About Chiapas
Chiapas, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Chiapas, is one of the states that make up the 32 federal entities of Mexico. It comprises 124 municipalities as of September 2017 and its capital and largest city is Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Other important population centers in Chiapas include Ocosingo, Tapachula, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán, and Arriaga. Chiapas is the southernmost state in Mexico, and it borders the states of Oaxaca to the west, Veracruz to the northwest, and Tabasco to the north, and the Petén, Quiché, Huehuetenango, and San Marcos departments of Guatemala to the east and southeast. Chiapas has a significant coastline on the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.
Places to visit in Chiapas
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Palenque
Historic · 71 mi from centreThe ruins of a Maya city set against jungle-covered hills, known for its finely carved temples and palace. Arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and crowds, and stop at the site museum on the way out.
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Sumidero Canyon
Nature · 47 mi from centreA dramatic gorge with walls rising about a kilometer above the Grijalva River near Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Boat tours run from Chiapa de Corzo, while viewpoints along the rim road offer a very different perspective.
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San Cristóbal de las Casas
Neighborhood · 19 mi from centreA colonial highland town of pastel streets, churches and markets selling Indigenous textiles. Nights are cold at this altitude, so pack a jacket, and use the town as a base for visiting nearby villages.
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Agua Azul
Nature · 55 mi from centreA series of turquoise cascades and pools just off the road between Palenque and San Cristóbal. The color is best in the dry season; after heavy rain the water turns brown, so check conditions before going.
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Misol Há
Nature · 67 mi from centreA tall waterfall dropping into a round pool in the jungle near Palenque. A path leads behind the curtain of water, but it is slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and bring a dry bag for electronics.
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Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Park · 57 mi from centreA protected area of dozens of lakes in shades of blue and green, surrounded by pine forest near the Guatemalan border. Hire a local guide to see several lakes, as they are spread over a wide area.
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San Juan Chamula
Neighborhood · 23 mi from centreA Tzotzil Maya town near San Cristóbal, famous for a church where traditional rituals blend with Catholic practice. Photography inside the church is strictly forbidden, and you should always ask before photographing anyone in town.
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Toniná
Historic · 39 mi from centreA Maya site built on a terraced hillside near Ocosingo, topped by a tall acropolis of temples. It sees far fewer visitors than Palenque; the climb to the top is steep, so bring water and sun protection.
Things to do in Chiapas by type
47 tours, tickets and experiences across 6 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 13 experiences Cascadas de Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Palenque -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 11 experiences Agua Azul, Misolha and Palenque Archeologic Zone - In Spanish -
Art & culture 8 experiences Archaeological Zones Bonampak and Yaxchilan -
Day Trips & Excursions 6 experiences Agua Azul, Misol-ha and Palenque -
Specialist tours 5 experiences 3 Days / 2 Nights: Chiapas Essentials: Sumidero Canyon, Mayan Culture and Natural Wonders -
Gastronomy & nightlife 2 experiences Soluble Currency - In Spanish
- Over 6 hours 2
- Youth 23
- Families 22
- Couples 21
- Senior 18
- Adult only 1
Top experiences in Chiapas
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 47 available.
Cascadas de Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Palenque
From $106 per adult
Agua Azul, Misolha and Palenque Archeologic Zone - In Spanish
From $114 per adult
Montebello Lakes and El Chiflón - In Spanish
From $61 per adult
Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo in Spanish
From $56 per adult
Bonampark and Yaxchilan
From $186 per adult
Palenque Archaeological zone
From $63 per adult
Cañon Sumidero-Chiapa Corzo from San Cristobal
From $61 per adult
Las Nubes Waterfalls
From $122 per adult
San Cristobal-Amatenando-Chiflon-Lagos Montebello from San Cristobal
From $77 per adult
El Chiflón Waterfalls and the Lakes of Montebello - From San Cristobal
From $90 per adult
Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo
From $61 per adult
Palenque, Misolha and Agua Azul Tour in Spanish - From Palenque
From $110 per adult
Where to stay in Chiapas
Popular hotels in Chiapas, out of 154 properties you can book.
Ciudad Real Centro Historico
From $76 per night
Plaza Gallery Hotel and Boutique
From $157 per night
Ciudad Real Palenque
From $68 per night
Mansion del Valle
From $72 per night
Kinare San Cristóbal de las Casas
From $49 per night
Uvence Arte + Hotel
From $252 per night
Hotel Barrio Antiguo
From $68 per night
Marriott Tuxtla Gutierrez Hotel
From $72 per night
City Express By Marriott Comitan
From $74 per night
Hotel Jardines De Luz
From $45 per night
San Luis
From $37 per night
Hotel BO
From $272 per night
Best time to visit Chiapas
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chiapas is January and March, when average daytime highs are around 71–77°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Chiapas weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 69° 59° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 68° 58° 100%
- Fri 23 Oct 67° 52° 100%
- Sat 24 Oct 66° 51° 81%
- Sun 25 Oct 67° 49° 62%
- Mon 26 Oct 67° 50° 37%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_CityUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Chiapas
These are the airports closest to central Chiapas. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CJT Comitán Airport36 mi (58 km) from the city centre
- TGZ Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport38 mi (61 km) from the city centre
- PQM Palenque International Airport75 mi (121 km) from the city centre
Getting around Chiapas
The easiest way to get around within cities is probably by private car, taxi, or colectivo. Colectivos are small vans or buses that are very cheap and follow specific routes. The main destinations on the route of each colectivo are listed on the right side of its windshield, though it is sometimes hard to tell if it is really going your way. Asking the driver usually works, but don't expect him or her to speak English.
Chiapas travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Chiapas?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chiapas is January and March, when average daytime highs are around 71–77°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Chiapas?
May is usually the warmest month in Chiapas, with average highs of 77°F (25°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 52°F (11°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 518 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Chiapas?
Comitán Airport (CJT) is the closest airport, about 36 miles (58 km) from the centre of Chiapas. Other nearby airports include Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport (TGZ, 38 mi) and Palenque International Airport (PQM, 75 mi).
What currency is used in Chiapas?
Chiapas uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.
What time zone is Chiapas in?
Chiapas uses the America/Mexico_City time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Chiapas?
The easiest way to get around within cities is probably by private car, taxi, or colectivo. Colectivos are small vans or buses that are very cheap and follow specific routes.
What are the best places to visit in Chiapas?
Top sights in Chiapas include Palenque, Sumidero Canyon, San Cristóbal de las Casas and Agua Azul. The ruins of a Maya city set against jungle-covered hills, known for its finely carved temples and palace. Arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and crowds, and stop at the site museum on the way out.
What are the top things to do in Chiapas?
Popular experiences you can book in Chiapas include Cascadas de Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Palenque, Agua Azul, Misolha and Palenque Archeologic Zone - In Spanish and Montebello Lakes and El Chiflón - In Spanish. Destina Holidays offers 47 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Chiapas?
The most popular types of experiences in Chiapas are zoo, aquarium & nature (13), outdoor activities & adventure (11), art & culture (8) and day trips & excursions (6). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Chiapas?
Popular areas for hotels in Chiapas include San Cristobal, Palenque and Tuxtla Gutierrez. Well-reviewed options include Ciudad Real Centro Historico and Plaza Gallery Hotel and Boutique.
How many hotels can I book in Chiapas?
Destina Holidays currently lists 154 properties in and around Chiapas, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
