Chiapas is one of the wealthiest states in Mexico in terms of natural resources, yet it's poorest state by far in the country. Wealth is collected from the mountains, the jungles and the people (in the form of labor), and exported all over the world. It's this disparity that created the Zapatistas, and that, at least in theory, has Chiapas in a state of great unrest. Actually, the people you're likely to interact with and places you see are peaceful, relaxing and friendly. The Z's are primarily made up of an indigenous population, and live in the Lacandon jungle. Nonetheless, they have their own web site.

This is a typical street in colonial San Cristobal de las Casas, the town the Z's occupied for 30 hours on January 1, 1994. Number of people shot and killed: 0. Despite their rigorous military training and guerrilla tactics, the Z's want equity and peace, not war. Viva los gentes!