Tapachula

Introducing Tapachula

‘The Pearl of Soconusco, ’ Mexico’s bustling southernmost city doesn’t quite live up to its nickname, though it does have an interesting combination of urban sophistication and tropical tempo. A new cruise ship terminal at nearby Puerto Chiapas has led to an increase in local investment, but trees still grow through crumbling and evocative old houses in the center. The city is an important commercial center, not only for the Soconusco but also for cross-border trade with Guatemala.

When the cruceros (cruise ship passengers) stream into town every few weeks, the city sucks in its belly and puts its best foot forward. A hot, humid and busy place year-round, Tapachula’s heart is the large, lively Parque Hidalgo, with vistas of the towering 4110m cone of Volcán Tacaná to the north on clear days. Most travelers simply pass through here on the way to or from Guatemala, but it makes a good base for a number of interesting nearby attractions.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009