Tapachula Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and safety and health tips of Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico.


Introduction to Tapachula

Located in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico, Tapachula is a city that is often overlooked by tourists. Nevertheless, it offers an array of cultural and natural attractions that are worth exploring. With its beautiful weather, friendly locals, and rich history, Tapachula is the perfect place for those who prefer to get off the beaten path and delve into the authentic Mexican experience.

List of Places to Visit in Tapachula

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo Arqueológico Regional de Soconusco - This museum houses some of the most impressive artifacts from the ancient Mesoamerican civilization, including pottery, sculptures, and jewelry.
  • Catedral de San Agustín - This cathedral is a popular landmark in Tapachula and showcases the stunning architecture of the colonial era.
  • Mercado del Coyoacán - This market is a fantastic place to experience the local culture and flavors of Tapachula. You’ll find everything from food to souvenirs here.

Natural Attractions of Tapachula: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Volcán Tacaná - This beautiful volcano sits on the border of Mexico and Guatemala and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Cascadas de Agua Azul - Visit these stunning waterfalls that are some of the most popular natural attractions in Mexico.
  • Parque Central Bicentenario - This park is located in the heart of Tapachula and is a great place to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tapachula

  • Tacaná Volcano Summit - This hike takes you to the top of the Tacaná volcano and offers some of the most spectacular views in the area.
  • Cerro Hueco Trail - This intermediate level trail takes you through the beautiful countryside surrounding Tapachula and is great for biking or hiking.
  • Baluarte de San Francisco Trail - This trail takes you to the historic fort that was used to defend the city during the colonial era. It offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Tapachula: Activities and Tours

  • Coffee Plantation Tour - Take a tour of the local coffee plantations and learn about how coffee is grown and harvested in the region.
  • Zoologico Miguel Alvarez del Toro - This zoo is home to over 200 species of native animals, including jaguars, monkeys, and toucans.
  • Rafting on the Usumacinta River - This thrilling adventure takes you down one of the most scenic rivers in southern Mexico, passing through beautiful landscapes along the way.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tapachula

Day Activity
1 Explore the historic city center
2 Visit the Museo Arqueológico Regional de Soconusco and Catedral de San Agustín
3 Take a coffee plantation tour
4 Go hiking or biking on Cerro Hueco Trail
5 Go rafting on the Usumacinta River
6 Take a day trip to Cascadas de Agua Azul
7 Relax in Parque Central Bicentenario and go shopping at Mercado del Coyoacán

Food and Drink Scene of Tapachula

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tamales - A traditional Mexican dish made with masa (corn dough) and stuffed with various fillings such as pork, beans, chilies, or cheese.
  • Empanadas - Pastries filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as meat, potatoes, cheese, and vegetables.
  • Chilate - A hot drink made with cocoa, maize, cinnamon, and sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Tequila - A spirit made from the blue agave plant that is native to Mexico.
  • Margarita - A cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate - A rich chocolate drink made with cocoa, milk, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.

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

  • Hotel Loma Real - A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Tapachula, offering guests a pool, restaurant, and spa facilities.
  • Hostal Tazumal - A budget-friendly hostel located near the city center, offering guests comfortable rooms and a communal kitchen.
  • Casa Mexicana - A charming guesthouse located in a picturesque neighborhood that offers guests a unique and authentic Mexican experience.

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

  • Coffee - Tapachula is known for its high-quality coffee, so be sure to bring some back with you.
  • Traditional Crafts - You’ll find a variety of unique artisanal crafts such as pottery, textiles, and handmade jewelry in the local markets and shops.
  • Vanilla - Chiapas is known for its high-quality vanilla beans, so be sure to pick some up at one of the local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Tapachula

Tapachula has a rich cultural heritage that is heavily influenced by the indigenous Mesoamerican culture and the Spanish colonial era. Some local customs and festivals include:

  • Dia de los Muertos - This traditional Mexican holiday celebrates the deceased loved ones and is typically celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
  • Feria Tapachula - This festival is held yearly in Tapachula and features a variety of traditional music, dance performances, and cultural events.

Best Time to Visit Tapachula

The best time to visit Tapachula is between November and April when the weather is dry and temperatures are mild. However, if you want to experience some of the local festivals and events, visit during the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tapachula

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish before you visit.
  • Respect the customs and traditions of the locals.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing or provocative clothing.
  • Disrespect the local culture or people.
  • Take pictures without asking permission first.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tapachula

Tapachula is a relatively safe city, but it is still important to take some precautions:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight to avoid attracting thieves.
  • Use licensed taxis and avoid using public transportation at night.

Health in Tapachula

It is important to take some basic health precautions when visiting Tapachula:

  • Drink only bottled water and avoid tap water.
  • Apply insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.

Getting to Tapachula: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tapachula

  • Tapachula International Airport - This airport is the closest to Tapachula and offers direct flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancun.

Bus Stations Near Tapachula

  • Central de Autobuses de Tapachula - This bus station offers services to various destinations across Mexico, including Mexico City, Cancun, and Oaxaca.

Other Options

  • Private Car Service - You can hire a private car service to take you from the nearest airport to Tapachula.
  • Shared Rides - Shared rides are a popular and affordable option for getting around Tapachula.

How to Get Around in Tapachula

  • Taxi - Taxis are the most convenient way to get around Tapachula and are readily available across the city.
  • Public Transportation - Public buses are also available and are a more affordable option, but they can be crowded and are not as reliable as taxis.

Where to Go Next from Tapachula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Cristobal de las Casas - This charming colonial town is located just a few hours from Tapachula and offers beautiful architecture, markets, and cultural events.
  • Palenque - This ancient city was once the center of the Mayan civilization and is now a popular historical site.
  • Puerto Escondido - This stunning beach town is located on the Pacific coast and is a popular spot for surfing and relaxing on the beach.

Conclusion

Tapachula is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming city. So why not book your trip today and explore the best of Chiapas, Mexico!

City's Old City Hall building in the main plaza City's Old City Hall building in the main plaza Monument with painted gourds Monument with painted gourds