It is shocking how underrated Chiapas Mexico attractions are. The southernmost state in Mexico is one of the most beautiful regions I have visited in North America. Not only is Chiapas home of one of the largest indigenous populations in the country, but it is also Mexico’s breadbasket. A culturally and naturally rich destination, sprinkled with high sierras, deep canyons, traditional indigenous villages, and off-the-beaten-path Maya ruins.

Of all places I’ve visited on four different Mexico holidays, this region was the most surprising. While I still have much to explore, I’m thrilled to share with you my top 5 things to do in Chiapas.

My Top 5 Chiapas Mexico Attractions

Sumidero Canyon National Park

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Known as Cañón del Sumidero in Spanish, this spectacular national park features gorges that go as deep as 250 meters – in addition to towering peaks reaching up to 1000 meters above sea level.

The 21,789-hectare protected area is a must visit in Chiapas not only because of its topography, but also due to its flora and fauna. Sumidero is, in fact, one of the most biodiverse canyons in the continent.

Its relative proximity to the Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ) airport means a boat trip through this national park is doable shortly after your flight. I highly recommend it, as it was one of the highlights of my trip!

Ancient Maya City of Palenque

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Pre-Columbian cities such as Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza may overshadow it, but the Maya city of Palenque is impressive in its own right.

Although this ancient archaeological zone already boasts some of the best preserved Mayan ruins in Mexico, it is believed that over 90% of its total area remains either underground or swallowed by the jungle. We can only imagine what treasures still lie beneath, dating from circa 226 BC to A.D. 799…

Colonial San Cristobal de Las Casas

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Over 90% of Chiapas state’s population may live in this picturesque colonial city, but that doesn’t take away from its intrinsic charm.

Founded in 1528 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Mazariegos, San Cristobal de Las Casas is a history buff’s dream. Its pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, Spanish-style interior patios, and terra-cotta rooftops will transport you to a different era.

I stayed at Hotel Casa Vieja, a converted convent run by a local family. I enjoyed impeccable service, a strategic location, gorgeous architecture, and à la carte breakfast. I felt like I was living in the 18th century for a few days!

Agua Azul

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There was nothing more refreshing than a visit to the rain forest after a long day of hiking.

As its Spanish name suggests, Agua Azul is a group of bright sky-blue waterfalls. They rush from the Chiapas highlands, cutting through big boulders downstream. At the bottom of the river, a few natural pools form as well, making it a safe place to take a dip.

Do keep in mind though that if you visit during the rainy season like I did, Agua Azul will be more like “agua chocolate.” Still, it is a great pit stop on your way to Palenque.

Misol-Ha Waterfall

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Speaking of pit stops between Chiapas and Yucatán: Misol-Ha is another beautiful waterfall worth visiting. It is located about 12.4 miles from Palenque, on the way to San Cristobal de Las Casas, in the Salto de Agua municipality. The site is equipped with facilities, from cabins and a restaurant to guided tours.

I stopped at Misol-Ha on my way from Chiapas to Quintana Roo, so I just spent an hour or two there. Fair warning: don’t approach it if you don’t want to get wet like I did! You’ll be soaked after walking over the bridge leading to the waterfall.

It’s so worth it though, as you can see from the video above. Walking behind a raging waterfall is an incredible experience.

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Know of any other interesting things to do in Chiapas? Comment below!

One of the Yucatan attractions I was looking forward to the most was swimming with Holbox whale sharks. While I’ve been lucky to have a variety of incredible marine creature encounters as a PADI Rescue Diver, I had yet found these gentle giants in the wild–until the Gulf of Mexico called.

Holbox whale sharks photo by KarmaTrails.com

Swimming with Whale Sharks: First, My Urban Legend

I first heard story of swimming with whale sharks thousands of miles away, in Koh Tao, Thailand. There, divers daydream of meeting the elusive whale-like creatures, spotted sporadically beneath the waters of the majestic Chumphon Pinnacle, on a daily basis.

I found tiny box fishes, rare octopuses, dancing shrimp, and even several barracuda vortexes–but not whale sharks. Not even a baby one.

It wasn’t my time yet.

Back in 2015, I thought I could only encounter the largest fish in the world in deep waters. It wasn’t until I researched further that I found out these filter feeders mainly munch on plankton lurking in the surface.

I had to, literally, go with the flow.

Following the currents

That mini investigation taught me two vital facts. First, whale sharks love the tropics–they are rarely spotted in waters below 72°F. Second, their main source of food (plankton) is moved around by the ocean’s major currents.

Gee, what urban legend?! I didn’t even have to dive to find them!

It was then that Mexico called. Again.

The owner of Karma Trails was one of my partners in the first press trip I took to Playa Del Carmen. Earlier this summer, he reached out to me to see if I could explore more of the Yucatan Peninsula with his knowledgeable local guides.

“Only if I can swim with whale sharks. That’s one of your Holbox tours, right?”

I could feel him smiling from his computer monitor.

Where to swim with whale sharks in Mexico? HOLBOX!

Tale of the Holbox Whale Sharks

Whale sharks have lurked the waters around Holbox Island for many years, frightening local fishermen. We can’t blame them: it’s hard to believe the largest non-mammal vertebrate in the world, averaging between 33 to 40 feet long, isn’t a threat to humans.

Still, the Mexican fishermen didn’t bother them. Eventually, word spread out: giant creatures come to the same patch of the Gulf of Mexico between May and September (with higher concentrations between mid-July and August), every year.

Hundreds of them.

BOOM: Holbox was put on the map.

Not only did I swim with Holbox whale sharks, but also beside a GIANT MANTA! 😀

Holbox Island: The Paradise I Got to Know

Going with the flow paid off. Colorful murals, charming bamboo-and-palapa architecture, scores of seafood, and some of the calmest Latinos I’ve met…Holbox is a speck of paradise I’m glad I got to know.

Despite its proximity to the Yucatan Peninsula, Holbox retains a laid-back vibe due to the lack of infrastructure. Thus, getting there can be time-consuming. A three-hour drive from most resorts to Chiquila, the only port of departure; a 20-min. ferry ride through the Gulf; and no paved roads upon arrival make it quite the journey.

Add to that a 2+ hour boat ride each way to find the plankton and pods of whale sharks…

This is where the locals’ advice really came in handy: stay a minimum of two days to make any Holbox tour worth it!

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Is swimming with Holbox whale sharks on your bucket list?

Special thanks to Karma Trails for booking my Holbox transfer, fabulous Holbox Dream Hotel, and unforgettable swim with whale sharks. I was not paid for positive reports, however, so all opinions and research facts on this article were independently written–on my own.

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Are you wondering which are the best Mayan ruins to visit from Playa Del Carmen, Cancun or Merida? I had the same dilemma when visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for the fifth time last month. There were some Mayan cities I wanted to visit again because I loved them so much…

YET,  there were many more I had yet explored! So what to do?!

Given that I’m obsessed with carvings and ancient art, it was all about analyzing the size and amount of detail found at each Mayan site. Moreover, I had to take into consideration distances between cities I would overnight in.

After taking all these elements into consideration, I built the following list of Mayan ruins. They are in order of my personal must-sees, so add these to your Mexico itinerary first!

Top Mayan Ruins to Visit from Playa Del Carmen, Cancun or Merida

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Uxmal

If you can go on just one of the Yucatan tours I booked,  I tell you right now: make it Uxmal, one of the most important pre-Hispanic towns in Latin America!

Founded in 700 A.D., Uxmal tops the list of the most important Mayan ruins in Mexico–along with Palenque, Chichen Itza, and Calakmul. I easily compare it to Italian Florence, both because of its historical importance and beautiful art found throughout.

The intricate carvings and unique decorated moldings, roofs, and open plazas are absolutely breathtaking. So much detail and scale! It is, hands-down, my favorite Mayan city.

There’s simply no comparison to Uxmal in my eyes, artistically speaking.

Just 62 km south of Merida, I explored Uxmal with Karma Trails as one of my excursions from the aforementioned capital city of Yucatan. However, it can also be seen on a full, action-packed day from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen. Prepare to walk and climb a lot!

Chichen Itza

I had visited Chichen Itza both by public transport and a big tour company in the past…and my experiences weren’t the best. Gosh, is Chichen Itza crowded–but so worth it still.

The top trick here is to book a private tour and request your operator to get you there by opening time.

Another reason I think this is the best travel hack to visit Yucatan’s most popular Mayan ruins? Neither did I nor the big tour company went to explore the central area of Chichen Itza. It wasn’t until my local Karma Trails guide took me on my third visit that I saw this beautiful, ornate area of the ancient city.

Namely, this central area became my new favorite.

Geez, what I had been missing! Third time’s a charm: I could finally appreciate the variety of architectural styles present at the impressive ruins of the Terminal Classic period (AD 800–900).

Private homes of Mayan nobility, with deep reliefs and intricate art, popped in front of my eyes. Better yet? We pretty much had the central area of Chichen Itza to ourselves, as many tourists and companies skip it altogether.

The stunning carvings of #EkBalam Temple! VISIT➡bit.ly/undermexico for my Mexico trip w/ Karma Trails . MORE ???????? trip ideas here→bit.ly/karmatrails . More photos + videos await @ latinabroad.com ;D . Follow me LIVE! CLICK the circle pic on my bio Plus! ADD ME on Snapchat➡Latinabroad . Are YOU a Latino traveling as well? TAG your travel photos # latinabroad for a chance to be featured / reshared on my feed! . .

A photo posted by Maria Alexandra (@latinabroad) on Jul 31, 2016 at 5:57am PDT

Ek Balam

You all know I have a soft spot for Ek Balam: the first Mayan city I visited that wasn’t exclusively made out of rock.

Skillfully-carved stucco, mixed with rock inscriptions and paintings, give the site a unique color palette and design I had not seen at other Mayan sites.

My second visit was equally fulfilling. It was nice to take a deeper look at the detail of the Jaguar Temple carvings and jaw-dropping jungle surrounding it.

Many travelers are surprised when they find out this was the seat of the Mayan kingdom between the Preclassic and Postclassic periods, too.

A.k.a. you can’t miss this if you are in the area!

Given its relatively-compact size, it is easy to combine Ek Balam with a visit to Chichen Itza in one day. Wake up early to enjoy these contrasting Mayan ruins–the differences are a joy to appreciate.

Alternatively, you could book the Rio Lagartos Ek Balam tour I enjoyed on my first Playa Del Carmen trip–specially if you’re a nature lover.

Tulum

It was tough to decide whether to recommend Tulum or Coba first. Assuming you go to either Uxmal, Chichen Itza, and Ek Balam, you should definitely head to Tulum for a change of scenery.

Not only was the pre-Columbian walled city built in a different period altogether, but it also managed to thrive approximately 70 years post-Spanish occupation!

Moreover, these coastal Mayan ruins are surrounded by the most intense turquoise-colored waters you’ve ever seen in your life.

So historical ruins AND a beach day?! These elements definitely make Tulum another fun day trip from Playa Del Carmen or Cancun!

Oh & did I mention there are many cenotes you can dive into in the Tulum region?

They look something like this:

Indeed: GO FOR IT

Coba

Lastly, you could visit the ancient Maya city of Coba. While it was the least impressive site I visited, Coba houses one of the few Mayan pyramids you can still climb in Mexico.

And that main pyramid in Coba is quite a steep, and exhilarating, climb for all.

If you have extra time or happen to be a history fanatic like myself, you will appreciate some elements. Namely, the many engraved stelae and inscriptions documenting ceremonial Mayan life in the Late Classic Period (AD 600–900).

Which are your favorite Mayan ruins in the Yucatan?

Special thanks to Karma Trails for taking me on a deep exploration of these wonderful Mayan sites and other underrated Mexican attractions! More from this trip soon 😉

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How fun my trip to Mexico was! As expected, it was lively and action-packed. From the peaceful rural towns in Chiapas to the lively cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen--they all share a rich cultural tapestry, woven together with threads that have grown, frayed, and changed over centuries. To delve a little bit deeper, I invited guest writer Megan Taylor to describe some unique Mexican customs and traditions.

Like its people, certain foods and events can be interestingly eclectic and colorful. Check them out below while I write more articles and details about my trip to Mexico in the coming week 😉

Unique Mexican Customs and Traditions

Day of the Dead bread

In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a day of remembrance at the end of October, oor locals honor friends and family members who have passed away. Many events take place across Mexico during the season, but Cancun, Mexico’s party capital, puts on an elaborate show not to be missed..

In the days leading up to the celebration, families get together to make and bake pan de muerto: a sweet bread that is traditionally eaten during a picnic at a loved one’s grave on the Day of the Dead.

Family always comes first

Like in many other Latin American countries, family is extremely important in Mexican culture. The values of respect and responsibility are crucial to the way of life.

Typically, Mexican families are quite large–with the concepts of responsibility extending as far as second cousins. You will sometimes find that families live within the same neighborhood too, although this is a changing custom as people adapt to a more contemporary lifestyle.

Tequila

Tequila is the drink most people think of when they think of Mexico. For once, it is a truthful stereotypes: tequila is something Mexicans are immensely proud of. Its production predates colonial rule and so it represents the very essence of Mexican culture, history and nature.

So yes, I will still preach to the choir: take a shot!

Mexican hat dance by Sage Ross, Creative Commons

The Mexican Hat Dance

Jarabe Tapatío, known as The Mexican Hat Dance in English, is a traditional Mexican dance representing the courtship between a man and a woman.

Fun fact: the dance was banned during the colonial era. Upon Mexican Independence though, many people started to celebrate it more openly by holding fiestas and performing the dance upon Mexican independence. This made the Mexican Hat Dance explode in popularity soon after.

While it may have lost some of its charm in the eyes of youngsters today, the traditional Mexican dance is still taught to children in schools–so everyone at least knows the basics!

Big lunches

Lunch is a big deal in Mexico, so loosen those belts and get ready to tuck in! As the biggest meal of the day, lunch is usually eaten any time between 1 PM to as late as 4 PM.

Work ceases during the middle of the day, so Mexicans often eat a big lunch with their families and return to work later in the afternoon. Rice, corn, beans, wheat, chorizo, tomatoes, and chilli are the traditional staples, although European and American foods can also be found.

One excellent eatery where you can fill your bellies is the Kitchen Table in Tulum. The establishment is so traditional, with an outside kitchen and no electricity. Get the classic refried beans no matter your main entree for a true taste of Mexico.

Tipping

Although a 15% tax is added to the bill – that’s not the automatic gratuity that many of us assume it is! Make sure to leave a 15-20% tip, as customary in the USA, if you don’t want to appear rude.

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Feeling inspired? Check out some underrated Mexican attractions here

If you already have your eyes set on this region of Latin America, I highly recommend you check out the following Mexico tours I experienced myself.

I’ve been to the Yucatán Peninsula three times already and can’t get enough. From the aquamarine waters of Cancun; to the vibrant, yet small town feel of Playa Del Carmen; to the majestic Chichen Itza all the way to Mexico’s own Dead Sea. Heck, I even partied with the Backstreet Boys in Cozumel! Yet, it’s time I explore some underrated Mexico attractions.

I want to go back to Mexico and not be stuck at an all-inclusive resort, though.

For this reason, I have partnered with Karma Trails to explore several gems that are very close to popular tourist attractions in Mexico; yet, very few tourists know about. These are all a short hop from Mexico City and/or Yucatán hotspots such as Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.

Their customized, flexible trips allow you to build the Mexico itinerary you want through local Destination Experts and guides who give it a special touch. To really get to know the cultural, historical, archaeological nuances and activities that are not so cookie-cutter.

I’m heading to explore the national treasures of Chiapas, Holbox Island, and the colonial city of Merida!

Chiapas, Holbox Island, and Merida: Underrated Mexico Attractions

Chiapas: San Cristobal de Las Casas, Sumidero, Palenque, Zinacatan

I had never heard of the Mexican state of Chiapas–except in the name of one of the hot sauces I like XD Antonello, the owner of Karma Trails, strongly suggested it as it is one of the most naturally-rich, yet underrated attractions in Mexico.

When I saw the pictures, my jaw dropped as low as yours.

It looks like freaking Southeast Asia! Towering peaks and flooded canyons–sprinkled with tropical greenery–hug the Guatemalan border. Ancient Maya cities, nearly swallowed by the rain forest, abound as well.

Speaking of which: more than 80% of all vegetables and fruits consumed within the country come from Chiapas! All electric energy consumed within the Yucatan and some of it even sold to Belize Guatemala, is produced in Chiapas.

San Cristobal de Las Casas by Sofía Martínez Parente García, Wiki Commons

What’s missing? Foreign tourists, mostly.

I will spend 2 nights at San Cristobal de Las Casas (July 20-22)–a sparsely-visited Spanish colonial town in the central Mexican highlands. As you know I’m Puerto Rican, so I’m planning to haggle it up in the markets in my native language!

From my Chiapas base, I’ll be visiting Sumidero Canyon, Agua Azul, Maya city of Palenque, and the indigenous communities of Zinacatan and San Juan Chamula.

The state of Chiapas could easily become the next ecotourism hotspot in Mexico. I can’t wait to explore its colorful culture and natural attractions before most! Expect intense goPro footage from yours truly 😉

Merida: Ek Balam, Uxmal, Coba

Palacio Cantòn – Museo Yucateco de Antropología e Historia in Merida

Merida is the stunning cultural center of the Yucatán Peninsula. While more popular than, say, Chiapas state, it is still overshadowed by its glitzy neighbor on the east: Cancun.

Unbeknownst to most, Merida is a cheaper, better base for the history buffs and cultural explorers who wish to visit all major Maya ruins in the region.

I will spend 3 days and 2 nights based out of Merida, exploring known and lesser-known Maya cities.

While I’m visiting Chichen Itza and Coba again, I’ll do so from a different perspective (and lens!) this time. I wish to catch corners and angles I didn’t notice the first time around.

Ek Balam <3

Particularly, I’m anxious to see Ek Balam again. That unique Jaguar Temple left quite an impression on me on my 2012 Mexico trip.

Then, it is off to Uxmal and Tulum for the first time. The former is swallowed by the jungle; while the latter is caressed by the Gulf of Mexico. One is fairly off-the-beaten-path; while the other is more popular than I would like. Two Maya cities, two contrasting locales.

Expect cultural video galore from the Yucatán as well! ;D

Holbox Island: Whale Sharks + Laid-Back Vibes!

idyllic Holbox by Dronepicr, Wiki Commons

One of the most idyllic, incredibly-underrated Mexico attractions is Holbox Island.

Did you know this is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish (and shark) in the world?!

Imagine such a creature: akin a whale, that feeds on tiny plankton, swimming nearby.

It’s been on my travel bucket list forever. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.

OMFG. I’m about to cry just thinking about it…*%$&#@! 😀

Swimming with whale sharks in Holbox is definitely one of my most anticipated Mexico attractions on this trip. I will also get to explore the.island proper, just a few miles north of the Yucatán Peninsula, with its low-key vibe and virgin beaches.

I plan to mostly chill, as the unique Holbox Dream Hotel has such a character that I’m sure it will suck me in and force me to truly relax <3

This trip will be for the books!

I arrive July 19 and depart July 29. Follow me and #latinabroadMX on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter @LatinAbroad for real-time posts from these Mexico attractions!

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Again, many thanks to Karma Trails for sponsoring this epic trip <3