A road trip across Chiapas is one of the best ways to enjoy the incredible scenery, epic waterfalls and stunning landscapes that the state of Chiapas has to offer.
Whether you’re a few days or a few weeks Chiapas has so many wonderful areas to explore.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan you’re own Chiapas road trip.
Where to start your Chiapas road trip?
Tuxtla Gutierrez will be our starting point for this Chiapas road trip.
You will most likely fly into the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport (TGZ) and pick up your rental car. Make sure you do your research on your rental cars as all companies require liability insurance and usually wont include those rates in the initial quote. Dont be like me and show up to be disappointed that your rate was triple the cost your were quoted.
Tuxtla has some great sites to see such as
- Parque de la Marimba
- Museo Del Cafe
- Catedral de San Marcos
Stop #1
Cascada El Aguacero
Cascada El Aguacero might be off the beaten path and one of the lesser known waterfalls, which in my opinion makes it even more reason to visit! Cascada El Aguacero is about a 1 hour drive from Tuxtla. Please note that you will need to drive down a bumpy dirt road and trek 750 stairs down to these epic falls.
I wrote everything you need to know about visit these falls here
Stop #2
Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa De Corzo
Start day 2 off with a breath taking boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon. This Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon through Mexico and is truly incredible to journey through.
You can also admire the canyon from above by driving to the top, Make sure you know the difference when entering your location in your map and not make the same mistake I did!
To take a boat tour, there are many tour operators on the Embarcadero Cahuaré Cañón del Sumidero that you can organize on the spot. You may have to wait as they will likely wait for other passengers to fill the boat up.
Once you complete your tour make sure you take a stroll through Chiapa de Corzo. Here are the top things to see:
- Fountain La Pila
- Marimba Museum
- San Sebastian Church ruins
- Eat and sop at the local Mercado
Stop #3
San Cristobal de las Casas
While I wish we spent more time in this little town, San Cristobal de las Casas has so much to see. This is also a great hub to take day trips if you dont feel like driving to more of the remote places I will be sharing in this post.
Here are some top things to see:
- Stroll the Calle Real de Guadalupe
- Visit the colorful churches
- Hike up to Iglesia San Cristobalito
- Go on a free walking tour of the city
- Wonder the Zocalo
- Hike Cerro Don Lauro
Stop #4
Agua Azul and Misol Ha Waterfalls
Agua azul meaning blue water and you will see why with bright aqua waters that will wow you.
You can take a day trip to Agua azul from San Cristobal de la Casas, however I do suggest exploring on your own if you are comfortable as it will give you a chance to explore without the big crowds the tour groups can bring.
Agua azul has different levels starting with a swimming pool and your first viewing deck.
They also have an upper deck with another viewing deck and more pools, which I found to be less busy.
Your next stop will be Misol Ha. While, I did not have time to see these falls, they are very close and I regret missing them!
Stop #5
Palenque
Your next stop will be the Mayan ruins of Palenque. These massive ruins will make you feel so small. We spent the day climbing and exploring these gardens.
I do suggest spending the night in Palenque as the drive is about 60 miles from San Cristobal and most likely you will want to separate your time between the waterfalls and ruins.
I stayed at the hotel La Aldea del Halach Huinic and would recommend this place to you. I loved the jungle feel and its so close to the ruins!
Stop #6
Las Nubes and Lagos de Montebello
Continuing on to the jungly area the Lacandon Jungle of Lagos de Montibello. This area quickly became one of my favorite stops of the entire trip. This area is quite big and I do suggest giving yourself 1-2 full days to explore.
Here are some of the top spots:
- Las Nubes Waterfalls
- Lago Pojoj – Make sure to rent a wooden raft and explore the lake
- Lago Tziscao
- Montebello Lake
- Lagunas de Colores
- Cinco Lagos
- Lago Internacional – Make sure to foot cross into Guatemala!
Stop #7
El Chiflon Waterfalls
Saving the best for last with the Chiflon waterfalls. On this hike you will find 5 incredible waterfalls.
This area also has zip lining and camping!
I hope this post has inspired you to visit the incredible Chiapas Mexico!
xoxo,
Jacqueline
