Chiapas

Chiapas is a state in southeastern Mexico bordering Guatemala, renowned for its lush jungles, Maya ruins and vibrant Indigenous cultures. Its capital is Tuxtla Gutierrez, while San Cristobal de las Casas is its cultural heart. Mountainous and biodiverse, it is one of Mexico's most culturally rich regions.

Chiapas ranges from a Pacific coastal plain up through the Sierra Madre mountains to highland valleys and the Lacandon rainforest. It features dramatic canyons, waterfalls and abundant biodiversity. The climate ranges from tropical to temperate highland.

Chiapas has one of Mexico's largest Indigenous populations, with many Maya communities preserving their languages, dress and traditions. San Cristobal is a colonial highland town famed for its markets, crafts and spirited culture.

Home to the great Maya city of Palenque, Chiapas was once part of Guatemala before joining Mexico in 1824. In 1994 it became known worldwide for the Zapatista uprising advocating Indigenous rights.