What kind of clothes should I pack?
Light items of clothing and comfortable footwear are the best allies on the excursions across the fascinating lands of Chiapas. Do not fail to bring a raincoat and an umbrella as well, for sudden downpours usually damp the area.
You need to protect yourself from the sun (do not forget your shades and sunscreen) and the mosquitoes that proliferate in the exuberant vegetation of Chiapas (have always a repellent at hand), in as much as from the rainfalls.

Where can I ask for tourist information?
In the City of Tuxla Gutierrez you will get orientation regarding your planned excursions at the Delegation of Tourism, located on Belisario Dominguez Boulevard, kilometre 950. You can also call 960-25127 / 960-25269 / 960-25281 / 960-25345 or (01) 800-280 3500 (toll free).
In Palenque, one of the main tourist magnets of the state, the information office is on Oriente Norte Street, unnumbered. You can also call the following numbers: (934) 50356 or (01-800) 280-3500 (toll free). Another consulting stand is located on the crossing of Juarez and Central Avenues.
In San Cristóbal de las Casas you can approach the ground floor of the Municipal Palace to get tourist information.

What are people like in Chiapas?
Heirs of a millenarian culture, people in Chiapas are very respectful regarding their customs and ancestral traditions, based on mutual respect, equality and pacific coexistence. Their character is neither expansive nor extroverted; however, the population welcomes visitors with opened arms.
Social and economic differences in Chiapas are pretty notorious, and this prompted the insurgence, a few years ago, of the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN), a rebel movement that sought better life conditions for the indigenous population.
Nowadays, people living in urban and rural areas in Chiapas, struggle tenaciously in order to improve their way of life.

Which are the visiting hours at the museums, archaeological zones and natural parks?
Public museums usually work from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 hours up till 17:00 hours. They are closed on Mondays for maintenance. Private museums welcome visitors during the entire week.
The archaeological zones of Toniná, Chincultik, Izapa, Bonampak, Yaxchilán and Tenám Puente, are opened to visitors from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 hours up till 17:00 hours.
Regarding the Sumidero Canyon, it can be visited everyday from 9:00 hours up till 17:00 hours.

Will I have any problem in communicating with my country by phone or the Internet?
There is a fair number of public phone booths in the urban zones of the State of Chiapas, from where you can easily complete both national and international calls by using coins or prepaid cards, besides the option of calling collect.
It is also possible to make phone calls from the hotels, though the rates are higher than at the public booths.
Regarding access to the Internet, there are numerous cyber cafés with economic fees in the State of Chiapas, especially in the capital, Tuxla Gutierrez. On the other hand, ever more hotels offer this service to their guests.

Is it easy to drive in the State of Chiapas?
As is the case in most Mexican cities, drivers in the cities of Chiapas are not that fond of traffic rules, so you need to drive with both your eyes wide open.
You must also be extremely careful and aware when driving through the penetration roads leading to rural areas, because they present sudden and blind turns, and sections with just one lane. The conditions of the roads leave much to be desired, mainly during the rainy season.

What do I need to rent a car?
All you need is to show a credit card and a valid driver license in order to rent a car in Tuxtla Gutierrez. If you are planning on visiting the Aztec capital during high season, book a reservation in advance.
Check if you are covered by a valid insurance policy when renting a car, and be informed about its coverage if that is the case.

Where can I purchase handicrafts?
Handicraft fairs are pretty common in the towns of Chiapas, and they usually set their merchandise nearby the main plazas. Cheerful and picturesque, they are ideal for purchasing basketworks, objects made of clay, wooden pieces, textiles, typical costumes and jewellery, amongst other artistic manifestations proper of the ancient cultures of the state.

How should I behave when visiting the forest and the archaeological zones?
Follow only the paths and trails opened for tourists while visiting the forest of the State of Chiapas; bear in mind that you are in a natural area and that getting astray from the signalised routes can bring more than one problem on you. Follow the instructions and recommendations of the guide if you are travelling in the company of one.
Regard the environment and the cultural value of the archaeological zones with due respect. Do not make any inscription on the walls and objects, do not drop litter on the trails and avoid doing anything that might jeopardise the natural and historical patrimony of Chiapas.