Seontaltic: Hotels for Culture and Nature

The archaeological zone of Lagartero lies within the municipality, on El Limonal, the largest island in a system of swamps and lagoons. The Río Lagartero, the Río San Lucas, and springs feed this water system. Wetlands and the island setting are therefore an integral part of the surroundings described for the archaeological site.

Lagartero: Archaeology and Landscape

During the Late Classic period, Lagartero was an important waystation between the Maya cultures of Guatemala’s lowlands and highlands and the Central Depression of Chiapas. Its peak period fell between 600 and 900 AD. The site remained inhabited until around the end of the Early Postclassic period, approximately until 1200 AD. These details describe two distinct periods: its peak and the later end of its settlement.

The archaeological zone has a service module, an interpretation room, security, and restrooms; admission is free.

Chinkultic: Complexes and History

Chinkultic comprises four main groups on limestone hills amid Cenote Azul and the Chanujabab and Tepancuapan lagoons. The location of the groups and bodies of water gives the description a clear geographic context. Its chronology is also notable: Chinkultic flourished from 600 to 900 AD and remained inhabited until around the end of the Early Postclassic period, approximately until 1200 AD. This makes it possible to consider its peak period separately from its longer settlement history.

Sacred Art at Parador Museo Santa María

Parador Museo Santa María is located within the municipality in a former 19th-century hacienda. The museum of sacred art is housed in the hacienda’s chapel. Its collection includes paintings, wooden and ivory sculptures, and religious goldsmith work from the 17th to the 19th century. The works were made in Mexico, Guatemala, Europe, and the Philippines. The collection’s varied materials, periods, and places of origin make it a cultural highlight in its own right alongside the archaeological sites.

Lagoons and Natural Surroundings

Lagunas de Montebello National Park is a protected natural area with more than 60 lagoons. This scale offers a different perspective on the landscape from the single island and wetland near Lagartero: here, the focus is on an extensive lagoon system. When planning your trip, you can give nature and culture different emphasis without reducing them to the same destination or landscape.

A Historical Look at the Camino Real

The Ruta Camino Real retraces the colonial Camino Real, which connected the province of Chiapa with Guatemala as the main trade route for goods. Among the remains along the route are Coapa, Escuintenango, San José Coneta, and Aquespala, four settlements in the region of the extinct Coxoh. It ends at the Lagartero archaeological zone on the border with Guatemala, on an island surrounded by swamps and Chicozapote forests. The route thus brings together trade history, settlement remains, and the landscape around Lagartero in a regional perspective.

Discover more destinations: Los Cerritos, Las Rosas, San Cristóbal De Las Casas, Zinacantán, Marqués De Comillas, El Porvenir de Velasco Suárez, Villa Del Mar, Bachajón

For the broader travel overview: Chiapas.