Explore Chiapas
where | getting there | general information | links | photos
Chiapas is the southernmost state in Mexico, bordering Guatemala.
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(Maps were designed and contributed by Jenna Hall, a very creative 11th grade student of Spanish in 2005) |
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By Air: Flights are available from major Mexican cities to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital. From the airport in Tuxtla, vans are sometimes available for the hour and a quarter drive up into the mountains to San Cristobal de las Casas. Otherwise, taxis from the airport can be shared.
Lately Continental Airlines has a twice a week flight from Houston to Tuxtla Gutierrez.While this saves navigating the airport in Mexico City, it is sometimes difficult to find dates that correspond to your itinerary.
Another option is to fly to Villahermosa….there is a direct flight from Houston. This necesitates a longer bus ride (seven hours) but also goes through Palenque, worth a stop of a day or two to see the stunning archeological site.
CAUTION: If you are prone to motion sickness, remember your ginger, your wrist pads or whatever works for you. The road from Palenque is about five hours non-stop of curves.
By bus: Overnight buses provide an interesting experience from other points in Mexico. From Oaxaca, the bus takes about 11 hours. Buses in Mexico are comfortable and a good value. They have bathrooms and movies. If you can afford it, buy two seats, take an inflatable pillow, and you’ll find it manageable, if not fun.
Some information on San Cristobal and Chiapas
Chiapas is the poorest state in Mexico in terms of per capita income, but it is rich in water and minerals. It also has incredible natural beauty. The city of San Cristobal de las Casas is located over 6000 feet high in the mountains. Cornfields climb up near vertical slopes in mist covered ravines. There are wonderful archeological sites, such as Toniná near the town of Ocosingo, and Palenque, considered by many to be the most sublime of Maya ruins.
San Cristobal de las Casas enjoys a temperate climate. It is a city eminently suitable for walking. There is much to experience: the architecture and colorful houses, the markets full of weavings and handicrafts, the delicious food, and culturally fascinating villages.
To learn more about San Cristobal and Chiapas, please visit:
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- Creations in clay in Amatenango/ Unos ejemplares de cerámica en Amatenango
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- Blouses in the market/Unas blusas en el mercado
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- View of Sumidero Canyon/Una vista del cañon de Sumidero
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- The cathedral at night/La catedral por la noche
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- The door of the church in San Juan Chamula/La puerta de la iglesia de San Juan Chamula
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- The traditional dress of men from the village of San Juan Chamula/ El traje tradicional de los hombres del pueblo de San Juan Chamula
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- The Chiflón waterfall/La Cascada de Chiflón
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- Creative house colors/Los colores creativos de las casas
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- Colorful San Cristóbal/Los colores brillantes de San Cristóbal
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- A Maya cemetery/Un cementerio Maya
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- The newly restored facade of Santo Domingo/ La facada renovada de la iglesia Santo Domingo
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- The impressive ruins of Toniná/Las ruinas impresionantes de Toniná
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- The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico/ La Virgen de Guadalupe es la santa patrona de México