“Unearthing Chiapas: A Journey into Mexico’s Biodiversity Hotspot and Adventure Paradise”

Chiapas is a veritable paradise of natural wonders. It shares the esteemed title of being a global biodiversity “hotspot” with Oaxaca, forming part of the vital Meso-American Biological Corridor. The state boasts a spectacular diversity of ecosystems, including tropical rainforest, montane cloud forest, mangrove swamps, deciduous dry forest, expansive grassland plains, pine forests, and even tundra residing on the highest volcanic peaks.

When it comes to wildlife, Chiapas proudly hosts one of the Americas’ most diverse faunal populations, with over 50,000 species of plants and animals. The zoo in Tuxtla Gutierrez stands out as possibly the best in Latin America, showcasing only fauna native to Chiapas and within a natural forest environment. This immersive exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s unique ecology.

Chiapas is home to an impressive array of wildlife such as the majestic jaguar, elusive tapir, ocelot, Neotropical otters, bobcat, kinkajou, howler and spider monkeys, opossums, coatis, armadillos, iguanas, manatees, crocodiles, the stunning Quetzal, vibrant Scarlet macaw, toucans, and countless species of parrots and birds of prey.

Often considered an adventurer’s playground, Chiapas offers numerous ecotourism centres throughout the state, as well as thrilling adventure sports activities. You can delve into kayaking, white-water rafting, caving/spelunking, and climbing adventures.

There are breath-taking hikes available up to the Chichonal Volcano’s immense crater, through the verdant rainforests and cloud forests, and up to the towering Tacana Volcano, which stands at a height of 13,000ft near Tapachula. Numerous travel agencies located in central San Cristobal can organize these exhilarating adventure sport activities.

Below, we explore just a few of the many natural wonders waiting to be discovered in Chiapas.