TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Top 5 I
Experiences in Chiapas, Mexico
f you are looking for somewhere really different to visit, but close to Costa Rica, the southernmost state of Chiapas, Mexico should be top on your list. It’s a land of contrasts, from high cool pine forests, charming colonial cities and delicious food to epic natural sites and the amazing history, culture and ancient ruins of the Maya. Plus, Mexico is an easy place to travel, and prices are only about a third of what you find in Costa Rica.
Story and photos by Tom Schultz There is so much to discover — a lot to fit in. But here are the best things to do when you visit Chiapas, broken into our top five groupings of experiences. Plan on at least a week to 10 days to see them all, to savor the many flavors of Chiapas. 1 Visit the Pueblo Mágicos Mexico bestows the title of Pueblo Mágico to special towns that contain unique and ancient culture and architecture. There are several in Chiapas that you must see.
COOL PLACES
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristóbal de las Casas This is the biggest tourist town and cultural center in Chiapas, a wonderful 500-year-old colonial town. Sadly, it was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake in 2017. The rebuilding and reconstruction of the ancient baroque churches continue to this day. Shops, ancient cathedrals, Mayan influence and restaurants with food beyond belief make it one of the top places in Mexico to spend a couple of days walking around through its many neighborhoods.