Native Trails MyTrails 2026 74 Chiapas 37 Visit of the archaeological zone Bonampak Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Medium Among the most interesting sights of the ruins of Bonampak in the Lacandon rain forest, you will enjoy the fascinating murals in the “Temple of the Paintings.” They show scenes from the classic period of the Mayan Empire and were restored by a disciple of the famous painter Frida Kahlo. 38 Archaeological site of Chiapa de Corzo Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy The archaeological zone of Chiapa de Corzo, a place originally known as Yoqui and later as Soctón Nandalumí, has one of the longest settlement histories in the region, since its beginnings date back to 1200 BC and earlier. In one of the pyramids, for instance, archaeologists discovered the tomb of a dignitary that is some 2700 years old and may thus be one of the oldest of its kind in all of Mesoamerica. The earliest buildings were raised in adobe, whereas limestone was used in later centuries. 39 Grutas de Rancho Nuevo Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Medium The Grutas de Rancho Nuevo are located in the natural park of the same name near San Cristóbal de las Casas and were discovered in 1947 by Vinvente Kramsky and Edmundo Schlié. The cave system extends over a length of 10.2 km (over 6 mi.) and to a depth of 550 m (3.3 ft.) below ground. Along an illuminated path you will explore the underworld and admire the bizarre stalactite and stalagmite formations that have formed incredible figures over time and will surely stimulate your imagination. 40 Visit the clay figures of Amatenango del Valle Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in the world. In the village of Amatenango del Valle, Tzeital women have for centuries processed clods of clay into masterworks that show pre-Hispanic features still today. The clay is mixed by hand according to old tradition and shaped into big and small animal figures, pots, incense burners, and many other objects. After drying, the surface is cautiously smoothed with pebbles. The women subsequently paint their works with subtle and imaginative multicolored patterns, thus bringing them to life – the symbolized art of the “corn people.” 41 Boat trip into the Montes Azules biosphere reserve Duration: 03:00 h · Level: Easy From Las Guacamayas, you set off for a several-hour boat trip into the Montes Azules biosphere reserve. Via the mighty Lacantún River, you reach the countless tributaries in the Lacandon rain forest. Experience the mystic primeval forest with mahogany and kapok trees, which can grow 63 m (207 ft.) tall. Crocodiles are waiting along the river banks, while macaws and toucans are flying over your heads. 42 Short walk to the parrots of Las Guacamayas Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy The forests of the Lacandons is the home of the scarlet macaw, a species of parrots threatened with extinction because of their colorful feathers, which are among the longest and most beautiful in the world. The founders of the Centro Ecoturístico Las Guacamayas, immediately adjacent to the Reserva de la Biosfera Montes Azules, have started a special project to protect and preserve the scarlet macaw as well as other plant and animal species of the region. 43 Tour of Comitán Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy The city of Comitán, located on the Interamerican Highway near the border with Guatemala, invites you to stroll and shop. Visit the Museo de Arte Hermila Domínguez de Castellanos for modern Mexican art and the 17th-century church Iglesia Santo Domingo, which was built in Mudéjar style – a blend of Moorish influences, Gothic and Renaissance. Worth a visit is also the Centro Cultural Rosario Castellanos – accommodated in the former Dominican monastery directly on the picturesque Zócalo, this institution is similar to an open university and initiates young people into music, dance, theater, and different kinds of artisanal techniques.
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