Chan-Kah is located in central Palenque, surrounded by a lush, jungle environment where monkeys and bird-life play amongst the vines. Providing all the necessary services to make your stay enjoyable, Chan-Kah is a great option.

Chan Kah Resort Village

San Cristobal, Chiapas

Residing in one of the oldest buildings in San Cristobal, Hotel Casavieja boasts a wealth of old Mexican character and authenticity. It also sits on one of the most historical streets of the city, making it ideal for uncovering Mexico's colonial culture.

Hotel Casavieja

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Mexico City, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Campeche, Merida, Tulum

An incredible holiday exploring and discovering the best of Mexico – from the world heritage site, Chichén Itzá, and quaint streets of San Cristobal de las Casas and Campeche, to the pure white Caribbean sands of the Mayan Riviera.

13 nights from $4780 per person Highlights, Culture & history, Imagine Favourites

Authentic Mexico

Mexico City, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque & Riviera Maya

Following a stay in Mexico City with its ruins and colourful canals, make like Indiana Jones and discover rugged canyons and the jungle ruins of Palenque, before winding down on Mexico's beautiful Caribbean coast which has activities to suit all ages.

12 nights from $5535 per person Beach, Family, Culture & history

Mexico with Teenagers

Cancun, Merida, Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico City, Guanajuato, La Paz & San jose del Cabo

Discover Mexico’s highlights and gain an amazing in-depth insight into the cultures and traditions of this incredible country, travelling from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific and stopping at fascinating cities and ancient ruins along the way.

22 nights from $11070 per person Culture & history, Imagine Favourites, Beach

Mexico in Depth

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San Cristobal, Chiapas

Explore the wonderful colonial city of San Cristobal on foot before heading into the countryside to visit indigenous villages where you'll be able to purchase gifts from local markets, try local food and admire the beautiful Chiapan landscapes.

San Cristobal and Indian Villages Private Tour

Palenque, Chiapas

Enjoy a half-day tour of the beautiful Palenque ruins. Walk amongst toucans and howler monkeys to discover one of Mexico's most pristine cultural sites and gawp at the extravagance of the ancient Mayan temples that still stand today.

Private Visit to Palenque

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