For those who have had the opportunity to travel through Mexico, exploring every corner of it, the state of Chiapas is a must-see, due to the natural beauty of its scenery, the cultural richness of its cities, its fascinating archaeological remains, and the variety and color of its exquisite cuisine.

If you haven’t yet visited this beautiful state, here’s a broad overview of several places to visit in Chiapas.

First, we’ll start with the state capital, so below you’ll find out what to do in Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

Best Activities in Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Probably one of the most emblematic places in Chiapas is the imposing Sumidero Canyon.. There are two ways to enjoy this wonderful landscape sculpted by nature. The first is on a small boat that will take you along the river, admiring the local flora and fauna. There are several tours that offer this option; in the end, it all comes down to your budget and what you want to see.

The second option is to book a tour to climb Sumidero Canyon and hike the viewpoints, where you can admire breathtaking views from above.

Another option that you can’t miss is to visit the Coffee Museum. Given Chiapas’ fame as a coffee producer, here you can learn every detail about the production process, participate in a tasting, and purchase some to take home and enjoy a delicious cup, while its aroma takes you back to the beautiful corners of Chiapas.

A perfect family activity is a visit to the Miguel Álvarez del Toro Zoo, a space that brings together a wide variety of endemic species, such as big cats, spider monkeys, colorful birds, fascinating insects, and much more.

Best Activities in Tapachula

Located in the southernmost part of Chiapas and bordering Guatemala, Tapachula is of great commercial importance to the state due to its production of coffee, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. However, it also has much to offer to the tourism sector, with a wide variety of attractions; therefore, below we will present some options to do in Tapachula.

How about starting with an archaeological tour?For history and exploration lovers, the Izapa archaeological site is located here; a vast site that some attribute to the transition period between the Olmec and Mayan cultures, built around 1500 BC.

We recommend taking this tour with a specialized guide, as it covers a vast expanse of land, and among its more than 160 buildings and 250 sculptures, some are still covered by nature.

Another great option when looking for what to do in Tapachula is to visit the Church of San Agustín, where you can admire the beautiful neoclassical architecture and numerous works of art. This short tour is available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Some of the other best excursions in Tapachula include the banana route, the Tacaná volcano with its impressive views from over 4,100 meters above sea level, the peaceful Pozuelos lagoon, or the extensive beaches of Boca del Cielo.

Other Must-See Destinations in Chiapas

The beauty found in every corner of Chiapas makes this state a place you’ll want to return to again and again, as there’s so much to see that it’s impossible to explore all its attractions in a single vacation.

We’ve mentioned just a couple of destinations here, but a savvy explorer knows there are also plenty of things to do in Chiapa de Corzo, in colonial cities like San Cristóbal de las Casas, as well as in one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan culture. You’ll also be interested in exploring Palenque, Chiapas.