SURROUNDINGS
Chiapas
From mountains to jungle and ocean coasts.
Our center is located in one of the most beautiful and authentic regions of Mexico: Chiapas. It is located 15 min from characteristic indigenous town San Cristobal de Las Casas in mountains covered with pine forest at an altitude of 2200m. Here you will enjoy a quiet atmosphere and the healing power of nature: mountain air, balanced climate throughout the whole year (neither too cold, nor too hot), long walks in the pine forest...
And at the same time, before or after your retreat you may easily visit numerous treasures of Chiapas. The region has Mayan ruins, jungles, lakes, canyons, waterfalls, ocean coasts, etc.
San Cristobal de Las Casas
San Cristobal de Las Casas is the cultural capital of the state of Chiapas, where numerous indigenous tribes live side by side with a large number of European immigrants. The city has an amazing ambience with plenty of pedestrian zones and cozy cafes/restaurants with live music. Moreover, San Cristobal is the place to try the best Mexican coffee and cacao.
It is located in a small valley at an altitude of 2200m and is surrounded by green mountains and hills with thousands of pine trees. San Cristobal was founded in 1528. San Cristobal is recognized as a "Patrimonio Cultural e Historico de Mexico" because of its historical center with its numerous colonial houses and churches.
Sumidero Canyon
One of the most beautiful natural wonders of Mexico – Sumidero Canyon with slopes reaching as high as 1,000m (3,300 feet). You can take a breathtaking boat ride along Grijalva river on the bottom of the gigantic canyon and see numerous crocodiles living there.
San Juan Chamula and Zinacatan
In the indigenous town of San Juan Chamula you'll be able to explore the modern life of ancient Maya descendants, the Tzotzil tribe. This tribe is very extraordinary, especially in terms of its religious rituals, some of which still include a special form of sacrifice. You can visit the main shrine of Tzoztiles, the church of St. John the Baptist. Local religion is a vicious mixture of Catholic faith and ancient paganism. For those who want, it is possible to participate in one of the Tzotzil rituals.
Cascadas El Chiflon
El Chiflon waterfall Eco-Park is located 70 km from San Cristobal de las Casas. Las Cascadas el Chiflon are a series of cascading waterfalls formed by the San Vicente River as it passes through steep limestone canyons making for a waterfall lover’s paradise. The highest waterfall, Velo de la Novia, is about 120m.
Here you can enjoy trekking / hiking around the various cascades as well as numerous spots for picnics.
Sima de las Cotorras (Sinkhole of the Parakeets)
A really unique location, this sinkhole is located near the city and is an excellent attraction to see. This sinkhole is 160 meters wide and 140 meters deep, and has plenty of birds and iguanas living in it, as well as its most iconic inhabitants, the green parakeets.
The sinkhole likely formed out of limestone rocks and the gradual dissolving power of an underground river. On its walls you can see more than 40 rock paintings that anthropologists have dated back to 10,000 years ago by the Zoque people.
Lakes Montebello
Lagunas de Montebello, or Montebello Lakes, (Spanish: Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello) is a national park comprising 59 multi-colored lakes in a pine forest and two Maya ruins.
The main attractions of the national park are its 59 lakes, collectively called the Montebello Lakes. The lakes are famous for their striking colors, which vary due to their different mineral contents, ranging from emerald and turquoise to dark green, and even purple and reddish black. About 15 of the lakes are easily accessible by car or foot.
Palenque (Archeological Site)
It is one of the most beautiful and amazing Mayan cities. Besides the archeological site itself it's possible to observe the best reproduction of the tomb of the most famous Palenque ruler, Pakal the Great. A short jungle walk will provide you with an opportunity to encounter some wild species native to the region.
Waterfalls Roberto Barrios
Amazing watefalls (off the beaten track) situated next to Palenque. Here you may enjoy walks in the jungle and swim in crystal clear waters.
Tonina (archeological site)
A scenic mountain drive will take you to archeological site of Tonina. Seldom visited by tourists, it's a very impressive Mayan city with a colossal 70-meter high pyramid which can be climbed up to the top.
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Misol Ha waterfall
A beautiful 35-meter waterfall will give you a chance to take a relaxing swim and get inside the cavern where another hidden waterfall can be found.
Agua Azul waterfalls
More photos of Chiapas
