Oaxaca and Chiapas: the states of cultural traditions, vibrant colour and ancient ruins. There may be no better way to experience a world famous Mexican tradition than at the Day of the Dead Celebrations in Oaxaca, while to enjoy bright colours that are all made from natural sources, visit a Oaxacan craft market. In Chiapas, visit Palenque, an archaeological site dating back to around 220BC or the site of Yaxchilan, deep in the jungle, to explore its mazes, tunnels and temples. These two states are brimming with culture and things to do, so take a look at our top recommendations below for more.
Things to do in Oaxaca and Chiapas
What to do in Oaxaca & Chiapas

San Juan de Chamula
The fairly banal (in comparison) exterior does not prepare you for the surreal goings-on inside, and to see it really is to believe it.

Yaxchilan & Bonampak
Gaining access to the Yaxchilan site is notoriously difficult, meaning very few visitors make the trip. However we have had a word with our Mexican...

Gastronomy in Oaxaca
Mexican cuisine was recently granted UNESCO World Heritage status, making this the first national cuisine to merit such exalted eminence. We’re...

Arts & Crafts in Oaxaca
Forget the food (OK, ignore that) - Oaxaca is also Mexico’s craft capital. We can arrange visits to artisanal villages such as Teotitlan del...

Day of the Dead Celebrations
The Day of the Dead festival takes place from Halloween until the night of the 2nd November, and this most Mexican of events is best experienced...

Zapotec Ruins of Monte Alban
Dating back to 500BC, the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán lie just 6 miles from the city of Oaxaca, and so are a must-visit in our humble...

Palenque
Located on the western edge of the Mayan empire within the state of Chiapas, the ancient and UNESCO protected site of Palenque is one of the...
Showing 1 - 3 of 7 activities
Load moreLuxury Hotels in Oaxaca & Chiapas

Uvence Arte + Hotel
Located in the oldest part of town, Uvence Arte + Hotel is a converted hacienda that offers guests an authentic yet luxurious experience.

Quinta Chanabnal
Quinta Chanabal is a modern Mayan palace, and is just a ten minute drive from the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque.

Casa Oaxaca
Housed in an 18th Century colonial house, Casa Oaxaca has been painstakingly restored and modernised to create a designer boutique hotel.

Hotel Bo
In complete contrast to most San Cristobal hotels, Hotel Bo is a design forward boutique hotel, located a short stroll from the heart of town.

Quinta Real
Built in 1576, Quinta Real Oaxaca was formerly a convent, before being taken over and turned into municipal offices at the height of political...
Showing 1 - 3 of 5 hotels
Load more
The Best Spring Holidays for 2020

Want to put the spring back in your step after the dark
doldrums of winter? We've got just the ticket, and with Easter plus
two May bank holidays, spring is one of the best times of year for
an epic escape. Here's where to go in spring 2020…
View more on the blog
Are you Ahead of the Game? Where to Head this Autumn

Summer may not have even begun (and who knows if it ever will) but before we know it autumn leaves will be falling, the Pimm's will be heading back into the cupboard for another year and the pervading pong of barbecue will have faded from the air. A stark reality we're sure you'll agree. And…
View more on the blog
Family Adventure Holidays

Thrilling adventures don't have to stop as soon as the kids
arrive. At Original Travel we pride ourselves on being able to make
even the most action packed holiday totally family friendly. After
all, sometimes it's not only the children who can't sit still for
five minutes.
View more on the blog
My Perfect Day In Mexico

What would your perfect day entail? Perhaps spending it in a beautiful location, with a dash of adventure, a splash of culture and a decent dollop of sunshine, washed down with some delectable cuisine? Mexico is the perfect place for just such a day and if geography and time were not an…
View more on the blog