Things To Do
in Cintalapa de Figueroa
Cintalapa de Figueroa is a small, warm city in central-southern Chiapas with a largely agricultural economy and a relaxed pace of life. The town sits in a river valley surrounded by low hills and farmland, offering easy access to rural villages and natural areas. Local culture blends mestizo traditions with influences from nearby indigenous communities, and markets are a lively focal point for food and crafts.
Visitors can expect an authentic Chiapas experience with simple infrastructure, friendly people, and opportunities for day trips to larger regional attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Cintalapa de Figueroa and settle into a local guesthouse. Enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast at a family-run café near the central plaza. Take a leisurely stroll through the main square to admire colonial architecture.
Have lunch at a street-side food stall sampling tamales and pozol. Visit the Parroquia de San Antonio church and learn about its history. Explore nearby artisan shops offering handwoven textiles.
Dine at a local fonda serving hearty regional specialties. Catch a vibrant performance of marimba music in the plaza. Relax under twinkling lights while chatting with friendly locals.
Set off early for the El Salto waterfall nestled in the nearby foothills. Hike along shaded trails surrounded by lush vegetation. Pause to admire cascading streams and take photos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on riverbank rocks as you listen to birdsong. Take a refreshing swim in the natural pools beneath the falls. Respect the environment by leaving no trace.
Head back to town for dinner at a riverside restaurant serving fresh grilled fish. Sample a local beer or artisanal mezcal while watching the sunset. Stroll through softly lit streets to unwind.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-4 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / budget hotel (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🧃Market groceries (daily) | $3-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, off-the-beaten-path Chiapas town with friendly locals
- Affordable prices and fresh local food
- Good base for rural and nature day trips
- Lively market culture and relaxed pace
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer amenities than larger cities
- Public transport and ATM access can be sparse
- English is not widely spoken—basic Spanish helpful
- Fewer nightlife and entertainment options
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor / Gracias" - Please / Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Perdón / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Cintalapa de Figueroa
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph everyday life, architecture, and the church façade; evening light and local gatherings provide candid street scenes.
Rivers and small bridges around town offer reflections, local fishing scenes and rural landscapes — good for golden-hour shots.
Colorful displays of produce, textiles and food stalls create lively market photography opportunities. Capture vendors and traditional foods.
Low surrounding hills provide panoramas of the valley, farmland and town — best at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light.
Food in Cintalapa de Figueroa
Cintalapa de Figueroa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Corn tamales (savory and sweet) are common for breakfast; accompany them with warm atol (corn-based beverage). Found at the market and breakfast stalls.
Must-Try!
Locally grilled beef or pork served with tortillas, salsas and grilled onions; popular at taquerías and during weekend gatherings.
While Chiapas mole is less ubiquitous than in other states, you’ll find local sauces with pumpkin seed (pepita) flavors and regional mole-style stews in family kitchens and some restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where vendors sell fruits, vegetables, fresh tortillas, tamales, local cheeses and coffee; great for breakfast and sampling street snacks.
In the plaza and surrounding streets you’ll find taco stands, tortas and dessert vendors in the evening — try simple tacos al pastor or carne asada and fresh fruit cups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings such as 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' when entering shops or interacting with people. A friendly disposition goes a long way.
Show respect for local religious and cultural events; ask permission before photographing people in traditional dress or at private events.
Dress modestly outside of tourist beaches — casual, neat clothing is appropriate for town and market visits.
Safety
Tipping in Cintalapa de Figueroa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but modest; in restaurants leave 10–15% if service is good. For taxi drivers, rounding up is typical; porters and small service providers appreciate small tips (10–20 MXN).
Cash (Mexican pesos) is king in Cintalapa — many vendors and smaller restaurants do not accept cards. Larger businesses may accept cards, but network issues are possible, so carry enough cash. ATMs exist but can be limited; plan cash withdrawals in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot temperatures with the rainy season in full swing; expect afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity. Bring lightweight rain gear, insect repellent and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Drier and slightly cooler, especially mornings and nights; daytime temperatures remain pleasant. This is generally the most comfortable time for travel and outdoor excursions.
Temperatures rise before rains begin and humidity increases; occasional heavy showers may start late in the day. Travel plans should remain flexible for sudden weather changes.
Cintalapa de Figueroa at Night
Hiking in Cintalapa de Figueroa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Informal trails in the low hills around Cintalapa provide short hikes with rural scenery, birdwatching and valley views; suitable for half-day outings and easy to moderate difficulty.
About a 1–2 hour drive depending on route and traffic; access viewpoints and short trails around the canyon rim and Chiapa de Corzo area for dramatic scenery and photo opportunities. Boat tours along the canyon are also available in the national park area.
Longer excursions into the Sierra Madre de Chiapas foothills are possible with a guide or as multi-day trips; expect more challenging terrain, richer biodiversity and cooler temperatures at higher altitudes.
Airports
How to reach Cintalapa de Figueroa by plane.
The main regional airport serving Chiapas, located near Tuxtla Gutiérrez (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car from Cintalapa depending on route). Offers domestic flights and connections; hire a shuttle, rent a car, or take bus/taxi to reach Cintalapa.
In Villahermosa, Tabasco, approximately 2–3 hours by road (depending on traffic and route). Serves as an alternative gateway with domestic connections; useful if coming from or continuing to Tabasco.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population is mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European heritage), living in town and surrounding rural areas and engaged in commerce and agriculture.
Nearby municipalities and rural communities include indigenous peoples of Chiapas (various groups present in the state); indigenous culture influences local traditions, markets and festivals.
A significant portion of the municipality’s population works in farming (coffee, corn, citrus and cattle), shaping the local economy and daily rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common in plazas and open fields.
Baseball and basketball are played locally and at school levels; community leagues and pickup games occur in town.
Horse riding, charreada-style events and equestrian displays feature during festivals and fairs in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cintalapa de Figueroa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; ask for beans, rice, queso (cheese) and vegetable tamales or soups. Markets provide fresh fruit and vegetables for DIY meals.
Vegan choices are scarcer; corn-based foods are naturally gluten-free but confirm fillings and sauces. Inquire at kitchens about lard or animal-based broths.
Explain allergies clearly in Spanish (e.g., 'soy, cacahuate, mariscos') and be cautious with cross-contamination in busy market stalls.