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 INTRODUCTION
Travelling from one destination to another is even an experience as many roads wind their way around foreboding mountains, canyons and valleys. The Chiapas is rugged territory reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains in some locations and the Amazon Rainforest in others. In a single day you can travel from one biodiverse area to a completely different one. There are a number of natural wonders that are extremely popular. Almost every tour operator offers the same tours to the same places. All over Chiapas there are however, numerous beautiful places that are hidden in the jungles and only known by local people or other travelers in the know. These travelers are usually Indians from other cities or villages in Mexico who travel around. The tour operators generally refer to people willing to take you to a "sacred" place as pirates, as there are bandits who will rip you off. To go to any of the hidden places you first have to know about them, or at least know that there is something interesting in an area. Then you have to find somebody who knows exactly how to get to whatever it is you don't know about but sorta know its there. This can be anything from special caves to waterfalls or places where streams cross to monkey trees to jaguar dens. Once you have your guide you need transportation, usually a taxi or local bus. Be prepared to travel in almost anything if you venture off the main highway. Climbing through the jungle can be both a wonderful experience and an unpleasant one if you are either out of shape or possibly asthmatic. Depending on where you are it can be hot and climbing up a mountain in open terrain and after an hour or so you can get quite exhausted. In some situation small rivers must be crossed. Many parts of the jungle are so thick that you cannot move without hacking your way through so you rely on streams which acts as jungle roads. These streams are pleasantly refreshing, as they are usually cooler in temperature. Many streams run dry in the dry season but spring to life during and after the rainy season [May - August]. Many streams around Palenque lead to waterfalls which you can stand under and experience the energy of the water. Some of these streams run year round. There are waterfalls right at Palenque ruins as you exit which are great places to take a dip. In fact almost everywhere you go you can go for a swim. The rivers are fresh, clean and when its really hot they are extremely inviting. The best thing to do is to read through the various "destinations" that are commonly available to tourists. See where they are located and work them into your itinerary. We offer recommendations based on our travel experiences in and around Chiapas. |
The Quetzal measures about 14 inches in length, about the size of a pigeon. However, it has tail feathers which can extend as long as three feet. Both the male and the female are an iridescent emerald and golden green with tail feathers in iridescent blues and greens with white undertails. The green camouflages them in the rain forest. The male has a head crest and red breast feathers with a white undertail. The females are duller and have fewer red breast feathers and short tail plumes. Quetzals are shy, quiet birds except during courtship. At this time the males become more active with high spiral flights used to impress and attract the females. They chase the females through the trees of the cloud forest. The breeding season is during March, April, May, and June. They usually lay two eggs and both parents are responsible for raising the young. The main diet of the quetzal is fruit. However, they also eat insects, frogs, and lizards. |
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| Archaeological Sites | Natural Beauties | Cities and Villages | |
  
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| Traveling to the Yuctan Peninsula visit |
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To talk about Chiapas is to talk about one of the most biological diverse regions in the world. The lush green fields, forests and jungles, the fresh air, the unique flora and fauna, rare species and much more, make up this beautiful state.