Page Contents
Chiapas was one of the most rewarding regions we got to explore in Mexico! Economically speaking it is the poorest state in Mexico. This certainly comes with its set of challenges. We were warned to be particularly mindful about illegal roadblocks for example. But Chiapas is rich in so many other ways! It’s the most biodiverse region in Mexico, features lush tropical jungles, is the heartland of the Mayan civilisation and has a rich indigenous culture which is still very much alive today.
In the centre of Chiapas you’ll find the vibrant city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. It features colonial architecture, a thriving art scene, a strong presence of indigenous culture and traditions, as well as some of the most fascinating landscapes.
Chiapas is a hikers paradise and if you are an independent traveller looking for an authentic Mexico far away from all inclusive luxury hotels – you’ll love it as much as we did!
BEWARE OF ILLEGAL ROADBLOCKS
Chiapas & Oaxaca are two of the poorest states in Mexico. if you encounter any illegal roadblocks it is advisable to give some small change (1-2 USD) and not argue!
fiona and I didn’t have any issues during our travels but Roadblocks can occur frequently!
For more inspiration check out TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN MEXICO or watch our travels on YouTube!
1. Hang out in San Cristóbal de las Casas
I fell in love with San Cristóbal de las Casas almost instantly! After visiting Oaxaca city I was certain we had found the most authentic and beautiful city in Mexico. But then we found this little gem! So they are both competing for my favourite city in Mexico because I just can’t make up my mind. In short: DON’T MISS THIS!!
The city has a Spanish colonial layout. The buildings are very colourful and covered with red clay tiles. You’ll be able to see the pretty central highlands surrounding the city. Cobbled streets lead through vibrant plazas and old churches exposing fascinating architecture. You can’t escape the infectious vibe of the city, which is filled with artists and has a thriving art scene!
There is a large indigenous population living in Chiapas and the culture and traditions can still be seen and felt today. Especially if you head to one of the many local markets where many vendors still wear traditional handwoven clothing, typical for the area.
You will also hear music around every street corner. The streets are filled with so much life here! And perhaps one of the best ways to soak it all up is to simply sit outside one of the many coffee shops on the main pedestrian road ‘Real Guadalupe’ and soak it all up!
Chiapas has a strong coffee culture
Many coffee shops in San cristobal de las casas offer coffee tastings!
Due to the undeniable awesomeness of this city, I felt compelled to write a dedicated blog post about San Cristóbal de las Casas. Want to know where to catch the best views from and what day trips you can’t miss?
The Ultimate Guide to visiting San Cristóbal de las Casas
2. Stay at a coffee farm in Chiapas
Walking through San Cristóbal de las casas, you are instantly greeted by its many coffee shops, for you have just arrived in one of the biggest coffee producing countries in the world! The variety of coffee, including an extensive organic range, did take me by surprise. And almost every other coffee shop was offering coffee tastings. Sitting outside one of the many coffee shops is a great way to soak up the vibrant feel of this lively city! Cafe Yaxchilan offers personalised and unique day trips if you want to explore Chiapa’s coffee culture. But for independent travellers the best way to experience it is to ride down south along ‘Chiapa’s Coffee Route’.
Explore Chiapa’s ‘RUTA DEL CAFE’
visit coffee plantations and/or stay at a coffee farm
Chiapa’s Coffee Route
‘El Ruta del Café’ is located in the Soconusco region of Chiapas. It’s about 200 miles south of San Cristobal de las Casas and the drive leads you through windy mountain roads and lush jungles. So bring some time with you and brace yourself for stunning views and delicious cups of coffees along the way!
If you want to take a journey through unforgettable flavours and lush landscapes you might even consider staying at a coffee farm to soak in the views! Not all coffee plantations are open to the public. But below we’ve listed 3 coffee farms that you can visit, and if your budget allows, even treat yourself to a luxurious stay.
Top 3 Coffee Farms offering Guest lodgings
1. Finca Argovia
2. Finca Hamburgo
3. Finca san francisco
3. Visit the Palenque Ruins
Nestled in the thick jungle of Chiapas you’ll find the ancient Mayan city of Palenque. Exploring the ruins surrounded by lush tropical jungle is simply amazing! Similar, but probably more beautiful than Monte Alban in Oaxaca, it was one of our favourite Mayan sites we visited! The Palenque Ruins receive far less tourists than other Mayan archaeological sites in neighbouring Yucatan. This makes them way less commercial – which is why we liked them so much! And surprisingly much less expensive! An absolute must-visit when passing through Chiapas. They can easily be visited when overlanding from Chiapas to Yucatan.
Yaxchilán Ruins on the Mexico-Gutemala border are also meant to be very beautiful. However, as they were really out of the way we did give them a miss!
4. Hike to some of the most stunning waterfalls in Chiapas
Okay, so if you have read my guide to La Huasteca Potosina: Mexico’s Best Kept Secret you already know my all time favourite waterfall in Mexico is Tamul. But little did we know that Chiapas would hold its own with breathtaking waterfalls and picture perfect turquoise-blue waters. The pictures we had seen were very promising! So off we went chasing for more fabulous waterfalls.
1. El Chiflón Waterfall
Our first waterfall we visited, is also one of the most popular in Chiapas as it can easily be visited as a day trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas. We were certainly not alone but I also didn’t find it too crowded. The walk along the river took less than an hour until we reached the waterfall. It was all very pretty: the drive, the hike, the waterfall. But it didn’t look anything like on the pictures we had seen. Instead of postcard perfect turquoise-blue pools of water, it sort of looked brown and muddy. We quickly figured out why …
AVOID RAINY SEASONS
From may until September the turquoise green waters turn brown and look muddy!
2. Agua Azul
Or as we liked to call it … “Agua not so Azul” because once again during rainy season you miss out on the wonderful colours that make these waterfalls so magical! If you are planning on visiting the Mayan city of Palenque you can easily combine it with a visit to Cascadas Agua Azul. The Natural Park featuring the waterfalls is only 1.5 hrs drive from Palenque. And please DO NOT let our photographs put you off visiting … in the right seasons these are some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world! And yes, we were a little gutted that our schedule didn’t allow us to visit this region outside of rainy season …
3. Misol-Ha Waterfall
Again, really easy to combine en route if you are heading to Palenque. Don’t miss the stunning Misol-Ha Waterfall! You can actually walk right behind the waterfall along a dedicated pathway and swim in the pools. Fiona and I gave this one a miss due to time constraints though. We had arranged to meet a friend in Yucatan and had to juggle our time between chasing waterfalls in Chiapas or cenote hunting in Yucatan … tough call!
If you are looking for a day trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas check out El Aguacero waterfall and Sumidero Canyon. Click here to find out more!
5. Relax at Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Right on the Mexico-Guatemala border you’ll find a stunning National Park comprising around 60 different lakes. If you want to reconnect with Mother Nature you can base yourself around Tziscao Lake which has a beautiful camping site. From here you can explore other scenic lakes like Lago Pojoj and even rent little wooden boats to explore the lake! We were surprised to see day tours from San Cristóbal de las Casas as it’s a 3 hours drive one way. I cannot imagine anything more unrelaxing than spending 6 hours in a van to get a glimpse of one of the lakes. Lagunas de Montebello is best enjoyed if you have your own transport and can spend a couple of days around the lakes at least to unwind and soak in the panoramic views!
Who will enjoy a visit to Chiapas most?
Chiapas is a fabulous destination for nature lovers, hikers and those wanting to reconnect with Mother Nature! It’s likewise a fantastic destination if you want to learn more about the Mayan culture and learn more about its history. It will no doubt be more desirable to independent travellers, in particular overlanders. If you are looking for a tranquil, luxury get-away then perhaps one of the luxury farm stays with infinity pools might be just what you are after. But in general Chiapas will be most appreciated by adventure seekers. Having your own transport and not needing to rely on tour operators in San Cristóbal de las Casas will certainly be the most rewarding way to explore Chiapas!
It’s pretty cheap to visit (most of the waterfalls only charge a couple of dollars entrance) and definitely suitable if you are on a tight budget with many great camping opportunities!
We hope you found this blog post useful, no matter if you are looking for travel inspiration or planning your upcoming trip! What was your favourite place in Chiapas or where would you like to visit most? We are always happy to hear from you so leave us a comment below to let us know your thoughts 🙂
