Cascades of water, radiant lagoons and valued ruins and the cradle of Jade is Chiapas, one of the most magical and impressive wonders that Mexico houses. The economic importance of the Chiapas territory lies in the production of coffee and corn. It is also one of the most visited areas by tourists attracted by Palenquethe Mayan archaeological site declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
But for stone lovers, the party starts inside the Mesoamerican Jade Museum, located in the historic center of Chiapas, in San Cristóbal de las Casas; where you will understand why the Aztecs considered Jade as a symbol of love, life and fertility. For them, Jade had magical impact properties on their civilization. They offered it to their gods as a badge of thanks and in search of eternity.
In addition, the history and culture of this precious stone is rescued while the viewer is illustrated in relation to the characteristics of the largest Jade deposit in Chiapas, perhaps in the world, which is in the city of Chalchihuites. This mineral in green color variants, from the whitest to the darkest that is close to black, is admired in pieces of jewelry and in masks. It is considered that the temperature of the earth and its movements gave rise to Mesoamerican Jade. But, Chiapas, which is on the border of Guatemala, gives for everything. At 133 km from San Cristóbal de las Casas you can find Cascadas de Agua Azul, a refuge of waterfalls and green mountains that welcome those who enjoy living with nature.
To remain submerged in water, you must enter the geological fault formed 36 million years ago, the Sump Canyon with almost vertical walls that surround the fauna of the area: crocodiles, monkeys and birds. The form of transportation inside these limestone rock tunnels is by boat, an adventure like no other.. Another of the obligatory destinations in the state is Bonampak, better known as the Mayan City considered a National Monument since 1992; It is an archaeological site located in the Lancandona Jungle, where you can admire the acropolis of this ancient civilization.
Likewise, Bonampak, which in the Mayan language means «painted walls», includes the four thousand hectares of extension of the murals that were discovered in 1946 and that became the most important in Mexican culture. On this tour you can try some of the tamales of the area or other dishes of Chiapas cuisine, such as black beans with salt beef, chicken stew, iguana tamales or stewed armadillo.
Also, the visitor will have to walk through the first city founded during the 16th century by the Spanish in Chiapas, the colonial Chiapa de Corzo, which protects the artisans who work with wood and prints on fabric. Chiapas is a place blessed by its natural wealth and protected with human effort. You will enjoy it!