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

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Our favourite Tapachula Blogs (beta)

Mujeres y Mayans – Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico

Blog: Trans-Americas Journey - 23 June 2011

Tapachula could be just another border town (when your Wiki page starts with “Tapachula is a hot, humid town…” it ain’t good), however, there are two standout reasons to stop. The first is Casa Mexicana, a boutique hotel with just 10 rooms each named for an iconic Mexican woman. Yes, Frida gets a room. Bt the hotel also pays homage to Doña Josepha Ortiz de Dominguez, known as La Corregidora, a privileged woman who lived in Querétaro and was one of the earliest agitators for Mexican independence.

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Coffee Culture – Finca Hamburgo & Finca Argovia, Ruta de Cafe, Chiapas, Mexico

Blog: Trans-Americas Journey - 20 June 2011

Chiapas has the legacy of the Zapatistas, the many charms of San Cristóbal de las Casas, and some of the most vibrant indigenous cultures in all of Mexico. As if that weren’t enough to love, this state also produces outstanding coffee (not that we like Starbucks, but the mega chain gets a chunk of its supply of coffee from Chiapas). You can thank the Germans.

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