Palenque site
One of Mexico's most striking Maya sites, surrounded by dense jungle and adorned with remarkable carvings.
Chiapas
Mexico's southernmost state, Chiapas blends tropical jungle, mountains and some of the country's most striking Maya ruins. Around San Cristóbal de las Casas, a colonial town set high in the mountains, indigenous traditions remain especially vibrant, with colorful markets and villages preserving their customs.
Why visit Chiapas?
Chiapas brings together some of Mexico's most spectacular Maya sites, including Palenque set deep in the jungle, along with exceptional nature at the Sumidero Canyon and the Agua Azul waterfalls. Its strong indigenous presence, especially around San Cristóbal de las Casas, adds a rare cultural dimension.
What to discover in Chiapas?
Palenque, a Maya archaeological site surrounded by dense jungle, ranks among Mexico's most impressive, with temples adorned with carvings still partly covered by vegetation. Not far away, the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls offer spectacular natural scenery, while the Sumidero Canyon, with its towering walls, is best explored by boat from Tuxtla Gutiérrez or Chiapa de Corzo.
San Cristóbal de las Casas, a colonial town perched above 2,000 meters, charms visitors with its architecture, cobbled streets and proximity to Tzotzil and Tzeltal indigenous villages that have preserved their traditions, such as San Juan Chamula. The region is also home to the Montes Azules reserve, one of Mexico's last great tropical forests, a refuge for exceptional biodiversity and still-isolated indigenous communities.
Cities to visit in Chiapas
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Chiapas in pictures
Chiapas highlights
A glimpse of what makes this state so rewarding to explore.
Sumidero Canyon
A canyon with towering walls, best explored by boat from Tuxtla Gutiérrez or Chiapa de Corzo.
Agua Azul waterfalls
Turquoise cascading waterfalls set within an unspoiled tropical jungle landscape.
San Cristóbal de las Casas
A highland colonial town with well-preserved architecture, known for its cultural atmosphere and markets.
Tzotzil indigenous villages
Villages such as San Juan Chamula, where indigenous traditions and customs remain especially vibrant.
Montes Azules reserve
One of Mexico's last great tropical forests, rich in biodiversity and home to indigenous communities.
Practical information
- Capital
- Tuxtla Gutiérrez
- Area
- About 73,300 km²
- Population
- About 5.5 million residents
- Languages
- Spanish and indigenous languages (Tzotzil, Tzeltal)
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)
- Time zone
- UTC-6
- Climate
- Humid tropical, temperate at higher altitude
- Best season
- November to April
Frequently asked questions about Chiapas
How many days should I plan for Chiapas?
Allow at least 7 to 8 days to explore San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, the waterfalls and the Sumidero Canyon at an easy pace.
When is the best time to visit Chiapas?
The dry season, from November to April, makes getting around and visiting natural sites easier, as the rainy season can complicate some access.
Do I need a visa to visit Chiapas?
Entry requirements for Mexico depend on the traveler's nationality; it's recommended to check current rules before departure.
How do I get around Chiapas?
Mountain roads can be winding; buses, shared vans and organized tours connect the state's main sites with one another.
Can indigenous villages be visited on a day trip?
Yes, organized excursions from San Cristóbal de las Casas make it possible to visit San Juan Chamula and other nearby villages.
Is the climate consistent across Chiapas?
No, the climate varies widely between the humid tropical jungle of the lowlands and cooler, temperate areas at altitude around San Cristóbal.
Plan your trip to Chiapas
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
