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Beach destinations:
Colonial destinations:
Big cities & metropolis:
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Yaxchilan
A journey down the Usumacinta River will get you to the archaeological site of Yaxchilan
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Sumidero Canyon
The scenery of this magnificient natural formation can be watched as you coast along the river in a jungle boat
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Agua Azul Waterfall
Dazzling white waterfalls thunder into turquoise pools surrounded by jungle
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Bonampak
This archaeological site is popular because of its large wall paintings still intact on the walls of the main building
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The state of Chiapas, bordered by the states of Tabasco to the north, Veracruz to the
northwest, and Oaxaca to the west, is located on the south end of Mexico. It has 260 km
(162 mi) of littoral facing the Pacific Ocean and has a total area of 72,211 km2 (28,653
sq mi). The prevailing climate is humid and tropical. The north area of the valley of
Chiapas is dry and the south area is humid.
The Chiapas name comes from the Nahuatl compound word Chia and Apan
which means in the river, that is to say Chia river. Chiapas itself is merely
one portion of the large region that was inhabited by the Maya. The ancient Mayan culture
flourished across a large portion of present-day Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras
and the five Mexican states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas. The
oldest Maya inscription date yet discovered is equivalent to December 36 B.C.
In this majestic state you can discover all that is offered by nature, cut through by
abundant rivers, magnificent hills and volcanoes, and impenetrable jungles. It has
hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, as well as an exceptional flora and fauna which make it
perfect for adventure and ecotourism. Chiapas is famous for its wide variety of festive,
traditions, crafts and cuisine. You can find great variety of restaurants where you can
also learn a bit more about the culture and essence of Mexican food.
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Chiapas: A magnificent scenery offered by Nature
The Central Valley highlands and steaming jungles of Chiapas hold some of Mexico's most
fascinating archaeological records of the Mayan civilization, strongholds and ceremonial
centers, among which are the larger sites of Palenque, Bonampak, Chinkultic, Yaxchilan and
Tonina. Located about 290 km (180 mi) northeast of the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez,
Palenque is one of the most important Mayan archaeological zones and offers amazing temples
and structures dating back the years 400 to 700 A.D. El Palacio (The Palace) is
among the most important structures at the site. It is built on a base of 92 meters (300 feet)
by 73 meters (240 feet) made with mansard-type roofs and the walls were covered with priceless
stucco carvings of rulers, gods, and ceremonies that have taken place. It is believed to be the
administration area of the government of Palenque. In the ruins surrounding areas, you can go
hiking amongst dense jungle vegetation while appreciating the abundance of plant and animal
species that inhabit the Palenque National Park. There is another national park located
55 km (34 mi) from Palenque called Agua Azul waterfall, this waterfall consist of many
cataracts following one after another. The water is very blue and has a high mineral content.
About 6 km (4 mi) east of the archaeological zone and the national park lies the town of
Palenque, which offers everything you’ll need for your visit. You can find various
restaurants, cafes and bars where you can enjoy such delicious local cuisine while having
a pleasant evening. Thanks to the region’s steep landscape, Palenque offers many
jungle trails that lead to hills and mountains that provide excellent opportunities for
climbing, outdoor activities and ecotourism.
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History and Tradition around every corner:
The state capital of Chiapas is Tuxtla Gutierrez has a pleasant semi-humid climate. The
city itself is nestled in a valley among the mountains where you can find a blend of
various architectural styles, like neocolonial and contemporary, at some of its most
important historic buildings, such as the Catedral de San Marcos. At the
traditional parks you can listen the sounds of the marimba while you are looking for a
pleasant night out. If you are looking for more contemporary music you can visit the bars
in the city center. Near the city lies a town called Chiapa de Corzo, besides
visiting the ruins of a Mayan ceremonial center you can set out and explore the
Sumidero Canyon, one of the nation’s most impressive natural attractions is
occupied by an artificial lake which produces a large percentage of Mexico’s electricity.
In Chiapa’s central region, 85 km (53 mi) east of Tuxtla Gutierrez, lies San Cristobal
de las Casas. This city has beautiful urban designs; its buildings were restored using
a combination of abundant baroque-style details and local architectural elements, which
reflect the cultural heritage of ethnic groups that live in the surrounding areas. You
can discover impressive religious buildings like the Cathedral or the Templo de Santo
Domingo, next to it you can find an outdoor crafts and textile market perfect if you
wish to go shopping. San Cristobal is a quiet city, yet it has various places where you
can enjoy a night out. The main religious celebrations take place during Holy Week; another
important festivity is the Carnival of San Juan Chamula which is a town in San Cristobal’s
surrounding areas. If you are looking for outdoor recreational activities such as horseback
riding, hiking and mountain biking, you can visit Montebello Lagoons National Park,
a group of more than 60 gorgeous lagoons with turquoise-blue water and sinkholes surrounded
by forest.
Chiapas offers a diverse set of touring options in its territory. Traveling from one
destination to another is an experience as well, as many roads wind their way around
foreboding mountains, canyons and valleys. The government of Chiapas has worked hard
to give the state the adequate infrastructure to allow a better transportation so its
visitors can enjoy the different touristic areas. This is why, today, Chiapas presents
the best conditions to enjoy the warmth of its people, its traditions, its nature, its
archeological sites, and its colonial cities.
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