More on Chiapas, Mexico

Before I elaborate on what we have experienced in El Salvador, I want to step back a tad and discuss traveling inland from Chiapas.

Palenque Mayan Ruin with Howler Monkeys In Background

On our inland trip in Chiapas, Mexico we heard our first howler monkeys in the thick, green jungle at the Palenque Mayan ruins. The ruins were impressive (640AD) and we saw tourists from all over the world visiting this ancient site, tour guides speaking a variety of different languages. If you can afford it I think it is probably worth hiring a tour guide to explain all the details. But, we passed on a guided tour because for 4 people it was pretty costly. And we enjoyed the freedom of hiking at our own pace - I also think we probably saw more of the site itself than the rest of our party who moved much slower with the guide. The only disappointment is that we didn’t have time for the museum.

BEHIND THE THE WATERFALL AT MISOL-HA

Misol-Ha just happened to be on our route and we stopped for an hour. This cascading waterfall is gorgeous and the first waterfall I have ever seen like this. No, I have never been to Niagara. The kids and Jim wandered back inside the waterfall cave and found bats sleeping atop. You can swim at the falls, but we all opted to stay dry until the next stop.

Agua Azul, Mexico

The next stop was Agua Azul, a natural waterfall that boasts the bluest water. You can swim there, numerous restaurants offer interesting dishes, and there are plenty of things to buy from the vendors there. Carolyne and I refreshed ourselves with icy cold coconut milk and then ate the succulent sweet white meat afterwards. The kids swam and Jim and I enjoyed the family atmosphere of the local tourists and tranquil natural surroundings.

We were very tired – VERY tired after returning to the boat after this trip. It was exhausting the way we chose to do it.

IF I had it to do all over again, I would change some things and do it exactly this way:

Way cute hat I crocheted because I was SO cold in San Cristobal.

1. I would leave by bus or rent a car early morning and head straight to Palenque. The scenery during the trip is awesome. Once in the town of Palenque, I would hire a van to take me to the entrance of the ruins, 30 or so minutes away from town.
2. I would spend 2 or more nights there at a place called Ed and Margaurite’s , a darling bungalow cottage type abode that sits right in the jungle. There is a restaurant, Don Mucho's, that adjoins it that friends tell us had delicious food. I would give myself plenty of time to hike, explore, visit the museum and talk to the locals.
3. When I had my fill of the Palenque ruin site and hiking the lush jungle, I would hire transportation to see the waterfalls, Misol-Ha and Agua Azul on the same day, and then arrive in San Cristobal to spend the night at any old hotel. We stayed at one around the corner from the bus station for $40US per night. And, I would bring warmer clothing this time of year. I crocheted myself a hat in 2 hours because it was so chilly in San Cristobal.
4. I would store my luggage in the hotel for the day and wander in the town of San Cristobal in my crocheted hat, warm fuzzy sweater and jacket, fleecy socks, etc… (We really should have known better - if a Canadian tells you to wear a coat, then you know it’s got to be cold!): Amber museum, Jade museum, chocolate museum, Madre Tierra’s for dinner, shopping, etc…
5. I would catch a bus back to Chiapas that same evening so I could sleep on the bus and arrive in the morning.

I think we stayed too long in San Cristobal and though it is an interesting town, especially at night, I would have much preferred to have spent more time at the ruins in Palenque.