Hidden Gems in Chiapas: Off the Beaten Path Destinations
Today, I’ll be sharing some of my favourite hidden gems in Chiapas.
Chiapas is one of Mexico’s most culturally rich and scenically beautiful regions. Known for its vibrant traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and strong Indigenous heritage, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
I spent over a month in Chiapas and explored the region pretty extensively. Whether you want to hike through lush forests, visit remote Indigenous villages, or laze on empty paradise beaches, this post is for you.
Need help planning your next trip? Hire me as your Personal Travel Planner!
Beyond Chiapas’s Typical Tourist Trail
While popular sites like Palenque and San Cristóbal de las Casas attract plenty of visitors, there’s so much more to explore in this remarkable state.
Venture into its lesser-known areas, and you’ll find peaceful spots to connect with nature, Indigenous communities with ancient traditions, and memories you won’t find in any guidebook.
My Favourite Hidden Gems in Chiapas
1. Cascadas Roberto Barrios
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Located fairly near the famous ruins of Palenque, Cascadas Roberto Barrios is a series of pristine turquoise waterfalls surrounded by thick forest.
And, unlike the more popular Agua Azul, Roberto Barrios remains relatively quiet and untouched.
The waterfalls cascade over limestone rocks, creating natural pools where you can swim or simply cool off.
The surrounding jungle adds to the sense of seclusion and tranquillity. You’ll likely have much of the area to yourself.
2. Boca del Cielo
Boca del Cielo, or “Mouth of Heaven,” is a tiny coastal village on the Pacific coast of Chiapas. With its long, empty beaches and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a perfect offbeat coastal retreat.
The village is situated on a narrow strip of land between a lagoon and the ocean.
Accommodation in Boca del Cielo is basic. Think wooden huts, palapas on the beach, and saltwater showers – but that’s part of the charm.
Life here is simple and slow-paced. You can relax in a hammock, swim in the warm ocean, drink a cocktail, and feast on freshly caught seafood at a rustic beachfront restaurant.
It’s a chance to disconnect and unwind. And hardly anyone knows about it. But now you do.
3. San Juan Chamula
Just a short drive from San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Juan Chamula is a Tzotzil Maya village.
With its unique blend of Catholic and Indigenous traditions, this village offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The main attraction is the church. Pine needles carpet the floor, with candles arranged in circles on the flagstones.
People sit in groups, chanting and sometimes sacrificing a live chicken or two. Coca-Cola plays a role. It’s strange, hypnotising, and unlike anything you’ve probably seen before.
Photography inside the church is strictly prohibited, and it’s important to be respectful of local customs while visiting.
San Juan Chamula is a fascinating and unforgettable experience that offers a window into the living traditions of these Maya people.
4. Parque Natural El Encuentro
For a peaceful escape into nature, head to Parque Natural El Encuentro, located on the outskirts of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
This natural reserve is a favourite spot for locals looking to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The park is crisscrossed with hiking trails that wind through pine forests and offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
It’s the perfect place for a leisurely hike or a picnic. You won’t see many other tourists here, but it’s a hidden gem well worth exploring.
5. Grutas Del Mamut & Centro Ecoturistico Grutas Del Mamut
Close to Parque Natural El Encuentro, the Grutas del Mamut (Mammoth Caves) offer a unique underground adventure.
This network of limestone caves is part of the Centro Ecoturístico Grutas del Mamut, an eco-tourism centre.
Inside the caves, you’ll find impressive stalactites and stalagmites. You can visit independently, and there are guided tours that take you even deeper into this mesmerising place – although I didn’t do this.
Either way, it’s an interesting place to visit. Just be aware that the caves may close during heavy rains, so check ahead before planning your trip.
Above ground, the eco-tourism centre offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and peaceful views of the surrounding countryside.
How Long Do You Need in Chiapas?
Chiapas is a destination that rewards slow travel. To fully experience its hidden gems and iconic sights, I’d recommend spending at least ten days in the region.
This gives you enough time to explore both the major attractions and the off-the-beaten-path spots.
No matter how long you stay, take the time to explore these lesser-known places. They’ll give you a deeper appreciation of Chiapas’ incredible landscapes and distinct local cultures.
FAQs About Visiting Chiapas
When is the best time to visit Chiapas?
The best time to visit Chiapas is during the dry season (November to April), when the weather is mild and pleasant, with less rainfall and clear skies. Remote areas may be less accessible during the rainy season.
How do I get around Chiapas?
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Chiapas, giving you the freedom to visit remote destinations at your own pace. Alternatively, local buses and colectivos (shared vans) are affordable and efficient ways to get around – although departures tend to be less frequent to more off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Is Chiapas safe to visit?
On the whole, Chiapas is a fairly safe place to visit, as long as you keep your wits about you. There are certain areas that you should avoid (such as Federal Highway 199 from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque via Ocosingo), but most destinations are fine to visit. Indigenous protests and roadblocks can occasionally disrupt travel on rural routes. Check local travel advisories before departure.
Final Thoughts
Chiapas is a breathtaking region filled with hidden gems. Take your time exploring this unique part of Mexico. You will be well rewarded.
Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, stepping off the beaten path will let you connect with Chiapas on a deeper level. It’s a really exciting, undiscovered region – enjoy it!
If you need more help planning the perfect Chiapas itinerary, let me know!
Essential Travel Resources
🛏️ Book cheap hotels
I always use Booking.com to find the best hotel deals. Vrbo is great for short-term apartments.
🚗 Find cheap rental cars
Check both Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to find cheap rental cars.
🌍 Book the best tours
Viator and GetYourGuide have a huge selection of tours in virtually every destination worldwide.
✈️ Find cheap flights
I use a combination of Skyscanner and Google Flights to find cheap flights.
📱 eSIMs
Airalo is my favourite travel eSIM provider – I’ve used it in over 10 countries and really rate it. So much easier than buying physical SIM cards when you travel!
🚑 Do I need travel insurance?
YES! Never travel without adequate travel insurance. It’s just not worth the risk.
• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, SafetyWing is super flexible and affordable. You can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and activate and deactivate it whenever you need to. I’ve made several claims in the last few years and thoroughly recommend this company.
• World Nomads – for adventurous travellers, covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as skydiving, heli-skiing, rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here).
💻 Do I need a VPN?
YES! Always use a VPN when using public WiFi (in airports, cafes, hotels, stations, etc.). This helps protect your personal information and also bypasses internet censorship and restrictions in certain countries. I use NordVPN and highly recommend it.
