Chiapas Mexico

Just spent five wonderful days in Chiapas Mexico. We toured the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, a colonial town founded in 1528. It is at 7200 feet elevation so chilly. I especially liked the markets where the fruit was arranged artistically. We climbed up a hill to see a local church — apparently the Spanish did not mix with the locals even at church. From there we had a beautiful view of the city including a colorful community next to a quarry. We also watched the sunset from the roof of our hotel.

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas — sunset from our hotel

The next day was long! Five+ hour drive to Palenque and Agua Azul. Palenque is a 1000-year old Mayan city. Our guide said it was the third largest. It had been covered by jungle and is now partially restored.

Ancient Mayan City Palenque

Agua Azul is a waterfall. Then we had the long drive back.

Waterfall near Palenque called Agua Azuul

Water fall near Palenque called Agua Azul.

We visited two indigenous villages. Zinacantan is known for artisan textiles elaborately embroidered by the local women. It is also known for growing flowers and there are many greenhouses.

Indigenous Village Zinacantan where women make beautifully embroidered textiles

Indigenous Village Zinacantan

Indigenous Village Zinacantan — local women embroidering with their babies

Indigenous Village Zinacantan where they have green houses for flowers.

The people in the other village, Chamula, practice a unique combination of Mayan and Catholic religion. They also wear distinctive wool clothing — especially the women. The skirts look like shaggy rugs.

Indigenous Village Chamula where locals practice a unique religion that combines Mayan and Catholicism

Indigenous Village Chamula where locals practice a unique religion that combines Mayan and Catholicism. Note the unique wool skirt worn by the women.

Indigenous Village Chamula where locals practice a unique religion that combines Mayan and Catholicism

Our last day, we took a boat ride through Sumidero Canyon which is about 1 km deep. We saw a crocodile, a monkey, and lots of birds. We then drove up to the viewpoints and looked down.