Chiapas is a fascinating state offering a varied choice of entertainment options and is for sure one of the top destinations in Mexico for nature and adventure lovers. The territory geography encompasses a large portion of the Lacadon Jungle, which hosts many autochthone species and conceals the secrets of the Mayan population- the locals will tell you many stories and legends of still undiscovered pyramids and ruins. Chiapas, as well as Baja California, is among the best sea destinations in Mexico. On the Pacific coast, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the country - Playa Arista and Playa del Sol in Tonalá are absolute musts and can be easily reached also from Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

The amazing Reserva de la Biósfera Selva El Ocote (“The Ocote Forest Biosphere Reserve”) hosts several natural wonders including the imponent Cañón Río La Venta and its underground river system. The preserve is one of the most exciting destinations in Mexico to practice rappelling, water rafting, swimming or simply hiking surrounded by spectacular landscapes. Tuxtla Gutierrez is also a perfect base to explore the nearby Pueblos Mágicos of Chiapa de Corzo and Comitán and, thanks to the presence of its international airport with daily flights from and to Mexico City and Monterrey, can be an easy connection to many destinations in Mexico.

Besides its nature and Pueblos Mágicos, Chiapas also encloses many beautiful towns where the state’s colonial legacy coexists harmoniously with the Mayans’ heritage. The Chiapanecas capital Tuxtla Gutiérrez boasts many sites of interest that include the architectural masterpiece San Marcos Cathedral, dating back to the 16th century and dominating the Plaza Cívica. Make sure you visit it at 8.00 pm on a weekend to witness the spectacular sound and light show “Cultura, Música y Tradiciones de Chiapas” (“Culture, Music, and Traditions of Chiapas”), when passages of the Mayan culture, images of the flora and fauna inhabiting the jungle and of the marimba music and dance are projected on the cathedral’s façade.

If you want to make the most of your stay in Chiapas and enjoy its wonderful nature at best, we suggest you plan your trip in the springtime, when the average temperature is around 78°F and the dry climate makes outdoor activities more pleasant. In Chiapas, like many other destinations in Mexico surrounded by tropical forests, such as San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas, summer brings heavy rain, which can hinder your exploration.

When visiting in the dry season, include a visit to the Sumidero Canyon in your itinerary: this impressive formation is a great option for a day excursion from Tuxtla Gutiérrez and hosts one of Chiapas hallmarks, the giant cave Sima de las Cotorras, inhabited by countless green parrots- at dawn and sunset, you can witness the magical spectacle of the birds spiraling up to the cavity’s surface and returning home. In Tuxtla Gutiérrez you will find many interesting cultural sites and museums that you can enjoy in any season. These include the Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia (“Regional Museum of Anthropology and History”) displaying a rich collection of archaeological pieces from the Mayan culture, the Chiapas Museum of Science and Technology, and the Museo Jardín Botánico Faustino Miranda, housing 98% of Chiapas flora species. And, to get into the city’s vibe, do not forget to check out Tuxtla Gutierrez’s La Marimba Park and Museum, where the locals gather to dance at the sound of the most worshipped musical instrument in Mexico. Just one hour away from Tuxtla Gutierrez you will find the beautiful, picturesque town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, which will surprise you with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its baroque and neoclassical architecture.

If you are interested in discovering the state’s rich Pre-Columbian heritage, do not miss the chance to visit the sites of Palenque, one of the most extensive archeological tourism destinations in Mexico, and Bonampak, right in the middle of the Lacandon jungle- both can be easily reached from Tuxtla Gutierrez. As it happens for many other destinations in Mexico, you cannot say you got to know Chiapas without tasting some of the local specialties: do not leave without first trying ningüijute, a seed, and pork-based sauce, and some of the delicious local sweets: crystallized fruit, coconut candies, a caramel spread called cajeta are just some of the delicacies awaiting you in Chiapas!

When visiting Veracruz state, you will surely not miss fun and entertainment: boasting six Pueblos Mágicos, a great cultural heritage, beaches surrounded by lush nature and mangrove areas, and exquisite gastronomy, Veracruz is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico both for adventurous travelers and families and couples. The lovely port city of Veracruz offers many opportunities to enjoy the sun and the sea. In Boca Del Río, you can feel the ocean breeze while strolling along the boulevard; unwind on one of the many beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico and, if you love outdoor activities, check out Mocambo Beach. Here you can practice water sports and enjoy the beach life joining a boat trip or horseback riding.

Chachalacas, easily reachable from Veracruz, is another popular beach area where you can have fun exploring the ancient sand formation of the Sabanal dunes. If you stay in Veracruz with your family and children, the Veracruz Aquarium is a must. The aquarium is home to over 3,000 specimens and offers several entertaining activities such as swimming with dolphins and interactive workshops.

One hour and a half drive away from Veracruz you will come across the municipality of Córdoba, an intriguing and lively city tucked in Veracruz’s mountain region though still close to the coast. The city is dotted with historic buildings and monuments that you will admire while strolling through its Historic Center. The Zevallos Portal, the neoclassical City Hall building and the red colonial-style building formerly known as Palacio de Los Condes de Zevallos are some of the sites of interest that you cannot miss. From Córdoba, you can also easily reach  Orizaba, a fascinating Magical Town and a popular mountain destination.

With its temperate weather, Veracruz can be visited all year-round, but If you want to avoid mass tourism and enjoy your stay in Veracruz or Córdoba without the fuss of big crowds, you should plan your travel from July to January- be careful though, as it happens in many other destinations in Mexico, summers here can be very hot and humid. To enjoy the best of the outdoor wonders around the city of Veracruz start your exploration from San Juan de Ulúa. This quaint island facing Veracruz port boasts unique architectural spots that include the presidential house and the wall and the old fortress, which once used to be a prison.

Just a few minutes from Veracruz center you will step into an incredible scenery of mangroves, mysterious waters, and small islands. The Laguna de Mandinga (Mandinga Lagoon) is house to many bird and flora species. Here you will easily spot blue and white herons, pelicans, seagulls, cormorants, hawks, swifts, ducks among a wide array of migrating birds- and can explore the lagoon navigating its waters while admiring a unique landscape view. During your stay in the state of Veracruz, make sure you plan a visit to the archeological site El Tajín , near the popular Pueblo Mágicos of Papantla, where you can admire many well-preserved vestiges of the pre-Hispanic city.

If you are visiting Córdoba, you will be delighted by the variety of museums the city offers: do not miss the Museo de Córdoba (Museum of Córdoba), with rooms dedicated to archeology and history and often hosting temporary exhibitions- if you are in town with the family, your children can spend a pleasant time in the inner play center, Elena Poniatowska. Other remarkable places in the proximity of Córdoba are El Parque Ecológico Paso Coyol, the city’s green lung where tourists and locals go to unwind, and Coscomatepec, a scenic climbing area located less than an hour from Córdoba center.

Veracruz state is one of the destinations in Mexico where gourmets will find exquisite surprises awaiting. Before leaving Veracruz, make sure you try some of the many seafood delicacies the local restaurants offer. ‘’Lonja de Pescado with Shrimps” and the “Pulpo al Mojo de Ajo’’ are some of the most popular specialties-, while during your stay in Córdoba you will for sure get a taste of excellent coffee, the main local product.

Thanks to its varied landscapes and cultural richness, Tabasco is one of the many destinations in Mexico popular among nature lovers. The country’s geography encompasses beautiful nature preserves with lagoons and waterfalls, almost pristine jungle forests, mountains, and dream-like sandy beaches. If you are up for an adventurous vacation, be ready to explore Centla, a fascinating city on the delta formed by the Grijalva and Usumacinta rivers, hosting a biosphere that houses hundreds of autochthone species and swamps that are a famous attraction for ecotourism lovers.

Other remarkable natural sites in Tabasco include the Grutas de Coconá (Coconá Grottoes), the Centro Ecoturístico las Garzas (Las Garzas Ecotourist Center), the Jardín Botánico San Ramón (San Ramón Botanical Garden), and the Cascadas de Agua Blanca (Agua Blanca Waterfalls), an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and camping. Villahermosa, also known as the “Capital del Edén” (Eden’s capital), boasts a rich artistic and cultural heritage and is the perfect getaway to discover the mysteries of the Olmec and Mayan cultures at the Parque-Museo La Venta (La Venta Park-Museum).

The surrounding area called the Laguna des Illusiones (Lagoon of Illusions) is the symbol of Villahermosa: hosted in the extensive Tomás Garrido Canabal Park, the lagoon can be rowed on a boat and is surrounded by lush trails ideal for hiking and picnicking. When staying in Villahermosa, you will be delighted by its vibrant nightlife: every week there are themed evenings in public spaces all through the city- do not miss the mariachi live music in Parque J. Claro García every Saturday!

Its favorable warm climate makes Tabasco an enjoyable destination all year round. However, like it is true for many other destinations in Mexico if you want to make the most of the state’s beautiful nature plan your visit between March and June when the rain reason has not started yet. A great option for a day trip from Villahermosa is the Yumka' Ecological Park. In this city’s extensive Center for Interpretation and Coexistence with Nature, you can learn about the species populating Tabasco’s jungle, savanna, wetlands, and lagoons- this is a unique chance to observe crocodiles and hippos in their natural environment.

When staying in Villahermosa for an extended period, make sure you plan a visit to Paraíso, a small, charming town nestled in Tabasco’s coastal area. The village's territory is dotted with breathtaking natural landscapes and boasting amazing sandy beaches- Playa Paraíso and Playa Dorada are among the sea destinations in Mexico most loved by locals and tourists. Another great location you can easily reach from Villahermosa is the beautiful Pueblo Mágico of Tapijulapa; tucked on Tabasco mountains southern side, the city is surrounded by dreamlike jungle landscapes and offers plenty of chances for entertainment.

Visit the Temple of Santiago Apostol, discover the rich biodiversity of Villa Luz Ecological Reserve, explore the jungle in Kolem-Jaa Ecotourism Park, and be one with nature while wandering through the evocative Jardín de Dios (Garden of God). Tabasco is a major cocoa producer and one of the best destinations for gourmets in Mexico: since the state is one of the country’s main cocoa producers, you cannot leave before joining the cocoa route to learn about and savor this local delicacy.