Naturwunder in Chiapas

Natural Wonders of Chiapas

Chiapas contains a diverse array of geological and archaeological landmarks, ranging from the turquoise terraced pools of Agua Azul to the 120-meter drop of Velo de Novia at El Chiflón. The region is defined by the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains, home to the Tacaná and El Chichonal volcanoes, and the dense Lacandon Jungle which shelters the UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins of Palenque. National parks like Lagunas de Montebello preserve dozens of multi-hued lakes near the Guatemalan border, while the Grijalva River carved the deep limestone walls of the Sumidero Canyon.

Natural Wonders of Chiapas — Karte

VíctorMEN / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

El Chiflón Waterfall

A series of turquoise cascades along the San Vicente River, culminating in the 120-meter-high Velo de Novia waterfall. The site features steep limestone paths and several natural swimming pools.

Ricraider / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Palenque

Palenque, also anciently known in the Itza Language as Lakamhaʼ, was a Maya city state in southern Mexico that perished in the 8th century.

cesar.ruiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Agua Azul

The Cascadas de Agua Azul are a series of waterfalls found on the Xanil River in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas.

Public domain

D

Montebello Lakes

Lagunas de Montebello, or Montebello Lakes, is a national park in the Mexican state of Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala, comprising…

ben_kitchener3 / CC BY 3.0

E

Misol Há

The Cascada de Misol-Há is a waterfall located in the Municipality of Salto de Agua, 20 kilometers from Palenque by the road that leads…

F

Cascades of Roberto Barrios

A multi-tiered system of natural limestone pools and waterfalls known for their clear turquoise water. Located near Palenque, these cascades offer multiple levels for swimming among dense jungle vegetation.

Nerdoguate / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Volcán Tacaná

The volcano Tacaná is the second highest peak in Central America at 4,060 metres, located in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas of northern…

H

El Chichonal

An active volcano famous for its 1982 eruption which created a large caldera. The crater now contains a vibrant, acidic green lake rich in sulfur.

Daniel Araujo / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Mirador El Tepehuaje

An observation deck overlooking the Sumidero Canyon. It provides a vertical perspective of the Grijalva River and the canyon walls which rise up to 1,000 meters.

J

Cascada de las Golondrinas

A secluded waterfall located within the Lacandon Jungle. The site is named for the swifts that nest in the rock faces behind the falling water.

K

Cristo de Copoya

A modern monumental cross and statue standing 62 meters tall on the Copoya hill. The site serves as a religious landmark and offers panoramic views of the state capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez.