Chiapas is a naturally and culturally stunning region of Mexico. It has seven distinct geographical regions ranging from the Pacific coastal region, arid plains, high altitude forests, jungle, as well as the Gulf Coast region. In addition to a fascinating geography, Chiapas also has the largest population of indigenous people in Mexico, and is home to very significant Mayan ruins such as including Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak. I visited Chiapas in the Spring of 2022 during my sabbatical year after travelling around Colombia. This post will highlight what I think are the best places to visit in Chiapas, Mexico on a 1 week itinerary.
Contents:
- San Cristobal de las Casas
- Transportation
- Where to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas
- Learn about local indigenous groups in Chiapas
- Visit the Sumidero Canyon and Chiapas de Corzo
- Visit Cascadas el Chiflon and Lagunas del Montebello
- Sima Cotorra and Cascada El Aguacero
- Trip costs for 7 days and 6 nights in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
- Final thoughts on best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico in 1 week
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San Cristobal de las Casas:
I decided to base my adventures in Chiapas out of the charming colonial town of San Cristobal de las Casas. While increasingly popular on the Mexican tourist trail, San Cristobal was embroiled in the heart of the Zapatistas movement – when the town was taken over in the 1994 on the day the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented – by Zapatista rebels using the town as a base to launch their revolution.
While the Zapatista rebels were driven out of the town by the government into the fringes of the Lacandon jungle within a few days; killings and violence escalated throughout Chiapas throughout the 90s. Tensions have de-escalated since 2016, when the Zapatistas put forward a candidate for the 2018 election – which effectively ended 20 years of the Zapatistas rejection of conventional Mexican politics.
With its cobbled streets, colorful colonial architecture and myriad of artisan markets; San Cristobal de las Casa is undeniably charming, and is has been rightfully designated as a “Pueblo Magico” by the Mexican government for being one of the most beautiful cities of the country. San Cristobal is rapidly gaining attention on the Mexican tourist track and has become magnet for travelers visiting for a short while – and increasingly – a haven for digital nomads.
The artistry of local and indigenous artisans can be seen in many of the local markets in San Cristobal de las Casas. I could not help but go a little overboard in purchasing beautiful hand-woven scarves, pillow cases, and local amber jewelry at the many local markets in San Cristobal.
San Cristobal de las Casa is the base for many day trips and excursions that take you to stunning natural and culturally significant sites around Chiapas. Note that while all day tours will indicate they have bilingual service – my experience is that the tour is typically carried out almost exclusively in Spanish. For those who do not speak Spanish, either be prepared for a crash-course in the language, or there is always bilingual individuals on the tour who can help translate.
Transportation:
The closest airport to San Cristobal de las Casas is in Tuxla Gutierrez (TGZ), which is about a 2 hour bus ride away from the town. There are several ADO bus services from the TGZ airport directly to San Cristobal de las Casas (approximately $12USD) – but note that the services are limited to a few times daily – so you may want to time your flight accordingly, or be prepared to take a bus first to the bus station in Tuxla Gutierrez, and then another bus from Tuxla Gutierrez to San Cristobal de las Casas.
Where to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas:
I stayed at La Abuelita Hostel, and loved it. The property was very clean, cozy, and very inexpensive only 815 MXN ($41USD) for 7 nights – less than $6USD a night for a dorm bed, and included free coffee and drinking water, as well as very well-stocked kitchen with a wall of free spices and seasonings if you’re cooking. La Abuelita also has a sister property Posada del Abuelito which I’m told is similarly amazing.
Learn about local indigenous groups in Chiapas:
A popular day tour to the indigenous towns of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan was one of the highlights of my visit to Chiapas. The guided tours leave daily from San Cristobal de las Casas, and take you to the two villages, and tell you more about quite vastly different cultural practices of the two groups who live just a stone throw away from each other just outside of San Cristobal de las Casas.
The people of both towns have incorporated elements of indigenous beliefs to the Catholicism that they encountered during the colonial era. As a result they have created their own unique religious practices. In the famous Iglesia de San Juan, chickens are sacrificed inside the church along with offerings of Coca-Cola and hundreds of candles burned as “tortillas” to feed the Saints. Taking photos is strictly prohibited inside the church, but the memory of seeing the hundreds upon hundreds of candles burning row upon endless row next to families sitting peacefully with their offerings on floors covered with pine needles was a truly amazing sight that I will not soon forget.
In Zinacantan, theres is typically a visit to an indigenous household where you can see first-hand how the beautiful patterned fabric that the village is famous for is painstakingly woven thread by thread, and have the opportunity to purchase these handicrafts directly from the indigenous artisans themselves.
Visit the Sumidero Canyon:
The Canyon de Sumidero can be visited on a day tour, and features several viewpoints of the impressive canyon and river below, along with a 1.5 hour boat cruise along the bottom of the canyon. The boat cruise will drop you off at Chiapas de Corzo for a few hours to explore another one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, before taking you back to your land transport that will drop you off back in the center of the city.
Visit the Casacadas el Chiflon and Lagunas de Montebello:
The Cascadas El Chiflon are some of the most stunning waterfalls I have seen anywhere in the world. The glowing aquamarine waters flow as a calm river linking stunning sets of waterfalls one after the other until you get to the largest waterfall – Cascada del Chiflon. The visit to Cascadas el Chiflon is usually done as a day tour along with a visit to Lagunas de Montebello.
The Lagunas de Montebello are a stunning set of lagoons next to the Guatemalan border. You’re given time to visit the Lagoons, as well as cross the border on foot on a little “cul-de-sac” of little shops and souvenir stores that dips into Guatamala. No passport checks, the cul-de-sac leads right back to Mexico, and I imagine it was built with the sole purpose of tourism in mind. Worth the cross border jaunt if you want to quickly check another country off your list with a little 10 minute walk into and out of Guatamala.
Sima de las Cotorras Rappelling Adventure and visit to Cascada Aguacero:
This rappelling and ziplining adventure to the Sima Corterra – a 150 meter deep sinkhole that is now home to thousands of parrots and other bird species – starts early in the morning with a 4am pick-up from San Cristobal de las Casas. The drive will take approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to Sima Corterra. The driver will take a break mid-way through at a gas station to fill up, and also for you to take a washroom break and buy snacks.
The rappelling adventure includes a 50 meter rappel about 1/3 of the way into the sinkhole, followed by a harnessed walk along the walls of the sinkhole. The adventure ends with a zipline across the sinkhole back to the start point.
No experience or equipment required – everything you need will be provided to you. It would be a good idea to wear running shoes or trainers – flip flops would be a very bad idea.
You’ll complete your visit at Sima Corterra around midday, and the tour will then continue with a visit to Cascada El Aguacero, a stunning waterfall that takes about 45 minutes to hike down to from where your driver drops you off. Not to worry the trail is easy and well-marked. If it is a hot day, make sure to bring ample water, and some snacks, as there are no vendors down by the waterfall.
Trip costs for 7 days and 6 nights in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas:
Accommodations: $29.45USD
Flights from Santa Marta (SMR) to Tuxla Guiterrez (TGZ) Airport: $281.50USD
Mexico prepaid-SIM card with 2GB (Valid for 15 days*) $6.43USD
SIM card refill at OXXO additional 5GB valid for 30 days* $14.90USD
Souvenirs and gifts $75.50USD
Food and drinks: $65.77USD
Transportation: $12.02USD
Excursions: $106.55USD
Total: $592.12USD
*Note that you can refill SIM cards very easily in most OXXO and 7-11 convenience stores located all over Mexico. Usually refilling the SIM will create another 30 days of validity. Just make sure to take a photo of the card information that comes with the SIM card blister so you know your phone number and PIN unlock code
Final thoughts on best places to visit in Chiapas Mexico in 1 week:
Chiapas completely blew my mind with its beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and affordability. I had originally only planned to stay in Chiapas for 1 week, but ended up continuing my travels for an extra week in Palenque which I will cover in a separate post. If you take off the cost of the flights and my spending on souvenirs and gifts, my time in Chiapas only cost $33.59USD per day – and that includes the cost of excursions and eating like a queen for a week. A wonderful and highly recommended trip for sure!