Southern Chiapas offers some of the oldest Mayan archeological sites in Mexico although the distances between them are huge. Travel by bus, the main method of public transport, along the vast mountain ranges is slow going. Fortunately, the bus system is extensive, the schedule very efficient and the fares incredibly cheap.
Chiapa da Corzo is a good place to start your travels. It is a 20-minute taxi ride from Tuxtla airport and small enough to get one's bearings yet see one of Chiapas's most amazing attractions, the Sumidero Canyon. It is also only a short bus ride away from San Cristobal de Las Casas, a fascinating colonial town of lively markets, arty cafes and amazing museums.
Cruise Past Crocodiles in the Sumidero Canyon at Chiapa da Corzo
A speed boat ride through this amazing canyon is a must. Pick up a 12-seater boat in Chiapa de Corzo, the indigenous capital in colonial times with its imposing monument and huge ancient tree, whose trunk is shaped like an elephant’s foot, dominating the town square.
The boat does not leave until it is full but there shops selling locally-made handicrafts to browse. Feast on cones of cut mango and watermelon while waiting. Once everyone is strapped in, the driver speeds off at a tremendous rate along the Grijalva River, stopping off now and again to spot crocodiles basking in the sun on the muddy riverbank. It’s quite an art of spot them.
After 10-15 minutes, the boat cruises into the steep-sided canyon which is 3,000 feet high and 100 metres deep dwarfs anything in its presence. Formations shaped like faces are carved into the rocks. The Christmas Tree is the most spectacular of all, its huge green moss-like fronds and foliage having been sculpted by heavy rain fall. The rock of the nearby pink shrine gives off a rosy hue like the blood of Christ, said our guide.
The boat moors for a short while at the large dam, while pelicans hunting fish dive bomb into the sea all around.
The two-hour trips costs £7.
Where to stay in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico
San Cristobal de las Casas
A 20-minute taxi ride takes one to this pretty Spanish colonial town. With its attractive cobbled streets, white-washed red-roofed houses and arty cafes and shops, this bustling hillside town is a far cry from the surrounding villages, where locals weave and make blankets and handicrafts to sell to tourists in the lively cafes and markets.
One of the best places for breakfast or lunch is the Café Tierradentro, a social and cultural centre and cafe located in a light and airy inner courtyard surrounded by shops selling handicrafts. It is located at 24 Calle Real de Guadalupe, a street away from the main plaza.
Choose from eggs, fried beans and tortillas washed down by fresh orange juice and great coffee or try the more healthy option of muesli, creamy yoghurt and delicious fresh fruit served in a tall glass. Set up by social activist, Ernesto, It's a great place to hang out over a coffee knowing that it supports lots of deserving causes.
Booking.com
Once refreshed, visit San Cristobal's main attractions which include the:
16th century House of the Mermaid Baroque-style Cathedral, built in 1528 Museum of Amber, which has more than 350 amazing exhibits No-Bolin Museum in the House of the Jaguar which is decorated with Mayan ceramics, crafts and everyday objects of the Lacandones, who inhabited the Lacondon jungle
If you only do one thing here, join a trip to the Mayan villages of Chamula and Zinacantan - the experience is truly amazing.
The majority of people travel onto Palenque - a six hour ride by bus - to visit the famous Archaeological zone and the Azure Waterfalls. From here, it is worth taking a day trip to Yaxhilan and Bonampak, two of Mexico's finest cities burried deep in the jungle.
Booking.com
Chiapa da Corzo is a good place to start your travels. It is a 20-minute taxi ride from Tuxtla airport and small enough to get one's bearings yet see one of Chiapas's most amazing attractions, the Sumidero Canyon. It is also only a short bus ride away from San Cristobal de Las Casas, a fascinating colonial town of lively markets, arty cafes and amazing museums.
Cruise Past Crocodiles in the Sumidero Canyon at Chiapa da Corzo
A speed boat ride through this amazing canyon is a must. Pick up a 12-seater boat in Chiapa de Corzo, the indigenous capital in colonial times with its imposing monument and huge ancient tree, whose trunk is shaped like an elephant’s foot, dominating the town square.
The boat does not leave until it is full but there shops selling locally-made handicrafts to browse. Feast on cones of cut mango and watermelon while waiting. Once everyone is strapped in, the driver speeds off at a tremendous rate along the Grijalva River, stopping off now and again to spot crocodiles basking in the sun on the muddy riverbank. It’s quite an art of spot them.
After 10-15 minutes, the boat cruises into the steep-sided canyon which is 3,000 feet high and 100 metres deep dwarfs anything in its presence. Formations shaped like faces are carved into the rocks. The Christmas Tree is the most spectacular of all, its huge green moss-like fronds and foliage having been sculpted by heavy rain fall. The rock of the nearby pink shrine gives off a rosy hue like the blood of Christ, said our guide.
The boat moors for a short while at the large dam, while pelicans hunting fish dive bomb into the sea all around.
The two-hour trips costs £7.
Where to stay in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico
La Ceiba is virtually the only hotel in town but a truly relaxing place to stay. The rooms are situated around the central courtyard and peaceful tropical gardens. There is a relaxing spa and outdoor swimming pool. The rooms are rustic and huge but comfortable and the food is excellent. Breakfast of fresh fruit, scrambled egg and bacon and coffee cost around 50 pesos.
San Cristobal de las Casas
A 20-minute taxi ride takes one to this pretty Spanish colonial town. With its attractive cobbled streets, white-washed red-roofed houses and arty cafes and shops, this bustling hillside town is a far cry from the surrounding villages, where locals weave and make blankets and handicrafts to sell to tourists in the lively cafes and markets.
One of the best places for breakfast or lunch is the Café Tierradentro, a social and cultural centre and cafe located in a light and airy inner courtyard surrounded by shops selling handicrafts. It is located at 24 Calle Real de Guadalupe, a street away from the main plaza.
Choose from eggs, fried beans and tortillas washed down by fresh orange juice and great coffee or try the more healthy option of muesli, creamy yoghurt and delicious fresh fruit served in a tall glass. Set up by social activist, Ernesto, It's a great place to hang out over a coffee knowing that it supports lots of deserving causes.
Booking.com
Once refreshed, visit San Cristobal's main attractions which include the:
16th century House of the Mermaid Baroque-style Cathedral, built in 1528 Museum of Amber, which has more than 350 amazing exhibits No-Bolin Museum in the House of the Jaguar which is decorated with Mayan ceramics, crafts and everyday objects of the Lacandones, who inhabited the Lacondon jungle
If you only do one thing here, join a trip to the Mayan villages of Chamula and Zinacantan - the experience is truly amazing.
The majority of people travel onto Palenque - a six hour ride by bus - to visit the famous Archaeological zone and the Azure Waterfalls. From here, it is worth taking a day trip to Yaxhilan and Bonampak, two of Mexico's finest cities burried deep in the jungle.
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