Things To Do
in Ocosingo
Ocosingo is a municipality in northern Chiapas, Mexico, surrounded by the Lacandon Jungle and rolling tropical landscapes. It serves as a gateway to the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve and several ancient Maya sites, including Toniná, offering a mix of nature, history, and culture. The town sits at the crossroads of Maya and Mestizo traditions, visible in its markets, crafts, and everyday life.
Expect warm hospitality, easy access to jungle adventures, and an authentic, budget-friendly travel experience year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey by settling into your chosen accommodation in Ocosingo. Take a leisurely stroll to the central plaza to experience the local vibe, where traditional markets showcase beautiful handcrafted goods. Savor a delicious breakfast from a nearby café, offering authentic regional dishes.
After lunch, visit the nearby archaeological site of Toniná, where ancient Mayan ruins await exploration. Wander through the ruins, climbing the steep pyramids for panoramic views of the lush landscape surrounding you. Engage with local guides who share fascinating stories about the site's history and significance.
End your day with a quiet dinner at a local restaurant, where the sounds of traditional music fill the air. Sample unique regional specialties such as tamales or pozole, made with fresh local ingredients. Take a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Set out early for a day trip to the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul, located just a couple of hours from Ocosingo. The morning light dances on the turquoise waters as you hike along the paths lined with exotic flora. Capture beautiful photographs and take refreshing dips in the waterfall pools.
After exploring, grab lunch from local vendors offering fresh grilled snacks and juices. Continue to marvel at the various tiers of the waterfalls, with opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the surrounding nature. Relax and unwind by the water, soaking in the tranquility of the area.
Return to Ocosingo in the evening, reflecting on the breathtaking beauty of the day. Choose a small eatery for dinner, where you can enjoy casual chatter with locals. As night falls, consider visiting a cozy café for a warm beverage and some live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🏨1 night in budget hotel | $25-60 |
| 🛍Market shopping, per person | $5-20 |
| 🚗Taxi ride in town (short trip) | $3-8 |
| 💳ATM withdrawal/fee | $2-5 fee plus amount withdrawn |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich indigenous culture and markets
- Gateway to Lacandon Jungle and Toniná site
- Warm, welcoming communities
- Affordable travel with authentic experiences
- Limited large-scale nightlife
- Rural roads can be rough in places
- Heat and humidity in the dry season
- English rarely spoken outside tourist centers
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Ocosingo
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient Maya ruins set in a forested hillside offering elevated stone structures and panoramic views.
Colorful market scenes with vibrant textiles, produce, and daily life—the perfect place for candid and street photography.
A peaceful square with local life, benches, and a historic church framed by palms.
Lush river settings with jungle backdrops and opportunities to capture wildlife and sunset hues.
Food in Ocosingo
Ocosingo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional maize-based beverage or light meal, often served cold and lightly sweetened or spiced with cacao or chile.
Must-Try!
Tamales wrapped in banana leaves with various fillings, common at markets and family gatherings.
Tamales flavored with chipilín leaves, a fragrant herb widely used in Chiapas.
A leafy, nutrient-rich stew made with chaya greens, corn, and local vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market where you can taste fresh produce, freshly made tortillas, tamales, and regional snacks.
Casual stalls offering tostadas, quesadillas, fresh fruit, and hot beverages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite Spanish greetings are appreciated: hola, buenos días. When visiting indigenous communities, ask for permission before taking photos.
Dress modestly for religious sites and churches; remove hats inside sacred spaces and show respect in ceremonial settings.
Always ask for consent when photographing people or ceremonies; avoid intrusive shots or disruption of daily life.
Safety
Tipping in Ocosingo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and guided services, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated if service is good. Small tips for street vendors are optional but welcome.
Cash (MXN) is widely accepted; some places accept cards. ATMs are available in town. Negotiate prices before services where appropriate.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with hot days and warm nights. Bring sun protection, lightweight clothing, and plenty of water for outdoor activities.
May to October brings heavy showers and higher humidity. Trails can be muddy; pack rain gear and plan flexible itineraries.
Mild to cool mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures. Great for outdoor sightseeing with fewer crowds.
Ocosingo at Night
Hiking in Ocosingo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Steep trails linking the Toniná site to surrounding jungle viewpoints and wildlife-rich areas.
Dense jungle trails offering biodiversity and river crossings; guided hikes are recommended for safety.
Airports
How to reach Ocosingo by plane.
Nearest major airport serving Tuxtla Gutiérrez; about a 2.5–4 hour drive to Ocosingo depending on road conditions.
Regional airport with connections to Mexico City and other destinations; farther but convenient if combining with Palenque and the Lacandon region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry form a large portion of the town's population.
Indigenous communities near the Lacandon Jungle maintaining traditional practices and language.
Indigenous residents with distinct languages and cultural customs coexisting in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, played in schools, parks, and informal street games in the evenings.
A cherished pastime in Chiapas; you may encounter local teams and casual play in public spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ocosingo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most markets offer beans, corn, and fresh vegetables. Look for vegetarian options like tamales de frijol, chaya stew without meat, or cheese quesadillas; ask to avoid lard or stock and verify preparation.