Things To Do
in Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo is a colonial town in Chiapas perched on the Grijalva River and the gateway to the Sumidero Canyon. Its Plaza de La Pila and pastel colonial buildings frame a relaxed, walkable center where artisans sell lacquerware and woven textiles. The town serves as a base for canyon trips, riverfront strolls, and gastronomic discoveries in traditional Chiapas cuisine.
Its intimate size and warm hospitality make it ideal for a compact, culturally rich visit in southern Mexico.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey by wandering through the charming streets of Chiapa de Corzo, soaking in the rich history and vibrant local culture. Visit the iconic Temple of Santo Domingo, where the intricate architecture and stunning murals will captivate your senses. Don't forget to enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, where you can savor regional specialties and fresh coffee.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat tour of the stunning Sumidero Canyon, where towering cliffs and pristine waters create a breathtaking natural wonder. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including crocodiles and various bird species, as your guide shares stories about the area's ecology and history. After your boat tour, relax in a riverside restaurant with a view of the canyon, enjoying local dishes like tamales and fresh fish.
As evening falls, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Grijalva River, watching the sun set over the water. Dine at a cozy restaurant serving authentic Chiapas cuisine, where you can taste local delicacies accompanied by live music. After dinner, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the local market, picking up handcrafted souvenirs and enjoying the friendly interactions with vendors.
Begin your day by visiting the nearby traditional artisan town of Chiapa de Corzo, famous for its vibrant handicrafts and pottery. Engage with local artisans who are more than happy to share their techniques and stories behind their artistry. Enjoy a breakfast of huevos motuleños, a regional favorite that will fuel your day.
Spend the afternoon visiting the Museum of Popular Art, where you’ll discover the rich cultural heritage of Chiapas through its impressive collection of traditional crafts. Participate in a workshop to learn about weaving or pottery, allowing you to create your own souvenir to take home. Afterward, savor a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, where you can try regional dishes and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
As night falls, take in a cultural performance showcasing the traditional dances of Chiapas, offering a glimpse into the vibrant local culture. After the show, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city, where you’ll have a stunning view of the illuminated historic buildings. End the night tasting local spirits like mezcal or pulque, immersing yourself further in the region’s flavors.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍽️Lunch for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🛏️One-night hotel (mid-range) | $40-90 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per liter) | $0.80-1.20 |
| ☕Coffee and breakfast for one | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culture and dramatic natural scenery
- Close access to Sumidero Canyon and riverfront activities
- Walkable town center with markets and lacquerware crafts
- Affordable food and lodging compared to many other destinations
- Nightlife is modest compared with larger cities
- Humidity and heat in the warmer months can be intense
- Language barriers in more rural communities outside the town center
- Limited medical facilities locally; may need to travel to Tuxtla for complex care
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "Estoy perdido" - I’m lost
- "¿Tiene menú en inglés?" - Do you have a menu in English?
Places to Visit in Chiapa de Corzo
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic fountain set in a charming plaza with colonial arches—beautiful in the golden hour.
Colorful boats, markets, and reflections along the river, ideal for street photography and sunset shots.
Dramatic canyon walls and light filtering through the gorge—best captured from lookout points along the road.
Food in Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional maize-based drink (often served with a light corn porridge) enjoyed hot or cold; look for it at local markets and roadside stalls.
Must-Try!
Herb-infused masa wrapped in corn husks, commonly found in Chiapas markets and family kitchens.
Hot chocolate and chocolate desserts made with Chiapas cacao, widely available in cafés and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market with fresh produce, prepared foods, and lacquerware; a great place to sample local snacks.
Late afternoon stalls along the Grijalva offering tamales, atole, grilled meats, and fresh fruit.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' A handshake is common; in more familiar settings a light kiss on the cheek may occur among friends.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or sacred sites; wear comfortable shoes for walking; remove hats in religious spaces.
Be courteous, use basic Spanish phrases, and show respect for local customs and markets.
Safety
Tipping in Chiapa de Corzo
Ensure a smooth experience
In most restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is not included. If a service charge is included, you can tip a smaller amount or round up. For taxis and hotel porters, rounding up or small per-service tips are common.
Cash is widely used, and many places accept cards in town. ATMs are available, but carry cash for markets and street vendors that may not take cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with high humidity and possible afternoon showers; mornings are ideal for outdoor activities and photography; stay hydrated and carry a light rain layer.
Transition toward the dry season with comfortable temperatures and occasional rain; good for outdoor exploring and canyon viewpoints.
Dry season with cooler mornings and mild daytime warmth; pleasant for walking tours and riverfront strolls.
Warm days with increasing chances of rain; great for wildlife viewing and blooming vegetation around the hills.
Chiapa de Corzo at Night
Hiking in Chiapa de Corzo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails along the canyon rim with panoramic views of the Grijalva River and towering walls.
Forest-clad paths along the river offering birdwatching and tranquil scenery.
Airports
How to reach Chiapa de Corzo by plane.
Main gateway to Chiapas; located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez and about a short drive to Chiapa de Corzo.
Smaller airport serving regional flights; located a few hours from Chiapa de Corzo and convenient for access from the highland region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of mestizo residents and Indigenous groups (with languages such as Spanish and various Indigenous languages spoken in the broader region).
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Chiapas, played at local clubs and informal pitches.
Common in schools and community centers, with local leagues and pickup games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chiapa de Corzo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in markets and many restaurants; look for beans, corn tortillas, rice, vegetables, and cheese; inform the server about no meat broth or lard.