If you’ve ever admired the big, beautiful floral arrangements that grace many resort hotels on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, you may want to plan a trip to Chiapas.
Long known as a hotspot for adventure and cultural tourism, the state of Chiapas is also a major source of flowers for other regions in Mexico — as I found out during a stay at Argovia Finca Resort, a lushly beautiful coffee and flower plantation tucked into the hills near Tapachula, Chiapas.
It’s a lovely place for nature lovers, with bamboo and teak trees, coffee plants and more than 150 species of flowers and plants, including the colorful cresta de gallo, heliconia and anthurium.
It’s no wonder that hoteliers in other parts of Mexico turn to places like Argovia for their floral needs.
The hotel, which is one of three haciendas on the region’s Ruta del Cafe (Coffee Route), offers a variety of immersive activities, including flower tours, coffee tours and scenic hikes through its lush property, which gained greater fame after hosting a season of the television show “Naked and Afraid.”
Argovia Finca is just one example of the many unique experiences that await in the state of Chiapas. Considering the region’s many outdoor activities and uncrowded attractions, it’s easy to see why the local tourism and hospitality industry is touting the state as an ideal destination for vacations — with lots of naturally built-in social distancing.
The state’s outdoorsy and cultural appeal was in focus during the recent ATMEX Adventure Travel Network, an annual trade event that showcases nature and adventure travel offerings around Mexico. While the event took place in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of Chiapas, I was able to explore several other parts of the state in the days during my visit.
Getting to Chiapas
The capital city of Tuxtla Gutierrez is the most common gateway for international visitors to Chiapas. But since my recent visit began further south, at Argovia, I flew into Tapachula, a smaller city near the Guatemala border that’s most easily reached via connecting flights in Mexico City.
What to Do in Chiapas — Tours, Attractions and Immersive Experiences
After three relaxing and interesting days at Argovia Finca, I traveled to Tuxtla Gutierrez with VB Tours, a company that offers tours including visits to ecological parks, archeological sites, coffee plantations and bird-watching reserves.
The trip from Argovia Finca to Tuxtla Gutierrez takes a bit over five hours; travelers with bigger budgets who are looking to save time while exploring the state may want to consider a private air transfer with Baktun Air, an air tour operator that launched in 2021.
In Tuxtla Gutierrez, I joined a fascinating, multifaceted tour led by Bioventura, an operator that offers a variety of adventure- and culture-oriented excursions. We did a walking tour of San Cristobal de las Casas, a designated Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) that dates to 1528. This picturesque community in the Central Highlands region is known for its rich indigenous culture and traditions, as well as its historic architecture and laid-back vibe.
Downtown San Cristobal, a designated Pueblo Magico in Mexico
Credit: 2022 LatinFlyer.comJust a few miles away, we paid a visit to San Juan Chamula, which our guide described as the “most indigenous community in Mexico,” since nearly all residents are indigenous Tzotzil Maya. A 2010 census found that more than 99% of residents speak the Tzotzil Maya language, and visitors can immerse themselves in local culture most easily through experiences arranged by tour operators. The most photographed site in San Juan Chamula is the Templo de San Juan Chamula, a fascinating and colorful church where the visuals and ceremonies reflect a blend of Maya and Catholic religious traditions.
In the nearby town of Zinacatan, we visited a family in their home to learn about the process of making huipiles, a traditional women’s garment, as well as other arts and crafts. After sampling delicious tortillas made with butifarra (pork), black beans and pork rinds at the family’s home, we continued on to Quinta San Francisco, a modern restaurant with gourmet-quality Mexican culinary creations.
Heading back to Tuxtla Gutierrez, I realized how easy it is to combine diverse activities in the state of Chiapas. We passed enticingly close to the legendary Sumidero Canyon, which is just minutes from both Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristobal de las Casas. Boat rides are among the most popular ways to appreciate the natural beauty of this region.
Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow me to partake in this must-do adventure, but that gives me even more reason to visit Chiapas again.
The Details
Chiapas Secretary of Tourism
