One of the most underrated states in Mexico is Chiapas, located in the south of the country bordering Guatemala. Home to a large population of Indigenous groups, many Maya archaeological sites and 46 protected natural areas, Chiapas has a vivacious and rich Maya culture, phenomenal cuisine and wonderful adventure activities.
Most adventures in Chiapas begin in the state’s capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Book an overnight here so clients can go on a morning boat ride through the Nacional Canon del Sumidero. Next, tell travelers to head to Chiapas’ most popular touristic town, San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way, they can stop at Chiapa de Corzo, one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns), highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can continue to drive an hour east to San Cristobal. Another Pueblo Magico, this is one of the top destinations in the country to shop for local artisanal crafts at markets such as the indoor Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias Ambar.
There are many boutique hotels here to consider, too, including Uvence Arte, Hotel Bo, Plaza Gallery and Casa del Alma. San Cristobal is known for its pastel-hued, colonial-era buildings. Organize a customized walking tour that includes the golden San Cristobal Cathedral and a chance to view Indigenous textiles at the Los Altos Museum, housed in the former Santo Domingo de Guzman convent.
Towns such as San Juan Chamula offer visitors a range of cultural attractions.
Credit: 2024 Don George, Geographic ExpeditionsSpending a few days in San Cristobal is ideal before heading off to more daring adventures, as it’s the heart of Chiapas and the gateway to Maya archaeological sites, dense jungles and thrilling travel experiences.
Here’s a guide to some more top adventure activities that you can fold into your clients’ Chiapas itineraries.
Sumidero Canyon National Park
In Sumidero Canyon National Park, clients can take a two-hour-long boat ride in the canyon, where vertical walls stretch upward of 2,600 feet. In addition to spectacular scenery and abundant vegetation, visitors are likely to encounter wildlife, including an array of birds, endangered American crocodiles, spider monkeys, butterflies and other creatures. Rappelling tours, bird-watching, cycling and hiking are also available in the area. Six lookout points — called miradores — at various elevations offer different perspectives along the canyon, including La Ceiba, La Coyota, El Roblar, Tepehuaje, Los Chiapas and Manos.
Simas de las Cotorras
Book your clients a flight unlike any they have taken before with Club de Vuelo Valle Bonito, which takes travelers to new heights in an ultralight plane. Tours provide breathtakingly beautiful voyages over several sinkholes believed to have been formed by a meteorite, including Sima de las Cotorras and Sima Grande. Longer flights travel over Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve and the Conchuda waterfall. (Note: Travel advisors earn 12.5% commission with the operator.)
El Chorreadero Cave
Adrenaline-seekers will love rappelling down the waterfall at El Chorreadero cave. Tour operator Explora Travel brings guests into the cavern where the waterfall starts, and they then follow the stream through a series of thrilling rappels, jumps and swims. Clients will even get to experience underground waterfalls and pools. (Note: Advisors earn 10% commission.)
Tours include local scenic sites, such as El Chorreadero cave and waterfalls.
Credit: 2024 Don George, Geographic ExpeditionsTacana Volcano
Tour operator co-op Travis brings travelers on an epic hike up the active Tacana Volcano, a symmetrical stratovolcano with three large calderas set along the high mountain route that borders Guatemala. The challenging hike is best experienced over two days, with overnight camping in the wilderness. Clients will enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the mountainous terrain. (Note: Advisors earn 18% commission.)
Visiting Maya Archaeological Sites
If clients prefer a multi-day tour, Geographic Expeditions offers itineraries such as Mexico: Maya Traditions in Chiapas, a nine-day adventure that brings visitors to the remote Maya archaeological sites of Yaxchilan and Bonampak in the Lacandon Jungle, as well as the more famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palenque, located at the foot of Sierra Madre del Sur. Throughout the journey, visitors have opportunities to meet with Indigenous people such as Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya weavers and ceramicists. (Note: Advisors should contact Geographic Expeditions for commission details.)
