Things to do in  Chiapas

With 3,000-foot (nearly-1,000-meter) canyon walls lining the Grijalva River, Sumidero Canyon National Park (Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero) is home to monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife. The best views of the canyon are from the bottom, so join the stream of boats cruising up and down the river, and take in the scenery.

In the depths of the Chiapas jungle, the Misol-Ha Waterfall tumbles 115 feet (35 meters) into a turquoise pool below and provides refreshing respite from the hot and humid surroundings. Take a dip in the cool pool and swim beneath the falls or venture behind them on foot to explore a hidden cave complex.

Turquoise blue waterfalls plunge to a series of pools at Chiapas’ beautiful Agua Azul. A cluster of food stalls and vendors creates a bustling atmosphere in the jungle setting, especially on busy weekends when locals go to swim and lounge by the river. To reach a quieter stretch of water, you can follow a riverside trail upstream.

Situated on the northern banks of the Grijalva River, Chiapa de Corzo is one of the region’s oldest Spanish settlements with a rich indigenous history, which serves as a jumping-off point for excursions into the Sumidero Canyon. Highlights include the 16th-century church—among the best-preserved in Chiapas—and crown-shaped La Pila fountain.

Only accessible by boat and situated deep in the Lacandón jungle, the journey to Yaxchilán is as enjoyable as the destination. At this off-the-beaten-path alternative to better-known Mexican ruins, admire decorative stone lintels, elaborate stucco detailing, and two ball courts, as well as carved hieroglyphic stairways.

With its scenic streets, traditional architecture, and indigenous community, San Juan Chamula is a popular day-trip destination in Chiapas. The undeniably highlight of any tour is the central Church of San Juan, which blends colonial Catholic practice with Mayan tradition and ritual to create a truly unique and pew-less place of worship—look out for the tiny mirrors, which are said to ward away evil.

Situated close to the border with Guatemala, Comitán primarily serves as a jumping-off point for nearby attractions such as the Lagunas de Montebello National Park and Chinkultic ruins. However, charming Comitán—marked by colonial architecture and narrow streets—is also a destination in its own right, with a lively town center, plenty of great food, and a few local museums.

The relatively flat trails, lush countryside, well-kept picnic areas, and crystal-clear waters of the Cascadas El Chiflón (El Chiflón Waterfalls) offer a natural respite from the hustle and bustle of San Cristóbal. Highlights include stepped waterfalls, each more impressive than the last; a zipline; and the opportunity to take a dip in the cool turquoise pools.

Occupying just 1 square mile (2.4 square kilometers) in the remote Lacandón jungle, the ancient ruins of Bonampak are diminutive by Mexican archaeological standards. However, this former settlement is home to some of the best-preserved Maya frescoes and murals in the country, which depict ritual sacrifice, ceremonies, and more.

The majority Tzotzil-speaking Maya village of Zinacantán is known for its traditional customs, lively markets, and regional dishes. Visit with a local guide to learn more about the lifestyle—both past and present—of the Tzotzil Maya people who make up 99 percent of Zinacantán’s population, try your hand at weaving or tortilla-making, and eat alongside a local family.

Straddling the Mexico-Guatemala border, the Lagunas de Montebello National Park is home to more than 50 lakes and lagoons which range in color from powder blue to deepest indigo. Take a dip in the refreshing waters, hike through the dense pine forest, or raft across the lakes at this UNESCO-recognized reserve.

Inhabited by thousands of green parakeets, thrushes, woodpeckers, and more, the 460-foot-deep (140-meter-deep) Sinkhole of Parrots (Sima de las Cotorras) is one of Chiapas’ most magnificent natural attractions that will entice bird watchers and adventure travelers alike. Watch as the birds take flight morning and evening, before rappelling into the sinkhole or taking a guided tour to the cave paintings.

Discovered in 1960, Rancho Nuevo Caves Natural Park (Grutas de Rancho Nuevo) is home to massive limestone stalagmites and stalactites and surrounded by a towering pine forest. Wander through the caves by following the winding 2,475-foot (755-meter) walkway, before riding horseback or hiking among the trees for a rural escape just 20 minutes outside of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

One of Chiapas’ least-visited Mayan sites, remote Toniná was once a worthy rival to nearby Palenque. Today, it offers a quieter alternative to the bigger and busier ruins across Chiapas, despite featuring some of the most impressive structures. Highlights include the Great Pyramid, one of the highest in Mexico; the well preserved Mural de los Cuatro Soles; and an on-site museum.

A small museum dedicated to Maya textile art, the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya is a must for anyone interested in San Cristóbal de las Casas’ Indigenous handicrafts. Located in a historic cloister in the complex of Santo Domingo church, the museum is also a tranquil refuge for visitors seeking a respite from the town center’s hustle and bustle.