In southern México in the Mexican state of Chiapas is the National Park "Cañón del Sumidero. Inside the park is a narrow and deep canyon called Cañón del Sumidero, for which the park is also named. It is one of Chiapas' most popular tourist attractions. The canyon has vertical walls that can be as high as 1,000 meters at some points. A river also flows through the 13-kilometer-long canyon.

• A non-touristy town that connects people to the beautiful park. Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the entrance to Chiapas as well as to México's piece of natural beauty.
• The narrow, deep canyon in México National Park has peaks as high as one kilometer.
• A stalactite that looks like a seahorse and a colored cave: Sumidero Canyon has been nominated one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Surrounding the canyon is the México National Park, which covers nearly 22 acres of land with pure nature. Adjacent to the park is the Mexican state's largest city, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, which after arriving in Chiapas makes you feel immediately connected to its natural beauty. The Mexican state of Chiapas has only one city, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and this is the most developed, populous and therefore most important municipality in the state. Unlike many other areas, the city is not a tourist attraction, but primarily an important place that offers tourists access to the state. With a major airport and bus terminal, Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the entrance to Chiapas

Sumidero Canyon was formed by cracks in the earth's crust and erosion from the Grijalva River, which still flows through it. This process began about 35 million years ago; this makes the Sumidero Canyon the sister of the American Grand Canyon near the Colorado River. The Grijalva River begins in Guatemala, then flows on to Chiapas, through the 13-kilometer-long canyon, and finally empties into the Usumacinta River. In addition to the Grijalva River, the Cañón del Sumidero México Natural Park has other streams, many of which are seasonal. Some consist of waterfalls on the sides of the canyon and underground currents, which have created caves. The canyon itself is narrow but deep and is characterized by vertical walls between 200 and 700 meters high, but with peaks as high as 1,000 meters. The width of the canyon ranges from one to two kilometers.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

The national park in México was nominated one of the seven natural wonders of the world in 2009. This is due in part to the canyon, which possesses many wonderful natural wonders. For example, the canyon has as many as thirty rapids, five waterfalls, three beaches, two freshwater springs and is the habitat for endangered species such as the Central American river turtle and the American crocodile, which, by the way, you can spot on the banks. The canyon walls contain small caves, rock formations and other striking natural beauty. One of the most famous caves of the area is the "Cueva de Colores" (Cave of the Colors). This cave gets its name from the natural filtration of magnesium, potassium and other minerals, which form beautiful colors on the walls. There is also a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, usually surrounded by flowers and burning candles placed there by visitors. The "Cueva de Silencio" (Cave of Silence) gets its name from the fact that no echo or any other form of resonance is formed there. In another small cave there is a very special dripstone called 'Caballito de Mar' (Seahorse). The dripstone is so named because it looks like a seahorse.

Some know Mexico only from tequila, sombreros or spring break parties that Americans love to go to. But Mexico has much more to offer. For example, the country is rich in Mayan culture, beautiful coastlines and colonial villages. Will you join us on a journey through the colorful villages, Mayan ruins and all the delicious Mexican food?

Maya ruins Chitzen Itza & colonial Valladolid

One of the most famous ruins in Mexico is Chitzen Itza. These ruins have as their highlight the Temple of Kukulcan, the tall pyramid proudly sticking out of the ground on a green lawn. You can easily visit this temple from Cancun, as many tours are arranged from there. But it is more fun to travel to the colonial town of Valladolid first. There you will find a nice central square, souvenir stores but also an underground pool in which you can swim. Moreover, you can also eat delicious food there, for example at the unusually designed Casona de Valladolid. Don't forget to walk to the garden, where you will find a special fountain.

The nicest coast in Mexico can be found at Tulum

One of the best places to enjoy sun, beach and sea during a vacation in Mexico is at Tulum. In fact, in some places you will find beach huts right by the sea, so you can spend the night here. Do you prefer to sleep in a hostel? Then you can book something in town, as many hostels have a free shuttle service to the beach. Tulum is much quieter than Cancun and the coastline is far from being filled with large resorts. You will find a few restaurants and plenty of palm trees so you can relax in the shade. When in Tulum, be sure to get up early and take a walk to the temple of the same name. This is located on the cliffs and is very special to see.

Souvenir shopping and hiking at San Cristobal

In Mexico it is sometimes far too hot in many places, if you want to escape the oppressive heat, your best bet is to travel to San Cristobal. This city is located higher in the mountains and is therefore pleasantly warm. Moreover, you will find cozy markets where you can buy the most beautiful souvenirs. Do bring your haggling skills, because the sellers like to ask a little more from a European tourist. Around San Cristobal you can make beautiful trips to all kinds of waterfalls. From San Cristobal you can then travel further to Palenque. There you will find the special Mayan city where you definitely want to be if you make a tour through Mexico.

Swimming in underground pools

Throughout Mexico you will find all kinds of cenotes, which are underground pools in which you can sometimes swim. Some impressive ones are cenote Xkeken, Ikkil and Dzitnup. If you are traveling in northeastern Mexico you should definitely visit one. But do not forget your swimwear, because it is more than tempting to dive in when it is hot.

Dancing on Isla Mujeres beach and swimming with whalesharks

Would you like to visit an island while in Mexico? Then go to Isla Mujeres and sleep there at the hostel PocNa. There you will find pleasant beach parties or performances of bands at night. Furthermore, you can take special tours around the island where you can swim with giant whalesharks!

Want to read more about Mexico? Check out the travel tips from online travel guide We Are Travellers!

A Special Month for Romantic Getaways

Valentine’s day is right in the heart of February, and it’s a day that makes this a special month for anyone with a special someone in their own heart. Allow us to suggest ten places where romance fills the air and mingles with Spanish… the perfect language for talking about love according to Bob Dylan.

Join don Quijote and immerse yourself in the real-life settings of these timeless tales of love!