Chiapas Travel Forum

Hi all, I'm a photojournalist looking to capture real culture of people around the world. With Mexico so close to the USA, I thought I'd give that a try. From my research on the web, it seems that Chiapas is one of the places where I may find Mexicans in their natural habitat. If so, what Airport would you recommend I fly into from USA and also I prefer to drive for greater freedom.

Your thoughts and advice for finding the best culture for photography.

thanks,
Kabhatti

Hi Khabatti, I don't know Chiapas much but you would certainly find a very lively indigenous Mexican culture there. I travelled more in other parts of Mexico, lived in Veracruz and Mexico City for short periods. Everywhere I went, Mexicans were very much "of" of their country and the lifestyle was different from what I'm used to at home. Even with the proximity to the U.S., Mexico appeared less Americanised than the Central American countries I visited afterwards. Mexico's economy probably plays a role in this. I found all Mexico unique and truly captivating.
I guess for Chiapas, you would want to fly to San Cristobal de las Casas. From all I heard, you would not be disappointed there. You can rent a car there of course.
But even in Mexico City, the Mexican spirit is visible at every turn. My favourite photographer is Hector Garcia, a child of the inner suburbs, whose every photography to me is the essence of Mexico, in all its dramatic and carefree naturalness.
What I mean is, apart maybe from places like Tijuana, and I don't know since I've never been there, all of Mexico will spoil you with its natural way.
Finally, the State of Oaxaca, and Oaxaca City itself, offer great glimpses into native Indian lifestyle, if you're open and able to draw people out of their natural reserve. Wish I was back there now!

Mexico is a country of multiple cultures. Chiapas is one area where there is a significant amount of alienation between the national Mexican identity and the more Indian populations. Before you begin to blunder around in Chiapas you should do some serious research on the recent political events.

I know that for a photojournalist recent life and death struggle is an attractive subject, but finding "Mexicans in their natural habitat" might prove difficult and possibly dangerous in this situation. Zooming around in your own car could put you into conflict with Mexican authorities and/or raise suspicions of the native populations. You should realize that with the more native populations, Spanish may be considered the language of the oppressors.

I would suggest that you ditch the idea of renting your own car and instead go to San Cristobal and find a non-professional guide who comes from a small town and speaks enough Spanish or possibly English to serve as a translator. Agree to pay his or her expenses (plus reasonable further compensation) to visit his home town using public transportation.

Good luck

well said and good advice melosh!

I read all your advise with keen interest and appreciate it much, I certainly don't want to go and get myself into any danger just for the sake of a good photograph as some photogs are prepared for. I'll continue to do some more research and seriously consider your advice. Thanks again.

KB

Would you think that me being of Pakistani descent, and been mistaken for being a Mexican by Spanish speaking people in the past, would I still be in danger if I was to travel deep into Mexico?

Let me clarify, I do not think that you are likely to actually encounter any significant danger, although there is a possibility. I do not think that looking Mexican or Mayan would confer any added safety. (Historically these would be the combatants.) In fact, looking foreign might actually be helpful. There are two problems for your plan to go to take pictures. One is getting caught up in something as an innocent bi-stander, and the second would be not being able to get the type of photos you want due to mistrust and problems with communication.

Thus, my suggestion of connecting with someone who knows the local situation and people, plus can help with communication so you can travel with a low profile and in a culturally sensitive manner. I consider this a better use of your money than using it for a rental car.

Understood, I just tried to hook up with a translator using craigslist, waiting for a reply. Thanks again for your helpful advice.

KB

Hi Melosh and others, what is a reasonable fee for translators/guides in Mexico say for a day rate?

I heard from the girl on craigslist, she charges $80 per day, which seems to be high in my opinion???

thx,

Kalim