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Trip Report
Chiapas - the Mayan Heart of Mexico
Chiapas is the perfect destination if you’re as well interested in local cultures, politics and amazing nature consisting both of tropical rain forests and cooler mountain areas.
+ 4
North AmericaMexico12 days / October 2022
Highs & Lows
The town of San Cristobal, a local Temazcal (sweat hut) experience
The long hours in the bus on windy mountain roads
Itinerary Overview
I arrived in Palenque after a night in the bus from Merida. The climate is indeed very humid there and mosquitoes are terrible. Apart from that I had a great time there with a Mexican family that hosted me for small money. The family father also worked as a tour guide and took me to the archeological site and various beautiful waterfalls. With him I also visited a Mayan Temazcal! And his wife gave me the opportunity to accompany her to a countryside school where she worked as a teacher. It was a great experience to be in the classroom with 30 curious children asking me many questions about my home country.
After almost one week in Palenque I traveled to the town of San Cristobal where I also spend on week immersing myself with locals and basically relaxing with yoga, walks through the city and it’s parcs, horse back riding, cinema, shopping and good food and wine.
Palenque to visit the ruins of Palenque and the waterfalls in the sourroundings
My trip to Palenque was absolutely amazing. The archeological site of Palenque is definitely a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The ruins are so impressive and offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan culture. However, what surprised me the most was the beauty of the natural surroundings. The lush jungle and pristine rivers and waterfalls make Palenque a truly special place. One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the waterfalls of Misol Ha and Roberto Barrios on a day trip. Both waterfalls were absolutely breathtaking, and it was great to have the chance to cool off in the refreshing water. I highly recommend a visit to Palenque, and make sure to take the time to explore both the archeological site and the beautiful nature that surrounds it.
San Cristobal de las Casas Alternative town with good food, access to nature and lots of things to do
1+San Cristobal de las Casas or in short San Cris is a cute touristic town with diverse restaurant options and an alternative lifestyle - the best place to discover the Zapatista and indigenous culture of the region. I advise you to take a free walking tour, visit the local market, one of the looks outs of the town, do some (window) shopping in the nice artistic stores, maybe visit one or two of the small museums and make a day trip possibly by horse to the indigenous village of San Juan Chamula to take a look at the syncretic rituals performed in the church.
it was a beautiful experience full of good taste and colors all araund !
Q & A
What would you have changed?
I would not visit the lagos of Montebello in the South of Chiapas close to the Guatemalan border a second time. It was nice but if you know lake landscapes for instance from Europe it’s not really special. It was on my way to Guatemala though so it made sense for me. I heard good things about the cañon del Sumidero close to Tuxtla though.Restaurant recommendations?
The wine bar “la viña de Bacco” that also serves free tapas - a must for wine lovers! Kanoki San Cris for a hot chocolate and the small cute independent cinema.Tips you would give a friend?
Although at first sight San Cristobal might sound so special the town’s relaxed and alternative vibe will soak you in fast, so be sure to have enough days to spend here so you don’t have to rush through it. Try the Mayan sweat huts called Temazcal - I promise it will be a unforgivable experience!Packing tips?
Bring a good mosquito repellent because the humidity of Palenque is crazy and mosquitoes love it. I have never been stung that much!Transportation Tips?
In many travel guides and foreign ministries websites it is advised not to take the notorious route 199 because of possible road blockages and robbing. However, me and many other travelers I know have taken it without any security problems. Just be sure to travel in the day and ask locals prior to your travel about the current security situation on the road.Any surprises?
The astonishing beauty of the Roberto Barrios waterfall, a must-do; the political dimensions of the Zapatista movement, an indigenous left-wing uprising with alternative state-like structures and systems.Booking details?
Booking and straight with locals
Lodging
Private lodging with a Mexican family