By Michelle Langley
Many people say that Chiapas is the most beautiful state in
Mexico. With lush rainforests resplendent with a diverse flora and fauna, Mayan ruins, mountains and an exciting capital that over half a million people call home, Chiapas has become a popular tourist destination. As long as you take plenty of breaks, take taxis whenever possible and incorporate kid-friendly activities, you and your children can have a wonderful time visiting this enriching area. Just don't drink the water.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Step 1
Travel by air if possible. You can fly directly into Tuxtla Gutiérrez's Aeropuerto Llano San Juan from most major airports in the United States. Travelling by bus with children is not fun when you have to do it for any length of time, so limit bus travel to short jaunts.
Step 2
Go to the zoo. The Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo has animals and is open every day except for Monday. It's been said that this is the best zoo in the country, so it's a "must see."
Step 3
Take the kids to the park. Parque Madero has a theater, children's playground and a train. This is a large park that any taxi driver will know how to get to.
Step 4
Amaze your kids by eating a nucús tamale, which is filled with ants. It will be an experience they won't soon forget, and you stand to gain an enormous amount of respect. Take pictures.
Step 5
Do take the bus to San Cristóbol de las Casas. It takes little over two hours to get there, and therefore is manageable with children. Take the first class bus. It is only a few pesos more, and has a bathroom, snacks and movies. You may want to cover innocent eyes during some parts of the generally shoot 'em up movies that are commonly shown on Mexican buses.
Step 6
Take the kids horseback riding in San Cristóbol if they are old enough. This is a first-class way to see the beautiful landscape close up. Some horseback tours go to indigenous towns, which older children may find interesting. Keep in mind that taking photos is generally not allowed in these towns.
Step 7
Go to one of the many markets in San Cristóbol. This will give your kids the chance to interact with vendors and learn about the different fruits and vegetables available in the region.
Step 8
Take your kids to at least one of the many Mayan ruins in the area. According to Lonely Planet, at Yaxchilán, howler monkeys can be seen, as well as the mountains of Guatemala. Kids will find it exciting to know that they can climb the stairs of one of the temples and literally see into another country.
Step 9
Stay at hotels that cater to Mexican families who are on vacation. These hotels are generally not found in the guidebooks, but can be found by asking the tourist office of the town you are in. They can be friendly and inexpensive, and are child friendly. Stay away from the many backpacker hostels, as they are more tailored towards single travelers.
About the Author:
Michelle Langley holds a Master of Education from Arizona State University. She is currently studying evolutionary biology and its relevance to nutrition and overall health. She is an experienced curriculum writer and currently writes about health and nutrition for a variety of online and offline publications.
