The terrain is hugely varied in Chiapas, as is the climate, and you could theoretically be basking on the beach one day, and spending a chilly night in the mountains the next. For its size, it also has the greatest biological diversity in North America.
Although Chiapas has had a reputation for Zapatista activity and rebellion, it’s been relatively peaceful recently and plenty of tourists come here without having anything other than a pleasurable time. More likely than not you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificent highland landscapes and jungle around Palenque without any problem at all.