San Cristobal - One month on the road
Trip Start
Sep 09, 2008
1
8
86
Trip End
Aug 17, 2009
San Cristobal de las Casas,
Central Mexico and Gulf Coast,
Mexico
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
On Saturday a group of us took a collectivo, a small van that ferries local people and tourists around at a very cheap price, to the Canon del Sumidero. This is a stunning canyon that cuts it's way through a mountain range, twisting and bending along some of the wildest landscapes I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. The view from our little boat was truly amazing and as we were sucked deeper into the canyon the mountains began to tower over us. The waterfalls were spectacular as was the jungle that crept up to the water's edge. We didn't see any Spider monkeys, which was a shame, but the crocodiles on the mud flats more than made up for that. We pulled up next to one and it wasn't the slightest bit interested in our presence, basking in the sun without even a look in our direction. The changing light conditions in the canyon was remarkable and seemed to bring the rock faces alive with color and shade. The whole two and a half hour journey was undoubtedly some of the best time we have spent in Mexico yet.
Today we enjoyed our last day in this beautiful part of Chiapas by visiting San Juan Chamula, a small Tzotzil community that is very independent and has kept to it's traditional way of life. As we walked the streets, nestled between hills and forests, I could tell by their facial features and dress that these were truly indigenous people, far removed from the typical Mexican we have come to know. With very strong features and adorned in animal furs these people and their way of life is a rare treat to behold. Community seems everything to these proud, gentle people and even though they have very little money, two young girls ran up to myself and Mish and gave us both a bracelet as a present. As they deal with tourists on a daily basis these girls spoke very good English, which made me laugh considering where we were. I hadn't purchased anything up until this afternoon, but I couldn't resist a hand crafted Mayan calender that had been carefully burned onto animal hide. After just finishing a book on the Maya and their calender I thought this would be a perfect memento.
Tomorrow we are leaving with our friends Keith and Pao and heading north east, to Palenque, the ancient Mayan ruins that sit amongst the incredible Chiapas jungle. We will be sorry to say goodbye to San Cristobal but we only have two months left in Central America and so we need to pick up the pace a little if we wanna make it as far as Costa Rica. It's so easy to get settled, especially when you are in such a comfortable environment with such nice people. Tonight we are going out with our friends to say goodbye but in the knowledge that we will all meet again before our trip is over.
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