Location

Chiapas is located in the southeast of Mexico. Chiapas is bordered by the states of Tabasco to the north, Veracruz to the northwest, and Oaxaca to the west. To the east Chiapas borders Guatemala, and to the south the Pacific Ocean.

History

Chiapas was conquered by Spain in the early 16th century, and became part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, administered as part of the Kingdom of Guatemala (what is now Central America), administered from Santiago de Guatemala.

When Central America achieved its independence from Mexico in 1823, western Chiapas was annexed to Mexico. More of current day Chiapas was transferred after the disintegration of the Central American Federation in 1842, and the remainder of the current state taken from Guatemala in the early 1880s by President Porfirio Díaz.

Highlights

The state capital city is Tuxtla Gutiérrez; other cities and towns in Chiapas include:

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS

Characterized by its calm and hospitable atmosphere, coupled with an artistic and bohemian style.

The colonial streets lined with red-roof tiles and white-washed walls beg wanderers to explore the nooks and crannies; alleyways open up into pictorial arcades and plazas showing off their genuine colonial architecture and hosting churches, museums, cafés, resturants and artisan workshops, among other enchantments.

The city is situated at 7000 feet above sea level, in a lush green valley where the air is fresh and you can experience that unique clarity of highland light.

Although San Cristobal is the principal market town and commercial center in this area, it is also the best place from which to explore the surrounding indigenous villages and the magnificent natural beauty for which Chiapas is known.

COMITAN

Comitán de Domínguez is its full name, although it's most often referred to as just Comitán (koh-mee-TAN'), was first settled around 1527 by the Spanish, and is still largely undiscovered by most foreign visitors to Mexico's Chiapas region. Comitán is a good start to explore some of Chiapas' most breathtaking natural sightseeings.

The colonial city is made up of nine neighborhoods; an important reference to the city's ancient name: Balun Canun, which means place of the nine stars. The houses are simple but picturesque, with their painted wood doors, interior courtyard gardens and colonial balconies.

PALENQUE

In the Jungle of Chiapas, nestled on a densely wooded ridge, are the ancient ruins of Palenque, Mexico's most breath-taking archaeological park.

Chiapas is also home to the ancient Maya ruins such as Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Chinkultic, and Tonina.