Cancún. Puerto Vallarta. Cabo. There are lots of popular and gorgeous tourist destinations in Mexico, but few as amazing as Chiapas, a place that truly has it all. In this post, we'll introduce you to the wonders of this marvelous state, and hopefully convince you to hop on a plane and practice everything you learned in your online Spanish lessons amongst the lush rainforest and ancient Mayan ruins.
Thanks to its location on the southeastern part of the country, Chiapas is home to seven different ecosystems, and its geography enchants nationals and foreigners alike. Take a tour of the jungle, its rainforests, and mangrove forests, while you bathe in the waters of its rivers and waterfalls. Chiapas is mostly known for its natural beauty, with stunning green vistas and some of the most impressive spots to practice ecotourism.
However, there's another side of Chiapas that attracts tourists from all over the world just as much as its natural beauty does, and it's its history, particularly in relation to Mayan culture. Chiapas, among other states, was the home of this ancient civilization and its remnants are still pretty much alive in their ruins within archaeological sites like Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Chinkultic and Toniná.
Other cultures have also made a home out of this paradise, and Chiapas is the second state with the most ethnic diversity in Mexico. Different tongues and traditions coexist and blend together, giving a multicultural charm to every corner of this wonderful land.
So, whether you're navigating across the breathtaking canyons in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital, or exploring the Mayan ruins in Palenque, you'll encounter so many examples of natural and architectural beauty you'll be convinced that you've traveled back in time.
San Cristóbal de las Casas, el Cañón del Sumidero, Chiapa de Corzo and Comitán de DomÃ?ÃÂnguez are some other top destinations in this gorgeous state, while its delicious dishes like tamales de chipilÃ?ÃÂn, chalupas and sopa de pan (bread soup) will surely have you coming back for seconds.
Of course, when you visit a new place there's always the issue of where to stay. That's why we prepared a small list of places where you'll be able to relax and recharge before your next adventure in Chiapas.
If you're in or near Tapachula, you can head on to Casona Maya Mexicana, a quaint and colorful boutique hotel established inside a 100-year old house and decorated with all sorts of antiques and unusual Mexican art collected over the years. Some of the elements may be more recent, but the original thick adobe walls, tall wooden columns and old wooden beams still stand.
If you visited San Cristóbal de las Casas, you can relax in the nearby Hacienda Don Juan, located a mere 10 minutes away from downtown and very close to where this gorgeous city's history, culture, and traditions converge. The rustic interiors reflect the quintessential Mexican hospitality, and its outdoor vistas place you right in the thick of nature. This hotel features 29 four-star rooms for those who visit Chiapas for either or either a romantic, family or business trip.
Within the historic heart of San Cristóbal, 28 rooms and three suites await you at the Hotel Ciudad Real Centro Histórico. Colonial architecture and modern comfort come together in this charming and refined "oasis of tranquility", established in a neoclassical building dating back to the early 20th century. However, if you are in or near Palenque, you might prefer heading to their other property, Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque, "a perfect refuge amongst the Mayan world". With a traditional Mexican style of architecture, albeit with dashes of the Caribbean, this beautiful hotel has lush, ample gardens and is located just 10 minutes away from the archaeological zone, 3 minutes from the airport and just 5 from downtown. More information about any of the Ciudad Real hotels can be found here.
Also in Palenque, you'll be able to find Hotel Maya Tulipanes, "a 100% Mexican hotel" focused on the cultural and adventure tourism. Located just a few miles away from the mythical archaeological zone, inside the "La Cañada" Ecotourism Center, this place is famous for the Mayan replicas that decorate their facilities and distinguish them as the unbeatable choice in Palenque.
Thanks to its location on the southeastern part of the country, Chiapas is home to seven different ecosystems, and its geography enchants nationals and foreigners alike. Take a tour of the jungle, its rainforests, and mangrove forests, while you bathe in the waters of its rivers and waterfalls. Chiapas is mostly known for its natural beauty, with stunning green vistas and some of the most impressive spots to practice ecotourism.
However, there's another side of Chiapas that attracts tourists from all over the world just as much as its natural beauty does, and it's its history, particularly in relation to Mayan culture. Chiapas, among other states, was the home of this ancient civilization and its remnants are still pretty much alive in their ruins within archaeological sites like Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Chinkultic and Toniná.
Other cultures have also made a home out of this paradise, and Chiapas is the second state with the most ethnic diversity in Mexico. Different tongues and traditions coexist and blend together, giving a multicultural charm to every corner of this wonderful land.
So, whether you're navigating across the breathtaking canyons in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital, or exploring the Mayan ruins in Palenque, you'll encounter so many examples of natural and architectural beauty you'll be convinced that you've traveled back in time.
San Cristóbal de las Casas, el Cañón del Sumidero, Chiapa de Corzo and Comitán de DomÃ?ÃÂnguez are some other top destinations in this gorgeous state, while its delicious dishes like tamales de chipilÃ?ÃÂn, chalupas and sopa de pan (bread soup) will surely have you coming back for seconds.
Of course, when you visit a new place there's always the issue of where to stay. That's why we prepared a small list of places where you'll be able to relax and recharge before your next adventure in Chiapas.
If you're in or near Tapachula, you can head on to Casona Maya Mexicana, a quaint and colorful boutique hotel established inside a 100-year old house and decorated with all sorts of antiques and unusual Mexican art collected over the years. Some of the elements may be more recent, but the original thick adobe walls, tall wooden columns and old wooden beams still stand.
If you visited San Cristóbal de las Casas, you can relax in the nearby Hacienda Don Juan, located a mere 10 minutes away from downtown and very close to where this gorgeous city's history, culture, and traditions converge. The rustic interiors reflect the quintessential Mexican hospitality, and its outdoor vistas place you right in the thick of nature. This hotel features 29 four-star rooms for those who visit Chiapas for either or either a romantic, family or business trip.
Within the historic heart of San Cristóbal, 28 rooms and three suites await you at the Hotel Ciudad Real Centro Histórico. Colonial architecture and modern comfort come together in this charming and refined "oasis of tranquility", established in a neoclassical building dating back to the early 20th century. However, if you are in or near Palenque, you might prefer heading to their other property, Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque, "a perfect refuge amongst the Mayan world". With a traditional Mexican style of architecture, albeit with dashes of the Caribbean, this beautiful hotel has lush, ample gardens and is located just 10 minutes away from the archaeological zone, 3 minutes from the airport and just 5 from downtown. More information about any of the Ciudad Real hotels can be found here.
Also in Palenque, you'll be able to find Hotel Maya Tulipanes, "a 100% Mexican hotel" focused on the cultural and adventure tourism. Located just a few miles away from the mythical archaeological zone, inside the "La Cañada" Ecotourism Center, this place is famous for the Mayan replicas that decorate their facilities and distinguish them as the unbeatable choice in Palenque.
