The state of Chiapas is Mexico's southern-most state and is bordered by Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche. It also shares a border with Guatemala and has coastal areas on the Pacific Ocean. Chiapas has some of the richest natural resources, mysterious cities and archeological sites and colorful native culture in all of Mexico. 

The state stretches from the peaks of El Triufno and El Sumidero Canyon to the Agua Azul water fall, Montebello Lakes on the border with Guatemala finally reaching the ancient and endangered Lacandon rain forest. It is this contrast of mist covered mountains and tropical rain forests that make Chiapas so special. breathtaking mountain scenery that dominates much of the state.

Palenque, Yaxchilán and Bonampak three of the major Maya sites are also located here along with Toniná and Izapa. The Maya of Chiapas are from different groups within the civilization. They are Tzeltales, Tzotziles, Choles, Lacandones, Tzoques, Tojolabales, Mames, Chujes, Cackchiquéles and Mochos. They are different and they are the same.

TUXTLA GUTIERREZ - The state capital and location of the airport. Tuxtla Gutiérrez, is a modern city with over half million population and all the services one would expect in a city this size. This city has a central plaza which houses the government and many entertaining events for travelers. The famous San Marcos Cathedral with its German style musical tower is located here.

Chiapas also has a Regional Museum, City Theater, Convention Center, The "Miguel Alvarez del Toro" Zoo and the "Fausto Medina" Botanical Garden.

TAPACHULA - Located in the corner of the state near the border of Guatemala and the Pacific Ocean, Tapachula is a business city. The city has thrived in coffee export and hosts a large European and Asian population. In fact, Tapachula is considered to be a place of importance in the national economy of Mexico. The city is exhibits the typical style of Spanish built cities with a Central Park surrounded by the Municipal Palace. The old Municipal Palace is now the House of Culture for the city.

SAN JUAN CHAMULA - San Juan Chamula is a step back in time and a look into the Maya of today. The town is the largest Maya township of Chiapas with a population of over 40,000 Tzotziles. These Maya speak Tzotzil one of the 31 Mayan languages. 

This region is known for its agriculture and ceremonial style of life which is a mix of Catholicism and Maya beliefs. In fact, the old Catholic church, St. John the Baptist, is not part of the Diocese because residents don't want priests in the church. They also wanted freedom to perform various types of rituals.

The state of Tabasco is located in the southeast of the Mexico and is bordered by Campeche, Veracruz and Chiapas. Tabasco also has extensive coastal terrain next to the Gulf of Mexico and shares a small border with Guatemala. Its climate is warm and humid most of the year. 

This State has wetlands and jungles teeming with wildlife, as well as a vast and important prehispanic heritage. Tabasco seems to have been the site of many civilizations in its history including the Olmec which flourished here from 900 to 400 B.C. and the Maya soon after. The ruins of Comalcalco and Pomoná are in Tabasco at different ends of the state. 

Part of the Usumacinta River, which was very important to the Maya, runs through Tabasco. Gulf Coast beaches near Chiltepec and Frontera have lodging for travelers as well as locations in the south such as Tapijulapa and Teapa.

VILLAHERMOSA Located in the northern part of the state Villahermosa is the capital. A very beautiful city that was founded in 1596 and until 1599 was known as 'Saint John the Baptist of the Victoria'. The Airport of Villahermosa is at about 12 miles from the city. 

The center of Villahermosa is closed to traffic and only pedestrians are allowed. The center houses the Palace of Government and The Cathedral. Open air markets abound and there are many shops and street type vendors. Other sites include the Museum of Popular Culture, the Center of Interpretation and Coexistence with the Nature, better known as YUMKA and the Olmec Museum La Venta.

The State of is Campeche is located on the Yucatán Peninsula and is surrounded by the States of Tabasco, Yucatán and Quintana Roo with a long coastline on the Gulf of Mexico.

Campeche was the first natural port discovered by Spaniards. Francisco Hernández Córdoba arrived off the coast of Campeche in March of 1517. The state is the home of large fishing fleets and agricultural interests and has some major centers of the Maya such as Hochob, Edzná, Becán, Xpuhil, Chicanná and Calakmul. The world famous Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is located near the ruins of Calakmul. Campeche is home to several small yet important towns such as Hecelchakán and Champotón, Calkini and Becal which is the center of the Panama Hat craft industry.

Campeche City - Located on the Gulf of Mexico Campeche City was originally called 'Villa and Puerto de San Francisco de Campeche' which was changed to Campeche City in 1777.

The city was a major city in colonial times and was built before Merida in the Yucatan. 

Since the city was one of the richest ports in the Americas during the 16th and 17th centuries, it became the target of a host of famous pirates. Campeche City was attacked by Francis Drake, John Hawkins, William Parker, the feared Henry Morgan and the Dutch Laurent Graff among others. 

Because of these raids Campeche was turned into a fort in 1704 including walls around the city with bulwarks and merlons. The interested visitor can still see some of the sections today. The city also has museums such as the Maya Steles, Fortification Historic Hall, Handicrafts, Regional, and Xmuch-Haltún Botanical Garden.