1-week roadtrip off-beaten tracks in Chiapas – Mexico

❤️ You never do things like the others and like your vacations off-beaten tracks ? You love authenticity and would like to live the true Mexican life ? You only have one week of vacation ?
Then you will love this itinerary ! Discover the beautiful Chiapas, a unique destination with many different places to see and stunning landscapes. 😍

Itinerary of this one week roadtrip in Chiapas

Cañón del Sumidero National Park > Sima of the Parrots > San Cristóbal de Las Casas > Cascada El Chiflón > Lagunas de Montebello National Park > Las Nubes > Lancaja > Palenque

🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Cañón del Sumidero National Park ?

First must-see of the region.

• From Tuxtla Gutierrez, go explore this UNESCO-listed national park. Get on a boat and wind through a geological falt with emerald water. Look for crocodiles from the river shore and vultures at the top of the cliff.

What to do in Sima of the Parrots ?

Get deep into nature. 

• Leave technologies behind you and go to the Sima de las Cotorras ecotourism center, a secluded place that is really worth seeing.
• Meet the locals and live their way in a unique place, on top of a 160 m / 525 ft wide and 140 m / 460 ft deep pit…
• Live n incredible experience from March to October : each morning thousands of green parakeets wake up singing and flying from the cliff’s cavities. A unique moment !
• Explorers, get a guide and go roping down the pit ! Enjoy a stunning moment, get deep into the pit and disappear in the jungle. Look up and you’ll be speechless …

What to do in San Cristóbal de Las Casas ?

THE Chiapas city to see.

• Get to know the local culture by explore the city’s markets. Buy local products at the busy mercado Castillo Tielmans where you can fresh fish, fruits and veggies. If you want handmade souvenirs, go to the « artesanias » market in  Santo Domingo.
• Discover San Juan de Chamula‘s main square and its cute colorful church.
• Discover the traditionnel weavers in Zinacantan their dexterity, patience and talent will leave you speechless.

What to do in Cascada El Chiflón ?

Vibrant blue waterfalls. 

• Near the city of  Comitan, stop by this whimsical place. Go explore the five waterfalls on a guided trail and enjoy the natural pools. A fantastic experience !
• For an even more authentic experience, get a guide and go to Las 3 Tzimoleras, 3 of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mexico. You will feel like you are the only one on Earth in this breath taking scenery !

What to do in Lagunas de Montebello National Park ?

A surprising national park. 

•  Montebello lakes. When the weather is cloudy, you will feel like you are in Canada with a cold breeze and pine forests. Admire the emerald green waters, lakes, get on a wooden raft and row in the middle of the lakes. A magical moment !

What to do in Las Nubes ?

The Rio Santo Domingo, vibrant blue river. 

• Walk on a guided trail and be amazed by the surrounding view !
• Spend the day enjoying this beautiful secluded place !

What to do in Lancaja ?

A night in the jungle.

• Fram from everything, at the border of Guatemala, discover selva lacandona.
• Meet indigenous tribes still living in the jungle.
• When the sun is rising, take a walk in the forest or get a guide to discover the medicinal plants while listening to the toucans singing. An unforgettable experience !

What to do in Palenque ?

Start from here to discover the impressive Maya temples. 

• Live an amazing experience : get deep into the abundant jungle and discover the line up temples ! Visit this classical Maya period in the middle of the tropical forest, a precious moment ! Take the time in front of the America’s most famous funeral monument : el Templo de Las Inscripciones ! Discover this Maya architectural gem, 8 floors and 25 m / 82 ft of stairs leading to several small rooms. Walk up to the back of the site and you will come upon el Acropolis Sur, the acropolis where archeologists recently made amazing discoveries. Right next to it, explore el Grupo de las Cruces, an exceptional pyramidal temple.
• A few kilometres/miles outside of the city, discover the vibrant blue waterfalls of Missel Ha et Agual Azul. Take a dip in this outstanding setting !

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !