Southern Mexico

Four states: Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Veracruz and Tabasco on the Gulf of Mexico, where Indigenous cultures, Maya ruins and Pacific beaches coexist.

Scope: Following the seven-region travel division of Mexico, the south covers four states: Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Veracruz and Tabasco on the Gulf coast. The Oaxacan coast, including Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, goes with the state of Oaxaca into this region. Highlights: The historic center of Oaxaca City and the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán are both World Heritage Sites. The city has markets, mole and mezcal, and nearby are Hierve el Agua, boiling springs that look like petrified waterfalls, and the ancient Tule tree. On the Oaxacan coast, Puerto Escondido is a surfing hot spot, while Huatulco's bays are calm. Chiapas has the highland colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas with its surrounding Indigenous villages, boat trips through the Sumidero Canyon, and in the jungle the Maya ruins of Palenque and the Agua Azul waterfalls. Veracruz has the El Tajín ruins, a port city and the mountain town of Xalapa. In Tabasco, Villahermosa has La Venta Park with its giant Olmec stone heads. Classic itineraries: 4 days in Oaxaca City plus 3 days on the coast; 5–6 days in Chiapas covering San Cristóbal, Sumidero and Palenque, which can continue on to the Yucatán Peninsula. Getting there and around: Oaxaca, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Huatulco, Villahermosa and Veracruz have airports. Between cities you can take intercity coaches such as ADO, though mountain roads are winding and slow. Notes: Ask for permission before taking photos in Indigenous villages. Protest roadblocks occasionally occur, so check local conditions before setting out.

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