ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN CHIAPAS
Archaeology and Culture 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.
Palenque
It is remarkable because of its beautiful sculptural art, built by the Mayans in the late classic period (600-900 A.D.) Outstanding for its architecture is the complex known as the Palace and the Pyramid of the Inscriptions, where a funerary crypt was found in which the most important ruler of Palenque, King Pacal, was buried, accompanied by rich offerings.
Also notable for its architecture are the Temple of the Red Queen, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Cross, the North Group, and the Temple of the Foliated Cross. This site is located in the magnificent backdrop of the verdant jungle hills and considered by UNESCO as a site that represents the heritage of all humanity. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 to 16:45 hrs.
There is a museum, with a small but exquisite collection of stone, ceramic, and stucco artifacts accompanied by well-written explanations. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 to 16:45 hrs.
El Lagartero
This paradise that combines the natural beauty of Lagos de Colón, with archaeological remains scattered among a number of clear ponds and small waterfalls. Most of the ruins are on small islands and peninsulas that project into the lakes. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 to 17:00.
Chiapa de Corzo Archeological Site
It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the central region of Chiapas. At its peak, it counted about 200 structures, but was abandoned around 500 AD. Today the site has near 100 mounds. Recent excavations link this site with Olmec centers such as La Venta and the highlands of Guatemala. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 to 16:00.
Chinkultik
It is located 56 Km (34 miles) away from Comitan, in the heart of a pinewood forest and next to the Cenote Azul (Blue Sinkhole), considered an entrance to the Underworld by the Ancient Maya, and other small lakes. The constructions at the site were built against the hills that run alongside the first lakes of the Montebello lake system.
The most outstanding structure from Group A is the Acropolis, here is located the structure built at the edge of the Blue Cenote (Ritual Well). The Group B, has a great plaza. The group C has a ball court. And group D has the prominent Building 20, known as “The Flat Stones Platform”. Opening hours: Daily: 8:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Tenám Puente
The nucleus of the settlement is composed of more than 60 structures. The majority and most important of these buildings are located in what is called the Acropolis. It was built in a strategic position that allows access to important commercial networks. This archaeological site represents the transition from classical to post-classical period. Opening hours: Daily: 8:00 to 17:00.
Bonampak
It is best known for its amazing murals. In the Great Plaza by the stairway that leads to the Acropolis there are several steles with richly dressed dignitaries (probably its rulers). Among the buildings of this ancient city, is the prominent building “I”, its walls are adorned with the mural paintings, the best-preserved and most important of the classic Maya.
Calendar inscriptions date the painted scenes between the years 790 and 792 CE. The city was abandoned shortly after, and the murals were never completed. Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Yaxchilán
Located in the left bank of the Usumacinta River surrounded by jungle vegetation. It is notable for the large quantity of sculptures in stone including steles and lintels. The most important structures are the Great Plaza, the Acropolis, the Small Acropolis and the South Acropolis. The lintels in Yaxchilán illustrate the dynastic history of the city. Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Iglesia Vieja (Old Church)
There are seven architectonic groups distributed on a hillside with at least 80 structures and 30 carved monuments. It is located about 4 km. (2.4 miles) north of the town of Tonalá.
The settlement is distributed in five architectural groups, each one consisting of large and medium-sized platforms, temples, sculptures, carved stele and pedestal bases with a construction system based in megalithic blocks plazas and their accesses. There are also about 30 sculptural monuments. It is located about 3 miles north from Tonalá. Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 to 16:00 hrs.
Toniná
It was a ceremonial center with a great military might. The principal architecture is located in the acropolis. Outstanding is the third platform where the Underworld Palace is located and the fourth platform with the Palace of the Great Fretworks and The War Palace.
The Palace of Frets is located on the fourth terrace of the Acropolis, one of the rooms of the palace contains a stucco decoration representing feathered serpents and crossed bones. The site museum has 2 exhibition rooms and exhibits sculptures of the city’s rulers. Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Izapa
It was settled as early as 1500 B.C., which would have made it a contemporary of the Olmecs, Mesoamerica’s first complex society. It was occupied for nearly 3,000 years before being abandoned in A.D. 1200. Izapa had more than 160 buildings including pyramids and platforms of up to 20 meters (65 ft.) high. The ruins are made up of about 80 structures, divided into three groups.
The ruins are made up of about 80 structures, divided into three groups. Themain one, Group F, consists mostly of low-lying structures, a ball court, and a handful of weathered stele and sculptures. Group A and B, are made up of a number of uncovered mounds, stone sculptures, and stele. Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.
More Tourist Attractions 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
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
Guided Tours in CHIAPAS
Flights & Hotels in CHIAPAS
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Beaches
On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More
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Capital Cities
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Traditions in Mexico
It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure
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