Archaeological Site
Izapa Ruins.
The Izapa Ruins are 12 km (7 miles) from Tapachula; the drive to the site takes about 15 minutes from Tapachula.
Izapa is a very large pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Mexican state of Chiapas; it was occupied during the Late Formative period. The site is situated on the Izapa River near the base of the Tacana volcano, the fourth largest mountain in Mexico.
The settlement at Izapa extended over 1.4 miles, making it the largest site in Chiapas. The site reached its apogee between 600 BCE and 100 AD. Izapa is located on wet and hilly land made of volcanic soil, though it is still fertile for agriculture. The weather is very hot and very wet. The area around Izapa was a major cacao producing area known as the Soconusco region, which was used by the Aztecs.
The site had eight groups of mounds with between 80 and 130 total mounds, of which roughly only half have been restored. The site included pyramids, sculptured plazas and squares, and possibly two ball courts.
Izapa gains its fame through its art style. The art found at the site includes sculptures of stelae and also altars that look like frogs. The stelae and frog altars generally went together; the toads symbolized rain. Much of the art of Izapa that features people includes large groups of people, not individuals. There are common characteristics of Izapan art, such as winged objects, long-lipped gods, Olmec-like swirling sky and clouds, feline mouth used as frame and representations of animals, including crocodile, jaguar, frog, fish and birds.
Like many Mesoamerican sites, Izapa is laid out just east of true north, It is aligned with the volcano Tacana and also seems to be situated to the December solstice horizon. Izapa is also included in the debate of the origin of the 260-day calendar.
The calendar was originally thought to be a Maya invention, but recently it has been hypothesized that calendar originated in Izapa. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that Izapa fits the geological and historical conditions better than the previous place thought to be the origin.
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Cost: approximately $15.00
Tapachula City Landmarks
Parque Hidalgo (Hidalgo Park) This is the central square of Tapachula, and it is where the Tapachultecos hang out. The park offers entertainment and relaxation under shade trees, and is a good place to get a pulse of this hot and humid border city. Surrounding the park you'll find the House of Culture, the Portal Perez and the outdoor theater, where daily marimba concerts are performed, and shops and restaurants.
Casa de Cultura (House of Culture) Tapachula's erstwhile Municipal Palace (City Hall), this museum features displays of antiques and artifacts relating to the area. The two-story building is as enigmatic as its contents, as it is one of Chiapas' most notable examples of 20th century architecture. It was built in 1929 in the Art Deco style that was in vogue in Mexico City during the 1920s and 30s. Tapachulteco nationalism is reflected in the figures that flank the main facade of the building, including the Oaxaquena borders, the Aztec warriors, the stylized serpents and the coats of arms of both Mexico and Chiapas. Located at the central town square.
Museo Arqueologico del Soconusco (Soconusco Archaeological Museum) This small two story museum features a collection of pieces from different archaeological sites along the Soconusco coast of Chiapas, with an emphasis on pieces from the neighboring Izapa ruin. The collection includes pottery, ceramics, musical instruments and an ornate Mixtec skull that has been laminated with gold and encrusted with turquoise. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Located next to the House of Culture.
Parroquia de San Agustin (The Parish Church of San Agustin) This modest church was built in the late eighteenth century. The church was built in a classical style with Ionian columns, and has a wooden roof covered with adobe tiles. Hours: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily. Located at the central town square.
Pantheon Municipal (Municipal cemetery) Tapachula's municipal cemetery provides good examples of funeral art; look for graves with German or Chinese names. The most interesting examples date from the turn of the 20th century. Located about 6 blocks southwest of Parque Hidalgo, at the corner of 8a Avenida Sur and 8a Calle Oriente.
Eco Tours & Out of Town Day Trips
Union Juarez This colorful town, about a kilometer from Guatemala in a coffee-growing region, is known for its wooden architecture. It is also a good departure point for excursions through the Soconusco highlands and the waterfalls of Muxbal and Monteperla, the rock of Pico de Loro and climbing the Tacana volcano, which towers above the town at an elevation of 13,600 ft. Union Juarez is located on the slopes of the Tacana volcano, 25 miles from Tapachula; the trip from Tapachula takes about 1 hour 15 minutes each way, so it may not be practical for folks with a short time in port. Nonetheless, it's an interesting off the beaten track trip, and you'll get a great cup of joe when you visit!
Huehuetan This is where you want to go if you want to raft the whitewater of the Cuilco River, whose currents run strong from May to November amid lush vegetation. From the starting point at San Francisco Huehuetan, the 12.5-mile trip down river includes an elevation drop of about 1,700 feet, with alternating rapids and waterfalls, making this one of Mexico's most exhilarating rides.
La Escollera This is a quiet place to take a seashore walk, ride on a inflated raft and enjoy the local seafood offered by the informal seaside restaurants.
Barra Cahoacan Located at the end of the Playa Linda residential area is a group of palapas (thatched roof huts) and restaurants offering their wares. It's about a 10 minute drive from Puerto Chiapas to Barra Cahoacan.
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