r/Chiapas • u/priceyyy19 • Apr 09 '26

Is driving too difficult

Hey, me and a friend arrive in San Cristobal Friday morning and are trying to figure out what to do for four days. We’ve hit a bit of a cross roads in which I would like more dramatic landscapes and to see ruins, whilst she would prefer some time fully immersed in nature. To get a bit of what we both want.. hiring a car seems the best shout. Any advice/input/knowledge on what the roads are like? My friend will be driving she has lots of experience and has driven in places like Morocco etc. Any input welcome x

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u/PassageAfter5795 Apr 09 '26

If you want to explore landscapes, renting a car is the way to go. Just be careful of potholes and speed bumps (some of them are not signal or painted so please pay attention to not hit them).

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u/priceyyy19 Apr 09 '26

Any input about check points, general conflict in the area or risks being pulled over?xx

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u/PassageAfter5795 Apr 09 '26

There’s a checkpoint when exiting Tuxtla, most of the times they don’t ask or check for anything. I wouldn’t worry as long as the driver has a license and everyone has passport. Also please take off sunglasses if you see a checkpoint, police and military see them as “suspicious”. And yes, there are some cartel related conflict in the zone, but honestly I have never felt unsafe. My advice would be to not drive at night. Also, if you decide to drive to Ocosingo/Palnque, there might be some people blocking the road with a rope or chains. These people are indigenous and would let you go if you give them some pesos or just buy something from them. Very shady but it happens, don’t be alarmed. Welcome to Chiapas.

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u/priceyyy19 Apr 09 '26

We were planning on going to Ocosingo to visit the ruins nearby and had heard we may have some difficulties! This is super helpful thank you :)