5 Magical Places In Chiapas
South of Mexico is one of the richest states in culture and nature: Chiapas. There is no doubt that spending a vacation in this region will mark a before and after in your life. In this article we show you some of the magical places that you cannot miss during your stay.
Live the magic of Chiapas
Today we will take a tour of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas where you can breathe traditions, antiquity and history at every step. These are the magical sites that we recommend:
1. San Cristóbal de las Casas
In the middle of the fertile valley, surrounded by mountains, this small town is located and home to aboriginal groups who are direct descendants of the Mayans, among them the Tzeltales and the Tzotziles. In addition, San Cristóbal is one of the cities in the country that best conserves colonial buildings.
It was “discovered” by tourists in the 70s and since then it has been visited every year to learn about its customs. The best time to go to San Cristóbal de las Casas is the week after Easter, when the “Spring and Peace Fair” takes place, a great festival with various activities.
2. Palenque
It is in the northwest of the state, in the middle of a tropical jungle and 220 kilometers from San Cristóbal. In the vicinity of Palenque archaeological remains of the Mayan culture have been found, so it is impossible not to visit it.
The city was founded in 1567 by Fray Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada. This same man gave three bells as a symbol of the incipient town, but only the largest is preserved, in the main church.
However, the history of Palenque began much earlier. It is believed that the area was already populated in 100 BC Among the most prominent attractions are the Temple of the Inscriptions and the Set of Crosses (with a temple of the sun included).
3. Chiapa de Corzo
It is a small city in the center of Chiapas and was originally populated by the Soctona tribe, who had to endure the siege of the Mayans and Aztecs and was the only ethnic group that during the arrival of the Spanish did not surrender. It is said that the leader of the Soctona, Sanguiene, is still alive in a ceibo tree where he was hanged.
In January, a very interesting festival takes place in Chiapa de Corzo: the traditional dance of the parachicos. A festival declared a World Heritage Site.
4. San Juan Chamula
Magic and mystique are present in this beautiful town of Chiapas, which maintains its customs as it has been for centuries. Carnival is one of the best times to visit San Juan. But be careful, that the festival is based on the ancient Mayan calendar and not on the Gregorian (although it more or less coincides because it is celebrated for 5 days in February).
In the center you can visit the chapel of the authorities, the church (photography is prohibited), the Pascuala house (where looms are made) and the cemetery without tombstones but with colored crosses.
5. Committee of Domínguez
It is a city that combines the colonial with the indigenous and since it is outside the “known circuits” by tourists, it is usually left aside. Therefore, you can walk through its streets without running into so many visitors. During your stay in Comitán de Domínguez you will learn a lot about traditions, aboriginal culture and local customs.
In the center of the city is the church of Santo Domingo, built between the 16th and 17th centuries. On February 10 the most important festival of the town is celebrated, in honor of San Caralampio.
In addition, excursions to the Mayan ruins and archaeological sites of Chinkultic and Tenam Puente depart from this place. In the first one, you will be able to see its acropilis from the top of a hill, since it is not completely excavated yet.
Beyond the DF, Cancun or Riviera Maya, Mexico has a lot to offer you. Do not hesitate to visit Chiapas, you will be amazed at the perfect mix between the Aztec and Mayan world and the Catholic and Spanish buildings.
