Traveling in Chiapas

Of the thirty-one states in the Mexican republic, I have had the honor of visiting ten (and the Distrito Federal). The one state, however, that has captured my heart for the moment is definitely Chiapas.

The state of Chiapas as a whole is unique and diverse both culturally as well as naturally. It is the southern most state on the Pacific coast and shares its borders with Guatemala, the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, among others and is a stepping stone for visiting the popular Yucatan Peninsula. Chiapas is home to the Mayan people, their ruins and the revolutionary army the Zapatistas (www.ezln.org). The only remaining tract of tropical rain forest in North America is found in Chiapas as well as animals such as macaws, jaguars, tapirs and more. One can go from uninhabited coast to humid jungles to cool mountain villages in a matter of hours. Chiapas is an amazing place to go to see the "real" Mexico, not the beachy, spring break Mexico. Mexico finds some of its deepest roots in this exquisite and undiscovered southern region. Since Oaxaca is currently suffering from civil unrest, Chiapas makes a great and safe alternative.

Places of interest are San Cristobal de las Casas, the Mayan village of San Juan Chamula, the ruins of Palenque, and the Caribbean-like waters of Agua Azul. All of these places are very safe. You should not have the slightest worry about walking around San Cristobal, even at night. Obviously, using common sense always applies. No one should ever walk on a lowly-lit street at 3 o'clock in the morning with money falling out of their pockets, but generally the people are very friendly.

So, in the following posts I will offer a 7 night/8 day itinerary for visiting Chiapas. I understand that there are many different levels of traveling in terms of budget, so the first post will be for 2-3 star travelers and the second will be for 4 star travelers. They will be titled accordingly. The main difference between the two will be my suggestions for lodging and the means of transportation.