We were navigating an immense river contemplating the beauty and overflowing excess of the jungle, where the green foliage closed over our heads; At the top, the saraguato monkeys were moving rapidly, shouting trying to drive us away from their territory.
On other branches there was a large group of spider monkeys and toucans feeding on tropical fruits, and suddenly a colorful and outrageous flock of scarlet macaws appeared. The jungle and its wild inhabitants made us open our eyes to this wonderful natural world "
More than 100 years ago, a group of explorers began to reveal the hidden treasures of the wild lands of Chiapas. Archaeological sites devoured by the jungle in whose surroundings the Lacandon Indians live; impressive natural sanctuaries and remote indigenous communities that in the heart of the mountains of Los Altos de Chiapas, try to survive with their cults and ancient traditions.
Following in the footsteps of great travelers such as John Lloyd Stephens, Frederick Catherwood, Teobert Maler, Alfred Maudslay, Desiré Charnay and many more who with their beautiful photos, engravings and drawings of this sensational world, they seduced us and invited us to discover the fantastic territory of Chiapas. that shows itself full of corners and places worthy of being explored again and again.
Today the best way to get to know these beauties is through ecotourism and adventure tourism, with various options such as lodging in rustic cabins in the middle of the jungle, to complete expeditions of several days touring its mountains and jungles on foot or by bicycle. , sailing in a raft or kayak through its magical rivers or exploring the bowels of the earth inside its caves, caverns and cellars.
A sample of the options can be Chiapa de Corzo, the entry point to the Sumidero Canyon; or travel to the mountains towards San Cristóbal de las Casas and Los Altos de Chiapas, places with a great cultural richness and infinite possibilities for adventure activities that include horseback riding, hiking and mountain bike tours that will take you to discover places like San Juan Chamula, with its festivals, its temple and its market, or very close to there to explore the extraordinary caves with incredible limestone formations and underground galleries.
Horseback riding is also an interesting alternative, such as trips to the Grijalva River and for lovers of mountain bike rides, the surroundings of San Cristóbal de las Casas offer some trails that will take you to rancherías and picturesque indigenous towns.
Chiapas is more than just a simple place in the universe of our country, it is like a magical point that leads us to meet our roots and traditions, amid an exceptional landscape that is embellished with its people.
Source: Unknown Mexico Guide No. 63 Chiapas / October 2000
Photographer specialized in adventure sports. He has worked for MD for over 10 years!
