Community Tourism Provides Magical Experiences with Indigenous People from Chiapas
Chiapas, a state in the Mexican southeast steeped in lush nature and home to ancestral cultures with profound wisdom, urges you to visit and have experiences beyond the scope of ordinary trips.
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※ Here, scenic beauty is intimately entwined with the wealth of indigenous traditions, offering travelers the unique opportunity to connect with the very essence of the earth and its inhabitants. With community tourism, doors open up to fascinating realms where the Maya world view is reflected in every garment, ritual and jungle path.
San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán: Ancestral Ceremonies and Textile Art
※ Spending time in Zinacantán means delving into a universe of fascinating colors woven into textiles created with ancestral techniques, a reflection of the natural and cultural wealth that envelops this indigenous people. With dishes such as tamales and beverages that include the ceremonial “posh,” its cuisine delights the senses while festivities, such as the celebrations of the Lord of Esquipulas, Saint Sebastian and the most important of all, Saint Lawrence, reveal the depth of community devotion. Beyond its traditions, Zinacantán invites you to explore creativity with the backstrap loom and connect with the serenity of nature in Chiapas by taking ecological guided tours.
※ Not far away, San Juan Chamula offers its visitors a mystical atmosphere. The town’s main square, a space where pre-Hispanic and Catholic beliefs are interwoven, provides a startling image of the contemporary Maya world view, palpable in its rituals, prayers and the wafting aroma of copal. When strolling in the streets, it is impossible not to admire the traditional clothing, woven with history-laden symbols. You can also explore a market full of bright colors and unique handicrafts. A trip to these two nearby towns reflects the fascinating cultural diversity and deep-rooted ancestral wealth beating in the heart of Chiapas.
Nahá, Lacanjá and Metzabok: Adventures in the Lacandona Rainforest Guided by Local Wisdom
※ A green universe of amazing biodiversity, the Lacandona Jungle encourages in-depth exploration together with indigenous communities. In Nahá, where the local population preserves ancestral beliefs and a symbiotic connection with the environment, the Lacandona tradition intermingles with pristine nature. Pottery production is a testimony to the people’s skill and respect for the earth, in an ecologically abundantly rich landscape.
※ Lacanjá offers an exciting combination of adventure and culture. The Lacanjá River becomes a waterway for rafting in the middle of the lush jungle, while getting to know the Lacandona community reveals their handicraft traditions and profound knowledge of the environment. Plus, the zone boasts Maya archeological vestiges such as Lacanjá and Bonampak, the remains of great civilizations from the past.
※ Finally, Metzabok emerges as a sanctuary of biodiversity, with its vastly abundant flora and fauna, including iconic and some endangered species. Exploring this corner of the Lacandona Rainforest, guided by the very people who live here, is a singular chance to marvel at the intricate network of life that flourishes in this invaluable ecosystem.
Getting to know the indigenous peoples of Chiapas is a way to witness the transmission of wisdom and world view from the past to new generations whose life is intimately connected to the life of the rainforest and those who live in it.
