Chiapas [1]’s beautiful and ecologically rich eastern corner is slowly opening to ordinary travelers, with improved roads and new attractions that help shake off a reputation for isolation and frontier-style lawlessness.
Lagunas de Montebello National Park [2] has long been a highlight of the state, with dozens of picturesque lakes nestled in a hilly pine forest. But rather than marking a turn-around point for travelers, Lagunas de Montebello now serves as gateway to a handful of new (or newly accessible) natural attractions.
Don’t miss Las Nubes [3], a small ecocenter perched alongside an impressive series of river rapids and waterfalls with nearby hiking and rafting; or Las Guacamayas [4], where you can hike or boat through the lush Montes Azules biosphere reserve, spotting monkeys, toucans, macaws, and lush rainforest flora.
The region also offers access to Laguna Miramar [5], a stunning forest lake and another longtime state highlight.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chiapas
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chiapas/the-lakes-region/eastern-chiapas/parque-nacional-lagunas-de-montebello
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chiapas/the-lakes-region/eastern-chiapas/centro-ecoturistico-las-nubes
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chiapas/the-lakes-region/eastern-chiapas/las-guacamayas
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chiapas/the-lakes-region/eastern-chiapas/laguna-miramar