CHIAPAS
Tourism in CHIAPAS
Chiapas is a benchmark for tourism in Mexico. Magical region that being one of the most beautiful and visited, it remains at the same time virgin and paradise in many aspects.
History and archeology offer the traveler infinite possibilities, with itineraries that cover sites of great importance and size such as Palenque where Pakal, one of the most illustrious rulers of the classical Mayan period, ruled, or other more simple and unknown but equally surprising. The subsoil of Chiapas hides under the roots and the lush jungle, innumerable cities, and each hill can be a pyramid that the vegetation has devoured.
The sensation experienced by adventurers, archaeologists and profaners of pyramids is still felt when we get goose bumps when we find worked stones under the roots of a tree, or the entrance to a temple covered with lianas.
Its territory is home to five major Mayan cities, in fact in Chiapas there are some of the most significant Mayan sites in Mexico, such as Yaxchilán, whose lost city in the jungle we reached after going up the Usumacinta River, the largest river in Mexico, on a barge; or the temples of Bonampak, whose wall paintings are the best preserved from the Classic Maya period.
Other sites such as Toniná have their ceremonial and spiritual importance, their appeal, being a sacred space raised on an impressive mountain of seven platforms that the Mayans raised to control the valley and get closer to the gods. Further south, not far from the Pacific coast of Chiapas is the archaeological zone of Izapa whose stelae bear witness to the oral tradition that narrates the myths of the Popol Vuh.
Other highlights of the vast area of the sites are the Mayan acropolis of Tenam Puente; the natural environment of Lagartero, on the border with Guatemala; the Archaeological Zone of Chincultik with its ceremonial nucleus and the sacred cenote, or that of Chiapa de Corzo where the oldest inscribed stela in Mesoamerica was found.
Tourist Attraction in CHIAPAS
Palenque
Palenque is a Chiapas city of Mayan origin, head of the municipality of the same name located in the north of the state. The indigenous population is formed mainly by the Chol, Tzeltal and Lacandon ethnic groups. The municipality borders Guatemala to the southeast, has three border sectors with the state of Tabasco and is also a neighbor of the Chiapas municipal entities of Catazajá, La Libertad, Ocosingo, Chilón and Salto de Agua. The closest cities to Palenque are Villahermosa, Tabasco, located 145 km to the west and San Cristóbal de las Casas, which is 219 km to the south.… Read More
San Cristobal de Las Casas
San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial towns. Through its peaceful cobblestone streets, flanked by houses with slanted red tiled roofs and patios full of flowers, one discovers religious monuments with influence from Mexican and Central American colonial art, giving it a peculiar frontier town character. Indigenous people come to its busy markets from the surrounding hamlets to offer textiles, ceramics, fruits and vegetables.… Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure in Chiapas
Ecotourism in Chiapas is currently one of the most popular tourist trends in the state, with activities that try not to alter nature, thus preserving the ecosystem, flora and fauna, while encouraging sustainable development processes in indigenous communities that remain in the region. Responsibly enjoy a vacation in Chiapas and discover the hidden secrets of the state such as impressive natural sanctuaries and indigenous communities in the heart of the jungle where ancestral traditions still try to survive.… Read More
Beaches in Chiapas
The Chiapas coast offers beautiful beaches where you can do a wide variety of water sports. There are beaches of great beauty that are characterized by their tranquility and that are ideal for you to relax and enjoy nature. However, it must be taken into account that many of them face the open sea, so the waves tend to be high and you must be careful to enjoy these waters. Part of the coastal area is immersed in the La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve, so if you are a lover of venturing into nature, this is one of the places with more options, where you can find some of the largest red mangroves in all of America that are located in a series of estuaries that make the landscape unique.… Read More
Archaeological Sites in Chiapas
In Chiapas the forests and the jungle are a beauty, spectacular settings for archaeological sites. The incredible nature that accompanies many of these areas is a plus. Visits to archaeological sites are part of nature tourism, due to the opportunity to walk around diverse natural environments. In several of these places you can see animals, or hear them. They are places that also give us the opportunity to connect with nature, and that hand in hand with culture is an excellent combination.… Read More
Magical Towns in Chiapas
Chiapas has 4 Magical Towns: San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapa de Corzo, Comitán de Dominguez and Palenque, this recognition is given to the localities that have a special charm and unique symbolic attributes that allow to highlight the character and identity of the town, which they are manifested through their cultural heritage. Some of these characteristics can be: history, architecture, gastronomy and crafts, making your stay a magical moment.… Read More
Gastronomy of Chiapas
Chiapas food has certain features of authenticity, it is a gastronomic mosaic made up of its natural biodiversity, where each place prints its own characteristics, defines tastes and creates habits; varies in each region; Likewise, it is nourished by the diversity of Mayan ethnic groups and the Zoque of Olmec origin that when combined with Spanish cuisine by the influx of Dominican monks; It results in an immense variety of dishes of miscegenation typical of the State.… Read More
Tapachula and Tonala
Tapachula and Tonalá will amaze you with their beautiful buildings, their people and their traditions, colonial monuments, and breathtaking landscapes. Tapachula is also known as “La Perla del Soconusco” (The Pearl of Soconusco), it is a modern city with beautiful buildings built in a classic style. Located just next to the border with Guatemala, almost at the foot of the volcano Tacaná. Tonalá is a city in the southwest of Chiapas and head of the IX Istmo-Costa region; considered the third city in economic importance of the state; It is located in the transition of the Pacific Coastal Plain and the Sierra Madre de Chiapas.… Read More
Tuxtla Gutierrez
It is the capital city of the State of Chiapas. Its climate is hot and semi-humid. Tuxtla Gutiérrez is a modern city where culture and traditions of Chiapas blend together. The streets in Tuxtla contain a combination of past and present. It is a beautiful city surrounded by lush vegetation. In downtown there is the Central Park and the beautiful Marimba Park. During the evenings you can stroll around this park and enjoy the marimba music played at the gazebo. There are many natural wonders nearby Tuxtla and the city offers very good touristic infrastructure, but most of all, the city offers the warm and kindness of the people.… Read More
Arts and Crafts in CHIAPAS
Shops in Chiapas offer a wonderland of handicrafts. Chiapas is famous for its wide variety of crafts, and some of them are produced based on an antique Pre-Hispanic tradition.
Textiles
The indigenous people of Chiapas are known for their fine weaving skills that have been handed down from generation to generation. The beauty delicacy and exclusivity from this manufacture faithfully follow the traditions, the weavers are trained since they are little girls. Cotton and wool textiles are found in daily use, and designs and symbolisms vary from one community to the other. Flower motifs, animals and men figures bond together give a special significance to the owner of this unique fabrics. Today, these textiles are raw material for a new line of stylish dresses, inspired by beautiful embroidery and fabrics.
Ambar
Experts have considered amber from Chiapas as the most beautiful for its texture, transparency and great variety of colors. Yellow is the most known color, but there are also less known ones such as red, cognac, green and pink. There is beautiful jewelry made out of ambar. Among the traditions amber was thought to chase away evil spirits.
Pottery
Amatenango village is famous for its clay pottery; they create jugs, small animal figures like jaguars and doves, and flowerpots among others. Other communities famous for its pottery creations are Ocuilapa, Suchiapa, and San Cristóbal de Las Casas. In the Lacandon Jungle the natives still make clay incense burners decorated with the face of a Lacandon deity like in the pre-Hispanic era.
Wood Carving
The artisans of Chiapa de Corzo produce excellent wood carvings, including sculptures, boxes, crosses and the traditional Parachico mask; in tableware, boxes, toys, masks and rattles, the artisans of Chiapa de Corzo are known by its singular perfection and beauty, along with a variety of bright colors. The tsotsil artisans produce excellent woodcarvings, furniture and traditional toys. In root carving, artisans from Tecpatán are unique. In the area of the Lacandon jungle the natives produces sticks and filled them with seeds, so when they moved them, the sticks sound like the rain.
Stone
In Palenque some skilled craftsmen, experienced in Mayan culture, make detailed sculptures, lintels and stone carvings reproductions. In Chiapas there are important deposits of Jade near the border with Guatemala, and the artisans create nice pieces and jewelry.
Metalwork and Saddlery
San Cristóbal de las Casas is famous for its colonial-style wrought iron works used for balconies, window gates, benches, lamps, among other things. Beside, San Cristóbal along with Comitán create beautiful objects of leather like saddles and horsemanship and charreria items, as well as wallets, belts, bags, portfolios, suitcases, etc. Waxworks (Candles): In San Cristóbal de las Casas, in La Merced District there is an ancient tradition to create exquisitely beautiful works of wax. The artisans’ hands transform the paraffin into subtle flowers with delicate leaves, sprinkled with gold dust.
Meetings and Conventions in CHIAPAS
Chiapas has become one of the most attractive locations for congresses and conventions both national and international. There are several cities with a solid hotel infrastructure and a wide variety of venues.
Tuxtla Gutierrez is a safe and modern city where nature and tradition come together, showing the zoque essence. The city offers a wide range of hotels, quality services, transport facilities, museums and shopping centers. The city is connected by air to most major cities in the country, and by land there are several bus lines that travel across the state. The specialist DMC Magazine has considered Tuxtla Gutiérrez as one of the top 10 destinations for small events.
You will love the Chiapas Polyforum and Convention Centre, a striking, contemporary complex of buildings. With 3,300 m2 distributed over nine rooms, offering capacities ranging from 50 to 1,500 people. The auditorium has a capacity of 3,875 spectators and features a cutting-edge audio system and computerized lighting; this is one of the most modern and exciting entertainment venues in the Southeast of Mexico.
San Cristóbal de las Casas offers hotel accommodations for small and medium-size groups with facilities for all tastes and needs. This Magical Town features colorful traditions, crafts, festivals, cuisine and cultural attractions as one of the oldest and most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. The town will fill your event with its magic and two venues: The Casa Mazariegos Convention Centre, with a total area of 1,825 m2 and four rooms; and The Carmen Convention Centre, a part of a cultural complex including the Fine Arts building and the Public Library. This restored colonial building offers 2,300 m2 of meeting and event space; he large multipurpose room offers 1,243 m2 with a capacity of 1,250 people.
Tapachula is also a beautiful destination surrounded by incredible natural wonders complemented with good tourist infrastructure. There are non-stop flights to Mexico City and other destinations in Mexico. The Hotel Loma Real Tapachula International Convention Center is one of the largest and best-equipped venues in Chiapas. It has the capacity to organize events of up to 1,500 participants in beautiful rooms surrounded by gardens.
Chiapas offers the best pre and post event activities, you can enjoy an adventure in the jungle along the Cañón del Sumidero National Park, La Venta River Canyon, or in the Tacaná Volcano; or you can live the Mayan culture in Palenque, Bonampak, Toniná.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Chiapas (OCV) supports the organization of events with information, paperwork and negotiations.
Guided Tours in CHIAPAS
Flights & Hotels in CHIAPAS
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