Passports and Visas

American travelers are now required to have a valid passport to travel to and from Mexico. Tourist visas are issued upon entry; you are allowed to stay up to 180 days, but agents sometimes issue visas for just 30 or 60 days. If you want the maximum period, request it when you present your passport. To extend your visa, visit the immigration offices in San Cristóbal or Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

Vaccinations

No special vaccines are required for travel to Chiapas, but it’s a good idea to be up-to-date on the standard travel immunizations, including Hepatitis A, MMR (measles-mumps- rubella), tetanus-diphtheria, and typhoid.

Transportation

Chiapas is blessed with a reliable and far-reaching network of buses and smaller colectivos (aka combis). Combining public transportation with day trips offered by local tour agencies, most travelers find they do not need a rental car. That said, public transportation can be infrequent or unreliable in remote areas, and having a car can dramatically cut your travel time, leaving more time to see and do the stuff that drew you here in the first place.

Tuxtla’s Ángel Albino Corzo Inter-national Airport (TGZ) is the state’s main airport. Tapachula’s airport also has commercial service, while those in San Cristóbal, Comitán, and Palenque are used for charter flights only.

What to Take

Chiapas has a highly varied landscape and climate; in Palenque you’ll need light clothing and a billed hat, while in San Cristóbal you’ll appreciate having a winter hat and thermal underwear. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a swimsuit all come in handy, and a good pair of shoes are vital for exploring Maya ruins safely.

During the rainy season, be sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat. And if you wear contacts or glasses, bring a replacement set.

© Liza Prado and Gary Chandler from Moon Chiapas, 1st Edition