Ocosingo Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and outdoorsy city of Ocosingo, Chiapas, Mexico. Explore its natural wonders, historical sites, food scene, and local culture with our week-long itinerary and travel tips.


Introduction to Ocosingo

Nestled in the heart of Chiapas, Mexico, Ocosingo is a hidden gem for travelers looking for an authentic cultural experience combined with outdoor adventures. The city is located between the highlands of Chiapas and the tropical rainforests of the Lacandon Jungle, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. In this comprehensive guide to Ocosingo, we’ll take you on a journey through the must-see attractions, food scene, culture, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Ocosingo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Toniná Archaeological Site: A pre-Columbian Mayan site with impressive structures and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

  2. El Chorreadero Waterfall: This sacred waterfall is an important pilgrimage site for the local Tzotzil community.

  3. Palenque Archaeological Site: One of Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruins, located just an hour’s drive from Ocosingo.

  4. Casa Museo Na-Bolom: A museum dedicated to the preservation of Chiapas’ indigenous cultures and history, also a former residence of archaeologist Frans Blom and his wife, Gertrude Duby Blom.

Natural Attractions of Ocosingo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lagunas de Montebello National Park: Crystal clear lakes surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning waterfalls, great for hiking and swimming.

  2. Agua Azul Waterfalls: A series of cascading waterfalls that create natural pools, best appreciated during the rainy season.

  3. El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve: A protected area known for its diverse fauna, flora, and cloud forests.

  4. Mirador de Agua Clara: A scenic viewpoint overlooking the Lacandon Jungle and the Usumacinta River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ocosingo

  1. Tonina-Pajaro Macua Route: An 11-kilometer trek that takes you from the Mayan ruins of Tonina to the village of Pajaro Macua, passing through coffee and banana plantations.

  2. Las Nubes Trail: A challenging 19-kilometer hike through the lush cloud forests of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, featuring stunning views of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Ocosingo: Activities and Tours

  1. Coffee Tours: Discover the process of growing and roasting coffee in Chiapas, and sip on some of the best organic coffee in the world.

  2. Rafting Tours: Navigate the rapids of the Jataté and Chancalá rivers, experiencing the thrill of urban adventure in nature.

  3. Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of the indigenous communities in the area, including their language, crafts, and gastronomy.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ocosingo

Day 1: Visit Toniná Archaeological Site, El Chorreadero Waterfall, and Casa Museo Na-Bolom.

Day 2: Explore the natural wonders of Agua Azul Waterfalls and Lagunas de Montebello National Park.

Day 3: Take a coffee tour and learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting organic coffee.

Day 4: Hike Las Nubes Trail in the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, featuring stunning views of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Day 5: Go on a cultural tour of nearby indigenous communities, learning about their language, crafts, and gastronomy.

Day 6: Rapids rafting tour on the Jataté and Chancalá rivers.

Day 7: Visit Palenque Archaeological Site, one of the most important Mayan ruins in Mexico.

Food and Drink Scene of Ocosingo

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tamales de chipilín: Delicious tamales made with the local herb known as chipilín.

  2. Carne asada: Grilled beef served with tortillas, avocado, and various salsas.

  3. Sopa de pan: A comforting soup made with stale bread, tomato sauce, and spices.

  4. Pozol: A popular beverage made with fermented corn dough, water, and cacao.

Local Beverages

  1. Tejate: A refreshing beverage made with corn masa, cacao, and the seeds of the rosita de cacao plant.

  2. Tascalate: A hot drink made with roasted corn, cacao, chocolate, and cinnamon.

Where to Stay in Ocosingo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel La Cabaña: A cozy hotel located in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.

  2. Hostal Casa de la Selva: A spacious hostel surrounded by lush gardens and featuring a communal kitchen and free Wi-Fi.

  3. Posada El Zaguan: A family-run guesthouse located in the historic center of Ocosingo, featuring comfortable rooms and a charming courtyard.

What to Buy in Ocosingo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade Textiles: The indigenous communities in the area are known for their intricate weavings and embroidery.

  2. Coffee: Chiapas is famous for its organic coffee, which you can buy directly from local farmers.

  3. Honey: Another popular local product, honey in Chiapas is 100% natural and bursting with flavor.

Local Culture and Customs of Ocosingo

The region surrounding Ocosingo is home to several indigenous communities, including the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, and Ch’ol people. Respect their customs and traditions, seek permission before taking photographs, and try to learn a few phrases in their language. Don’t forget to sample their traditional cuisine and purchase their handmade crafts.

Best Time to Visit Ocosingo

The best time to visit Ocosingo is from November to April when the weather is dry and comfortable. The rainy season, from May to October, is also a great time to visit for those wanting to see the waterfalls at their fullest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ocosingo

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and coffee
  • Respect the local indigenous communities
  • Visit the natural wonders of the area

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions
  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Enter sensitive archaeological areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Ocosingo

Ocosingo is generally safe for travelers, but it’s always advisable to take basic precautions such as not carrying large sums of money, avoiding isolated areas at night, and keeping your valuables safe.

Health in Ocosingo

Make sure to drink bottled or purified water, and only eat at clean and reputable establishments. It’s also recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever before traveling to Chiapas.

Getting to Ocosingo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ocosingo

The nearest airports to Ocosingo are Angel Albino Corzo International Airport in Tuxtla Gutierrez, and Palenque International Airport. From either airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rental car to get to Ocosingo.

Bus Stations Near Ocosingo

The main bus station in Ocosingo is the OCC bus station, which offers regular connections to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

Another option is to take a colectivo, a shared taxi that operates along pre-set routes and is an affordable and convenient way to get around.

How to Get Around in Ocosingo

Walking is the best way to get around the city center of Ocosingo. To visit nearby attractions, you can use a rental car, take a taxi, or a colectivo.

Where to Go Next from Ocosingo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. San Cristobal de las Casas: A colonial town famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and unique culture.

  2. Palenque: A world-famous Mayan archaeological site known for its impressive structures and intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions.

  3. Tuxtla Gutierrez: The capital city of Chiapas, featuring a lively city center and historical and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Ocosingo is a city that offers a perfect blend of culture, history and natural wonders for travelers looking for an authentic Mexican experience. With its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, Ocosingo is not to be missed.

Palacio municipal Palacio municipal Temple of San Jacinto de Polonia in downtown Ocosingo Temple of San Jacinto de Polonia in downtown Ocosingo