While our nerve-racking encounter with the cops the previous night was still fresh in our minds, we started day #11 with refreshed spirits and headed towards the southern state of Oaxaca (pronounced as wah-HAH-kah).
Mo-leh! Mo-leh!
Sleeping in the car is obviously not the most comfortable and so, upon arriving at Salina Cruz, we decided to check-in at Hotel Vinisa. Some creature comforts like a warm shower, an actual bed, and the opportunity to handwash some dirty laundry were most welcomed.
Despite the rain, we explored the local market looking for cheap tacos and authentic Mexican food. From 3 tacos for 1 peso to 4 for 25, we made our way to a nice dinner at La Terraza del Aguascalientes. I fell in love with their chocolatey mole (pronounced as mo-leh)!
Parque Nacional Cañon del Sumidero, Chiapas
Chiapas was the last Mexican state with three more stops as we got nearer to the border of Guatemala. While driving across the state border, a sign that says something about Chiapas being the friendliest state in the country caught our attention.
The next person we met couldn’t have done a better job of representing that spirit when we were greeted warmly by a warden at the foot to Parque Nacional Cañon del Sumidero.
After knowing that we were looking for a safe place to pitch a tent for a night, he told us that we can do that right at the entrance of the park. After we explored the several breathtaking lookout points within the park, he even made sure the guard on night duty knows to expect us.
San Cristóbal, Chiapas
We woke up bright and early on day #13 and headed about 37 miles (59 km) east to San Cristóbal de las Casas. The colorful market with a wide array of handicrafts is worth a visit and you will not miss the centuries-old, yellow San Cristóbal Cathedral on the Parque Central.
Before heading to my last stop in Tapachula, we found the Arcotete Ecotourism Park with nice camp grounds. This park is hard to find and charges for various items separately like park entry, bbq pit, and bathroom. They do have, what looks like fun activities (ie. at an extra cost) such as zip-line and cavern exploration during peak season.
Tapachula, Chiapas
My feelings were a mix of accomplishment and sadness as we arrived at Tapachula where Reece and I will part ways. The last night of our road trip was spent with a simple (but delicious) meal and having fun getting wet at the Bicentenario Park.
I wasn’t expecting the journalling of this 14-day road trip through Mexico to end up in five parts and so, I am appreciative if you have read through them. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything as it has challenged me to plan a little lesser and simply enjoy the moment.
If you are planning a similar adventure and found some useful information in the posts, let me know in a comment below. Would I do another low-budget road trip in the future? Heck yes!
DeSi9n HouSE 