MUST VISIT
PALENQUE
Palenque is very impressive, and it certainly got that WOW factor, but (here come's the 'but') we saw Chichèn Itza first. Although this site is way bigger than Chichèn Itza, it didn`t add much value to our trip to Mexico. One great tip for the ones that still decide to go. Leave early! There's little shade here, and the sun tends to be merciless.
If you have to drive 1000 kilometers and are, like me, not a total history freak, I recommend doing something else. Chiapas is an unbelievable nature diamond! And diamonds, to quote Marilyn Monroe, are a girls' best friend.
AGUA AZUL
Coming from Palenque, we really needed to cool off. Agua Azul was the perfect spot near Palenque (doable in one day) and a spectacular piece of nature. Also, we came here in the low season, so we (almost) got the whole place to ourselves!
LACADON JUNGLE
Are you a bit of an adrenaline junky? Then this will suit you perfectly! We drove to the middle of the jungle to sleep in a 'Cabaña' (Spanish for cabin) at the river. At first, it was a bit scary. We arrived at midnight, and as we walked up to the cabin, we heard some rather peculiar sounds... After all, there was no real reason to be scared. I only saw some monkeys in the morning and a big rat. It could be worse, right? (:
Click on the picture to go to the jungle cabañas website. You can also book a rafting tour there. I really loved that! There were some pretty high descents giving me that butterfly tingle in my stomach ^^ After the rafting trip; you get to walk back through a dense jungle path where you encounter a lot of cool spots and lovely views.
LAGOS DE MONTEBELLO
This is a perfect place to rest your soul after a big jungle adventure. One of my favorite places in Chiapas, by the way! It's so quiet and peaceful here; you won't believe it. My pictures are a bit unclear, but that's probably because I wasn't thinking about taking any. Instead, we soaked up that moment with a bottle of wine and an amazing sunset. Worth a visit!
We stayed in a very cool cabaña. Click on the pictures for more information about our stay.
An activity that I regret not doing here is 'horseback riding.' Still a bit sad about that. Lagos de Montebello is slightly higher, so it can get chilly when the sun sleeps. Don't forget to bring a coat or a nice and warm companion. (:
SAN CRISTOBAL
My number one city in Mexico (or is it Oaxaca city? I can't choose.)! If you're looking for a party to crash, this is the right place. Treat yourself to these beautifully colored streets with many laid-back and friendly people.
When you have temporarily had enough Mexican food (believe me, after three weeks you will), go to 'Cucina Italiana.' It's a tiny Italian restaurant with only four tables. The Italian pasta will fulfill your dreams after too many tacos. If you're not yet taco-tired, go to 'Cocoliche.' They have live music every day starting at 9 pm. Be sure to arrive early to grab yourself a seat.
We stayed in a cheap and clean hostel in the middle of the center called 'El Hostalito 14' (for more information, click on the picture below)
SIMA DE LAS COTORRAS
This dangerous activity is a must-do if 'dare devil' name is your middle! I almost crapped my pants, hanging 140 meters above ground on nothing but a rope and some shackles, but it was worth it. You can sleep in a cabaña next to the cave to get up early for the descent. About 1000 green parrots are living in this cave. They make a hell of a noise, but they're oh so beautiful! Be sure not to upset the parrot king, though..(for more information about the parrot cave, click on the picture below)
CANON DEL SUMIDERO I only got one word for this one: 'WOOW.' Cañon del Sumidero is one of Mexico's biggest and most beautiful canyons. Take a boat some 30km into the Canyon and see the great rock walls climb on you while you reach the center of this stunning piece of art. You'll feel tiny finding out just how strong nature's forces are. The canyon walls tell you stories through layers of rock edges off by the remains of dried-out waterfalls from years and years ago. I still get carried away just thinking about that place. MUST DO!
RIO DE LA VENTA If you're running out of time and have to choose between Cañon del Sumidero or this one, go for the Cañon! When you, like us, got plenty of time, Rio La Venta is worth a visit! A lovely big waterfall and small but cozy beaches. It's a very long stairway down to the river. Remember to take it easy going back up (:
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